Here is the official roster come game night

FORWARDS
Wade Belak
J.P. Dumont
Martin Erat
Marcel Goc
Patric Hornqvist
Sergei Kostitsyn
David Legwand
Matthew Lombardi
Cal O’Reilly
Jerred Smithson
Steve Sullivan
Jordin Tootoo
Joel Ward
Colin Wilson
DEFENSEMEN
Francis Bouillon
Cody Franson
Kevin Klein
Shane O’Brien
Alexander Sulzer
Ryan Suter
Shea Weber
GOALTENDERS
Anders Lindback
Pekka Rinne

*Jamie Lundmark will be on the IR

Looks pretty solid to me. I must confess, I’ve been a bit slow reporting the Jonas Andersson and Ryan Parent trade because I was expecting the Predators to make another move. While I really don’t approve of the trade with the Canucks (Shane O’Brien is a penalty magnet) it certainly solved the logjam that the Preds had at the blue line and up front. Parent was signed for two years, almost guaranteeing one of Josi, Blum, or Ellis would not have a shot at a roster spot next season. Although I thought Parent was our 4th best D-man at camp, I guess management wanted someone with more experience and size. They certainly found that with O’Brien. I just pray O’Brien’s notorious lust for parties doesn’t burn Broadway to the ground…

Either way, welcome to Nashville Shane!

Let’s get this thing started!

So we are officially a week away from the puck dropping in Nashville. Here are a couple of updates in case you missed the past week of camp…

1. Sergei Kostitsyn is still raw. Yes he has dynamic playmaking abilities, but he still needs to focus on his defensive game and adjusting it to Barry Trotz system. I think the main reason Sergei seemed to be out of sync at camp has more to do with a new team rather than disinterest. Sergei will be a great fit in Music City.

2. Anders Lindback is the real deal. The 6’6 Swedish goalie looks like a solid back up for Pekka Rinne. Poile said on the radio yesterday that he expects Rinne to start somewhere between 60-70 games this year. I expect Lindback to start 17 games. By the way, with Rinne at 6’5 and Lindback at 6’6 Nashville has the tallest goaltending tandem in the league! That doesn’t leave much net to shoot at! Congrats to the big man in net.

3. Jonas Andersson is really really really fast. Anyone you beats Matthew Lombardi in speed skating drills has to be pretty darn good if you ask me. It looks the Predators’ 2nd round pick in 1999 may actually amount to something after all. I expect Andersson to not only make the team, but round out the top 9… probably on a line with David Legwand and J.P. Dumont

4. Patric Hornqvist will not slow down this season. From what I have been able to see of him in camp, Hornqvist has shown no signs of slowing down after getting a new contract. He has shown a lot of heart out on the ice. I was concerned he may not be able to live up to expectations this season, but wow this kid is impressive. I originally had him slotted for 50 points this season but I am going to change that to 60. I really feel like Hornqvist is a super star in the making. Indeed, Patric Hornqvist is till the Super Swedish Viking.

5. The Power Play is still the Flower Play. Up until the last preseason game, the Predators Power Play was 1-26. That is disgraceful.

One week until hockey! I will update ya’ll on line combinations as soon as I get them! Take care!

Can you feel it? Do you wish they would flood a lacrosse field so you could watch a real sport? Do you notice cars that remind you of Zamboni’s? Is your idea of a great Halloween mask a face crushed against the glass?
If so, you have “hockeyitis”. But fear not, help is coming soon.

The leaves are already changing here in Oxford, Ohio. With the drop in temperature comes the promise of a new season. I am not referring to that sissy sport they can only play once a week. I’m talking about hockey- NHL style. For months the NHL fans have been in a collective hibernation: only to wake up momentarily for any Ilya Kovalchuk sightings.

Though I am five and a half hours away from the team I love, I can feel the anticipation every fan in Nashville has for the upcoming season. Master and commander David Poile has been uncharacteristically busy this offseason, adding and removing players to generate excitement and wins and fit in his small budget. Gone are Hamhuis, Arnott, and Dan Ellis. Enter Lombardi, Sergei Kostitsyn, and Parent. While these guys might not be big names, they certainly will have a chance to prove themselves in Music City USA.

