Nashville Predators News

Annunen stopped 25 of 26 shots in the Predators win over the Kraken on Thursday. With Juuse Saros stilled day-to-day, Annunen will make his second consecutive start. Annunen hasn't played much, but he's been really good when called upon since the beginning of February, going 3-3-0 with a 2.19 GAA and .919 SV%.

Saros did not dress in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. That said, he was back at practice on Friday, but did not stay for the entirety of it. Predators' Head Coach Andrew Brunette indicated he was unsure who will be tending the twine when the team returns to the ice on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Saros was originally the projected starter for Thursday's game against the Kraken, but is ultimately unavailable due to an upper-body injury. He is considered day-to-day. Justus Annunen will get the start on Thursday while Matt Murray serves as his backup.

Annunen will get a surprise start on Thursday, as starter Juuse Saros is unavailable due to an upper-body injury. Annunen was unfortunate to take the loss in his last start, allowing two goals on 29 shots in a 3-1 loss in Edmonton on Sunday. The 25-year-old netminder owns a 6-9-2 record and an .888 SV% on the season. Annunen and the Predators enter action on Thursday at -135 on the money line.

The Predators have lost three of their last four (1-2-1), but remain within reach of a Wild Card spot, and will be desperate for a win on Tuesday, turning to Saros against the Winnipeg Jets. The 30-year-old Finnish goalie hasn't had the best 2025-26 season, but he's been consistent, albeit not spectacular, since returning from the Olympic break, allowing three or fewer goals in six games (2-2-2), posting a 2.81 GAA and .902 SV%. The Predators enter Tuesday's contest as +115 road underdogs against a Jets team that has scored three or fewer goals in five consecutive games (3-2-0).

Hoglander has not played in a week, but he will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. As has been the case for most of the Canucks team in 2025-26, Hogland is producing at a career-worst rate (0.12 PTS/GP), a steep decline from the 0.39 points-per-game he had posted over his career heading into this season. The 25-year-old Swedish forward is averaging 11:32 time-on-ice and has three points (1G / 2A) in 25 games this season.

Despite scoring in Tuesday's win in Seattle, Kemell will be the odd-man out in Vancouver on Thursday. Ozzy Wiesblatt will dress in his place.

The Predators will hand Saros his 50th start of the campaign when they travel to Vancouver to take on the Canucks on Thursday. Saros was outstanding in his last start, turning away 43 of the 45 shots he faced in a 4-2 win in Seattle on Tuesday. Nashville's franchise netminder carries a 23-19-6 record and an .893 SV% into Thursday night's game, where the Preds enter action at -165 on the money line.

Colton was limited to only 8:15 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old Colton scored a goal before leaving the game, giving him 23 points (8G / 15A) through 60 contests this season. If he is unable to play on Thursday, his next chance to return to the lineup will be on Saturday afternoon against the Winnipeg Jets.

Wiesblatt has been sidelined for a couple of games, but he will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Vancouver Canuks. The 24-year-old forward is averaging 10:16 time-on-ice and has five points (1G / 4A) in 33 games this season.

With Evander Kane returning from an illness, Hoglander will head to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old Hoglander is averaging 11:32 time-on-ice and has three points (1G / 2A) in 25 games this season.

Colton was limited to only 8:15 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old Colton scored a goal before leaving the game, giving him 23 points (8G / 15A) through 60 contests this season. An update on Colton should be provided before Colorado returns to action on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken.

Wiesblatt will take a seat on Tuesday in favour of Reid Schaefer. Wiesblatt has appeared in 33 games this season, scoring just one goal while picking up four assists.

Schaefer will immediately re-enter the lineup after sitting out Saturday's game in Buffalo. Ozzy Wiesblatt will sit in his place.

Saros will make his 49th start of the season when the Predators travel to Seattle on Tuesday. Saros was tagged with the loss in his last outing, allowing three goals on 24 shots in a 3-2 loss in Buffalo on Saturday. Nashville's franchise netminder brings a 22-19-6 record and an .891 SV% into Tuesday night's matchup, where the Preds enter action at -105 on the money line.