Nashville Predators prepare to launch 2024-25 hockey season

The Nashville Predators will begin their season at home Thursday night, and team leaders have made no secret of their Stanley Cup ambitions .

• Axios Nashville is here to help you prepare for the hotly anticipated season opener against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena.

🏒 A star-studded roster: Predators general manager Barry Trotz signaled this summer that the team would be vying in earnest for hockey's biggest prize.

• The Preds paid big during a free agency blitz that added a trio of veterans to the roster: star forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei (which is pronounced "SHAY" if you were wondering ).
• The team also also announced an eight-year, $61.92 million contract extension for goaltender Juuse Saros.

🤕 Saros' status: The starting goalie is contending with a lower-body injury that he sustained during a preseason game last weekend. It is unclear whether he'll play Thursday.

• He was back at practice the day before the game, albeit in a limited capacity. He downplayed the injury, per the Tennessean .
• "I'm making progress," he said. "It's nothing too bad."

🗣️ What they're saying: Trotz radiated optimism in a Nashville Scene season preview that published last week .

• "We're very determined to win," Trotz said while reflecting on the busy offseason.
• "When you start getting texts from your players going, 'I am excited,' that says a lot," Trotz said in July. "Players know players, and they know [we're] trying to win."

🎩 Upgrades at Bridgestone Arena: The venue is touting $15 million in improvements, as well as a slew of new food options.

• A new 85-seat club called California Closets Studio on the second level will offer a high-end menu including filet mignon and bacon-wrapped scallops.
• The old Preds Kids' Zone has gotten a boost as well. The renamed Gnashville Fun Zone features a miniature rink, a game room and replica Preds lockers.

🎉 Pregame with the team: The plaza outside Bridgestone Arena opens at 3pm for a party celebrating the season opener. There will be games, a poster making station, face painting and cotton candy.

• Team members will greet fans during a walk down the "gold carpet" at 4pm.

📺 How to watch: Tickets are still available , and the game will air at 7pm on ESPN+ and Hulu.