NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Triston Grant, LW (Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers)
Josh Gratton, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New York Rangers)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Brandon Bochenski, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
Martin Gelinas, LW (Unsigned Free Agent)
Jan Hlavac, LW (Signed with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Elite League)
Darcy Hordichuk, LW (Traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, later signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks)
Chris Mason, G (Traded to the St. Louis Blues)
Alexander Radulov, RW (Signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Marek Zidlicky, D (Traded to the Minnesota Wild)
2007-08 Season Finish: 2nd Central Division, 8th Western Conference, 91 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to the Detroit Red Wings in Quarterfinals
2008-09 Prediction: 3rd Central Division, 10th Western Conference
The Nashville Predators faced an uncertain future during the summer of 2007 with the pending sale to Jim Balsillie, who wanted to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario. After the deal feel through, the team was purchased by local investors who decided to keep the team in Nashville. Looking to keep the players' salary low, team management has opted to sign inexpensive, young talent rather than expensive veteran talent. As a result, the Predators were not very active during free agency this summer, but still have quality group of talented players, especially on offense. With Alexander Radulov's departure to the Kontinental Hockey League, Jason Arnott is perhaps the top forward on the Predators' roster. He brings the team lots of veteran depth, offensive talent, and rugged play. Veterans David Legwand and Steve Sullivan provide lots of offensive skill to the team's forward line, though the latter missed all of last season with a back injury and could likely miss more time during the new season. J.P. Dumont and Martin Erat enjoyed fine seasons in 2007-08 and will likely do so again next season, as both are just hitting their offensive potentials. Radek Bonk, Vernon Fiddler, and Jed Ortmeyer provide the Predators with solid, offensive depth on their checking lines, while Scott Nichol, Jordin Tootoo, and Jerred Smithson bring lots of grittiness and physicality. Young forwards Triston Grant, Josh Gratton, and Rich Peverley will look to make the team at training camp, but will likely face lots of competition from the Predators top prospects. Ryan Jones, whom the team views as a top-six forward, could likely make the team, as well as Antti Pihlstrom, Patric Hornqvist, Mark and Mike Santorelli, Nick Spaling, and Cal O'Reilly. While the team is loaded with offensive prospects, the team could use a veteran forward or two for depth. There have been rumors that the Predators are interested in singing Mark Parrish or Glen Murray to add veteran depth to the team.
The Predators lost a bit of veteran depth and offensive experience on their blueline with the departure of Marek Zidlicky, but still have plenty of talented defensemen. Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are quickly establishing themselves as the two top defensemen on the Predators with their offensive talent and physical play. Dan Hamhuis and Greg de Vries both provide the team with quality, defensive depth and toughness. Ville Koistinen and Greg Zanon give the team plenty of defensive depth on their 3rd defensive pairing. Youngsters Kevin Klein, Jonathan Blum, Teemu Laakso, and Cody Franson will look to make the team at training camp on their fine defensive talent.
Dan Ellis had a breakout season in 2007-08, and as a result, earned himself the starter's role late in the season. His fine performance in the playoffs against Detroit instilled enough confidence in Predators' management to sign him to a multi-year deal and trade away former starter Chris Mason. The backup role will likely fall to one of the Predators prospect goaltenders. Pekka Rinne, Mark Dekanich, and Chet Pickard will all showcase their fine goaltending skills to earn the backup position for the 2008-09 season. The Predators lack an experienced goaltender and could consider acquiring one if any of their current goaltenders struggle during the season.
STRENGTHS
- Team has lots of talented young forwards.
- Rugged defense.
- Plenty of quality goaltending prospects.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use one or two veteran forwards for depth.
- Need more offense on defense.
- Lack an experienced goaltender.
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