Predlines
Fansided

Nashville Predators: Top Five Reasons for Success in 2017-18

By Treigh Patterson

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 03: Pregame lighting ceremonies prior to game 3 of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators on June 3, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 03: Pregame lighting ceremonies prior to game 3 of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators on June 3, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

#5 Young Talent

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Colton Sissons #10 of the Nashville Predators controls the puck in the first period in Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Colton Sissons #10 of the Nashville Predators controls the puck in the first period in Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /

It is safe to assume that the Nashville Predators team that will take the ice this upcoming season will look drastically different from they did the previous year.  Nashville lost quite a few veterans during the offseason. James Neal, Collin Wilson, Vern Fiddler, and P.A. Parentaeu are a few of those departing. Another who has recently announced his retirement is former captain, Mike Fisher. James Neal’s offensive ability will surely be missed, but Mike Fisher will be missed just as much, if not more.

As it is looking now, there are several roster spots that will need replaced. The additions of Nick Bonino and Scott Hartnell through free agency will definitely help, but it will not fill that void entirely. Younger players are going to have to step up and start competing at the highest of levels. This might not be a bad thing, though.

The Nashville Predators became riddled with injuries towards the end of last season and especially in the playoffs. They became heavily reliant on young players who spent most of their time at the AHL affiliate, Milwaukee Admirals.  Players like, Pontus Aberg and Freddy Gaudreau were just a couple of players who stepped up in major ways for Nashville. Now, they are going to have to do it for an entire season.

In addition to the before mentioned players, Kevin Fiala and Colton Sissons can be added to the list. Both saw significantly more playing time in Nashville than the other two. However, they are still viewed as young players with tremendous upside. These four young men have the potential to be special players in Nashville, as we have already seen glimpses of what they are all capable of. Now, the 2017-18 season could be the year when it all comes together.

Home/Editorials