Nashville Predators: Roster trimmed down to 23 with surprise move

The final day of training camp has arrived and the Nashville Predators appear set to move forward with their 23-man roster.

The NHL season is upon us. In just two nights, the Nashville Predators will open their 2018-19 season in New York as they take on the Rangers. Then it is across the 7th Avenue for a game versus the Islanders. After splitting the season series against both opponents last season, coming home with two victories would be fantastic.

But, there is much to be decided between now and then. Most importantly of all is the 23-man roster. While most positions are settled, there are a few questions remaining for the Predators. Especially at the forward position.

Two positions are left open currently. According to The Athletic’s Adam Vingan, Ryan Hartman will begin the season on injured reserve.

The other open position is that vacated by the suspended Austin Watson. During practice today, the Predators launched the following forward lines:

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Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Kyle Turris – Craig Smith
Colton Sissons – Nick Bonino – Calle Jarnkrok
Zac Rinaldo – Frederick Gaudreau – Miikka Salomaki – Ryan Hartman (IR)

While Rocco Grimaldi showed great effort during the preseason, the Nashville Predators placed him on waivers on Monday. Should he clear waivers, which is not a certainty, Grimaldi would move to the AHL. Furthermore, Collin Blackwell was assigned to Milwaukee.

The talk of the team will be the selection of Gaudreau and Rinaldo over Grimaldi. Gaudreau has two seasons left on his contract and the Predators are ready to see what he can do. However, pairing him with Eeli Tolvanen in Milwaukee could provide valuable time working together, building for the team’s future. Then, with the Predators’ work in the community, especially with domestic issues, choosing Rinaldo over others leaves a bad feeling for many fans. Still, the decision was made to keep him in Nashville for the time being.

As for the defensive pairs, nothing is truly out of left field. The Predators will carry eight defensemen on the roster. The top two pairings will be what we have come to expect: Roman Josi with Ryan Ellis, and P.K. Subban flanked by Mattias Ekholm. Newly acquired Dan Hamhuis will be paired with Yannick Weber, Matt Irwin, or Anthony Bitetto.

And, obviously, the goalie tandem of Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros will protect the net.

This is the team. At least it is for right now. I don’t expect it to stay this way very long. With contract concerns for Tolvanen, potentially losing him to the KHL, a change could come quickly. Should the 19-year-old forward start scoring at will, he will be called upon soon. Whether he replaces Rinaldo or Gaudreau is immaterial right now.

Plus, there are still concerns over Watson. Yet, the team in place is of high quality, better than opening day last year. Now, just to start off with a couple wins.