Nicolas Hague's injury pushes Nashville into an early top-pair rethink. Out 4-6 weeks, Hague’s role beside Roman Josi could be filled by Adam Wilsby, who earned a chance in a 4-1 preseason loss to Tampa Bay. The Predators will weigh internal options as opening night nears.

Fantasy managers should watch how Nashville distributes minutes and power-play exposure. If Wilsby proves ready, Josi’s workload could stay strong; if not, the team may rotate veterans or summon depth, reshaping defensive upside and PP1 dynamics for early-season fantasy planning.

Adrian Kempe aims for a lucrative extension with the Los Angeles Kings, with reports placing his target around 10–11 million per season and a preference to finalize before Christmas or training camp. The path to deal closure remains a priority, with patience prioritized over rushing terms.

Nicolas Hague’s arc moves from a Vegas verbal agreement to a Nashville trade and a four-year, $22 million pact with the Predators, while whispers of Mitch Marner sign-and-trade flared but didn’t materialize. Rumors also touch the Canadiens and Penguins, with Kaprizov, Eichel, McDavid, Hart, and Stolarz driving ongoing league chatter and offseason intrigue.

The Nashville Predators are gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a revamped defensive lineup featuring new acquisitions Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix. General Manager Barry Trotz has prioritized strengthening the defense after last season's struggles, including injuries to key players like Roman Josi and trades that left half the defense in flux.

Hague, 26, and Perbix, 27, both stand over 6-foot-4 and are regarded as defensive specialists. They are expected to take significant roles, with Hague likely pairing with Josi on the top line. Trotz aims to establish a more robust and youthful defense to avoid the issues faced last season.

Nicolas Hague's transition from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Nashville Predators has sparked optimism within him, despite the Predators' disappointing season. After spending six seasons in Vegas, including a Stanley Cup victory, Hague believes Nashville's last year's record is misleading, viewing it as a temporary setback.

During his introductory press conference, he expressed excitement about bringing his championship experience to the Predators, aiming to guide teammates through the rigors of playoff intensity. Hague is open to playing alongside established talents like Roman Josi and Brady Skjei, emphasizing his adaptability on the ice. His history with Jonathan Marchessault, a fellow former Golden Knight, further enhances his enthusiasm for forging connections within his new team.