Predators Placed Perbix and Lyubushkin on Waivers
Nashville trimmed its roster ahead of the upcoming NHL season deadline.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Hockey
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The Nashville Predators have placed defensemen Nick Perbix and Ilya Lyubushkin on waivers to reduce their active roster to 23 players. This decision comes as teams finalize their lineups before the official league deadline.
Why it matters
Managing a 23-man roster is a critical step for teams to reach salary cap compliance and positional balance before the season begins. These moves demonstrate the competitive pressure Nashville faces to optimize its defensive pairings.
Nick Perbix played 79 games last season with three goals and 13 points, while Ilya Lyubushkin recorded 68 hits. Justin Barron, who departed for St. Louis, played 97 games in Nashville, scoring five goals and 21 points.
The players
Nashville Predators
The professional ice hockey team based in Nashville that competes in the NHL.
St. Louis Blues
The NHL franchise that successfully claimed Justin Barron off waivers.
Nick Perbix
A defenseman who signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with Nashville in July 2025.
Ilya Lyubushkin
A veteran defenseman who has played for nine different NHL teams during his career.
Justin Barron
A defenseman previously acquired by Nashville in the December 2024 Alexandre Carrier trade.
The details
The Predators cleared space on their roster by waiving Perbix and Lyubushkin after claiming William Trudeau from the New York Rangers on Saturday. Additional roster adjustments may follow for the team as they prepare for their October 1 opener.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Perbix and Lyubushkin placed on waivers.
September 28, 2026: Official NHL roster deadline.
October 1, 2026: Predators open season against the Minnesota Wild.
Season Trajectory
These transactions reflect the intense competition for spots within Nashville's defensive corps as the team works to solidify its lineup. The roster shift dictates how the franchise will balance depth and experience throughout the upcoming 2026-2027 campaign.
The departure of Perbix and Lyubushkin signals a shift in the defensive rotation that will impact team chemistry and depth charts for the upcoming season. Fans should monitor final roster filings to see how the addition of William Trudeau adjusts the team's defensive production.
The takeaway
Roster management is a constant necessity in the NHL as teams balance player contracts with league-mandated limits. Successful navigation of these deadlines is essential for ensuring that the right mix of talent is available for the start of the regular season.
What happens next
The Nashville Predators are required to submit their final roster by the official NHL deadline of September 28, 2026, followed by their season opener against the Minnesota Wild on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on team moves, visit the Nashville Hockey section.
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