Nashville Predators: So, the roster is filled, what’s next?
The roster is filled. This we know. Now is the time to start thinking about what to expect from the Nashville Predators for the 2017-18 season.
Now that the offseason is essential complete, attention turns toward the season ahead. Questions regarding the line-up of players and filling the void left be those lost garner the most attention. Yet, the fans of the Nashville Predators still host a positive outlook for what is to come.
For good reason.
The team that won their way into the playoffs – the one that played until Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final – is largely intact. The players on the ice, the coach, the front office are all together. Well, minus three key players.
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Here are the positives: Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson have a year under their belt. The Predators defense excelled with P.K. Subban‘s addition to the roster. Pekka Rinne proved that he is still capable of sparking the team to victory.
But, with that comes several unknowns.
The truth is out there
Somewhere and at sometime, we will know everything we need to know about the Predators roster. Still, the additions of Nick Bonino, Scott Hartnell and Alexei Emelin spark curiosity in where they will be slotted. Or what roles the fully encapsulate.
And, what are we to expect from the young players on the roster? While the season was a bit of a struggle, Pontus Aberg stepped up his game in the playoffs. Still, he only made 8 percent of his shots. Before suffering a gruesome injury, Kevin Fiala proves his offensive skills were dangerous, even if in a limited role.
What about Calle Jarnkrok? Is he ready to take over the reigns on the second line? Can he provide the scoring needed to keep the Predators balanced across all lines?
How about Colton Sissons, Austin Watson? Where do they wind up playing? What can we expect out of them?
These are all questions we as fans are thinking as the season approaches. And we will attempt to answer them.
Over the next month, we will release our player expectations for the new season. What do the Nashville Predators need from each player in order to make the season successful? That is what we all enjoy talking about. How each player contributes. Their strengths and weaknesses. It is the discussion we fans participate in more than anything else.
Next: Top Plays from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Well, except for maybe bashing another team.