The Nashville Predators sit at rock bottom with a 5-9-4 record, and the question isn't whether changes are needed—it's how drastic they should be. With no-move clauses complicating every decision and Barry Trotz's offseason signings underperforming, is a full rebuild the only path forward? Ann Kimmel and Emma Lingan break down the Predators' roster crisis, evaluating which pending UFAs like Cole Smith and Michael McCarron could bring trade deadline returns versus who should stay. They tackle the Steven Stamkos contract dilemma, analyze why firing Andrew Brunette might only treat symptoms rather than cure the disease, and debate whether the team's promising prospects—Matthew Wood, Tanner Molendyk, and others—can salvage Barry Trotz's legacy. The hosts also examine how upcoming games in Sweden could become a dangerous distraction from necessary roster surgery. Discover why the Predators have zero leverage in trade negotiations and what it will actually take to fix this franchise beyond quick-fix solutions. 0:00 Intro 2:15 Coaching change won't fix roster construction 7:48 Keep or deal: Evaluating upcoming UFAs 11:32 Big contracts with no-move clauses problem 17:00 The delicate conversation about moving players 22:03 Predators have zero trade leverage now 27:22 Young players need NHL opportunities now 31:08 Barry Trots' draft picks show promise 35:13 Could Sweden wins delay necessary changes Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOPredators?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonpredators/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LockedOnPredators Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LO_Predators Emma's Twitter: https://twitter.com/emma_lingan Ann's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnK_MamaOnIce Join our Locked On Predators Insider Program! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonpredators #NashvillePredators #NHL #Preds Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL for 15% off your first order. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
