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Predators: A Season of Transitions and Calculated Risks
The 2022-2023 season ended on a bittersweet note for the Nashville Predators, accumulating 92 points but narrowly missing a playoff berth. The team's ESBC Power AI metrics suggested that they could have fared even worse, if not for standout performances from goaltender Juuse Saros and backup Kevin Lankinen. As the Predators prepare for the 2023-2024 season, the air is ripe with both caution and guarded optimism.
Offseason Moves: A Changing of the Guard
Nashville didn't stand pat in the offseason. The team made significant changes at the top, bringing in Barry Trotz as the new GM and Andrew Brunette as head coach. This represents a majorl shift for the Predators, and these seasoned hockey minds are expected to have an immediate impact.
Player-wise, the team saw significant turnover. Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen were the biggest names to depart, while before last season's trade deadline, the team also lost Mikael Granlund, Nino Niederreiter, Mattias Ekholm, and Tanner Jeannot. Defenseman Tyson Barrie was a trade deadline acquisition from Edmonton, and other newcomers this summer include Gustav Nyqvist, Ryan O’Reilly, and Luke Schenn.
The 2023-2024 Roster: Strengths and Weaknesses
The goaltending tandem of Saros and Lankinen is elite and will likely be the cornerstone of the team. The defensive unit, bolstered by the addition of Tyson Barrie, is also above average. The concern, however, is the forward group, which appears to be below league standards, at least on paper.
Coaching Strategy: Brunette's Challenge
The biggest challenge for the coaching staff, led by Andrew Brunette, will be to extract the most out of the forward group. If they can elevate the level of play from these forwards, it could make a substantial difference in how the Predators perform this season. Brunette did well two years ago, when he won the Presidents’ Trophy with the Florida Panthers.
Predictions for the Upcoming Season
Given the elite goaltending, strong defense, and less-than-ideal forward group, the Predators are likely to find themselves in familiar territory — hovering around the 90-point mark. However, the onus is on the coaching staff to implement systems that can get the most out of their forwards.
Conclusion
The Predators are entering a season of transition. With a new GM and head coach, and significant roster changes, the team seems to be in a phase of calculated risks. It's a balanced approach, one designed to keep them competitive while acknowledging the need for a revamp. Fans should keep their expectations moderate, but there is every reason to believe that this could be an exciting season in Nashville...
...and for the sports bettors: keep an eye on those "Saros-unders"
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