The official start of the NHL offseason is nearing its start, and the Nashville Predators got to get their checklist ready.
Predators General Manager Chris MacFarland gave fans a lot to look forward to in his first press appearance, but what will he actually be looking at in his first year? He will have to address the ups and downs of the team's roster heading into the 2026-27 season including the draft and free agency.
Here's three things MacFarland needs to consider as we enter the offseason.
1. Clean out the garage
MacFarland's No. 1 priority heading into this summer should be expanding upon the Predators' prospect pool. Former GM Barry Trotz wrapped his tenure with a couple good moves, signing Vitali Pinchuk and Felix Nilsson to their entry-level contracts. Continuing on these notions would be a great way to start his tenure.
The Predators have a good selection of youngsters in the mix with Matthew Wood, Luke Evangelista and Ryan Ufko solidifying themselves as a part of the team's future. It's time for the next wave of prospects to enter the lineup and make a name for themselves. Brady Martin, Pinchuk and Tanner Molendyk are ready to take that next step. While it's good that these guys are coming in, there still lies the elephant in the room: where?
There is a serious logjam problem in the lineup as the veterans take up some of the most valuable minutes on the team. Guys like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Ryan O'Reilly prevent young guns Joakim Kemell and Fedor Svechkov from entering the top six on a consistent basis. The first step MacFarland can do to open up the lineup is moving away from a few of the veterans.
O'Reilly is the easiest piece to move. He is one of the only veterans who does not carry a trade clause, meaning we can deal him wherever, whenever. Marchessault is reportedly open to waiving his clause, so he can be moved on from as well. With these two guys out of the equation, Kemell can go up to the top six, and either Martin, Svechkov or Pinchuk can serve as the team's No. 2 center.
2. Figure out the Stamkos situation
If MacFarland can figure out the O'Reilly and Marchessault situations, his next focus should be on Stamkos. The difference between the other two's situation and his is the circumstance. Factor and Marchy have ways to make a trade work, Stammer does not. He carries a full no-movement clause, meaning Nashville would need to gain permission to even think about dealing him elsewhere.
The problem with this is that the Predators more than likely won't be getting a full value offer in a Stamkos trade. If a team handed MacFarland a very appealing deal, but Stamkos said no, neither side could move forward with the it.
At this point, however, the trade is all about clearing up space and money for the future. If the Predators can only get a semi-decent pick and maybe an alright prospect for Stammer, so be it. At least we got a heavy roster spot open for the rookies. That gives an opportunity for the young guns to earn a promotion, whether it be on rotation with each other or one takes it permanently.
Even if Stamkos says no right now, it's the action to ask that counts.
3. Be aggressive at the draft
A bit of a far-fetched one, but I think MacFarland has to enter the draft with an aggressive mindset. There are a lot of franchise-altering players in this year's draft class the Predators can't miss up on. They have five picks in the top 100 and 12 picks total. They need to capitalize on every single one, whether that's through drafting or using it a trade capital.
There are a couple teams (Chicago and San Jose) that are hearing out offers for its pick, giving the Predators an opportunity to move up from 10th overall. I won't be surprised if more teams began listening to offers outside of the lottery picks. Even if Nashville added a selection in the late first round, it would raise the chances of securing an elite piece for its future.
This connects back to point one where MacFarland should be aggressive on trading players. He can trade one player away for a couple picks where he obtains two prospects. The Predators should take the phrase "out with the old, in with the new," very seriously at the draft.
Given MacFarland's responses in his interview, we could be pretty certain that this draft will definitely be an entertaining one to watch for Nashville. It's time for him to make his first statement move with the Predators, and the offseason is the perfect way to set the right tone.
