Paul McCann: Better, Tolvanen and Broadcast - 20 Days to Camp

So to make sure you aren't wearing the "gold tinted glasses" you ask a couple of former Preds players? Not exactly the best way to remove bias from your analysis. Rinne is still a very good goaltender. But elite? I don't think so. He was much more effective when he was playing behind a stay-at-home D, and with a bunch of two-way forwards who packed the zone and kept most of the scoring chances to the outside. He has one of the best glove hands in the game, and excels at playing the puck behind the net. But his short-range tending, rebound control & scrambling are not elite in any way. Plus, Laviolette's up-tempo style doesn't lend itself to the majority of the shots Rinne faces being from the outside. He's still the Preds #1 and that's not a bad thing, but elite is a stretch. I look for Saros to get 25 starts this year.

Looking forward to hearing the new broadcast teams this season. It's going to be hard to surpass Pete & Terry as the all-time favorite TV team for the Preds. They had such a good rapport, and Crisp had the perfect mix of education and energy for a new hockey city. Willie did a decent job with the play-by-play last season. He is growing into the role. I didn't mind Stu, but Mason has a real knack for explaining finer points in the game for knowledgeable fans, and the goalie perspective is a good one.

I guess we'll know starting in early October.

Rinne had help last season, going into the playoffs because he wasn't being used like a rented mule. If Saros is the future, which it looks like he is, I'd like to see him play even more. 30-35 games. Keep Pekka fresh, and if there is a question in the playoffs, don't hesitate to let Saros play. I wouldn't call it a tandem per se, but Rinne won't be here forever. This team is geared to be a major contender for seasons long after Pekka is gone.