One week ago, the Nashville Predators were in the hunt for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

But a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on April 13 essentially knocked out the Predators, ending what would have been a miraculous march to the postseason.

"We want to be playing right now," captain Roman Josi told reporters at Bridgestone Arena on April 20. "This day is always a weird day. You don't want to be here, you want to be playing hockey."

While a summer of change looms for the Predators — they have yet to hire a general manager to replace the retiring Barry Trotz — there's plenty to reflect on the season that just ended. From the sounds of it, there won't be too many changes to the roster, unless the new GM comes in with eyes on an overhaul.

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.1 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.1 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.2 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.3 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.4 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.5 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.6 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.7 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.8 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.9 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.10 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.11 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.12 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.13 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.14 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.15 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.16 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.17 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.18 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.19 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.20 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.21 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.22 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.23 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.24 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.25 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.26 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.27 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.28 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.29 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.30 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.31 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.32 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.33 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.34 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.35 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.36 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.37 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.38 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.39 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.40 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.41 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.42 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.43 / 43Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up seasonNashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.Here are four things we learned from the Predators' end-of-season availability.

Predators coach Andrew Brunette sounds as confident as ever that he will be back for the 2026-27 season.

"I'm the coach here today and I'm proud of the work we're doing," Brunette said. "I'm looking forward to keep coaching until someone says you can't coach anymore. When that time comes, it comes and there's no regrets."

Brunette, who played under Trotz, was hired by him to be the Predators' coach in 2023, and continues to rely on him to help develop his career.

"I was very grateful that (Trotz) worked with me over last year," he said. "To have somebody that you trust, that has so much knowledge, help me again this year. He helped me become a better player, he's helped me become a better coach."

Despite missing two of the last four games with an undisclosed upper-body injury, Josi said he feels healthy heading into the summer.

Josi was diagnosed with POTS last spring, in addition to dealing with multiple concussions during his career. This season, he began wearing a Q-Collar, a device designed to increase blood volume to the brain.

"I definitely felt a lot better than last year," he said. "The (Q-Collar), I think, helped me a ton . . . but I did a lot of other things in my life off the ice to help, too. This year was a big year with a lot games, the Olympics, traveling, and I felt good. I feel very healthy."

After an injury-riddled 2024-25 season, Josi bounced back with 13 goals and 42 assists in 68 games. He also led the Predators in ice time at 24:53 per game.

Since signing in Nashville in 2024, forward Jonathan Marchessault has not resembled the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner the Predators were hoping to get.

"I was not in a good head space," Marchessault said. "I wasn't the person that I usually am. And it ended up going against me. Whatever you feel in your body, if you're not in a good mindset, not a lot of success happens. I'm normally a really positive person . . . this year I wasn't."

Marchessault, who finished with just 31 points in 62 games, wasn't specific on the cause of his poor "head space." But he's convinced he was a big reason the Predators missed the playoffs.

"I want to be playing playoff games," he said. "But I'm aware that if I play the way I played this year, I'm not going to bring any team to the playoffs. You've got to look at yourself in the mirror. There's guys that made a difference this year and there's guys that didn't make a difference. I didn't make a difference this year."

Perhaps the most surprising revelation of the day was from Trotz. Apparently he has a Predators-related tattoo.

Though he did not reveal the type or location of the tattoo, he explained that he obtained one when illustrating what it meant for him to be wrapping up his three-year stint as Predators general manager.

"If you know me . . . the Nashville Predators are a team that . . . I've got a tattoo," he said, pointing to his lower body.