Gina: If you think having eight centers is a luxury, wait until you hear how we’re actually using them. We’re talking about the biggest strategic gamble in Nashville since the Saros contract days. This is the Beatline Podcast Network.
Wes: It’s not just volume, Gina. It’s about who gets the ice time when the forecheck gets heavy. And we’ve got answers for all of that today.
Gina: I’m Gina, and this is Wes. Welcome to the Predators Daily Mailbag. If you’re new here, we are your daily source for everything Nashville hockey, from training camp updates to deep tactical dives.
Wes: And I’m Wes. We’re coming off three days of analyzing this roster, but today, the microphone is open. We’re pulling questions directly from your emails and social feeds.
Gina: Here is what we are tackling today: First, we’re settling the debate on Mavrik Bourque’s actual role with that new six-year deal. Second, we’re breaking down the defensive pairings and where Justin Barron fits in. And third, we’re looking at the bigger picture—what does it mean for Nashville that the NHL is expanding to Texas? Let’s get into it.
Gina: Before we dive into the first question, I want to take a quick second. If today’s breakdown helps you feel more prepared for game day, or if you learned something new about our lineup, please consider chipping in to keep the show free and daily. Your support keeps us going. You can find the link in the episode description. Thanks for listening.
Gina: Alright, let’s jump right into Segment One. Our first question comes from 'PredatorFan94' on Twitter. They ask: 'With Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly already there, plus Mavrik Bourque on a massive six-year deal, where does Bourque actually play? Is he dropping to the third line?'
Wes: That is the million-dollar question. And honestly, looking at the depth chart, it’s a puzzle. You have Stamkos and O’Reilly locking down top-six minutes. Then you bring in Bourque, who put up 20 goals and 21 assists last year for Dallas. He’s not a bottom-six grinder. He’s a two-way center who can drive play.
Gina: Right, and remember, Ross Colton is also on this team. So we’re talking about four legitimate top-six centers if you count Colton. Where does Bourque fit?
Wes: I think the smartest move for Nashville is to slot him next to Filip Forsberg on the second line. Why? Because Forsberg needs a partner who can handle the puck in the neutral zone and make plays against the other team’s second line. Bourque has that skill set. It takes the pressure off Ross Colton to carry the load on the third line.
Gina: That makes sense. It gives you two very strong lines upfront. But what about the rest of the group? Jack Drury, Alexander Kerfoot, Tyson Jost... someone has to be sitting out.
Wes: This is where it gets tricky. Kerfoot is a classic fourth-line utility guy—he’s tough, he kills penalties, he’s cheap. He’s probably safe. Drury and Jost might be competing for that final spot, or one of them could be exposed in waivers. But given Bourque’s price tag, he’s getting every opportunity to win a starting job.
Gina: Okay, so Bourque is likely playing significant minutes alongside Forsberg. That’s a huge boost for that line’s offensive potential. Let’s move to our next question. 'NashvilleHockeyMom' asks: 'How does the upcoming trip to Tampa Bay affect our power play? The Lightning are known for their penalty kill.'
Wes: Great point. Tampa is always a tough road environment. But look at our personnel. You have Roman Josi running the show on the point. He’s going to dictate the tempo. The key will be zone entries. If we’re dumping and chasing, we’re in trouble against a structured PK like Tampa’s.
Gina: So we need clean entries. What about the net-front presence? Do we have enough size?
Wes: We do. Jonathan Marchessault is a wizard at the crease, and Adam Edstrom brings serious height. If Josi is firing from the circle and Edstrom is screening the goalie, that’s a nightmare matchup. It’s less about raw speed and more about positioning and rebound control.
Gina: I love that image. Josi firing, Edstrom screening. Okay, one more for this segment. '@CenterIceDan' wants to know: 'With the NHL expanding to Texas, does that hurt Nashville’s divisional competitiveness long-term?'
