ESPN Sad Report: 5 Nashville Predators Players Who Are Set for Departure – Confirmed
ESPN has confirmed that five key players are set to depart the franchise ahead of the upcoming NHL season. The report, released earlier this week, outlines a major roster shake-up as the team enters a rebuilding phase. While changes are inevitable in the world of professional sports, the announcement has struck an emotional chord with fans who have grown attached to these players’ contributions both on and off the ice.
1. Matt Duchene – A Veteran Exit
Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is veteran center Matt Duchene. Having been with the Predators since 2019, Duchene brought leadership, skill, and consistent offensive production. His 2021–22 season was particularly stellar, as he posted a career-high 43 goals. However, with Nashville leaning toward youth and long-term salary cap flexibility, Duchene’s departure appears to be a strategic—if painful—decision. His next destination is expected to be a contending team in need of experienced depth down the middle.
2. Juuse Saros – Shock Move Between the Pipes
Equally shocking is the confirmed departure of goaltender Juuse Saros, who many considered the backbone of the team. Saros had filled the enormous shoes of Pekka Rinne with composure and skill, earning league-wide respect as one of the top netminders in the NHL. ESPN reports that Saros will be moved in a blockbuster trade that centers around acquiring future draft picks and prospects, signaling a clear rebuild for Nashville. Fans and analysts alike are questioning how the team plans to fill the void left by such a reliable presence in goal.
3. Ryan McDonagh – The Defensive Leader Leaves
Another key figure heading out the door is defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Acquired from Tampa Bay in 2022, McDonagh brought veteran stability and playoff experience to a relatively young blue line. While his production remained solid, his departure is largely cap-driven, freeing up room for the Predators to invest in younger talent and give more ice time to developing defenders. McDonagh is reportedly drawing interest from multiple Eastern Conference teams.
4. Colton Sissons – An Original Core Member Departs
Colton Sissons, a gritty forward known for his two-way play and faceoff prowess, is also parting ways with the franchise. Sissons has been with Nashville since being drafted in 2012 and became a fan favorite thanks to his work ethic and key playoff performances, including a memorable hat trick in the 2017 Western Conference Final. While his leadership and versatility will be missed, sources indicate that both player and management mutually agreed on the move as Sissons seeks a larger role elsewhere.
5. Alexandre Carrier – Youth With Potential, But Moving On
Rounding out the departures is defenseman Alexandre Carrier, a promising young player whose future in Nashville seemed bright. Despite solid performances and showing potential as a top-four defenseman, the front office has opted not to renew his contract amid a broader defensive restructuring. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, especially among fans who believed Carrier still had significant upside.
With these five departures, the Nashville Predators are unmistakably entering a new era. General Manager Barry Trotz appears committed to reshaping the roster with younger players and long-term vision in mind. While this transition might lead to short-term struggles, the franchise hopes it will pave the way for future contention. For now, fans will have to bid farewell to familiar faces and brace themselves for a season of change—one marked by bittersweet goodbyes and cautious optimism.
