Predators Shuffle Defensemen to Stabilize Defensive Core
General Manager Chris MacFarland is aggressively evaluating the roster to improve defensive consistency.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hockey
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The Nashville Predators have cycled through 11 different defensemen during the opening 12 games of the season. Management is actively testing new personnel to build depth and improve unit cohesion.
Why it matters
The defensive unit has struggled to find stability, leading front-office leadership to seek more mobile players. Improving the team's depth beyond the top four defensemen is a primary goal for the current campaign.
Nashville currently allows an average of 29 shots on goal per game, ranking as the 8th-worst in the league. Goaltender Juuse Saros has carried a heavy load, starting nine of the team's first 12 contests.
The players
Chris MacFarland
He is the first-year general manager for the Nashville Predators.
Juuse Saros
He is a professional goaltender who has started nine of the first 12 games for Nashville.
Daemon Hunt
He is a defenseman who was recently claimed by the Nashville Predators from the Minnesota Wild.
The details
The team is utilizing frequent roster moves to find a more mobile defensive rotation. Nashville recently waived Jack Ahcan and successfully claimed Daemon Hunt from the Minnesota Wild to bolster their options.
Timeline
Last week, the organization waived Jack Ahcan and claimed Daemon Hunt.
October 2026, Chris MacFarland evaluated the state of the team's defense.
Season Trajectory
The Predators' aggressive rotation follows a pattern of high personnel turnover observed across the league this season. This instability impacts the team's ability to climb the standings as management continues to test new defensive combinations.
The current reliance on 11 different defensemen creates volatility in team defensive metrics that affects win-loss projections. Juuse Saros remains the primary workload driver in net while the defense fluctuates.
The takeaway
Rapid roster turnover reflects a front office prioritizing long-term defensive mobility over short-term stability. Readers should expect further adjustments as the organization narrows down its core defensive rotation.
Further reading
For more on the current lineup, visit Nashville Hockey.
Live Poll
Do you believe constant roster shuffling is an effective way to improve your local team's performance?
