The 2024-25 NHL season has arrived for the Nashville Predators. After five preseason games general manager Barry Trotz & head coach Andrew Brunette have their team for the franchise’s 26th season.
Defenseman Tanner Molendyk was reassigned to the Saskatoon Blades (WHL) while D-man Marc Del Gaizo was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL).
Nashville also announced that Spencer Statsney was added to the non-roster list. According to Puck Pedia Nashville is on the hook for $254,000 while he’s not currently an active player.
The NHL’s CBA provides more context on how a player is added to the non-roster list.
“Clubs shall notify NHL Central Registry and the NHLPA of any Player who is designated as Injured Non-Roster pursuant to Section 16.11(e), due to failing the Club’s initial physical examination in any League Year, or who is injured, ill or disabled while not on the Club’s Active Roster. Clubs shall also notify the NHL Central Registry and the NHLPA of Players who are subject to this Section 15.6 on the Opening Day Roster.”
The NHL’s CBA also says on page 103 that players on injured reserve and injured non-roster shall have access to the club’s primary training and medical facilities during regular business hours.
The club may restrict such player access during periods when players on the club’s active roster are expected to be present at such primary training and medical facilities and within a reasonable period before and after such periods.
Should Stastney be around he is entitled to prepare himself for a return to action here in the organization’s facilities. When he is ready to return a form will need to be sent to the Central Registry, the NHLPA, and the player, all in accordance with Exhibit 3, on the day Nashville activates the player to play.
Of note as well, Nashville cannot send anyone down to Milwaukee until Wednesday but they can recall players to their main roster between now & the first game of the season.
According to Puck Pedia, along with some quick math, the Predators will have $5,242,285 of cap space going into the campaign.
As a reminder, the organization is still on the books for Ryan Johansen ($4 million), Kyle Turris ($2 million), Matt Duchene ($5.5 million) & Mattias Ekholm ($250,000) this season. All of Nashville’s retained salary or buyout spots will subside following the 2025-26 season.
The Predators are still without Spencer Stastney due to personal reasons & did not appear throughout training camp. Trotz nor any members of the staff had an update to provide since camp started.
Stastney signed a two-year deal at the end of July worth $1.65 million. Year one is a two-way deal with Stastney making $400,000 in the AHL & $825,000 in the NHL. In the second year of his contract, Stastney will make $825,000 regardless of what level he plays at.
To his benefit Stastney can take his time getting back to the same level of play he showcased in the spring.
He has 42 NHL games left until he’s waiver-eligible, therefore, Nashville can play him in Milwaukee for the majority of this season if need be with the goal being to be a full-timer in Nashville for the 25-26 campaign.
The Notre Dame alum has looked comfortable at the NHL level & impressed management during his callups to Nashville. Stastney has six career NHL points & played in three playoff games with the Predators before suffering a concussion.
Nashville’s opening night roster has been set. Marc Del Gaizo is on his way to Milwaukee after clearing waivers.
Spencer Stastney’s status still unknown other than going to non-roster. pic.twitter.com/WLEmfIcUpn
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) October 7, 2024
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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