Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators, Picks and Prediction, Thursday, October 9, 2025

The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Nashville Predators with both teams looking to start the season on the right foot. The Blue Jackets came up just short of a playoff spot last season, and with a young and talented roster, they look to take a significant step forward. The Predators were one of the worst teams in the NHL last season and look to bounce back and make the playoffs this season with a veteran-heavy win-now group. Who will win this game? Check out our Blue Jackets vs Predators prediction!

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Blue Jackets hope offense carries them to the playoffs

The Blue Jackets came up just short of the playoffs with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.26 goals per game. Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan, and Kent Johnson scored 74 goals and 114 assists but the rest of the offense stepped up as well. Adam Fantilli scored 31 goals in his second NHL season while Zach Werenski’s 23 goals and 59 assists put him in the Norris Trophy conversation.

The offense was great but the defense looks to improve on what was a rough season, as they allowed 3.26 goals per game. Zach Werenski and Dante Fabbro led the top pairing but the rest of the unit struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins looks to rebound after having a .892 save percentage and a 3.18 goals-against average on 1557 shots with -11.4 goals saved above average.

Nashville hopes offense improves

The Predators are looking to bounce back from a rough season where their offense let them down and scored only 2.59 goals per game. Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault combined for 52 goals and 80 assists, but the rest of the offense struggled. The hope is that Roman Josi helps out the unit from the point, as he scored nine goals and only 29 assists, but is one of the best scoring defensemen in the NHL.

The offense looks to rebound but the defense also must step up as they allowed 3.34 goals per game. Roman Josi and Brady Skjei anchored the top two pairings, but the rest of the unit struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. Additionally, goaltender Juuse Saros looks to rebound as he had a .895 save percentage and a 2.98 goals-against average on 1592 shots with -7.6 goals saved above average.

Blue Jackets vs Predators Pick

Money Line Pick for Blue Jackets vs. Predators

• Blue Jackets (+110) (4 units)

The Predators look to step up on their home ice, but the Blue Jackets look to take teams by surprise and take over this game from the first period. The Blue Jackets should pile on the goals with Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Blue Jackets should limit the Predators' offense, which averaged only 2.59 goals per game last season, with Zach Werenski, Dante Fabbro, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while goaltender Elvis Merzlikins blanks the shots on the net. The Blue Jackets should win the game and provide great odds in the process as road Underdogs.

Take the Blue Jackets money line as road Underdogs.

Over/Under Pick For Blue Jackets vs Predators

• Over 6 (5 Units)

The two teams have questionable defenses, and this game looks to be a high-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Predators should create plenty of scoring chances against the Blue Jackets, who allowed 3.26 goals per game last season, with Filip Forsberg, Jonathan Marchessault, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Blue Jackets, who averaged 3.26 goals per game last season, should run up the score against the Predators, who allowed 3.34 goals per game, with Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, Sean Monahan, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush while creating open shots with effective puck movement while Zach Werenski picks apart the Predators defense from the point. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.

Take the Over on 6 goals.