Gina: You are listening to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we live for the game. I’m Gina Carano.
Wes: And I’m Wes Miller. Welcome back to Nashville Predators daily coverage.
Gina: We are kicking off our mailbag episode with a bang because let’s be honest, the roster construction has everyone talking. Today we’re diving into the eight-center logjam, Mavrik Bourque’s new six-year deal, and that Evangelista trade fallout.
Wes: It is a fascinating puzzle. We have Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly, Ross Colton, Alexander Kerfoot, Tyson Jost, Adam Edstrom, Jack Drury, and now Mavrik Bourque. That is a lot of talent competing for ice time.
Gina: Exactly. And we’ve got questions from you guys about how Coach David Leggio is going to sort this out before the October 2nd opener against Minnesota. Let’s get right into it.
Gina: First up, we have a question from Marcus in Chicago. He says, 'With all these centers, who gets bumped to wing? Is Filip Forsberg actually moving over?'
Wes: Marcus brings up a great point. Look at the roster picture. You have Forsberg listed as a Left Wing. He’s been a Left Wing his entire career. Moving him creates a void on the left side that isn’t easily filled by the current depth chart.
Gina: Right. And if you look at the wings, you’ve got Jonathan Marchessault, Joakim Kemell, Aiden Fink, Ryker Lee, Cole O’Hara, Matthew Wood... there’s plenty of bodies there.
Wes: I think the answer is no. Forsberg stays on the left. The real battle is among the middle guys. With Bourque coming in on that six-year, $33 million deal after posting 41 points in Dallas, he’s not going to be a fourth-line grinder immediately.
Gina: So who feels most expendable? Or rather, who might see reduced minutes?
Wes: Tyson Jost and Adam Edstrom are likely the ones feeling the pressure. Edstrom is a physical presence, but Jost’s offensive upside doesn’t match Bourque’s or even Kerfoot’s consistency. This is why the Evangelista trade was so smart—it cleared cap space and a roster spot while adding defensive depth.
Gina: Smart move. Next question comes from @PredsFan88. She asks, 'Is Juuse Saros definitely starting against the Wild on Oct 2nd, or will Justus Annunen try to steal the job?'
Wes: Look, we said it yesterday, and I’ll say it again: Juuse Saros starts. He’s the backbone of this team. Justus Annunen is talented, but in a season opener against Minnesota, you want your guy who knows how to handle the intensity.
Gina: Agreed. Saros has the experience. Annunen might get a start later in the preseason if things go wrong, but the plan is clear.
Wes: One more from Sarah in Knoxville. 'How does the Roman Josi power play unit look with all these new forwards? Does Stamkos still anchor it?'
Gina: Great question. Steven Stamkos is the engine. He’s going to be on that first line with Forsberg and probably one of the other top centers like O’Reilly or Colton.
Wes: Josi’s vision is key here. With Bourque potentially sliding into a role where he can quarterback from the circle or play center ice, the PP becomes even more dangerous. The Stars saw what Bourque could do; Nashville just upgraded their options.
Gina: Before we dive into Segment 2, we need to talk about something important. This show is free, always has been, and we refuse to put up ads or paywalls. Your support is the only thing keeping us independent and daily. If you love what we do, please check the link in the episode description to chip in. It helps keep the lights on and the hockey coming.
Wes: Thanks, Gina. Alright, let’s get into the depth chart battles. Question from Brian in Memphis: 'Who wins the second-line center job? Is it Ross Colton or Alexander Kerfoot?'
Gina: This is the heart of the lineup. Colton provides grit and scoring, while Kerfoot offers versatility and two-way play.
Wes: I’m leaning toward Kerfoot. His ability to drop back and help the penalty kill makes him incredibly valuable in tight games against teams like Colorado or Dallas. But Colton’s shot needs to find the net early.
Gina: What about the third line? Can Jack Drury hold his own alongside someone like Oasiz Wiesblatt?
Wes: Drury is an interesting piece. He’s fast, but he needs protection. If he’s playing with Oasiz Wiesblatt, they need to establish physicality quickly. The neutral-zone play will be critical here.
Gina: Next question from @NashvilleHockeyGuy: 'Did the Ilya Lyubushkin acquisition fix the defensive corps?'
Wes: Lyubushkin adds size and physicality. He’s paired with Justin Barron or Nicolas Hague. It’s a solid move, but the blueline still needs to be disciplined. One bad zone entry can kill that matchup.
Gina: Fair point. Discipline is everything. Last question for this segment from Emily in Chattanooga: 'What is the biggest risk for this team this season?'
Wes: Depth scoring. We have the top lines covered, but if the bottom six struggles to score, the defensemen will be pressed. That’s the risk. They need contributions from places like Aiden Fink or Matthew Wood.
Gina: Let’s wrap up with some fun stuff. Question from Tyler in Frisco: 'If you had to pick one player to carry the team in the playoffs, who is it?'
Wes: Roman Josi. No doubt. When the stakes are highest, he elevates his game. He’s the heartbeat.
Gina: Lightning round! First up: Best pre-season storyline? Go.
Wes: The Bourque signing. It shows ambition.
Gina: Second: Biggest concern? Go.
Wes: Center depth beyond the top four.
Gina: Final: Prediction for the Wild game? Score?
Wes: Preds win 4-2. Saros shuts down the top line.
Gina: There you have it. The Preds are loaded, the competition is fierce, and the road to October 2nd is wide open. Thanks for tuning in!
Wes: Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Keep the faith, Preds Nation.
Gina: Go Preds!