Nashville Predators training camp is in full swing ahead of the 2024-25 season, complete with the highly anticipated preseason debut of offseason signing Steven Stamkos.
With practices and exhibition games set to resume this week, here are a few updates and storylines from the first week of camp:
Predators Assign 5 Players to Juniors in First Round of Roster Cuts
Following Sunday’s preseason split-squad doubleheader against the Florida Panthers, Nashville assigned five players to their respective junior teams: Kalan Lind (Red Deer/WHL), Miguel Marques (Lethbridge/WHL) and Joey Willis (Saginaw/OHL); defenseman Dylan MacKinnon (Moncton/QMJHL); and goaltender Jakub Milota (Cape Breton/QMJHL).
With the first round of cuts, the Predators’ training camp roster is now down to 58 players – 32 forwards, 20 defensemen and six goaltenders. An updated roster can be found here.
Predators Drop Both Ends of Preseason Doubleheader vs. Panthers
The Predators lost their first two preseason games by scores of 3-2 and 6-2 in a doubleheader against the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Several of Nashville’s star players, including Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi and Juuse Saros, did not play in either game, allowing younger prospects to gain experience playing against NHL talent. The Panthers, meanwhile, split their stars up between the two games; Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett played in Game 1, while Aleksander Barkov and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky played in Game 2.
Related: Steven Stamkos Set Up in Classic Spot on Power Play in Nashville for One-Timer Goal
Despite the losses, Stamkos scored his first preseason goal as a member of the Predators on the power play during the second game. Two of Nashville’s other offseason acquisitions, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, did not play in either game.
Jonathan Marchessault Reveals Devastating Personal News During Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Marchessault did not make the trip to Florida, as he was in Quebec City Saturday night as his No. 18 jersey was being retired by the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.
At the jersey retirement ceremony, Marchessault revealed the devastating personal news that his mother, Lesly, had passed away just 24 hours earlier.
“Mom, you were my first fan,” Marchessault said during his remarks at the ceremony. “I could always count on your support.”
It is not yet known whether Marchessault will miss any more time at training camp as he and his family grieve during this difficult time, but hockey…