Gina: You are listening to the Beatline Podcast Network, America’s number one daily sports podcast network. And welcome back to Nashville Predators Daily.
Wes: Hey everyone, Wes here. Ready to dive into the mailbag.
Gina: I’m Gina. Today we’re tackling your biggest questions about Mavrik Bourque’s six-year deal, the backup goalie situation, and how the roster shapes up for that October opener against Minnesota.
Wes: We’ve got a lot to unpack. From the strategic additions to the emotional tributes in our city, we’re covering it all.
Gina: Let’s get right to it. First up, Marcus from Nashville asks about Mavrik Bourque. He says, 'The Predators just signed Bourque to a massive six-year, $33 million contract after acquiring him from Dallas. But he only had 20 goals last year. Is this a reach? Can he really be the center we need?'
Wes: It’s a fair question, Marcus. We talked about this on Monday and Tuesday. The key isn't just the goal total; it's the context. Bourque was a restricted free agent, and Dallas traded him to us for picks. That suggests they saw something but weren't willing to commit long-term at the price point.
Gina: Right. And remember, he played 82 games. That durability is huge for a middle-six center. We predicted he’d score 25 or more goals. Do you still stand by that?
Wes: I do. With the depth around him—Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly—he’s going to find space. The forecheck in Nashville has been aggressive, and Bourque’s two-way game fits perfectly into that neutral-zone structure.
Gina: Okay, next question comes from @HockeyMomTN. She asks, 'With Roman Josi anchoring the blue line, who is stepping up on the defensive pairings? I see Justin Barron and Brady Skjei on the list, but who will be playing alongside Josi most nights?'
Wes: Good catch. Josi plays heavy minutes. You need someone who can clear the zone and manage the puck under pressure. Nicolas Hague has size, but Nick Perbix offers that mobile, offensive-minded touch that complements Josi’s shot from the point.
Gina: So Perbix gets the nod? What about Ilya Lyubushkin? He came over in the trade with Bourque. Does he have a role?
Wes: Lyubushkin is more of an insurance policy. If injuries hit, his physicality is useful. But for the opening night lineup, I think Perbix or maybe Adam Wilsby edges him out for that top-four spot based on recent development trends.
Gina: Alright, let’s move to Segment Two. Sarah from Brentwood asks about the goalie battle. Juuse Saros is obviously the starter. But between Justus Annunen and Isak Posch, who do you think wins the backup job?
Wes: This is the hottest topic in town. Saros is elite, no doubt. But the backup needs to be ready to step in if needed. Annunen has experience, but Posch has shown incredible reflexes in preseason drills.
Gina: I feel like Annunen might have the edge because of his familiarity with the system. But Posch’s athleticism is scary. Who do you lean toward?
Wes: I’m leaning Posch. His range is superior. In today’s NHL, where power plays are so fast, you want a goalie who can cut down angles quickly. Posch does that better.
Gina: Interesting take. So Posch starts as the backup? That changes the dynamic for the penalty kill too. If Saros gets pulled, you want someone who can handle high-danger chances.
Wes: Exactly. And don’t forget, the Predators are fifth in the Central Division right now. Every point matters. Having a confident backup means Saros can play more freely without worrying about the team collapsing behind him.
Gina: Great point. Next question from @PredsFan88: 'The roster looks stacked with centers—Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Adam Edstrom, Tyson Jost, Alexander Kerfoot, Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, Oasiz Wiesblatt, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and Mavrik Bourque. How do you coach that many guys in?'
Wes: That is a luxury problem! But seriously, you rotate lines. O’Reilly and Stamkos anchor the first line. Bourque, Colton, and Drury form a gritty second unit. Then you use Kerfoot and Jost for their versatility.
Gina: What about the Wiesblatts? They’re young. Do they see ice time?
Wes: Oasiz and Ozzy will likely start in the AHL or on the fourth line, getting short shifts to develop. You don’t rush them. The depth allows Coach to keep the top lines fresh.
Gina: Makes sense. Let’s wrap up Segment Two with a quick one from David in Franklin: 'How does the loss of Evangelista affect the team?'
Wes: Evangelista went to New Jersey. It’s a loss of depth, sure. But we gained Bourque and Lyubushkin. It’s a net positive if Bourque hits his stride. The trade grades were mixed, but I think Nashville won this one.
Gina: Agreed. Now, before we go to the final segment, stick with us. We’ve got some fun hypotheticals coming up, including a lightning round of quick takes on the upcoming season opener against Minnesota.
Gina: Welcome back. Segment Three: Fun Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. First question from @GoalDiggerTN: 'If Filip Forsberg scores 40 goals this season, what’s the one thing the Predators need to improve to make the playoffs?'
Wes: Penalty kill. Forsberg will carry the offense, but if the penalty kill stays weak, you’ll lose close games. We predicted 97 points. That requires tightening up defensively.
Gina: Spot on. Next lightning round item: Who is the surprise player to watch? Not Forsberg, not Stamkos. Someone deeper on the roster.
Wes: Jonathan Marchessault. He’s on the RW list. He brings playoff experience and a knack for scoring big goals. If he clicks with Bourque, watch out.
Gina: Love it. Marchessault and Bourque. That’s a dangerous duo. Okay, last lightning round: Predict the final record. We said 97 points. Still sticking with that?
Wes: Absolutely. 97 points. Playoffs. Maybe even a division title if the goaltending holds up.
Gina: There you have it. A full breakdown of the Predators' mailbag. From Bourque’s potential to the goalie battle, we’ve covered it all.
Wes: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Share this episode with your hockey buddies.
Gina: And remember, when the puck drops on October 2nd against Minnesota, we’ll be there. Go Preds!
Wes: See you next time.