NHL Team Accidentally Exposes Nashville SC's Blockbuster Star Signing

The NHL's Nashville Predators accidentally revealed Nashville SC's major acquisition on Thursday, showcasing Cristian Espinoza as their latest midfielder addition before the MLS team could make their official announcement.

During the third period of the Predators' 2–1 victory against the New York Islanders at home, the arena's scoreboard displayed Espinoza wearing a Predators uniform, featuring "MLS All Star" beneath his name.

Nashville SC had hinted at a significant signing earlier that day but hadn't formally introduced Espinoza when he appeared on the jumbotron during the hockey match. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder had previously been connected to Nashville's MLS franchise by The Athletic's Tom Bogert, as the organization continues working toward their MLS Cup ambitions.

Espinoza concluded seven seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes and ranked among MLS's premier free agents this winter. He joins Nashville as a Designated Player, concluding his tenure on the West Coast.

Throughout his Earthquakes career, Espinoza recorded 36 goals and 70 assists across 218 regular-season matches. In 2025, the Argentine midfielder led MLS with 114 key passes, representing one of the few attacking statistics not dominated by Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi.

Additional suitors for the two-time MLS All-Star included the Portland Timbers and overseas clubs, according to The Athletic.

Nashville SC's Superstar Attack Just Got More Dangerous

Espinoza will enhance an already formidable Nashville squad under former U.S. men's national team interim coach B.J. Callaghan, joining an offensive unit spearheaded by 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar and English forward Sam Surridge, whose 24 goals placed him third in the 2025 MLS Golden Boot standings.

Mukhtar contributed 16 goals and 12 assists, with his partnership alongside Surridge producing 40 goals during the regular campaign. They also spearheaded the club's pursuit of their inaugural trophy, the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, marking the first professional sports championship claimed by a Tennessee-based organization.

Espinoza not only enhances their offensive capabilities to new heights but also fills the void left by Canadian international winger Jacob Shaffelburg, whom the club traded to LAFC during the offseason for $1 million in General Allocation Money.