The Nashville Predators improved significantly in one fell swoop when general manager David Poile acquired P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens for Shea Weber.
If Pekka Rinne can rebound from a disappointing season, the Predators should contend for the Central Division title, but that's a big "if."
Here's how their roster looks heading into 2016-17:
Forwards
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Filip Forsberg | Ryan Johansen | Craig Smith |
| Colin Wilson | Mike Fisher | James Neal |
| Calle Jarnkrok | Mike Ribeiro | Viktor Arvidsson |
| Austin Watson | Colton Sissons | Miikka Salomaki |
- Unlike the blue line, not much will change up front for Nashville barring a last-minute move. The top-six is solid, and the only real weakness is the fourth line.
Defense
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Roman Josi | P.K. Subban |
| Mattias Ekholm | Ryan Ellis |
| Anthony Bitetto | Yannick Weber |
- Subban gives the Predators a younger, more mobile, and more productive version of Shea Weber, which should pay dividends at even strength and on special teams.
- Another Weber, Yannick, signed a one-year deal with Nashville on July 1.
Goalies
| G |
|---|
| Pekka Rinne |
| Marek Mazanec |
- Rinne is still the starter, but the 33-year-old appears to be on the decline after struggling last season.
- Mazanec has the edge in the battle for the backup job due to his experience, but Juuse Saros could eventually work his way into the role. Carter Hutton left to become Jake Allen's backup in St. Louis.
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