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Nashville Predators: Don’t expect a cannonball splash this offseason

By Corey Francis

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /

With the NHL Entry Draft over and season schedule released, the checklist for the Nashville Predators comes into focus. What does the team need to do?

The offseason is progressing fast. While that may please most fans of the Nashville Predators, there is still plenty to accomplish. The previous season ended, leaving a bad aftertaste. It certainly did not finish the way we as fans wished. And, it only left more questions about next season than true answers.

That said, the Predators are in an interesting place. With the recent levels of success the team is enjoying, free agents are inclined to test the waters. With the state of Tennessee being one free of income tax, even lower salaries can mean more money in a player’s pocket. Certainly when compared with New York or California. Add to that the weather, culture, food, and national exposure the city receives, the Predators are certainly a draw for free agents.

However, with the 2018-19 salary cap being $79.5 million, the Nashville Predators only possess approximately $12 million in room. The team can make a splash, but not one off the cannonball variety.  Major free agent target John Tavares listed five teams he would visit and consider. The Predators were not one on the list. At least, so far.

The team lost Alexei Elemin, Mike Fisher, and Scott Hartnell this offseason already. These moves come as no shock to fans. What holes remain and what does the team need to do? There are several items the team needs to check-off the list this offseason.

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