While Nashville’s lineup won’t dazzle anyone[Rydburg Jeff] interested in high visibility high cost stars, there is enough talent and grit (not to mention heart) to get the job done. I don’t expect Nashville to light up opposing goaltenders, however, I do expect them to win a lot of 3-1, 2-1 hockey games this season. Let’s take a look at my projected roster for the season opener…

Here is my take on what the lineup will be opening day…

Sullivan-Wilson-Hornqvist
Kostitsyn-Legwand-Ward
Dumont-Lombardi-Erat
Smithson-Goc-Tootoo
Belak (as necessary)

Weber-Suter
Klein-Bouillon
Parent-Franson
Blum

Rinne
Lindback

Like I said, that lineup isn’t exactly San Jose… but it certainly isn’t Toronto either. The Predators will have a hard time consistently scoring, but I think they will have just enough offense to punch to put in 225 goals this season, slightly above last years 217.

There will be big expectations for the Pred’s young players, especially for Colin Wilson who will assume the role as the team’s top center. Personally, I think Wilson is ready for the challenge. He is a physically gifted two-way forward who has good play making abilities. I am expecting a 45 point season for Wilson this year. People have grossly exaggerated Jason Arnott’s presence on this team. Wilson will be able to step in and do a fine job.

Patric Hornqvist will also have to live up to high expectations after scoring 30 goals last season and leading the team in total points (51). I expect Hornqvist to continue his net crashing this season and notch 50 points.

Cody Franson and Ryan Parent will have high expectations. Nashville fans have extremely high hopes for Cody Franson. The kid produced last season, tallying 21 points in 61 games played. I fully expect Franson to break 30 points this season.

Preds fans will remember Parent as part of the Fopa deal from the 06-07 season. Poile traded Dan Hamhuis’ rights for Parent in what turned out to be a great deal for Nashville due to Hamhuis not signing with Philly. While Parent certainly has some question marks and health concerns, he still has the potential to be a shutdown D man in the NHL.

There will also be a demand for veterans to step up and produce this year.

Steve Sullivan has been a staple for this team for years. While the ball of lightning is getting up there in years, Sullivan is still a crafty forward. Remember, old age and trickery always overcomes youth and skill. Sullivan will have a good year, probably in the neighborhood of 50 points.

David Legwand, love him or hate him, will always be David Legwand. While he has the potential to absolutely a monster offensively, his defensive game will always be his calling card. If Legwand is given the right linemates (not Marty Erat) I think he will post about 50 points this season.

Martin Erat will be Martin Erat. He is Mr. Consistency when it comes to his scoring ability in Nashville. He has consistently posted 50 point campaigns since he entered the league, and I don’t expect that to change.

JP Dumont had a rough season last year, only tallying 45 points after posting 72, 65, and 66 points in his prior years. JP was even demoted to third line duty midway through the year. JP redeemed himself in the playoffs, tallying 4 points in 6 games played. Dumont and Legwand really clicked together last season so I hope their chemistry continues.

Lastly, we get to goaltending where Pekka Rinne will be crowned the starter. I expect Pekka to play close to 70 games this season. While I have Lindback slotted for the back up position, there really isn’t a favorite for the back up position at this time.

The biggest concern for the Predators this season will be the abysmal power play that failed them in both the regular season and the playoffs. A pathetic 16.4% isn’t going to impress anyone. The Predators are hoping that newly added forwards Matthew Lombardi and Sergei Kostitsyn will help power play.

Yes the season is changing. The weather is cooling… but hockey is firing up! It starts today when the Predators have their first on ice practice.

The Predators are on the prowl.

