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Has Chris MacFarland taken a day off since taking over as Nashville Predators general manager? It sure doesn't seem like it.
In his first month on the job, MacFarland has added three executives to the front office , one new data analyst, one new development coach, and six new players to the roster.
Now, ahead of the release of the 2026-27 schedule on July 16, his work to reposition the Predators in the competitive Western Conference is starting to take shape.
There will undoubtedly be more changes to the roster.
MacFarland said as much on July 1, acknowledging that subtractions will be necessary right now, the team has 26 players under contract for next season, a number that needs to be under 23 by opening night.
But by adding younger players, MacFarland has reset the Predators' short-term outlook.
Last year's top scorers Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos all return, now with a deeper, more talented roster.
Heading into next season, Nashville projects as a playoff team, and potentially one that challenges for a top-three spot in the Central Division.
NEW HIRE: Nashville Predators hire Vukie Mpofu as assistant general manager Nashville Predators projected lineup for 2026-27 season Among the five additional forwards arriving in Nashville is Mavrik Bourque , a 24-year-old center acquired in a trade with the Dallas Stars.
The others are Jack Drury, Ross Colton, Nils Hoglander, and Alex Kerfoot.
These additions will displace players like Joakim Kemell, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and Reid Schaefer, who found small roles on last year's team.
It's unclear whether they are part of the future in Nashville or not.
Vitali Pinchuk however, who was signed before MacFarland arrived, still seems to be in the plan.
Brady Martin , the Predators' top pick in 2025, can start the season in Milwaukee, thanks to a new rule that allows one 19-year-old on an AHL roster.
Ive been told NHL teams received correspondence recently that the one 19 year old in the AHL rules is official now.
It was an MOU before, but now its set in stone.
This would make players like Brady Martin eligible to start the year in Milwaukee.
Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) July 3, 2026 The defense, for now, has less turnover.
The only addition is 32-year-old Ilya Lyubushkin, who came over in the Bourque trade.
Also, since Justin Barron was signed for one more season, Ryan Ufko (who is exempt from waivers) may find himself in Milwaukee to start the year.
With the caveat that more changes could come prior to training camp in the fall, here's where things stand with the Predators' lineup.
Forwards Filip Forsberg - Ryan O'Reilly - Luke Evangelista Steven Stamkos - Mavrik Bourque - Matthew Wood Ross Colton - Jack Drury - Jonathan Marchessault Alex Kerfoot - Vitali Pinchuk - Nils Hoglander Extra: Reid Schaefer, Ozzy Wiesblatt Defense Nicolas Hague - Roman Josi Brady Skjei - Nick Perbix Adam Wilsby - Ilya Lyubushkin Extra: Justin Barron Goaltenders Juuse Saros Justus Annunen GAME 7 OPPS: Andrew Brunette and Rob Blake, once Game 7 opponents, now united in Nashville Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean.
He never uses artificial intelligence when developing or drafting stories.
Contact Alex at [email protected].
Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1.
Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators projected lineup following Chris MacFarland's trades, free agency.