Eight games into the 2026-27 season, the Nashville Predators look about like we expected.
They flexed some offensive muscle in wins over the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens. They struggled to compete against the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild. The also lost multi-goal leads against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, though they managed to salvage an overtime point
in those games.Nashville (3-2-3, 9 points) is in sixth place in the Central Division — not the hot start they needed, but also not terrible.
The Predators are on the road against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 21 (6 p.m. CT, The Spot Nashville 28), then the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 23 before returning for five straight home games between Oct. 25 through Nov. 3.
It's a crucial stretch for Nashville, especially given general manager Chris MacFarland's directive before training camp.
“How we come out of the gates, how the scoreboard is going to read in the month of October is going to be very, very important to the direction of this season and future seasons,” MacFarland told The Tennesseean on Sept. 10.
The good news? Reinforcements may be on the way.
Mavrik Bourque nearing return for Nashville Predators
Mavrik Bourque is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury, but has been a full participant four straight practices. Bourque played four games for Nashville before suffering an injury against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 8.
At practice on Oct. 21, Bourque skated in line rushes with Jonathan Marchessault and Alex Kerfoot, indicating he could return after missing the last four games.
"We're excited to get him back if he's ready," coach Andrew Brunette said after practice. "Still unsure, just want to make sure he's available, but hopefully soon."
The Predators acquired Bourque in a trade with the Dallas Stars on July 1. Three days later, the team signed him to a six-year, $33 million contract. The 24-year-old is a key part of MacFarland's plan to improve the middle of Nashville's attack.
"I'm feeling good," Bourque said after practice. "Obviously it's taking more time than I was expecting, but hopefully I can go tomorrow."
Though he has just one assist on seven shots in four games, Bourque's line with Marchessault was electric in training camp and in the preseason.
"If I can get back out there and find something similar with (Marchessault) and (Kerfoot), just create some chemistry, it will make (the offense) a little easier," Bourque said.
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: Mavrik Bourque nearing return for Nashville Predators ahead of road trip