Sorry for the brevity of the last post, but I was in the middle of my Colonial Literature class when I got the news. It has been confirmed, Cody Franson has signed a two year deal with the Predators worth a total of 1.6M. Cody had an outstanding rookie campaign, tallying six goals and adding fifteen assists in sixty-one games. Not too shabby for a rookie. This signing rounds out Nashville’s blueline for next season… even though that the log jam for position is scary. Take a look…

Weber/Suter
Boullion/Klein

Those are the guys that have locked spots… but take a look at the youngsters that are battling for those last positions…
Blum
Franson
Parent
Ellis
Sulzer
Laakso
Johnson

That is a ton of youngsters battling for a spot on the big club. Most people, myself included, feel Parent and Franson should be locks by the time camp is done, but don’t be surprised if the Predators try Ryan Ellis out for a few games before sending him back down to Windsor.

Let the battle BEGIN!

Speaking of battles, has anyone been paying attention to the war former Predator netminder Dan Ellis created on twitter on labor day? Because I really don’t consider it news worthy, I am going to ignore all the hoopla and just say I agree with Dan. An 18% salary cut is an 18% cut, no matter how much you are making. I would be just as frustrated if I were in Ellis’ shoes. If you want to follow the drama, check out Dan Ellis’ twitter and give him more hits. I am sure he would appreciate it.

Yesterday marked a historic day in Nashville Predator’s history.

The local ownership group now owns more than 95% of franchise shares. I repeat, local businessmen own 95% of the Nashville Predators.

While this blog could cover all the little details and misconceptions about this purchase, I have confidence that the committed fans are familiar enough with the situation to know all the details. We may not be large in number, but you have never met a fanbase with more passion for this game.

The hockey season is right around the corner, and Nashville fans have to be excited for the upcoming season. This has arguably been the best offseason (on and off the ice) in franchise history.

1. Dumped cap by getting rid of a player who did not fit the mentality of the team.
2. Acquired a young, NHL ready shut down defenseman for nothing.
3. Avoided paying an overrated defenseman.
4. Added a speedy center with x factor potential.
5. Resigned the first home grown 30G scorer in franchise history.
6. Named Shea “Freaking” Weber Captain. The first homegrown Captain in franchise history.
7. In February, the Predators announced Bridgestone as long-term naming rights partner for the arena, a locally-headquartered company.
8. Introduced Jeff Cogen as CEO and Sean Henry as President and COO.
9. Sign homegrown prospect Blake Geoffrion to an NHL contract. Geoffrion, by the way, won the Hobey Baker last year as the NCAA’s college hockey player of the year.
10. Reaffirm a commitment to help grow the game by expanding youth hockey in the Middle Tennessee area.
11. Added a wild car player with tons of potential.
12. Have a log jam at every position in what is anticipated to be the most competitive camp in the history of the franchise.

Let’s go PREDATORS!

Here is my take on what the lineup will be opening day…

Sullivan Lombardi Hornqvist
Kostitsyn Legwand Ward
Dumont Wilson Erat
Smithson Goc Tootoo

Weber/Suter
Klein/Bouillon
Parent/Franson

Rinne
Dekanich

If you ask me that is pretty solid… but consider the following…

Nashville currently has an insane amount of NHL ready forwards who could fill in that fourth/third line… here are just a few…

Andersson
Belak
O’Reilly
Halischuk
Lundmark
Klasen
Thuresson
Geoffrion
Spaling

For those of you counting at home, Nashville could make a grand total of 3 EXTRA lines out of those guys! This year’s camp will be the most competitive in the history of the Predators. You have almost 13 guys fighting for essentially 4 open spots… let the battle begin!

Here is what I expect the roster to look like later in the season…

Hornqvist Wilson Erat
Kostitsyn Lombardi Sullivan
Dumont Legwand Ward
Smithson Goc Andersson

Weber/Suter
Parent/Franson
Bouillon/ Klein

Rinne
Lindback

What do you think Nashville fans? Does this team look like a playoff team on paper?

RUMOR UPDATE:
I have it on three good sources that Patrick O’Sullivan could be a Predator within a week… I am not really sure where the maligned forward would fit in, but I would certainly give him a chance at league minimum to round out that top 9.

STANDING PREDICTION:
Since a lot of bloggers are making their predictions, I might as well through my hat in the ring. I’ve even included where those teams finished last year to give you an indicator of their plus/minus.

