Predators at a crossroads with Chris MacFarland now in charge of hockey operations

Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Last season: 38-34-10, missed playoffs.

COACH: Andrew Brunette (166-126-29 over four seasons).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 1 vs. Minnesota.

DEPARTURES: F Luke Evangelista, F Fedor Svechkov, F Zachary L’Heureux, Director of Hockey Operations Brian Poile.

ADDITIONS: President of hockey operations Chris MacFarland, executive VP of hockey operations Rob Blake, executives Jamie Langenbrunner and Vukie Mpofu, F Ross Colton, F Jack Drury, F Adam Edstrom, F Mavrik Bourque, D Ilya Lyubushkin, F Alexander Kerfoot.

GOALIES: Juuse Saros (28-22-8, 3.16 goals-against average, .894 save percentage), Justus Annunen (10-12-2, 2.68, .906).

What to expect

The Nashville Predators are a franchise in transition, and how they start the season will determine whether MacFarland merely tweaks the roster or plunges into a full rebuild. They have missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons and three of four. Barry Trotz retired as general manager and now serves as an adviser. MacFarland started his tenure by revamping the front office this summer.

One decision he hasn’t made yet involves the coaching staff. Brunette goes into his fourth season and last on his contract needing to prove he is the right coach for the franchise. Veterans like Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly, Jonathan Marchessault, defenseman Brady Skjei and even captain Roman Josi could be available for trades if the Predators aren’t competitive enough.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: When the Predators veterans are on, they can fill up the net. Stamkos led Nashville with 42 goals last season. Filip Forsberg had 40 and led the Predators with 75 points. Josi looked much more like the Norris Trophy winner and three-time All-Star he is, finishing with 55 points in 68 games.

The not-so-good: Nashville has started each of the past two seasons slowly and was dead last in the NHL standings by early December last year. The Predators struggled to score or keep the puck out of the net. Even Stamkos had issues early last season scoring only six goals and three assists through 25 games.

Players to watch

O’Reilly is in the final year of his contract making him the most obvious candidate for a trade if MacFarland starts making moves. Annunen, who went 7-1-0 helping Finland win gold at the world championships, is pushing Saros hard for more playing time. MacFarland was with Colorado when the Avalanche drafted Annunen in 2018.

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