NHL Season Preview: Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators


Last Season's standings: record- 45-29-8 for 106 points. The Predators finished last season 2nd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference.

In: Josef Vasicek F (via trade w/ Carolina Hurricanes); Dominic Moore F (via trade w/ NY Rangers); Libor Pivko F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Chris Mason G; Jason Arnott F (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Jordin Tootoo F; Sheldon Brookbank D; Ramzi Abid F (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); David Legwand F; Martin Erat F; Scott Hartnell F; Alex Henry D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); J.P. Dumont F (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Tomas Vukoun G

Out: Mike Sillinger F (new team: NY Islanders); Scott Walker F (via trade w/ Carolina Hurricanes); Adam Hall F (via trade w/ NY Rangers); Dominic Moore F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Mark Eaton D (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Brendan Witt D (new team: NY Islanders); Darren Haydar F (new team: Atlanta Thrashers); Danny Markov D (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Greg Johnson F (new team: Detroit Red Wings)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Predators lost a few key players from last year in Scott Walker, Adam Hall, Mark Eaton, Brendan Witt and Greg Johnson. This team looks scary fast all around with speedsters Paul Kariya and J.P. Dumont. Tomas Vukoun is looking to bounce back and prove he's over the blood clots that forced him to miss the playoffs. Jordin Tootoo is back to give opposing players headaches. Defense is going to be an adventure for this teaam as four of their defensive corps are 25 or younger and need to gain experience in the NHL. I expect this team to do well in net and offensively with several playes who can put the puck in the net on a whim.

Season Prediction: The Predators will finish the 06-07 season in 5th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Central Division.