Nashville Predators: Four bold predictions for the 2018-19 season

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 14: The Nashville Predators celebrate a 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 14: The Nashville Predators celebrate a 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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The climb to the top of any league is arduous. It takes clear vision, dedication to the task, and willingness to make major changes even when things are going well. This is exactly what the Nashville Predators have done over the years.

The history is well written. General Manager David Poile made move after move to produce the lineup we enjoy now. Trading Shea Weber for P.K. Subban changed this team, setting them on a track for greater success. Acquiring Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg provided offensive pieces the Predators desperately needed. It meant trading players like Seth Jones and Samuel Girard, but Poile did it.

Now, the Nashville Predators are among the best teams in the NHL. They start the season at number three in the Pucks Prose power rankings, while being number two according to CBS. Possibly the most surprising rating at this point comes from The Athletic, who predicts the Predators will finish with 105 points, tops in the NHL yet again.

I, for one, agree with The Athletic.

Bold Prediction: The Nashville Predators will finish with 110 points, winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

In a season similar to last year, the Predators will win the Central Division and be the top seed in the Western Conference. And, it will be a close race with the Winnipeg Jets.