New Predators on the Prowl!

After a largely disappointing season last year in CLUTCH, the Nashville Predators have made major changes to their team in order to make a stronger impact next season. The most notable acquisition of the off-season was the arrival of one of the league's best players in Joe Thornton. In a blockbuster trade that saw Thornton leaving Colorado and coming to Nashville for young studs Kris Beech and Marc-Andre Fleury. Thornton had always been a shadow behind Forsberg, will now get a chance to show everyone what he is made of in Nashville.

Also, making a return back to Nashville was star winger Andrew Brunette. He came along with star defenseman Roman Hamrlik and solid defensman Joe Corvo. Another large name to hit the Nashville papers is recent newcomer Jordan Krestanovich from the Atlanta Thrashers. With these new acquisitions, GM Cunti has shown the league that he is serious about making a run for the Cup.

Nashville's top line will be among the best in the league as opposing teams will likely face the line combination of Hartnell-Thornton-Sturm with Pronger and Hamrlik on defense. The second line won't be too much more of a pushover as Mike Modano will center Krestanovich and Brunette. Modin, Langkow and Hall will complete the third line, while Bellefeuille will be accompanied by Gron and Kotalik. We will also watch for guys like Thornton, Modano, Hartnell to double shift as the 4th line becomes weak. Kuba, Eaton, Pratt, Bombardier, Smrek, Guenin and newly acquired Corvo will be battling for spots and positions for the 3, 4, 5, and 6 defensive spots. As of right now, it appears that Kuba will be paired off with Eaton, while Corvo will be paired off with Pratt to round up the defense. Bombardier will likely be the go to #7 guy, however things may change after closely watching their play during the pre-season. Tomas Vokoun will likely see the bulk of the play as there is no real discernable backup goalie in Nashville.

It is expected that Mike Modano will be taking over Captaincy of the team, since the departure of Alexei Kovalev. Filip Kuba was the other Assistant last season, but it remains to be seen if he'll keep that before season 5 begins. It is more likely that we will see guys like Andrew Brunette, Chris Pronger have a more realistic opportunity to aid in leading the team. Newcomers Joe Thornton, Roman Hamrlik, Fred Modin, and Marco Sturm would not qualify for the Assistant position due to league specifications.

It is likely that there are no more changes expected in Nashville. However, given the team's trade history...anything is possible!