Steven Stamkos is starting the NHL season like a player determined to prove that age is just a number, but tonight’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators could reveal something even more interesting for fantasy hockey managers.
The Nashville Predators visit Ottawa on Saturday, October 10, with Stamkos riding a four-game point streak, Roman Josi producing like an elite offensive defenseman, and Nashville’s power play converting at an impressive 38.5%.
Meanwhile, Tim Stützle has collected six points in four games for Ottawa, but the Senators suddenly face an important lineup challenge. William Eklund is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Jake Sanderson’s availability remains uncertain. Those absences could create valuable offensive opportunities for other players.
I believe the most important fantasy storyline isn’t necessarily which team wins. It’s whether Ottawa’s changing lineup can handle Nashville’s dangerous special teams.
My biggest fantasy player to watch is Roman Josi. With Nashville generating power-play opportunities and Ottawa missing important defensive personnel, Josi could become one of tonight’s most productive players.
Let’s examine the matchup, individual projections, recent statistics and my final score prediction.
Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators Game Information
The Predators and Senators meet at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, on Saturday evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with Canadian coverage on Sportsnet One and TVA Sports.
Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators Fantasy Hockey Matchup Outlook
Ottawa enters the game with a 3-1-0 record and six standings points, while Nashville is 2-1-1 with five points. Both teams have scored 12 goals, averaging exactly 3.00 per game.
However, there are two important differences.
Ottawa has the stronger defensive numbers. The Senators have allowed nine goals, averaging 2.25 against. Nashville has surrendered 11, averaging 2.75.
The Predators hold a significant advantage on the power play, converting five of their first 13 opportunities (38.5%). Ottawa has scored twice in 18 opportunities (11.1%). Nashville also has the stronger penalty kill at 81.8%, compared with Ottawa’s 76.5%.
I wouldn’t assume these percentages will continue over 82 games. Four games are not enough to establish reliable long-term trends, but they do show where the early fantasy opportunities are developing.
Ottawa has won its only home game, while Nashville is 1-0-1 on the road.
Nashville also won both meetings during the 2025–26 season, including a 5-3 comeback victory on January 22, when Stamkos scored a hat trick. The Predators previously won 4-1 in Ottawa on October 13, 2025.
My fantasy takeaway: Nashville’s special teams offer greater immediate upside, but Ottawa’s better early defensive results make its leading forwards attractive options, particularly if the game features extended five-on-five opportunities.
NHL Fantasy Players to Watch in Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators
Steven Stamkos — Nashville Predators
Stamkos has three goals and three assists through four games, including two power-play goals.
What impresses me is his continued ability to find scoring opportunities despite entering his age-36 season. His combination with Ryan O’Reilly creates strong fantasy potential whenever Nashville has the man advantage.
I expect Stamkos to remain a high-upside scoring option, particularly in leagues rewarding goals and power-play points.
Roman Josi — Nashville Predators
Josi has one goal and four assists through four games while averaging nearly 26 minutes of ice time.
That workload matters. Josi can generate fantasy production through assists, shots, blocked shots and power-play involvement.
Against Ottawa’s injury-affected defense, I consider Josi a particularly attractive fantasy defenseman.
Filip Forsberg — Nashville Predators
Forsberg has four assists but has yet to score his first goal this season. Last year, he recorded 40 goals and 75 points.
I’m not particularly concerned about the early goal drought. His established finishing ability and continued offensive opportunities make him a dangerous candidate to break through.
Tim Stützle — Ottawa Senators
Stützle is Ottawa’s most dangerous fantasy forward entering this matchup.
With three goals and three assists, he has already demonstrated the offensive responsibility he carries following major changes to the Senators’ roster.
I expect Ottawa to lean heavily on him, especially with Eklund unavailable. Increased responsibility could translate into additional scoring chances.
Drake Batherson, Thomas Chabot and Carter Yakemchuk
Batherson has two goals and one assist through four games and remains an important offensive option.
Chabot is particularly interesting because Sanderson’s absence creates additional opportunities for offensive-zone deployment and power-play responsibility.
I am also monitoring young defenseman Carter Yakemchuk. His offensive instincts make him worth watching in deeper fantasy leagues, although his role and special-teams opportunities are less established than Chabot’s.
NHLTradeRumor.com Fantasy Matchup Projection
These are my single-game player point ranges, not statistical guarantees. They reflect offensive talent, early deployment, special teams and expected matchup opportunities.
These projections assume the player dresses and receives meaningful minutes. Line combinations and starting goaltenders may change before puck drop.
NHLTradeRumor Fantasy Watch
Top Five Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators Fantasy Scorers for This Season
The first four games of the 2026–27 season have already produced some interesting scoring trends.