Wes: Short answer: No. Long answer: It complicates things slightly, but Nashville is still locked in the Central Division with teams like Colorado, Dallas, and St. Louis. A Texas expansion team would likely land in the Pacific or Metropolitan, depending on league realignment. Even if they were in the West, you’re still fighting for the same playoff spots. It doesn’t change the grind in the Central.
Gina: Fair enough. It’s a business move, not a competitive threat to our specific bracket. Alright, let’s pivot to Segment Two. We’re talking roster battles and defense.
Gina: Our first question here comes from 'DowntownDave'. He asks: 'Justin Barron is highly touted. Is he ready to be a full-time starter alongside Roman Josi, or is he still too raw?'
Wes: Barron is incredibly talented, no doubt. But defensemen at this level need to understand positional discipline. In the preseason, we saw flashes of his speed, but also some gaps in coverage. I don’t think he’s ready to be the primary partner for Josi yet. Josi needs reliability, especially in the neutral zone.
Gina: So who is the partner then? Nicolas Hague seems like the steady option.
Wes: Exactly. Hague is big, he blocks shots, he’s physical. Pairing him with Josi makes sense for now. Barron might start on the third pairing, learning behind Kevin Gravel or Ilya Lyubushkin. He’ll get his chances, but he needs to earn the trust of the coaching staff first.
Gina: That sounds like a fair path. Development over instant gratification. Next question from 'BlueLineBetty': 'What is the plan for Viggo Gustafsson? Does he make the team?'
Wes: Gustafsson is an interesting case. He’s young, he’s mobile, but he’s competing against guys like Tanner Molendyk and Daniel Nieminen. Nieminen has that veteran savvy. I think Gustafsson is likely to begin the season in Milwaukee, unless he blows someone away in camp. He needs more seasoning.
Gina: So it’s a battle between youth and experience on the blue line. Who do you prefer for the playoffs?
Wes: Experience. Playoffs are about structure. Josi and Hague provide that stability. If Barron or Gustafsson want to crack the lineup, they need to prove they won’t get exploited by elite forwards like McDavid or MacKinnon.
Gina: Solid advice. Keep it simple, keep it structured. Let’s move to Segment Three. This is our fun hypothetical and lightning round.
Gina: First hypothetical from '@HockeyHead'. 'If you had to trade one of the eight centers to clear cap space, who goes?'
Wes: Ouch. That’s brutal. But if money is the issue, you look at contract value versus production. Ross Colton is solid, but maybe not irreplaceable. However, trading a healthy, productive player mid-contract is rare. I’d say... David Edstrom? He’s a depth piece. If you need to shed salary, he’s the most logical move, even if it hurts the lineup depth.
Gina: Ouch. David Edstrom out. Harsh but logical. Okay, lightning round. I’m going to name a player, you tell me if they are a 'Start,' 'Sit,' or 'Trade' based on today’s roster.
Gina: Starting with... Jackson Blake. Wait, no, Jackson Blake isn't on this list. Let’s do... Chase Bradley.
Wes: Chase Bradley. Sit. He’s a rookie prospect. He needs time in the minors to develop. Not ready for the NHL grind yet.
Gina: Next... Filip Forsberg.
Wes: Start. Obviously. He’s the face of the franchise. Top line, first unit.
Gina: Next... Andrew Gibson.
Wes: Sit. He’s competing for a backup role. Unless Saros is injured, he’s watching from the press box.
Gina: Last one... Mavrik Bourque.
Wes: Start. With Forsberg. He’s earned it with that contract and his performance last year.
Gina: There you have it. Bourque starts, Edstrom might go, and Barron needs to earn his stripes. We’re sticking to our prediction: 4-2 victory over Minnesota in the opener. And roughly 97 points for the season.
Wes: Agreed. The depth is there. The defense is improving. If Josi stays healthy, we’re looking at a serious contender in the Central.
Gina: Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this mailbag, please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share it with a friend who loves hockey.
Wes: See you tomorrow. Go Preds.