The Nashville Predators believe this could be their best team.
One of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason was the Predators trading defenseman Shea Weber, their captain, to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman P.K. Subban, who brings more speed to the lineup, which was the major focus for the Predators.
They also chose to get younger in their bottom six forwards and brought in defensemen Matt Carle and Yannick Weber to add mobility to the third defense pair.
Nashville's top four defensemen -- Subban, Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis -- are one of the best groups in the League. That versatility will give coach Peter Laviolette options as far as who plays with whom in the top four. Will Subban and Josi, two of the most dynamic defensemen in the League, play together? Or will Laviolette play Subban with Ekholm and Josi with Ellis? Whatever the case, it appears like a good problem for the Predators to have to sort out.
Center Mike Fisher was named captain following the Weber trade and could start the season as Nashville's second-line center. Fisher had 13 goals and 23 points in 70 games last season, not quite the offensive production he wanted, but there's hope he can improve.
Forwards Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and James Neal should be the offensive catalysts. Forsberg scored 33 goals last season, and the 22-year-old left wing should continue to improve. Johansen will have his first full season with the Predators; he had 34 points in 42 games with Nashville after being traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 6. Neal scored 31 goals and will be expected to get at least that many. The Predators have more depth offensively, but Forsberg, Johansen and Neal will be the forwards most counted on to produce.
Pekka Rinne remains the starting goaltender. Marek Mazanec will be the backup.
