Season Preview: Nashville Predators
Major Additions: Martin Gelinas, Radek Bonk, Greg De Vries
Major Subtractions: Paul Kariya, Timmo Kimmonen, Scott Hartnell, Tomas Vokoun
Analysis
It’s been a sad year for Predators fans. While they had a great season last year they were bounced from the playoffs earlier than hoped and then had to suffer through the uncertainty of the almost-sale and relocation of the team. While a recent intent to purchase from a group of local investors appears to have offered stability at least for the short term, the specifics of the deal - notably the involvement of one named “Boots” who has made no secret of his desire to move a franchise to Kansas City - should at least make the faithful nervous. Even worse, in a desire to cut payroll and losses, the Predators have parted with virtually the entire core of their recent success. Steve Sullivan remains but will miss several months of the season due to surgery!
Nashville is in real danger of missing the playoffs this year - terrible slide for a team that challenged for the President’s Trophy for much of the past season. Not merely the players they’ve lost but the attitude of their owners will likely result in a massive backwards slide. Sure, they still boast Chris Mason, statistically one of the top 5 goalies in the league last year though dangerously unproven; yes, they have a number of exciting and solid young players like Alexander Radulov. However, they lost their captain, their starting goaltender and their leading scorer in a single summer. The players have to know the future of the team is uncertain at best, and they also have to know they’re no longer expected or supposed to be competing for the Cup. Don’t expect a Peter Forsberg to arrive in town at the trade deadline to bolster a cup run.