The Predators remain unconvinced that goaltender Juuse Saros is in decline, setting up an uncomfortable next eight years on a new contract.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - There was a lot of hope and optimism surrounding the Nashville Predators organization going into the 2024-25 season.

The Oilers have two days before opening the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC), and the practice Monday was a good step to Ekholm getting back into the lineup at some point during the series.

The Nashville Predators played one of the most disappointing seasons in the NHL this season. They finished 30-44-8 for 68 points, good for the third-worst record in the Western Conference.

he could not fix the Predators' dismal offense. Despite the team's offseason upgrades with Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville ranked 31st in goals per game (2.59) and was at or near the bottom of the Western Conference for most of the season.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi missed ... Josi said the team's performance and position in the Western Conference standings did not play a part in not returning to the team this season.

The Nashville Predators plan to proceed with coach Andrew Brunette ... offseason of signings with a dismal performance in 2024-25 that saw them miss the Western Conference playoffs. "Andrew Brunette, to me, is a good young coach. That's why I hired him ...

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Jets will try to win the second Game 7 in their history while the St. Louis Blues will attempt to win their fifth consecutive Game 7 when they meet in the finale of their Western Conference First Round series at Canada Life Centre on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TBS, MAX, FDSNMW).