Predators Paired Roman Josi and Ryan Ufko
The Nashville coaching staff experimented with new defensive pairings during Tuesday's practice session.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
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Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette paired Roman Josi with Ryan Ufko during team practice on Tuesday. The session comes as the team prepares its final defensive lineup for the upcoming season opener.
Why it matters
The coaching staff is currently evaluating the offensive potential of different defensive combinations to finalize their roster. These internal adjustments are critical as the team balances a roster that includes nine defensemen.
The Nashville Predators are carrying nine defensemen on the roster, which represents a larger defensive group than standard NHL lineup requirements. The final combinations for the upcoming matchups remain under coach evaluation.
The players
Andrew Brunette
He is the head coach of the Nashville Predators tasked with managing the team roster.
Roman Josi
He is a veteran defenseman and a central leader for the Nashville Predators.
Ryan Ufko
He is a defenseman currently competing for a spot in the Nashville Predators defensive rotation.
Nashville Predators
They are a professional NHL hockey team based in Nashville.
Minnesota Wild
They are a professional NHL hockey team based in Saint Paul that will face Nashville on Thursday.
The details
Coach Andrew Brunette directed the defensive drills, focusing on how Josi and Ufko communicated and coordinated their movement on the ice. The practice highlighted the ongoing efforts by the staff to determine the most effective pairings from the nine defensemen currently available.
Timeline
Josi and Ufko participated in practice together on Tuesday.
The Nashville Predators season opener against the Minnesota Wild is scheduled for Thursday.
Season Trajectory
The decision to carry nine defensemen suggests the Nashville Predators are prioritizing depth and versatility to navigate the long season. This approach significantly impacts how the team handles defensive rotations and mid-game adjustments throughout the schedule.
The specific pairing of Josi and Ufko suggests a potential shift in the defensive rotation that could impact fantasy hockey projections for the blue line. Fans should monitor Thursday's game to see if this practice combination holds during competitive play.
The takeaway
The team is using the final days before the season opener to stress-test new defensive combinations. These practices indicate that the coaching staff remains focused on maximizing efficiency within a deep defensive roster.
Further reading
For more on the current team structure, visit the Hockey section.
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