Best, Worst & More | Nashville Predators 25-26 Superlatives Ft. Ann Kimmel

Locked On Predators - Daily Podcast On The Nashville Predators42mApril 23, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this end-of-season special, Jack Williams and returning guest Ann Kimmel celebrate the Nashville Predators' 2025-26 campaign with a lighthearted yet insightful look at the team's superlatives. They highlight standout performances, surprising turnarounds, and key developmental moments, focusing on players who exceeded expectations. Steven Stamkos earns the Comeback Player of the Year honors for dramatically improving his game after a slow start, embracing a new role at the net front. Eustace Ananen is praised as the biggest surprise, transforming from a struggling goaltender to a reliable presence by season's end. The young players shine too, with Ryan Ufko and Reed Schaefer earning recognition as top AHL call-ups, while Matthew Wood emerges as the clear Rookie of the Year with a breakout 20-goal season. The discussion turns to high-ceiling players, with Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Shea both receiving thoughtful defense despite underwhelming seasons, emphasizing their untapped potential. The MVP debate culminates in a passionate case for Philip Forsberg as the team’s most valuable player, followed by a strong endorsement of Ryan O'Reilly’s off-ice leadership and cultural impact, which both hosts believe surpasses even on-ice stats.

Key Takeaways
1

Steven Stamkos transformed his game late in the season by embracing a front-of-net role, proving veteran players can adapt and excel.

2

Eustace Ananen’s quiet, patient comeback from a rough start to becoming a reliable starter is one of the season’s most inspiring stories.

3

Matthew Wood’s breakout season as a 20-goal scorer and versatile center shows he has franchise-changing potential.

4

Ryan O'Reilly’s leadership and locker room presence are arguably more valuable than his point totals, making him the team’s most important off-ice asset.

5

Brady Shea and Jonathan Marchessault still have high ceilings, but their current disconnect with the system needs to be addressed.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Season Wrap-Up & Superlatives Kickoff

Jack Williams and Ann Kimmel open the episode with a fun, upbeat tone, introducing the superlatives format and setting the stage for a celebration of the Predators' season. They highlight the grilled cheese at Bridgestone Arena and preview the segments: comebacks, young players, and best/worst.

10:00
10 min

Comeback Players of the Year: Stamkos & Ananen

For me, I am shocked and amazed and kind of proud that Steven Stamkos was able to do what he did the way he did it this year. Just shocking to me what we got to see from him by the end of the season.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Biggest Surprises: Blankenberg & Youth Movement

Just a huge, massive surprise in my opinion for the Preds this year.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Rookie & Call-Up Breakouts

He's a guy that really can earn a full-time spot here and just talking about guys that left on that fourth line... this is a guy that completely fits out the Predators' normal build.

Highlight
40:00
20 min

Highest Ceiling & MVP: Forsberg vs. O'Reilly

If you were talking about impact on this franchise on the ice and off the ice of a player, not brought up through this system, Ryan O'Reilly is the most important guy in this franchise history.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
If you were talking about impact on this franchise on the ice and off the ice of a player, not brought up through this system, Ryan O'Reilly is the most important guy in this franchise history.
Ann Kimmel40:44
Viral: 90.0
For me, I am shocked and amazed and kind of proud that Steven Stamkos was able to do what he did the way he did it this year. Just shocking to me what we got to see from him by the end of the season.
Ann Kimmel2:53
Viral: 85.0
Just a huge, massive surprise in my opinion for the Preds this year.
Ann Kimmel9:19
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Host

Jack Williams

Guest

Ann Kimmel
Topics Discussed
leadership and team culture95%comeback player of the year90%player potential and ceiling88%young player development85%rookie performance82%goaltending performance80%franchise identity and legacy75%trade deadline impact70%
People & Brands

Nashville Predators

other

60xPositive

Jack Williams

person

25xPositive

Ann Kimmel

person

25xPositive

Ryan O'Reilly

person

15xPositive

Eustace Ananen

person

15xPositive

Philip Forsberg

person

14xPositive

Steven Stamkos

person

12xPositive

Matthew Wood

person

12xPositive

Jonathan Marchessault

person

10xNeutral

Reed Schaefer

person

10xPositive

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