Nashville Predators - Line Up

After making the Stanley Cup Playoffs seven times in the previous eight years, the departure of Ryan Suter and injuries to other key players played a large role in it becoming seven times in nine seasons for the Nashville Predators. GM David Poile was busy once free agency began. He signed forwards Viktor Stalberg, Matt Cullen, Eric Nystrom and Matt Hendricks to multiyear contracts worth a combined $36.4 million. None of those four are likely to revive a stagnant offense on his own, but each could be a slight upgrade over the players who held down their roles in 2012-13. Landing defenseman Seth Jones with the No. 4 pick was a well-publicized coup at the 2013 NHL Draft, and expect him to see important minutes right away in Nashville. A step forward from Ryan Ellis and a solid rookie campaign by Jones could help replace the offense from the blue line lost when Suter left for the Minnesota Wild. For the Predators to be a playoff team in the new-look Central Division, they are going to need more offense from somewhere and a return to Vezina Trophy form by Pekka Rinne. Fisher's most frequent linemates in 2012-13, according to the line combinations at Dobberhockey.com, were Martin Erat and Sergei Kostitsyn. Neither is in Nashville anymore; Erat was traded before the deadline and Kostitsyn will play in the Kontinental Hockey League. The offense could receive a jolt if Forsberg or Austin Watson is able to claim a place on the top two lines, or if Colin Wilson finally puts together a healthy, breakout season. The scrum for spots in the bottom two lines should be interesting to watch during training camp. Nashville has about 16 forwards for 12 spots, and the names not listed above are Smith and Taylor Beck, who can be sent to the American Hockey League without needing waivers. Bourque was fourth on the team in goals last season but might not have a place in the opening-night lineup. Spaling was used heavily on the penalty kill last season, and newcomers Nystrom and Hendricks add a different level of toughness (and not just the ability/desire to fight). Hendricks should also boost this team's ability in the shootout, which is something a low-scoring, strong defensive team like Nashville tends to be involved in a lot. Where Jones will fit on the blue line will be a big storyline in camp, but Ekholm and Ellis trying to secure full-time status should be as well. The Predators were happy with how Bartley played in 2012-13, and he would fit just fine as a top-six guy if one of the younger guys struggles. Hutton had a strong year in the AHL for Rockford (Chicago's affiliate), and he could be pushed in camp for the backup spot behind Rinne by Magnus Hellberg.

In: RW Viktor Stalberg, C Matt Cullen, LW/RW Eric Nystrom, LW/RW Matt Hendricks, G Carter Hutton, D Bryan Rodney
Out: LW Sergei Kostitsyn, RW/LW Brandon Yip, RW/LW Matt Halischuk, D Hal Gill, D T.J. Brennan, RW Bobby Butler, C/W Chris Mueller, D Jonathan Blum
UFAs: None
Prospects: F Filip Forsberg, D Mattias Ekholm, F Austin Watson

Here is the projected 2013-14 lineup for the Predators:

Forwards

Colin Wilson - Mike Fisher - Patric Hornqvist
Viktor Stalberg - David Legwand - Filip Forsbeg
Nick Spaling - Matt Cullen - Craig Smith
Eric Nystrom - Paul Gaustad - Matt Hendricks
Gabriel Bourque - Richard Clune

Defensemen

Roman Josi - Shea Weber
Seth Jones - Kevin Klein
Mattias Ekholm - Ryan Ellis
Victor Bartley

Goalies

Pekka Rinne Carter Hutton