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Juuse Saros is most realistic path for Nashville Predators return to playoffs in 2026

The preseason hype surroudning the Nashville Predators right now is polar opposite from this time in 2024.

Mar 25, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) come off the ice after the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

Short of some miraculous redemption years from some key veterans, there isn't a realistic pathway for the Nashville Predators to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026.

The Predators do have their one ace in the hole, and it's kind of familiar if you're a long-time fan of the franchise going back to the expansion year and further ahead to when Pekka Rinne ruled Smashville.