Nashville Predators: Championship window for Predators rather large
The window is now open, and the Nashville Predators are ready to win a championship. But, how long will that window stay open?
It is never an easy estimation to make. But now that the Nashville Predators won the Western Conference Championship, the window to win the Stanley cup is open. The first step is completed, they made it there. Now, just how large of an opening is it?
There are several things that work in the favor of the Predators. First, they are young. Only five players on the current roster are the age of 30 or older. Many of the young stars are only between the ages of 23 and 25 years old. We witnessed the brilliance of Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Viktor Arvidsson last year. The trio may not even be in their prime years yet.
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Furthermore, the player contracts are favorable to the team. Johansen signed an eight-year deal just this past week. Arvidsson signed for seven-year. Currently, 11 players on the roster are signed through the 2019-2020 season at least. The core of the team is in place, and will only grow together the most they play.
Even with the lengths of the contracts, the Predators hold an estimated $15 million in cap space next offseason. While there are not many needs on the team expected next year, there is room to make a few upgrades. That number rises to approximately $30 million moving into the 2019-20 season. That is the critical offseason as Pekka Rinne becomes a free agent.
History say…
The conditions are right for the Predators to make several runs at the Stanley Cup. However, history says that it will be a major challenge. Prior to the 2005 season, it was common to see teams regularly make runs at the Cup. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota/Dallas Stars made multiple appearances in the Final.
The Final has been dominated by three teams since the cancelled 2005 season: Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburg Penguins, and the Los Angeles Kings. Each team as won at least two Cups. The Penguins won three Cups in four trips to the Final.
Yet, the most of the other finalists were often one-time teams. The Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes all many one appearance in the final. The Hurricanes won their only appearance.
Like the Penguins of 2008, the Predators are young and vibrant, with stars in the making. And, the lost their appearance in the Final. Will the Predators follow their lead, winning three in the next years? The players are there now, and will be for a many years. Or, will they be the next Canucks, who made one appearance in the finals in the last 20 years?
Next: Mount Rushmore of Predators Players
The conditions are right. The window is open. And it looks to be for many years. However, it can close just as quickly as it opened.