Get ready, hockey fans, because the Nashville Predators are kicking off their 2025-26 season with a bang—and a few surprises! But here’s where it gets controversial: just days before their opening night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team has placed two key players, forward Matthew Wood and defenseman Nicolas Hague, on injured reserve. Will their absence shake up the lineup, or will the Predators rise to the challenge? Let’s dive in.
Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 6, 2025) – In a move that’s sure to spark debate among fans, General Manager Barry Trotz announced the roster adjustments following Saturday’s preseason clash with the Carolina Hurricanes. Wood’s lower-body injury and Hague’s upper-body issue mean they’ll be sidelined as the team takes the ice on Thursday. And this is the part most people miss: with 22 players on the active roster—13 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders—the Predators are banking on depth and versatility to start the season strong.
Here’s the full lineup you’ll want to memorize:
Forwards (13): Michael Bunting, Filip Forsberg, Erik Haula, Tyson Jost, Joakim Kemell, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Martin, Michael McCarron, Ryan O’Reilly, Cole Smith, Steven Stamkos, Fedor Svechkov, Ozzy Wiesblatt
Defensemen (7): Justin Barron, Nick Blankenburg, Roman Josi, Nick Perbix, Brady Skjei, Spencer Stastney, Adam Wilsby
Goaltenders (2): Justus Annunen, Juuse Saros
Injured Reserve (2): Nicolas Hague, Matthew Wood
Non-Roster (1): Luke Evangelista (awaiting immigration clearance)
The Predators’ season opener, presented by Regions Bank, is set for Thursday at Bridgestone Arena, with puck drop at 7 p.m. CT. Catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network South or tune in to ESPN 102.5 The Game. But here’s the real question: Can Nashville’s revamped roster outmaneuver Columbus without two of their key players? Or will the Blue Jackets capitalize on the Predators’ early-season setbacks?
If you’re itching to be part of the action, single-game tickets for the opening weekend—including the Oct. 9 matchup against Columbus and the Oct. 11 game against the Utah Mammoth—are now available on Ticketmaster.com. Want to go all in? Consider becoming Smashville Loyal with full, half, or quarter season tickets for exclusive perks and prime seating. Or, snag a Preds 5-Game Plan to pick your favorite matchups and get two games free! For more details, call 615-770-7800, visit NashvillePredators.com, or text PREDS to 833-453-2488.
Controversial take alert: With injuries already testing the team’s resilience, this season could be a make-or-break moment for the Predators. Do you think they’ll thrive under pressure, or will these early challenges set the tone for a rocky year? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your predictions!
