Nashville Predators Wrap-Up: ’tis the Season For Hockey

It’s almost like a dream come true. We are approximately two weeks away from Nashville Predators hockey.

It has been a long time coming with lots of moving parts and negotiations, but we will finally see the Nashville Predators start their season on January 14.

The NHL national broadcast schedule has also been released, and the Nashville Predators will play three times on NBCSN against a familiar rival, the Chicago Blackhawks.

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This season will be like no other. All of the teams will be playing in the newly realigned divisions. Also, they will only be playing the other teams in their division for the entire 56-game season.

There will be lots of new faces in the Central Division. Gone are St. Louis, Colorado, Minnesota, and Winnipeg. The new teams entering the Central are Carolina, Columbus, Detroit, Florida, and Tampa Bay.

The Predators’ schedule features many back-to-backs and situations where they will be playing three games in four nights.

The question of how the new-look Predators will perform once the season starts still looms. There are many new faces on the team and many questions on where everyone will be slotted into the lineup.

This week, we look at Tomasino in the World Juniors, a Granlund/Haula reunion, and baby Pekka.

Philip Tomasino Making A Splash in the World Juniors

Of all of the Predators’ prospects participating in the World Juniors, Philip Tomasino is probably in the spotlight the most. The Team Canada forward is becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Tomasino scored two goals and an assist in the crushing 16-2 defeat of Germany. Tomasino also had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win against Slovakia.

Tomasino will be looking for a roster spot for next season once the World Juniors is over. He is making his case daily with his consistent gameplay.

If a roster spot is not in his future this season, a spot on the Predators taxi squad is likely. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw Tomasino make his way into some games this year.

Best Friends Granlund And Haula Sign With The Predators

In a move that is so 2020, the Predators signed Mikael Granlund to a one-year contract. The prodigal son has returned to Nashville after testing the free agency waters.

On the same day of the Granlund announcement, the Predators also signed forward Erik Haula to a one-year deal as well.

Granlund and Haula played together in Minnesota and were friends in Finland before their NHL careers began. Granlund was even a groomsman in Haula’s wedding.

Welcome, Erik, and welcome back, Mikael.

Retro Jordin Tootoo

Everyone is getting in on the Predators Retro Reverse jerseys, including former Predator Jordin Tootoo.

Tootoo spent eight seasons in Nashville and has the distinction of being the first player in the NHL of Inuit descent.

Tootoo was a tough customer on the ice. The Predators may be looking to take a page out of Jordin’s book next season as they move to a more defensive style of play.

An Early Present For Rinne

Before the holidays got started, Pekka Rinne got an early present. Rinne became a father when his son, Paulus Olver Rinne, was born.

This is the first child for Rinne and his partner Erika. We look forward to seeing Paulus in some Predators gear in the near future.

Congratulation to Pekka and Erika.

The Predators have an excellent social media team. They do a great job keeping the fans up to date on team news and what they are up to.

The NHL season is finally upon us. We will be watching the Predators closely to see how they will perform once the season starts.

Stay tuned for more Predators news as training camp begins and the season starts.