Gina: You are listening to the Beatline Podcast Network, America’s number one daily sports podcast network. If you’re just joining us, grab your coffee and get ready, because we have a packed mailbag episode for you today.
Wes: Hey everyone. It’s Wes. We’ve got some fantastic questions coming in about the Nashville Predators' roster moves, specifically that big acquisition of Mavrik Bourque and the trade away of Evangelista.
Gina: That’s right. Today, we’re diving into three major areas: first, the fan reaction to the Bourque contract extension; second, the depth chart battles at center ice; and third, where the Predators stand in the Central Division as we head toward October. Let’s get into it.
Wes: We’ve got Roman Josi still anchoring the blue line, Steven Stamkos leading the charge up front, and a whole new dynamic with these new additions. It’s going to be a fun season.
Gina: Let’s start with Segment One. We’ve got our first question from Marcus in Memphis. He writes, 'The Predators signed Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million deal. Is this a steal or a reach given his previous production?'
Wes: Great question, Marcus. To answer that, we have to look at the numbers. Bourque posted 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season for Dallas. That’s roughly 41 points over an 82-game pace. For $5.5 million a year, that is actually a very reasonable cap hit for a restricted free agent who showed he can contribute consistently.
Gina: It feels like a solid investment, especially since they acquired him along with Ilya Lyubushkin from the Stars for future picks. But Wes, remember back on September 3rd, we predicted Bourque would score twenty-five or more goals this season?
Wes: I do remember. And honestly, looking at this roster now with Ross Colton, Jack Drury, and Adam Edstrom also in the mix, Bourque might not need to carry that goal-scoring load alone. His value here might be more in two-way play and stability rather than pure scoring volume. The contract is fair market value.
Gina: Fair point. Now, let’s move to another question, this one from @HockeyFanJen in Brentwood. She asks, 'With Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos already there, does Mavrik Bourque push anyone down the depth chart? Who is losing their spot?'
Wes: This is the interesting part. You have a very crowded center group. You’ve got Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, Alexander Kerfoot, Tyson Jost, plus now Bourque, Colton, Drury, and Edstrom. It’s a lot of bodies. But I don’t think anyone is necessarily losing their spot immediately. O’Reilly and Stamkos are your top-six anchors.
Gina: Right. So where does Bourque fit? Does he slide into a third-line role alongside someone like Kerfoot or Jost?
Wes: Exactly. He’s likely a third-line center. Maybe even a fourth-line specialist if Coach Granato wants to keep his minutes managed. But having that much depth is good. It means if someone gets injured, you’re covered. It’s not a weakness; it’s a strength. Though, competition will be fierce in training camp.
Gina: I agree. Competition breeds excellence. Our next question comes from Sarah in Franklin. She’s asking about the defensive corps. 'Ilya Lyubushkin was traded for along with Bourque. How does he fit with Roman Josi, Brady Skjei, and Justin Barron? Is he an everyday player?'
Wes: Lyubushkin is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman. With Josi playing heavy minutes and Skjei providing steady two-way play, Lyubushkin fits well as a third-pairing option or a situational defender. He brings size and toughness. But with guys like Nick Perbix and Christoffer Sedoff also in the mix, he’ll need to prove he can handle regular ice time against faster teams.
Gina: So it’s not a lock yet. It’s a battle. Let’s pivot to Segment Two. We’ve got a question from David in Murfreesboro. 'What about the goaltending situation? Justus Annunen, Isak Posch, and Juuse Saros. Who is starting when the season tips off on October 2nd against Minnesota?'
Wes: Juuse Saros is the clear starter. He’s been the backbone of this team for years. The debate isn’t really between Saros and the others; it’s who backs him up. Annunen has experience, but Posch has shown promise. I think Saros starts Game One against the Wild.
Gina: And we talked about this on September 4th, how significant the backup role is. If Saros goes down, who steps in? Do you trust Annunen to hold the fort?
Wes: Annusen is reliable. He’s played in high-leverage situations before. But Posch is young and hungry. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them split time early in the season depending on performance. But yes, Saros is the guy. He’s the standard.
Gina: Alright, next question from @NashVilleSkater in East Nashville. 'Filip Forsberg is still listed as a Left Wing. With Jonathan Marchessault and Joakim Kemell also on the wing, where does Forsberg fit? Is he getting enough support?'
Wes: Forsberg is a talent. He needs the puck. With Marchessault adding speed and Kemell adding skill, Forsberg shouldn’t feel buried. He’s likely playing on a line with someone like Nils Hoglander or Isaac Ratcliffe. The key is zone entries. If they can get the puck into the offensive zone efficiently, Forsberg thrives.
Gina: And what about the power play? Does Bourque help there? We know he has a decent shot.
Wes: Absolutely. Bourque can shoot. He can pass. He adds another dimension to the power play unit. With Stamkos and Josi commanding attention, Bourque can operate in the slot or from the point. It makes the offense less predictable.
Gina: Before we get to our final segment, we want to take a quick moment to talk about what makes this show possible. We produce a fresh, detailed episode every single day, analyzing trades, rosters, and stats. That takes time, research, and passion. A small handful of supporters helps keep this show free and daily for all of you. If you enjoy our coverage, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. It truly makes a difference.
Wes: Thanks for supporting the Beatline. Now, let’s wrap up Segment Two with a question from Lisa in Hendersonville. 'The Predators are currently fifth in the Central Division. With the Wild coming up, do you think they can climb the standings by mid-season?'
Gina: That’s a great question, Lisa. Fifth place is a tricky spot. It’s within striking distance, but not safe. The Central is tough.
Wes: Right. But remember, we projected 97 points for this team earlier in the week. If they stick to that projection, they’re comfortably in the playoff hunt. The key is winning close games. Penalty kills, neutral-zone play, those little details.
Gina: Agreed. Now, for Segment Three, we’ve got a fun hypothetical. From @PredsFanatic in Germantown: 'If you could only keep one of the new acquisitions—Bourque or Lyubushkin—who stays and why?'
Wes: Ouch. That’s a tough one. Lyubushkin provides specific defensive utility, but Bourque offers more offensive upside. I’d keep Bourque. Offense wins games. Defense can be coached or found elsewhere.
Gina: I’m with Wes. Bourque is the asset. Now, lightning round! Quick takes. First: Evangelista trade. Was it necessary?
Wes: Yes. Moving forward assets. The Devils made an offer, and it helped facilitate the Bourque/Lyubushkin deal. Smart business.
Gina: Second: Who wins the Rookie of the Year race among Nashville prospects? Aiden Fink or Ryker Lee?
Wes: Ryker Lee. He’s got the skating and the hockey IQ. Fink is tough, but Lee might be further along.
Gina: Third: Will the Predators win the Central Division this year?
Wes: Unlikely. They’ll make the playoffs, but the Division title is a stretch. 97 points gets you in, but maybe not first place.
Gina: Final quick one: What’s the most underrated player on this roster? My vote: Kevin Gravel. Solid defensemen.
Wes: Gravel is great. Consistent. Reliable. Underrated indeed.
Gina: Well, that’s all the time we have for today’s mailbag. We’ve covered Bourque’s contract, the depth chart battles, and the playoff outlook. Thanks for all the great questions!
Wes: Don’t forget, the Predators open the season on October 2nd against the Minnesota Wild. Be ready.
Gina: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Share it with a friend who loves hockey. We appreciate you.
Wes: Go Preds.
Gina: I’m Gina. This is Wes. See you tomorrow on the Beatline Podcast Network.