The first two days of Nashville Predators training camp have been dizzying.
A new general manager, a new front office staff, and 55 players on two sheets of ice fighting for 23 roster spots ahead of the season opener on Oct. 1.
"We've got some jobs up for competition," coach Andrew Brunette said at the end of Day 2 at Ford Ice Center Bellevue on Sept. 18. "The first two days, I think we've split things pretty evenly. There's a short time frame, which we're all well aware of."
Opening night rosters must be finalized by Sept. 29, which gives Brunette just under two weeks to configure his lineup. Some returners are obvious locks, like Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly, and Roman Josi. Then there's newcomers Mavrik Bourque, Jack Drury,
and Ross Colton — new general manager Chris MacFarland didn't acquire those guys this summer just to have them sit.
And given MacFarland's directive for the Predators to play well in the month of October, it's paramount that Brunette arrange a quality roster immediately. While it's early, some lineup trends have emerged in the first two days.
Nashville Predators projected forward lineup and defensive pairings
The forward lineup is deeper than last year, which means more tinkering. O'Reilly is the clear No. 1 center and will skate with Stamkos for now. Matthew Wood should again start at center, likely paired with Forsberg. Jonathan Marchessault has been working with Bourque early on. Drury and Colton will anchor the fourth line.
The wing situation is fluid, but if the season started tomorrow, here's the likely forward lineup:
Steven Stamkos - Ryan O'Reilly - Joakim Kemell
Filip Forsberg - Matthew Wood - Nils Hoglander
Alex Kerfoot - Mavrik Bourque - Jonathan Marchessault
Ross Colton - Jack Drury - Brady Martin
Extra: Cole O'Hara
The most notable change from Day 1 to Day 2 is Kemell moving to the top line with Stamkos and O'Reilly. Those three skated in full line rushes and scored a few goals near the end of practice.
But there's room for movement, especially along the wing. O'Hara, who made his NHL debut in the season finale last year, has been impressive, as has Martin, the 2025 top pick.
The defense is more of a question. After Josi, there's no obvious second pairing, and there's more size than speed throughout the group. The only defensive addition over the summer was Ilya Lyubushkin, a 6-foot-2, 206 pound right-handed player, which could make Nick Perbix (6-4, 206 pounds, also right-handed) the odd man out. Ryan Ufko has looked great in camp and should get a chance at the top four. Justin Barron, who was signed to a one-year deal, is probably the seventh man right now.
Brady Skjei - Roman Josi
Nicolas Hague - Ryan Ufko
Adam Wilsby - Ilya Lyubushkin
Extra: Nick Perbix, Justin Barron
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com, follow him on X at @alexdaugherty1 or check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators projected lineup, defensive pairings after training camp Day 2
