Nashville Predators: Training camp will answer Predators’ major questions

As we move closer to training camp, more questions are being asked regarding the Nashville Predators. And they need to be answered. Fast.

Training camp. The time when the team hits the ice in earnest, working on the skills and plays that will hopefully lead to success during the season. Many of the player for the Nashville Predators reported early and starting conditioning and individual workouts. And with that, a few questions were answered.

Like what? Well, we know that Ryan Johansen is 100-percent healthy after suffering an injury in the playoffs. And, video of Kevin Fiala staking shows he is nearing full recovery.

However, now there are new questions.  And big ones. Season changing ones.

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What now?

The news earlier this week regarding Ryan Ellis was devastating. One of the NHL’s top defenders is out for “months.” Any chemistry that was built in his pairing with Roman Josi can no longer be counted on to start the year. That is a major blow.

This obviously means a shuffling of the bluelines. Does coach Peter Laviolette split the pairing on P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm, pairing Ekholm with Josi? Or does Alexei Emelin get a chance to play in the top blueline? What about Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin? Who will step up to fill the skates of Ellis? Can anyone?

Then, news came out saying the newly acquired center Nick Bonino will sit out the preseason due to his broken tibia. Certainly he will be on the ice with the team, building knowledge of how his new teammates play. And, he has great experience. However, missing time to build line chemistry, especially during preseason games, is not ideal.

Not Captain Ellis

One question did become more clear. The name “Captain Ryan Ellis” will not be uttered this year, expect on the parody Twitter account. According to the Tennessean, there is no timetable for the naming of a new captain, replacing the retired Mike Fisher. In the article, General Manager David Poile states he and Laviolette watch players and interview teammates in order to come to the right decision. That decision may not come until the start of the season.

Most fans believe that Josi will be named captain, but there are other possibilities. Work on the ice, character outside of Bridgestone, and relationship with teammates will be some of the criteria for adjudicating the players. It is clear that Poile and Laviolette’s decision will be difficult. That is a good thing.

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But, that is why there is camp. We have questions, and they will find the answers.