2017-18 record: 53-18-11 (117 points)
Lost to Winnipeg in Conference semifinals
Captain: Roman Josi
The Nashville Predators were the best team in the regular season, winning their first division title and the Presidents Trophy. However, the playoffs came, and they weren't quite the same team, having a hard time fending off Colorado in six games before succumbing to Winnipeg in seven games in the second round. Nothing really changed in terms of the roster except for Mike Fisher's half-season unretirement coming to an end, as he rode off into the sunset again. The question here is how will Nashville adjust to take everyone's best shot.
The Predators' offense was seventh best, a reflection of both the overall balance in scoring within the roster and a lack of a scorer that can truly take over the game. The latter was evident in the playoffs, as they just simply didn't have that player. Of course, not having their defensemen produce like they did in the regular season, namely Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis, didn't help matters. Saying that, the extra rest may prove beneficial. Defensively, the team was the second best in the league, with Pekka Rinne winning his first Vezina Trophy. If you know the story of the Predators last season, the regular season accolades meant nothing in the playoffs, as Rinne wasn't as good. It would help if Juuse Saros gets a little more time, something that has been proven to work, as the Predators did this in their Stanley Cup Finals run in 2017. Defensive depth is still good, even with hard hitting Alexei Emelin being replaced by another stay-at-home defender in Dan Hamhuis. Team toughness takes a hit for a third of the season, as Austin Watson will serve a 27 game suspension for domestic abuse. That means either or both Ryan Hartman and Zac Rinaldo will have to fill in and play with some semblance of discipline.
Prediction: 2nd in the Central Division
While the Blues and Avalanche improved their lineups and Winnipeg basically stood pat, the Predators also chose to stand pat. In a stacked Central Division, expect some regression, but also expect the Predators to be better prepared for the playoffs.
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