On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young analyze the Western Conference's contenders, bubble teams, and basement teams after free agency and the draft. We start with why the Nashville Predators have joined the Western Conference elite with their massive offseason and if the Vancouver Canucks can prove that last year was not a fluke. Next, we look at teams who will probably contend for the playoffs but are a tier below the contenders and if the Seattle Kraken and Utah Hockey Club can enter the fray this season. Finally, which teams are expected to have a long season, and why do the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues feel directionless compared to the rest of the basement teams?

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The Nashville Predators made some big moves in free agency this offseason as GM Barry Trotz landed Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault while re-signing goalie Juuse Saros.

Ann Kimmel of Locked On Predators joins us to discuss the moves and what to expect in Music City this season after they've been made.

The New Jersey Devils acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Flames and skaters like Brett Pesce, Stefan Noesen and Tomas Tatar.

Trey Matthews of Locked On Devils joins us to discuss the moves and the team's new outlook for the 2024-25 season as a result.

And changes have come to Vegas as there was a substantial exodus of talent for the Vegas Golden Knights in free agency.

Chris Gawlik of Locked On Golden Knights joins us to discuss the impact of these changes and what to expect from VGK this coming season.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin.

eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
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The NHL has released their 2024-25 schedule. We look at all the highlights including the NHL debut of Macklin Celebrini with the San Jose Sharks, the first NHL game for the Utah Hockey Team, the raising of the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup banner and some great matchups like the return of Steven Stamkos to Tampa Bay with the Nashville Predators.

We also analyze some preliminary discussions about changes to the NHL season including starting earlier and increasing the number of regular season games.

And the NHL has announced the first six players for the Four Nations Tournament in February. Who made the preliminary rosters for Canada, the USA, Finland and Sweden and what can we tell about each team thus far.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.

eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)