Wild turn to Wallstedt as Predators open with new-look lineup

The Nashville Predators open their season against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, Oct. 1, with Jesper Wallstedt expected to start in goal for Minnesota. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).

The Wild will be without defenceman Brock Faber and goaltender Filip Gustavsson. Faber is out indefinitely after surgery for a skull fracture sustained against Dallas on Sept. 25; Gustavsson is recovering from offseason hip surgery, Minnesota said in its morning-skate report. Calvin Pickard is projected to back up Wallstedt.

NHL.com's projected lineup pairs Quinn Hughes with Jared Spurgeon on Minnesota's top defence unit. Nashville is expected to debut Ross Colton and Mavrik Bourque on a line with Jonathan Marchessault, while captain Roman Josi is set to skate with Ryan Ufko. The Predators said their roster is healthy for opening night.

Nashville coach Andrew Brunette has urged his players to establish their style from the opening faceoff after a slow response in the final preseason game against Carolina. The projected lineups remain subject to change.