2014-15 LEADING SCORERS
RW Filip Forsberg (26 G, 37 A, 63 P)
C Mike Ribeiro (15 G, 47 A, 62 P)
D Roman Josi (15 G, 40 A, 55 P)
LAST SEASON
The Nashville Predators had arguably the most pleasantly surprising season in 2014-15. After failing to reach the playoffs in 2013-14, the Preds went 47-25-10 to finish 2nd in the Central Divison and 3rd in the Western Conference. A solid rookie season from Swedish forward Filip Forsberg along with a great season from defender Roman Josi both played big parts in this season to remember for the Predators. Forsberg and Mike Ribeiro made an impact on the first line, and they just had a great season all around.
Trades that occurred during the season included trading Derek Roy to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Mark Arcobello, and then making a big move to increase their playoff chances, sending forward Olli Jokinen, prospect Brendan Leipsic, and their 1st round pick in 2015 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli. The Predators kept their game up, and clinched a playoff spot.
Their first round matchup was against the 2010, 2013, and eventual 2015 Stanley Cup champs, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Predators put up a good fight, but lost in six games to the Blackhawks. But with a good amount of forwards and a young defensive core, they have lots to be optimistic about heading forward.
OFFSEASON
IN
Kristan Nakyva
Cody Hodgson
Max Reinhart
Barret Jackman
Conor Allen
Cody Bass
Jamie Devane
Steve Moses
Vladislav Kamenev
OUT
Viktor Stalberg
Juuso Puustinen
Joe Piskula
Teemu Laakso
Kevin Henderson
Cody Franson
Mike Santorelli
Atte Engren
Matt Cullen
Taylor Beck
Josh Shalla
Mark van Guilder
Anton Volchenkov
Zach Budish
The Predators began their offseason at the 2015 NHL Draft without a first round pick, but given how deep the pool was, they still managed to pick up two players with solid talent in Thomas Novak and Yakov Trenin. Heading into the offseason, they lost quite a few names such as rentals Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli and veterans Anton Volchenkov and Matt Cullen. They did bring in another veteran, however, in Barret Jackman, and signed a player who's looking to rebound in 2015-16 in Cody Hodgson. They also signed highly touted American forward Steve Moses out of the KHL, traded RFA Taylor Beck to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Jamie Devane, and acquired Max Reinhart from the Calgary Flames. All in all, the Predators had a good offseason, but didn't do much to downgrade or upgrade.
NEXT SEASON PT 1. OFFENSE
The Predators offense will be lead by youngster Filip Forsberg and veteran Mike Ribeiro, with James Neal, Craig Smith, and Colin Wilson providing secondary help. Expect a big season from newly-signed Cody Hodgson as he will want to redeem himself after a poor 2014-15 campaign. Watch for rookies Austin Watson and Kevin Fiala to challenge for full time roster spots.
NEXT SEASON PT 2. DEFENSE
The Preds' defense will be lead by the big two on the top pairing in Shea Weber and Roman Josi, with youngster Seth Jones looking to step into a bigger role. Barret Jackman will provide veteran presence on the back end as well.
NEXT SEASON PT 3. GOALTENDING
The Predators will more than likely have Pekka Rinne start most of their games with Carter Hutton backing him up. Not much more needs to be said on the topic.
POSSIBLE 2015-16 OPENING NIGHT LINEUP
Colin Wilson - Mike Ribeiro - Filip Forsberg
James Neal - Mike Fisher - Craig Smith
Gabriel Bourque - Calle Jarnkrok - Cody Hodgson
Eric Nystrom - Paul Gaustad - Steve Moses
Shea Weber - Roman Josi
Seth Jones - Ryan Ellis
Barret Jackman - Mattias Ekholm
Pekka Rinne
Carter Hutton
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