Roman Josi, the Nashville Predators' captain, is making a significant recovery from Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which hindered his ability to play during the last season. General Manager Barry Trotz confirmed that Josi, who recorded 38 points in 53 games before his injury, is expected to fully participate in the upcoming training camp and season starting this fall. The 35-year-old defenseman has been proactive in managing his condition, which is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing, often leading to dizziness and fatigue.

Josi's resilience has not only kept him in the game mentally but also positioned him for a potential Olympic appearance in 2026 with Team Switzerland. Having previously clinched the Norris Trophy, Josi's career stats stand impressive with 724 points across 962 regular-season games. With his health improving, Josi remains a cornerstone for the Predators as they look to bounce back after a missed playoff opportunity last season.

The upcoming 2025 NHL unrestricted free agent class is headlined by elite names, notably Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who is projected to command a hefty contract surpassing $13 million per season. His teammate, John Tavares, also emerges as a significant player in free agency but may need to settle for a reduced salary to remain with the team. The forward market includes other notable names like Matt Duchene and Patrick Kane, although this year's class lacks the depth seen in previous years.

Additionally, the defense market features Aaron Ekblad leading as a top pairing blueliner, alongside Vladislav Gavrikov and Ivan Provorov. However, the absence of franchise-altering defensemen is evident, with most players being solid middle-pairing options. Goaltending, meanwhile, appears to be the most limited position, with Jake Allen being the standout choice. The rising salary cap, now at $95.5 million, offers teams the flexibility to pursue roster upgrades despite the talent drop-off beyond the top 15-20 names in free agency.

The New York Rangers have officially re-signed Matt Rempe, a forward known for his physical play, to a two-year contract worth $975,000 against the salary cap. The 22-year-old winger contributed three goals and five assists over 42 games last season, showcasing his potential as a fourth-line player. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks have secured Ryan Donato for four years at a $4 million cap hit. Donato's performance last season solidified his role in the middle six, as he demonstrated a powerful shot, though concerns remain about his shooting percentage sustainability.

In injury news, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk revealed he suffered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia during the Four Nations Face-off in February. Despite these setbacks, Tkachuk was able to produce significantly during the playoffs. In Nashville, Predators GM Barry Trotz announced that defenseman Roman Josi was diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome but is expected to be fit for training camp next season.

In other developments, the New Jersey Devils traded Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators for a fourth-round pick and defensive prospect Jeremy Hanzel, while Nick Bonino announced his retirement after a 15-season career, transitioning to an assistant coaching role with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Erik Haula has been traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The veteran forward, 34, enters the final year of his three-year contract worth $9.45 million, which he signed in June 2023 after a prior trade from the Boston Bruins. Haula previously played for Nashville during the 2020-21 season, where he recorded 21 points.

In his tenure with the Devils, he amassed 97 points over 225 regular-season games, alongside 37 points in 78 playoff matches. Known for his playoff performance, he helped the Vegas Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2018. Meanwhile, Hanzel, a sixth-round pick of the Avalanche in 2023, has been playing in the AHL and ECHL, marking a fresh start in Nashville's roster.

The Nashville Predators have made a strategic move by reacquiring Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils. In return, the team sent a 2025 fourth-round pick and defenseman Jeremy Hanzel to New Jersey. Haula, who had a decent season with the Devils last year, scoring 11 goals and adding 10 assists, brings valuable experience back to Nashville, where he previously played during the 2020-21 season.

This transfer highlights the Predators' need for versatile players capable of filling multiple roles, particularly in the center and wing positions. Haula's ability to adapt to different lineups is expected to bolster the team's depth as they aim to enhance scoring opportunities from the center position. Despite the acquisition, the Predators still face challenges in addressing their center depth comprehensively.