NOTE: I am not doing it based on division winners, just overall points.

Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals (0)
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (+1)
3. Philadelphia Flyers (+4)
4. Boston Bruins (+2)
5. New Jersey Devils (-3)
6. Buffalo Sabres (-2)
7. Carolina Hurricanes (+4)
8. Tampa Bay Lightning (+4)
9. Montreal Canadiens (-1)
10. Ottawa Senators (-5)
11. NY Rangers (-1)
12. Toronto Maple Leafs (+3)
13. Florida Panthers (+1)
14. Atlanta Thrashers (-4)
15. NY Islanders (-2)

Western Conference
1. San Jose Sharks (0)
2. Chicago Blackhawks (0)
3. Vancouver Canucks (+1)
4. Detroit Red Wings (+1)
5. Colorado Avalanche (+3)
6. LA Kings (+0)
7. Nashville Predators (+0)
8. St. Louis blues (+1)
9. Calgary Flames (+1)
10. Phoenix Coyotes (-6)
11. Anaheim Ducks (+0)
12. Minnesota Wild (+1)
13. Columbus Blue Jackets (+1)
14. Dallas Stars (-2)
15. Edmonton Oilers (+0)

Over the past two years, I have received many a question about the Alexander Radulov situation and if he is going to come back to play again. Recent reports have come out that Radulov will be returning to the Nashville Predators after his contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa ends in 2011. While this would usually be welcome news for Predators fans, there are many who are a bit guarded about letting the Russian sniper back into the fold. While fans have no say as far of what the organization does, you have to remember that most players, coaches, and certainly Predators GM David Poile, feel betrayed and lied to by the KHL’s MVP.

Though I really haven’t wanted to write about this subject, I feel it has become necessary in order to dispel any inaccurate assumptions as to my position on the subject. Like most story tellers, I like telling parables. I think this will quickly answer any questions outsiders have for Nashville fans and myself.

There once was a young man named David. David hadn’t exactly had the best luck with women before. His first girlfriend made quite a bit of a splash when they got together. Said girl, we’ll call her… Leslie, was supposed to be perfect in almost every way. She was flashy, exciting, but always responsible. As their relationship wore on, David realized, much to his dismay, Leslie was actually the queen of mediocrity and inconsistency. Leslie wasn’t very consistent at all, at times she would be the greatest girlfriend in the world, but at times she would be total (well you know). So they broke up but are still remained close friends.

A few years later, David turns to a new girl, Hayley, who is everything Leslie wasn’t. She is tough on the inside and and the outside. While Hayley didn’t have the flash or beauty of Leslie, she had a hard working and above all dependable. These are qualities that David had come to cherish in his girlfriends, so he decided to give Hayley a chance. Things really flourished between the two. A few years later, a friend (a not so good one at that!), stepped in and told David it was time to move on. Hayley was too good for him and he needed to look elsewhere. With a heavy heart, David broke things off was Hayley.

Another year passed and David finally met Alexandra. Alexandra was EVERYTHING David had ever wanted and needed. Things went great for the first three years they were together, but then one day Alexandra says she finished packing and is leaving for another guy. Her and this “other guy” have been talking all summer and she has decided she is going to be in a relationship with him. Trust me, she David, thinking it is a joke, doesn’t bother to return Alexandra’s call. A week later, Alexandra is gone with only a few possessions left to prove she existed.

Almost a year and a half after she disappears, Alexandra reappears at a local bar and tells David she wants to get back together. When David returns home two weeks later (with a little hangover), he has a message on his phone saying that Alexandra can’t see him and can’t be with him.

After this most resent disappointment, David has given up on Alexandra. He has been on many dates, dated many other women, but hasn’t found anyone that fills the mystique of Alexandra.

Fast forward two years. Alexandra’s best friend is now telling David that Alexandra plans to return home to him soon. While David is filled with joy because no one has filled the hole Alexandra left, he is hesitant to take her back. Alexandra cheated once, so what is stopping her from cheating twice? You also have to consider just how seductive Alexandra is (a 50 point getter only making $900,000) to David. David still loves Alexandra, but he is afraid he will get burned again by the mesmerizing beauty.

