Nashville Predators prepare to launch 2024-25 hockey season
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New Nashville Predators teammate Steven Stamkos during a preseason game. Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images
The Nashville Predators will begin their season at home Thursday night, and team leaders have made no secret of their Stanley Cup ambitions.
- Axios Nashville is here to help you prepare for the hotly anticipated season opener against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena.
🏒 A star-studded roster: Predators general manager Barry Trotz signaled this summer that the team would be vying in earnest for hockey's biggest prize.
- The Preds paid big during a free agency blitz that added a trio of veterans to the roster: star forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei (which is pronounced "SHAY" if you were wondering).
- The team also announced an eight-year, $61.92 million contract extension for goaltender Juuse Saros.
🤕 Saros' status: The starting goalie is contending with a lower-body injury that he sustained during a preseason game last weekend. It is unclear whether he'll play Thursday.
- He was back at practice the day before the game, albeit in a limited capacity. He downplayed the injury, per the Tennessean.
- "I'm making progress," he said. "It's nothing too bad."
🗣️ What they're saying: Trotz radiated optimism in a Nashville Scene season preview that published last week.
- "We're very determined to win," Trotz said while reflecting on the busy offseason.
- "When you start getting texts from your players going, 'I am excited,' that says a lot," Trotz said in July. "Players know players, and they know [we're] trying to win."
🎩 Upgrades at Bridgestone Arena: The venue is touting $15 million in improvements, as well as a slew of new food options.
- A new 85-seat club called California Closets Studio on the second level will offer a high-end menu including filet mignon and bacon-wrapped scallops.
- The old Preds Kids' Zone has gotten a boost as well. The renamed Gnashville Fun Zone features a miniature rink, a game room and replica Preds lockers.
🎉 Pregame with the team: The plaza outside Bridgestone Arena opens at 3pm for a party celebrating the season opener. There will be games, a poster making station, face painting and cotton candy.
- Team members will greet fans during a walk down the "gold carpet" at 4pm.
📺 How to watch: Tickets are still available, and the game will air at 7pm on ESPN+ and Hulu.