NHL Season Preview 2016-17: Nashville Predators

By foxsports
Published

The Nashville Predators won’t be taking anyone by surprise in 2016-17. Can they make their Stanley Cup dream come true? 

Before the 2015-16 playoffs, few gave the Nashville Predators any chance of beating the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks. Nashville never got that memo as they upset the Ducks in seven games in the first round. They eventually took the eventual Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks to seven games in the second round before losing.

The Predators took a lot of teams by surprise in 2015-16. Thanks to a significant offseason change, Nashville will not be surprising anyone in 2016-17. For the first time in their history, the Predators are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Offseason Changes

Here’s a quick review of what the Predators have done this offseason.

Key Additions: D P.K. Subban (Canadiens), D Matt Carle (Lightning), D Matt Irwin (Bruins), D Yannick Weber (Canucks)

Key Losses: D Shea Weber (Canadiens), G Carter Hutton (Blues), F Eric Nystrom, D Barret Jackman, C Cody Hodgson

Retained: F Filip Forsberg, C Calle Jarnkrok