Three days into Nashville Predators training camp and the overwhelming theme is one we were all expecting, and that’s speed.
The Predators are ramping up the intensity on offense and using these practices to get accustomed to a much more aggressive approach than what has been the case over the last few years under former Head Coach John Hynes.
Nashville Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette told Bally Sports South that he has been very pleased with the high energy and effort that the younger players have brought to camp.
"They brought the energy. There hasn't been one kid that hasn't worked extremely hard and as a coach, that is a good feeling."
— Bally Sports: Preds (@PredsOnBally) September 23, 2023
» Andrew Brunette pic.twitter.com/zMeVVPYQZU
The next test will come in preseason doubleheader action against the Florida Panthers on Monday. It will be split squads so it will be interesting to see how Brunette divides up the players and how they speed is translated to game action against another team.
This is a major flip in philosophies from Hynes to Brunette, so it will take time and tough learning moments for the players to fully grasp the proper structure that coaches are looking for.
One really positive takeaway from the early going of Predators training camp is the fast chemistry being built between Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly. Both are critical veterans who will likely be on the top line when the 2023-24 regular season opens at Tampa Bay.
Brunette mentioned more noticeable chemistry from players who do have past experience playing with each other, including Thomas Novak‘s line, and even some attention to Luke Evangelista and Egor Afanasyev.
Furthermore, Brunette gave major props to Yakov Trenin, calling him “the best player on the ice”. Trenin is coming into a critical juncture in his NHL career and if he sticks around long-term with the Nashville Predators past 2024.
The Predators have the pieces to be a much faster team in 2023-24. They’ve had trouble keeping up with the changing NHL that’s more predicated on pushing the puck up ice and creating quick transition scoring opportunities.
Novak, Evangelista, Glass and Tomasino will all be valuable pieces in this faster Predators team that’s looking to improve on its 28th-ranked scoring offense from last season. A major area that needs drastic improvement, and Brunette will be judged on how quickly he can make this a higher scoring team to support Juuse Saros in net.
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The Predators have five more practice days throughout training while also competing in the Gold Star Showcase on September 28 and five preseason games. that will wrap up on October 6 against the Carolina Hurricanes.