Obviously this story is a little different than the actual scenario, considering Hockey is a business. The one factor I think a lot of people are forgetting is the effect human emotion They have been burned, betrayed, and humiliated by Radulov and while business is business, you never want to do business with someone who is untrustworthy. Obviously Poile could try and trade Radulov, but the return wouldn’t nearly be as good as a year (or more) of Radulov’s production on a top line.

So what would you do? Take her back or let her be?

Shea Weber was named the Predators’ captain last night at the annual Skate of the Union address. Weber became just the fifth captain in franchise history. Take a look at this list:

Tom Fitzgerald, 1998–2002
Greg Johnson, 2002–06
Kimmo Timonen, 2006–07
Jason Arnott, 2007–10
Shea Weber, 2010-present

As a fan, I couldn’t be happier with the pick. Weber is dedicated to this city and this fan base. He consistently brings the hurt every night and isn’t afraid to stand up for his mates (something that couldn’t be said about our former captain).

In other Predators news, Sergei Kostitsyn signed a one year deal worth $550,000. This is a low risk, huge reward move by Preds’ GM David Poile. I think Sergei views this as an opportunity to prove to himself and his doubters that he belongs in the NHL. I truly believe a small market like Nashville will help Sergei get his game back together after being under a microscope for so long in Montreal.

The Predators also welcomed the newest Predator, Matthew Lombardi into the fold yesterday. Lombardi signed a three year deal with Nashville ($3.5M a year). Lombardi is a solid two way player who will most likely see time as the 2nd line center behind Colin Wilson. Lombardi is a speedster with good playmaking ability, as well as a nice finishing touch. This is a very good deal for Nashville and I expect Lombardi to fit in nicely here. When he signed, Lombardi indicated that Barry Trotz had a big impact on him a few years ago and he wanted to play for a coach like Trotz. Welcome to the family Lombardi!

It has been reported that recently departed Dan Hamhuis made a joke about the Nashville attendance at the Canucks’ state of the union. All I can say is I hope Hamhuis keeps his head up when Tootoo takes a run at him next year. I truly believe the Canuck fans are going to be very disappointed in their BC boy. Not like I am going to complain or anything.

So let’s take a look at the plus and minus for all of this years offseason moves.

Minus- Dan Ellis.
Plus- Unknown
I think the locker room is really going to miss a quality guy like Ellis. I know I am going to miss his amazing tweets. Danny was a character guy that this organization can’t replace. I really hope he does great in Tampa. Now Rinne is the surefire starter. Can he handle 60+ games a year? We shall see.

Verdict: -

Minus- Jason Arnott
Plus- Matthew Lombardi
While the Predators lost his scoring touch, the Predators replaced him with the much younger, faster Lombardi. I think this is an even trade off. Nashville wants to be younger and faster. The addition of Lombardi does that. This will put substantial pressure on Lombardi and Legwand to produce. Hopefully those two are up for the challenge. Overall, I am giving a slight edge to Lombardi

Verdict: +

Minus- Dan Hamhuis
Plus- Ryan Parent

While Hamhuis had his worst defensive season ever, he is still better than the often injured Parent. The good news for Nashville is they are deep on the blue line. Hopefully someone can step up and take Hamhuis spot. With youngsters like Blum, Ellis, Laakso, Sulzer, Josi, and Parent, I think Nashville will end up just fine.

Verdict: EVEN

Minus- Dustin Boyd
Plus- Sergei Kostitsyn

At least in Boyd you know exactly what you are getting. Sergei is kind of a
wild card. If he can put it all together in Nashville, I think Sergei has the ability to be a stud. He will recieve good ice time here if he produces. I expect him to do much better than Boyd.

Verdict: +

Frankly, this has been the most exciting off season in recent history for the organization. There have been many moves made. The young nucleus of the team continues to develop. The blueline and goalie prospects are looking better and better. The future is bright for this team!

