Training Camp is officially open bringing the shortest offseason in Nashville Predators history to a close.
It’s been a little odd, the timing for things seems to be off. When the rookies reported for their camp last week, it almost felt like development camp… which would normally happen three months after the finish of the season. Summer was short and now that training camp is open… expectations are high.
From a health perspective… the only regular that will be missing for a while is Ryan Ellis, who may be out until the holidays recovering from post-season knee surgery. Kevin Fiala and Ryan Johansen are both expected to be ready to go when the players hit the ice today. Free agent acquisition Nick Bonino will be ready to go as of opening night but will not play in preseason as a precautionary measure as he recovers from a broken leg he suffered in last season’s playoffs.
The team also welcomes back a fan favorite, Scott Hartnell… he is on the back end of his career, but I believe he can still contribute at a high level to this team, especially on special teams. It will be nice to have his net front presence as he loves to create havoc in front of the net. It will be a welcome addition.
There are really two burning questions for this team as we get the 2017/18 season going…
Who will be the captain? - The team is keeping this one pretty close to the vest. Perhaps the choice is not as clear cut as a lot of observers think. I still think that Josi will get the C, but I do wonder if other candidates are seriously being considered. Ryan Ellis would be another solid choice his injury may be a reason for the delay as well. Consideration should be given to Ryan Johansen as well, his leadership qualities certainly rose to the fore in the playoffs last spring. Don’t expect a decision soon, and don’t be surprised if the team goes with three A’s to start the season.
Will Pekka Rinne look like first three rounds Pekka on a more consistent basis? - This one is a critical factor. It is my belief that Rinne is the exception that proves advanced stats legitimacy. Those that only look at the stats will tell you that he is way past his prime. Talk to players and alumni in “off the record” moments and they call that BS. The main description I keep getting… The Predators don’t make the playoffs and don’t get past round one, let alone to the final without Rinne. That being said… I do believe his games played needs to be managed well this season. Here is where Jusse Saros needs to earn more games. If head coach Peter Laviolette feels comfortable with Saros and is able to start him in 25 – 30 games… it will bode well for the present (a rested Rinne come playoff time) and for the future as Saros would’ve lived up to the expectations of him being the future between Nashville’s pipes.
We begin to answer these questions as the team hits the ice today.
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Random Notes
- Hey, come join us at Ford Ice Center tomorrow (Sunday) for the annual Blue/Gold scrimmage. The team hits the ice at 1:45, and will play two 25 minute run time halves. I’ll be calling the action so come on out and join us!
- In talking to a lot of the players, there is a determination in their tone. This team is hungrier than I have ever seen before.
- A total of 54 players are in camp, first on ice session is today at Centennial.
- There will be an interesting battle in net for Milwaukee’s starting job. You have to believe that Anders Lindback is the leader in that race, but Matt O’Connor’s performance in rookie camp may help his chances.
- There are 10 players in camp on PTO’s… Forwards – Derek Army, Bobby Butler, Tyler Kelleher, Angelo Miceli, Trevor Mingoia and Stephan Perfetto. Defenseman – TJ Melancon, Rick Pinkston and Jimmy Oligny (playing for his job as he spent the season in Milwaukee last year.) One goaltender – Jake Paterson.
- Yakov Trenin apparently stepped it up a bit in his last rookie game earlier this week. The 20 year old center should bring it harder in the big camp if he hopes to make this team.
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