Nashville Predators trying to ignore critics after falling short of high expectations last season

Last season: 30-44-8, missed playoffs.

COACH: Andrew Brunette (third season with Nashville; 128-92-19 for career).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. Columbus.

DEPARTURES: G Scott Wedgewood, F Colton Sissons, D Jeremy Lauzon, assistant coach Todd Richards.

ADDITIONS: C Brady Martin, LW Erik Haula, D Cameron Reid, D Nic Hague, D Nick Perbix, assistant coach Luke Richardson,

GOALIES: Juuse Saros (20-31-6, 2.98 goals-against average, 0.896 save percentage), Justus Annunen (15-15-1, 3.18, 0.883).

BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 125-1.

The Predators fell far short of high Stanley Cup expectations a season ago after adding big free agents Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. General manager Barry Trotz has tried to get bigger on the defensive end to help Saros, swapped older players for youth and added to the prospect pool with three first-round draft picks. The Predators expect to bounce back with tweaks to Brunette's system, combined with veterans like Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei along with longtime Predators Filip Forsberg and captain Roman Josi reverting to form. If the Predators' best play to their career levels, Nashville could return to the playoffs. Missing the postseason for the third time in four seasons would not be good with a major arena renovation on tap.

The good: Martin wasn't the name expected to be called for Nashville's first pick during the June draft. The 6-foot, 180-pound center will have a chance to make the roster this season with the Predators needing depth down the middle. Josi also is back and healthy after being diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome, known as POTS.

The not-so-good: Josi is 35 and coming off his worst season after being limited to 53 games. Forsberg just turned 31. He played all 82 games for a second straight season, but his production dipped 18 points. Stamkos may be a two-time Stanley Cup champ, but he's now 35. His scoring dropped from 81 points in his last season with Tampa Bay to just 53 with Nashville. Saros, going into the first year of his eight-year contract, posted his lowest save percentage as a starter last season. Hague will miss the first month of the season with an upper body injury.

Forsberg is dazzling with the puck on his stick, and Nashville needs him to return to his All-Star form along with Stamkos, Josi and Marchessault. The Preds also hope Saros benefits from bigger defensemen clearing space to help him track shots easier. Can Martin make an impact in the NHL at the age of 18?

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, left, blocks a shot on goal by Florida Panthers left wing Hunter St. Martin, right, during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) is congratulated after his goal by center Steven Stamkos (91) and right wing Matthew Wood (71) during the second period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco is under huge pressure to win its second Africa Cup of Nations trophy when it hosts Senegal in the tournament final in Rabat on Sunday.

Morocco won its first Africa Cup 50 years ago in 1976.

Hundreds of fans wearing the kingdom’s red-and-green colors were milling around the 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium hours before kickoff, many still looking for tickets.

Inside, members of the official Senegalese supporters’ club — some clad in green, some in yellow and others in red to make the colors of the Senegal flag – were dancing to drums and trumpets in a section behind one of the goals at least three hours before kickoff at 8 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).

Their noise was drowned out when the Moroccan players took their first steps out on the field for a pre-game walkabout. Their Senegalese counterparts were welcomed by a deafening chorus of whistles when they emerged for their walkabout.

The team lineups were yet to be announced.

Senegal, which is also chasing its second African Cup trophy after winning the 2021 edition, will have to do without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra.

Sadio Mané was to lead the Teranga Lions in what was likely to be his last Africa Cup match after taking part in six tournaments.

The Senegalese Football Federation decried a lack of "fair play" from the Moroccan hosts less than two days before the final, citing a lack of security, problems with the team hotel, training facilities and ability to get tickets for its supporters.

Defeat at the final stage would be a demoralizing blow for Morocco, which has invested heavily in soccer facilities and infrastructure before it co-hosts the 2030 World Cup. One of the most aggressive infrastructure buildouts in African sporting history fueled protests in October from mostly young Moroccans who feel other areas are being neglected. Key issues remain health, literacy and employment.

AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations

Senegal players walk onto the pitch before the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match between Senegal and Morocco, in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Morocco fan waits for the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match between Senegal and Morocco, in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Senegal fans wait for the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match between Senegal and Morocco, in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)