While the top priority for the Nashville Predators this summer relates to the future of goaltender Juuse Saros, it’s not the only decision general manager Barry Trotz must wrestle with.
While Saros will still be under contract for the 2024-25 season, there are six unrestricted free agents the Predators must address before they hit the market July 1.
Given the limited roster space – and even more limited salary cap space – Trotz has some tough decisions to make.
Here’s a review of each player, what they bring to the table, and the likelihood that Trotz looks to bring them back next year.
Tyson Barrie
This is the easiest decision for Trotz to make. We learned in December that defenseman Tyson Barrie asked for a trade, saying that it “didn’t seem like a fit” for either side. Though a trade never materialized — and he played a crucial role in the Predators’ Game 5 win in Vancouver — the Predators and Barrie will be parting ways this summer.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â Not at all likely
Kiefer Sherwood
Kiefer Sherwood scored a career-high 10 goals and 17 assists last season. He brings speed and skill to the fourth line, plus he’s one of the team’s agitators, always getting under the skin of opponents.
Sherwood’s linemates, Michael McCarron and Cole Smith, already have signed two-year contract extensions. Given the quality and production of that line, Trotz might want to bring it back for at least another year.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â More than likely.
Kevin Lankinen
We won’t know the fate of Kevin Lankinen until we know the fate of Juuse Saros. If the Predators sign Saros to a long-term extension on July 1, Lankinen will leave in free agency, looking for a starting goaltending job. But if talks break down, Lankinen may have a shot at a bridge deal with Nashville.
As Saros’ backup, Lankinen finished with an 11-6-0 record, a .908 save percentage, and a 2.82 goals allowed average.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â If Saros signs, likely no. If Saros doesn’t sign, more than likely yes.
Alex Carrier
At the trade deadline, Trotz said he was still working on an extension for right-handed defenseman Alex Carrier. But then the Predators signed Dante Fabbro, another right-handed defenseman, to a one-year extension. Word out of the Predators’ front office was it viewed Carrier an “own rental” post deadline, which says a lot.
Carrier is a big part of the team’s penalty kill — and he had great chemistry with linemate Jeremy Lauzon last season — but his lack of offensive punch probably makes him not worth a long term deal.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â Not very likely, but possible.
Anthony Beauvillier
Anthony Beauvillier played in 15 games for the Predators after coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks at the deadline. He scored one goal and two assists, then added a goal and assist in the playoff series loss to Vancouver. For everything Trotz said about Beauvillier’s skill and speed when he acquired him, we didn’t see much of it down the stretch.
Beauvillier — who turns 27 in a month — doesn’t seem like a good fit in Brunette’s system right now. Prospects like Zachary L’Heureux or Joakim Kemell would be better options for his roster spot going into next year.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â Not very likely.
Jason Zucker
Jason Zucker finished with five goals and two assists in 18 games after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline. He added a goal and two assists in six playoff games.
Zucker brings speed and shooting skill to the Predators’ lineup, something they desperately need more of. The only issue is age — he just turned 32 and most of his best hockey is behind him. But as a cheap veteran option, the Predators could do a lot worse, plus he already seems to fit well in Brunette’s system.
Likelihood he’s back in 2024-25:Â More than likely, yes.
