The Nashville Predators’ 2024-25 NHL season has taken a turn for the worse, with former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Luke Schenn openly criticizing his team for their inability to score goals. After suffering their 30th loss against the Florida Panthers, the team's struggles have become painfully clear.
With only 20 wins across 57 games as of mid-week, the Predators have slid to the lowest ranks of the NHL, currently sitting 30th overall. The team’s goal-scoring woes are particularly alarming, placing them 31st in the league with just 147 goals—only one more than the Anaheim Ducks. This is especially surprising considering their key offseason acquisitions, such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, who combined for 82 goals last season.
After the recent loss to the Panthers, which ended with a 4-1 score, Schenn did not hold back during his post-game remarks. “I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of a group like this,” he said, lamenting the offensive struggles of the team. Schenn’s aggregated frustrations reflect the overall sentiment circulating among fans and analysts alike—a season once loaded with promise has devolved painfully quickly.
Currently, the Predators’ record stands at 20-30-7, leaving them with 47 points and a minus-42 goal differential. This performance has left the team floundering at seventh place in the Central Division and third-last across the Western Conference standings. Adding to their dismal record, the Predators have only managed two wins out of their last ten games (2-8-0).
Filip Forsberg has been the standout performer for Nashville, leading the team with 21 goals and 32 assists, highlighting the gap between his performance and the team's overall output. Meanwhile, Marchessault has been another significant figure, contributing 18 goals and 27 assists. Schenn, now playing his 17th NHL season, has seen little offensive success himself, posting only one goal and four assists over 57 games.
The organizational sentiment points toward potential changes as the trade deadline approaches. With Gustav Nyqvist and veteran forward Ryan O’Reilly among players expected to be potentially moved, management may look to bring fresh talent to reshape the struggling roster. Schenn, who has one year remaining on his contract at $2.75 million, has also been mentioned as part of trade discussions, potentially reuniting him with his brother Brayden for the first time since their Philadelphia days between 2013 and 2016.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping their eyes peeled as Nashville’s general manager, Barry Trotz, currently holds three first-round picks for the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and there’s speculation he might broker for a fourth pick to strengthen the team’s future. Given the current state of the Predators, next season may bring substantial changes, especially if they secure one of the top prospects like James Hagens, Matthew Schaefer, or Michael Misa.
Looking forward, the Predators hope to turn their fortunes around and build back toward competitiveness. Their next challenge lies just around the corner, with their following game set against the Winnipeg Jets on February 27, promising yet another opportunity for the team to demonstrate they can overcome the current struggles they face.