Many will ask why players like Rem Pitlick and Philip Tomasino aren’t in this lineup? Of course, you could also throw Rocco Grimaldi into that category as well. The truth is, since the team is in “competitive rebuild” mode, we will have to see how the season progresses before we can tell where they might land in the lineup.
There are several places that any of these three players could fit in if needed or desired. All three should see some ice time next season, especially Grimaldi.
Also, all three could insert themselves into the lineup with excellent showings during training camp as Olivier did last season. They have to show the coaches what they are capable of and how they have progressed to earn their spot or take someone else’s.
Pitlick looked pretty good in the ten games he played last season but never really found his footing on the roster. Tomasino is itching to get into the NHL lineup as soon as possible. The question of whether or not he is ready for the NHL should get answered this season.
And just like the end of last season, where Grimaldi slots in remains a mystery. His speed is his greatest asset, but his size and lack of defense hamper his ability to excel in a John Hynes system. However, he can score, and that is an immediate need for this Predators team.
In Conclusion
The main components of this lineup showed some consistency during Nashville’s run to the playoffs last season. Once in the playoffs, the Predators almost pulled off the improbable by taking one of the better teams in the NHL to six games in the first round.
This lineup provides a safety net to build from, at least in the early stages of the season. Therefore, my consensus would be to run this lineup to see how they perform and adjust as needed.
With a young roster and a lack of scoring talent, Hynes will need to get his lines sorted quickly, or the Predators could find themselves in a deep hole very early in the season.