Central Division 2014-15 Preview: Nashville Predators
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SI.com's 2014-15 Preseason All-NHL Teams: first, second, third
Peter
2013-14 RECORD: 38-32-12, 88 points, sixth in Central (missed playoffs)
VITAL SIGNS: 2.61 goals per game (19th); 2.84 goals-against per game (23rd); 19.2 power play pct. (12th); 80.2 penalty kill pct. (25th); shootout record: 2-9 (29th)
NOTABLE ARRIVALS: LW James Neal, C Olli Jokinen, D Anton Volchenkov, F Derek Roy, C Mike Ribeiro, F=LW Viktor Stalberg,
NOTABLE DEPARTURES: D Michael Del Zotto, RW Patric Hornqvist, C Nick Spaling
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART:
Forwards
Colin Wilson — Mike Ribeiro — James Neal
Matt Cullen — Olli Jokinen — Filip Forsberg
Gabriel Bourque — Derek Roy — Craig Smith
Viktor Stalberg — Paul Gaustad — Eric Nystrom
Defensemen
Roman Josi — Shea Weber
Mattias Ekholm — Seth Jones
Anton Volchenkov — Ryan Ellis
Goalies
Pekka Rinne
Carter Hutton
Fancy Stats Primer: Your guide to hockey's advanced analytics jargon
• Predators reduce camp roster
PLAYER TO WATCH:
While Ribeiro is an obvious candidate, given his reputation for being erratic and his unceremonious exit from Arizona, Wilson gets the nod here. He was a man among boys during his final season at BU in 2008-09, but has struggled to transition his skills into the same big numbers during his five NHL seasons. (His first 40-point campaign will be his first.) In his sixth go-round, he'll finally have a chance to play in an offensive system with more consistent scorers. It's a big chance for the 24-year-old former first-round pick who will have plenty of motivation: He's in the last of a three-year deal that will see him become an RFA at season's end.
PREDICTION: 90 points; sixth in Central
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