Overview

• The Predators host Columbus on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena to begin the 2025-26 campaign.
• First-round pick Brady Martin, 18, will make his NHL debut centering Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly after producing two goals and one assist in four preseason games.
• Coach Andrew Brunette said Martin earned the assignment through his camp performance, and Nashville expects to dress four rookies.
• Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason has not named his starting goalie for the opener, with Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves vying for the role.
• Historical splits lean toward Nashville at home, with the Predators 14-11-1 all-time on Opening Night and Columbus 9-36-1-7 in Nashville, though Nashville is 2-3 in its last five openers.