Stamkos leads Nashville with six points, followed by Josi with five and Forsberg with four. O’Reilly and Nils Höglander have three points each, although Alexander Kerfoot is tied with them.
Stützle leads Ottawa with six points. Batherson, Michael Amadio, Shane Pinto and Claude Giroux have three apiece.
NHLTradeRumor.com Scoring Index
Nashville note: Alexander Kerfoot (1-2-3) is tied at three points with O’Reilly and Höglander. Rankings use a five-player display.
Injuries and Absences That Could Affect Fantasy Value
Ottawa’s injuries are the biggest lineup variable entering Saturday’s matchup.
William Eklund — ankle injury: Senators coach Travis Green confirmed Friday that Eklund is expected to miss an extended period, although a specific return date has not been established.
Eklund had been playing alongside Stützle and Batherson. His absence creates an opening that could benefit Ridly Greig, Fabian Zetterlund or another forward receiving additional top-six minutes.
Jake Sanderson — injury-related absence: Sanderson remains out without a confirmed return date. I expect Chabot to benefit from additional offensive responsibility if Sanderson cannot play.
Artem Zub — knee injury: Zub’s absence puts additional pressure on Ottawa’s defensive pairings, potentially creating opportunities for Jordan Spence, Tyler Kleven and Yakemchuk.
Andre Burakovsky — upper-body injury: Green indicated Friday that Burakovsky was close to returning and could play against Nashville. If activated, he becomes an immediate candidate for an increased offensive role, particularly with Eklund unavailable.
Nashville also has injury concerns.
Mavrik Bourque — upper-body injury: Bourque left Thursday’s game against Montreal and did not return. His status requires confirmation before the game. A continued absence could change the opportunities available to Ross Colton, Jack Drury or Matthew Wood.
William Trudeau — upper-body injury: Trudeau has been placed on injured reserve and is considered week-to-week.
Justus Annunen — undisclosed injury: With Annunen on injured reserve, Nashville has been relying heavily on Juuse Saros. Matt Murray is available as a backup option, but the starting assignment has not yet been officially confirmed for tonight.
Nashville also acquired defenseman Jayden Struble from Montreal on October 9. His availability and defensive pairing require confirmation, and I would not expect an immediate major fantasy impact without evidence of meaningful offensive usage.
What I’m watching: Ottawa’s replacement for Eklund alongside Stützle and Batherson, plus whether Sanderson’s absence gives Chabot sustained first-unit power-play responsibility.
Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators Fantasy Hockey Prediction
I’m predicting a 3-2 Ottawa victory, although I expect Nashville to create dangerous scoring opportunities through its power play.
Ottawa’s stronger early defensive results, home-ice advantage, and Stützle’s offensive production give the Senators a slight edge in my projection.
However, this is not a comfortable matchup for Ottawa.
Nashville has demonstrated an ability to score in bunches, including five unanswered goals against Montreal on Thursday. I expect Stamkos and Josi to generate opportunities, particularly if Ottawa continues taking penalties.
Goaltending could determine the outcome. Saros has faced substantial shot volume early in the season and remains capable of stealing a game. Linus Ullmark has performed well for Ottawa, although his starting assignment still requires confirmation.
If Ullmark starts and Ottawa limits Nashville’s power-play opportunities, I favour the Senators. If the game becomes penalty-heavy, Nashville’s chances improve considerably.
My projected fantasy advantage: Ottawa for its leading forwards, Nashville for offensive defensemen and power-play upside.
What Matters More Than the Final Score?
For fantasy managers, I believe Ottawa’s lineup adjustments could be more important than Saturday’s result.
Who replaces Eklund alongside Stützle? Does Chabot continue receiving additional power-play minutes? Can Yakemchuk establish a meaningful offensive role?
Those answers could influence fantasy decisions for weeks, while the game’s final score will matter primarily for tonight’s standings and goaltending results.
How to Watch Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators
Saturday’s game begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. CT and 5:00 p.m. MT at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
In Canada, coverage is scheduled on Sportsnet One and TVA Sports (TVAS-D), with Sportsnet+ availability depending on the subscription and territory.
In the United States, Nashville-area viewers can watch through Scripps Sports/The Spot – Nashville 28 or the team’s in-market PredsTV service. ESPN+ is listed for eligible out-of-market viewers.
Radio coverage includes 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network, along with TSN 1200 for Ottawa listeners.
A regional blackout means a streaming service may restrict the game because local broadcasting rights belong to another provider. Check your local channel and subscription before puck drop, since broadcast availability can change.
For more matchup coverage, check the Nashville Predators TV schedule and Ottawa Senators TV schedule, or follow the 2026–27 NHL point leaders throughout the season. While you’re here, join our NHL Fantasy Hockey Pool to test your GM skills against other hockey fans and compete for ultimate bragging rights.
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