The Nashville Predators signed forward Jonas Andersson from the KHL yesterday. Andersson is a Preds prospect from the 1999 draft (2nd round). He signed a one way deal worth $675,000. Andersson played in Nashville for five games (failed to score a single point) a few years back.

Poile still needs to sign a veteran goaltender to back up Pekka Rinne.

We are still waiting to hear about possible deals for Franson, Hornqvist, and newly aquired Sergei Kostitsyn.

The Predators decided to get a bit offensive (haha haha please tell me you laughed) in this year’s draft by selecting four forwards and only two defenseman. The Predators chose to select a very large winger with their first round pick. A bulky winger is something they have needed to draft since the unfortunate departure of Scotty Hartnell. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Austin Watson (and his family) to the Predators’ family. We may not be large in number, but we certainly take care of our own.

Watson does pretty much everything. He plays PP minutes, PK, and saw his ice time rise when he was traded to Peterborough from Windsor. While Watson may not light it up like Skinner or Hall, he possesses good hands and enough hockey IQ to be a very dependable two way player. Watson posted an average of two points a game for Peterborough! Hopefully that scoring touch can translate to the NHL. It has been noted by many scouts that Watson has a very level of energy and isn’t afraid to block shots. This is truly a team player which means he probably had Nashville tattooed on his forehead before he was even drafted by this organization.

With the 3rd round pick, Poile elected to take medium sized defenseman (surprise) in Taylor Aronson. While Aronson hasn’t but it all together, Poile rarely misses on defensemen from the WHL. Aronson has great offensive instincts, but he needs to make better choices without the puck. I think he is still at least a few years out not only physically, but also mentally. Some people have questioned his commitment to the game. It is unlike Poile to draft these kinds of characters (Radulov comes to mind as a reason NOT to) so he must have seen something in Aronson. Not exactly thrilled with this pick, but Poile rarely gets defensemen wrong. I am not going to question him.

Nashville’s 5th round pick was Patrick Cehlin. This kid is a speedy but needs to bulk up (5’11, 180ish) if he is going to get to the NHL. While he is only eighteen, he put up 11 points (5G) in 54 games playing in the Elitserien. That isn’t too bad considering he is playing against fully grown men. This could be a sleeper.

Nashville’s 6th rounder was Anthony Bitetto. Wish I knew more about the kid, but sadly I must profess I know very little about him. What I do know is he has good size (6’1 210) and leadership qualities. Anthony Bitetto was a 2009-10 All-USHL Second Team selection. He finished the season with 40 points in 58 games, good for fourth among USHL defensemen. I’m pretty pleased with this pick.

Nashville had two seventh round picks that brought in Joonas Rask (yes little brother to Boston’s Tuukka Rask) and David Elsner. Both of these guys are considered penalty killing machines (Rask with speed, Elsner with size). I like the picks.

Congrats to all. Welcome to the family.

Now I would like to turn my attention to the Predators’ roster for next season. I talked to a member of the team this past weekend and was able to figure a few things out based on his answers.

1. Nashville will look to get scoring help via free agency. The budget probably allows for a center or winger somewhere between 1.5-2.5 million.

2. Grebs will NOT be signed.

3. Hornqvist is close to getting qualified. Nashville fans can breath a little bit easier.

4. J.P. Dumont will most likely remain a Predator unless he chooses not to be. I don’t really understand what that means, but my source didn’t want to discuss the matter any further than that.

5. Poile firmly believes that his defense is ready to go for next season.

6. Probably will get a veteran net minder to back up Rinne.

So there are some interesting things for ya’ll to consider.

So here is what I expect the roster to look like for next year

Sullivan – Wilson – Erat
Hornqvist – Legwand – Dumont
Ward – Goc – Free agent (Cheechoo, Kotalik, Stempniak, Afinogenov,) etc.
Smithson – Spaling – Tootoo
Belak

Weber – Suter
Klein – Boullion
Franson – Parent
Sulzer

Rinne
Auld?

So my question is… if you were the Predators… what would you do to improve this team? Who would you target during the offseason who is in that price range and why?

Until then, take care Pred fans!