Nashville Predators: Top 5 Reasons the Predators will Struggle in 2017-18

#5 Young, Inexperienced Talent

The same reason that the Predators might find success with their new young talent, is also a reason for why they might struggle in 2017-18. Nashville will be forced to play quite a few young players this season. Many of whom spent the majority of their time in Milwaukee last year. While these players are expected to be successful in some capacity, there will still be growing pains along the way.

No team in the NHL is going to be full of nothing but veterans. The Predators, however, will have considerably less on their roster, especially on the offensive side. Nashville  lost a lot of their veteran leadership this offseason. Former captain Mike Fisher recently announced his retirement, and James Neal was lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. Colin Wilson, Vernon Fiddler, and P.A. Parenteau will also not be returning.

As for the young guys who will help fill the open roster spots, there will be a lot of pressure on them to perform well. Considering the way many of them played in the playoffs this is not too far of a stretch, either. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that this is a young, mostly inexperienced group of players getting their opportunity. I fully expect them to shine over time, but there will definitely be some struggles along the way.