The Nashville Predators made a splash in the 2024 NHL Free Agency by signing Jonathan Marchessault, who had a standout season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the optimism surrounding the Predators as potential Stanley Cup contenders, their performance has faltered, leading them to a lackluster current season and a position in the lottery. GM Barry Trotz is now considering a rebuild after admitting the team's struggles and hinting at potential trades.

The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested in acquiring Marchessault, who has maintained solid production despite the team's overall decline. However, his contract's length and age raise concerns about future value. The Kings may have assets to offer, including young players and a second-round pick, but they must weigh the implications of taking on a longer-term contract with a player nearing the end of his prime.

With no football to compete for attention, the NHL had a bustling weekend, leading to a unique Monday matchup where the Nashville Predators will take on the Ottawa Senators. This game presents a prime opportunity for daily fantasy sports (DFS) players to build competitive lineups under DraftKings' single-game format.

The recommended captain for this lineup is Drake Batherson of the Senators, who brings solid offensive stats, contributing significantly to Ottawa's offense. Complementing Batherson, Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos are key figures from Nashville, despite some recent struggles. Tim Stutzle, a rising star for the Senators, is also featured, showcasing his consistent scoring ability. Rounding out the lineup is Thomas Chabot, a defensive anchor for Ottawa, and Fedor Svechkov, a promising rookie, who offers considerable upside for DFS players.

The NHL's Saturday slate features intriguing matchups, particularly the contest between the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, where both teams are expected to generate significant offensive opportunities. Nashville’s top line, anchored by Filip Forsberg, who has been on fire lately with 19 points in his last 11 games, faces a Penguins squad allowing the eighth-highest expected goals against. The Penguins’ Sidney Crosby is another key player to watch, contributing to a line that leads in expected goals percentage. The Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings are also set to clash, with the Flames looking to capitalize on the Red Wings' defensive struggles. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri's recent form adds to the Flames' offensive potential. The matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs highlights Connor McDavid’s return, who has been impactful since his suspension. All these elements promise an exciting day for DFS players with a mix of established stars and emerging talents.

The NHL season heats up as strategists prepare for an action-packed Saturday slate. Notable forward lines highlight the Nashville Predators, boasting a favorable matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault have all recently excelled, contributing significantly to Nashville's five-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers look to capitalize on their encounter with the San Jose Sharks, who have struggled defensively, while the New Jersey Devils' third line shows promise against a vulnerable Montreal Canadiens. Additional standout lines include Tampa Bay Lightning's first line against the Detroit Red Wings, who have been prone to conceding goals.

On the defensive front, Victor Hedman and Roman Josi emerge as key players to target, both enjoying solid form ahead of their respective matchups. Hedman has been a pivotal force for the Lightning, while Josi's contributions have been essential for the Predators. For goalies, Sergei Bobrovsky and Logan Thompson are highlighted as prime targets, performing well against teams with low expected goal rates.

In a stunning display of resilience, Jonathan Marchessault led the Nashville Predators to a historic comeback against the San Jose Sharks, overcoming a daunting 5-1 deficit with six unanswered goals. This marked the first time in franchise history that the Predators achieved a four-goal comeback. Marchessault's stellar performance, accounting for four points (1 goal, 3 assists), also extended his impressive scoring streak to nine games.

Meanwhile, other Eastern Conference teams jockeyed for position in the tightly contested Wild Card race. Lane Hutson of the Canadiens, Adam Fox from the Rangers, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Flyers all contributed to their teams' victories. Hutson tied the rookie defenseman assist streak record and played a pivotal role in Montreal's comeback win against Columbus, while Fox's two assists propelled him into the top five of all-time points for New York defensemen during a shutout victory. Ristolainen continues to make waves with his overtime goal, solidifying his status as a key player for the Flyers.