Takeaways from Predators First Roster Cuts & Final Roster Prediction

The Nashville Predators announced some roster cuts ahead of their last preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes. They trimmed down their roster to 32 players, meaning they sent eight players down to the American Hockey League.

Those players were forwards David Edstrom, Joakim Kemell, Jake Luccini, Chase Bradley, and Ben Strinden. They also included defenseman Daniel Nieminen and goaltender Isak Posch among the cuts as well. Forward Ozzy Wiesblatt was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals as well, clearing waivers before the game.

The Predators still have some cuts to make, but the roster is looking much clearer before their season opener against the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 1. The last preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes will paint the rest of the picture. For now, here are some takeaways, along with a final roster prediction.

Kemell’s Running Out of Time

Joakim Kemell needed to make the roster this training camp. The 2022 first-round pick has only played 18 games in the NHL so far, and it’s been a slow development curve in the AHL.

I thought he did well in the first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had a shot get taken off the post and another one that was saved by Andrei Vasilevskiy. He was less involved offensively in the second game, with Nashville’s starters brought in, but he was still sturdy defensively.

However, time is running out for him to become a full-time NHLer in Nashville. As a player who relies on his shot, he’s the kind of player who might need to be top-six or bust. He’ll have to see if injury luck is on his side.

Edstrom Has Been Disappointing

David Edstrom was acquired by Barry Trotz in the deal that sent goaltender prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks. While Askarov hasn’t ascended into a top-half goaltender yet, Nashville hasn’t earned much from the player in the return. They did nab Ryker Lee from the trade with the first-round pick they earned from the Sharks.

Edstrom had 22 points in 58 games in his debut season in the AHL, but it’s fair to wonder if he has the juice to play in the NHL consistently. He’ll get another extended look in the AHL, but if he doesn’t take a step up in development, that could be his landing spot.

Ozzy Wiesblatt’s Situation

Ozzy Wiesblatt’s cut was a bit of a surprise, with his NHL experience and him becoming a fan favorite. I listed him as on the fringes on Nashville’s roster before the Predators traded away Luke Evangelista. However, a hard hit took him out in the second preseason game, so he was put on waivers and sent to the AHL after he cleared.

Well, there’s still a logical reason why Wiesblatt was put on waivers and assigned to the AHL instead of staying on the Predators’ roster. Since he cleared waivers, if he ever gets recalled to Nashville (which can happen, because injuries happen all the time), he doesn’t have to clear waivers on a send-down again until he’s either played 10 NHL games or he’s been on the NHL roster for 30 days. He’ll play with his brother, Oasiz Wiesblatt.

Final Roster Prediction

With the Predators playing just one more game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, that will wrap up the Predators’ final roster. There are a few players who have surprised me and can earn roster spots, and there are some more surprises that I think need a little more time in the AHL to shine. Without further ado, here’s my final roster prediction for opening night.

Forwards:

Filip Forsberg-Ryan O’Reilly-Matthew Wood

Steven Stamkos-Brady Martin-Nils Hoglander

Alex Kerfoot-Mavrik Bourque-Jonathan Marchessault

Reid Schaefer-Jack Drury-Ross Colton

Defenseman:

Brady Skjei-Roman Josi

Nicholas Hague-Ryan Ufko

Adam Wilsby-Ilya Lyubushkin

Goalies:

Juuse Saros

Justus Annunen

Extras:

Vitali Pinchuk, Justin Barron, Nick Perbix

Just Missed:

Felix Nilsson, Cole O’Hara, Tanner Molendyk

Waived:

Adam Edstrom, Jack Achan, Hunter Skinner