Nashville Predators

Despite being one of the most consistently successful clubs in hockey for the better part of the past decade, Barry Trotz's Nashville Predators have never been known as an offensive powerhouse. While they have been known to be particularly deadly on the power play in recent years, the Preds have been a team that relies mostly on stellar goaltending and tight defense.

Patric Hornqvist is perhaps the closest any Nashville Predator in history has been to a top goal scorer, already 10th on the Predators' all-time goal-scoring list despite playing only three full NHL seasons.

Obviously, it was a big blow to the team when he went down with an upper-body injury a few weeks ago. The team already had to endure a stretch of 10 games from mid-January without him and has now had to deal with another eight games with a big hole in the offense.

According the Tennesseean, Hornqvist is likely to return to action Monday night against Edmonton. With the trade deadline looming, adding a top-six forward as well as bringing Hornqvist back into the fold could provide a huge boost to Nashville's offensive totals and could catapult the team into the thick of the playoff race.

It could also help prevent Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne from suffering back injuries from carrying the team. Sorry, that was out of line.

Anyway, the Predators are just one measly point out of the top eight entering play on Monday night. They have one of the best goaltenders in hockey and one of the best coaches in hockey, and they have proven that they can win big games with a solid team-based effort.

Hornqvist will definitely impact the team's offensive output if he can stay healthy, and the team can feel safer leaning on its defense and goaltending to carry it to a playoff berth for the seventh of eight seasons.

With Ryan Suter departing for richer pastures in Minnesota this past offseason and Nashville going into a new season with three of its seven defensemen on the roster having fewer than 140 NHL games worth of experience between them, it was easy to expect a significant drop-off from the stout defenses the Nashville Predators have had in recent years under Barry Trotz.

However, that has not been the case.

As of February 10, the Predators lead the league with a 1.82 goals-against average as well as being above the league average in regards to penalty killing and overall team plus-minus.

And of the seven defensemen who have dressed for the Predators this year, only one (Scott Hannan) has a negative plus-minus. In fact, five of the seven have a positive plus-minus (with Hal Gill possessing a "0" rating). 

This suffocating defensive work has also had a knock on effect with the team's goaltenders, Pekka Rinne and Chris Mason, who both have a GAA lower than two and a save percentage well above .900 partly because of how the Preds defense has effectively limited its opponents' scoring opportunities. 

The team's offensive production from the blue line has decreased significantly without Suter and with Shea Weber's struggles (one assist in 11 games) and the team, like any team during an NHL season, has suffered a few poor defensive games such as the 4-0 loss to Phoenix last month.

But at this time, Trotz has squeezed enough offense out of his defense (Kevin Klein has five points, Ryan Ellis four) and his team to propel them to a record of 5-2-4, good enough for fifth in the Western Conference, a record unattainable without the great play from the team's defensive corps so far this year. 

The Nashville Predators were hardly in the news for the right reasons last offseason before the NHL lockout took center stage, but they still have a realistic chance of making a playoff run in 2013 if they focus on these keys.

Now that the lockout is officially over and we're set up for a 48-game season, it's time to break down the upcoming season. The puck drops on Jan. 19, with all but four teams playing opening-day games.

The perception across the league may be that the Preds aren't contenders after losing an elite defenseman in Ryan Suter, but that's hardly the mindset in Nashville as a very talented team will represent Music City in 2013. 

Let's take a look at the biggest keys to a successful 2013 season for the Nashville Predators.

Gain Confidence for Early Road Trip

A huge component of Nashville's success in recent seasons has been strong starts, but that won't come easy in 2013.

Glance at the Preds' schedule and you'll see exactly why. Yes, they open up with two home games, but then face a daunting seven-game road trip where they go everywhere from Minnesota to Los Angeles to St. Louis.

Not to mention, six of those seven games will be against teams who made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2012.

The Preds tend to gain a ton of momentum and confidence from playing in front of their rowdy fans in "Smashville," so starting the season at 2-0 would get their wheels going heading into that scary stretch of road games.

In a lockout-shortened season with little preparation time, that will be a huge key.

Find Shea Weber's Long-Term Defensive Partner

You know exactly what you're getting from Shea Weber. He'll hardly make mistakes, anchor offensive sets swiftly and notch 25 minutes of ice time on a consistent basis. 

What Preds fans don't know for the first time in years is if there will be a reliable defender alongside Weber. Nashville was fortunate enough to have two of the best defenders in the NHL to pair up on the same line, but there are 98 million reasons why that luxury is gone.

Fortunately, they have plenty of young defensive players who have loads of potential to be future stars. Ryan Ellis was selected 11th overall in the 2009 draft and showed a lot of promise last year in his first rookie season. Roman Josi was also a rookie but played much more like a veteran.

Thirty-year-old Hal Gill is also a potential candidate if Barry Trotz and company want one reliable line, but it'll take consistency away from one of the other two lines. 

Simply put, it's a decision that will likely make or break the entire season.

Step on Red Wings While They're Down

There's no doubt that the big, bad Detroit Red Wings are the Preds' biggest rival, but they're far less of a benchmark for Nashville to model themselves on after dominating them in a five-game playoff series and finishing above them in the standings.

The Preds have always been competent against their northern foes, but is this the season they prove to be a completely superior team? 

The two teams will face off four times in a 48-game season, so you don't have to be a math nerd to understand each game will have huge implications on the Western Conference's playoff outlook. On top of that, two of those four showdowns come in the final six games of the regular season.

If the Preds can win their four-game season series with the Red Wings, it'll have a huge impact on their chance of making the postseason and further prove the stock of the team.

- What do you think about the Preds' upcoming season? Comment below, or follow me on Twitter.

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After failing to bring Shea Weber into the fold in mid-July, could the Nashville Predators' hard-shooting defenseman wear a Philadelphia Flyers jersey in the not-too-distant future?

It's possible. According to a report in The Tennessean, the contract that Weber agreed to does not include a no-trade or a no-movement clause.

Beat writer Josh Cooper quoted Weber's agent, Jarrett Bousquet, as saying that the contract has been signed. The new deal would keep the Predators defenseman in Nashville for a full season, but the team could choose to trade him after a full season.

The Flyers signed Weber to a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet in mid-July and the Preds shocked the hockey world by matching the offer sheet later that month.

It was expected that the Preds would pass on matching the offer because of financial issues. The Predators had lost defenseman Ryan Suter when he signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Wild in early July.

General manager David Poile thought he was going to have an opportunity to keep Suter, an unrestricted free agent, in the fold. Poile claims he was shocked when Suter signed with the Wild because he had spoken with the player on several occasions about staying with the Predators.

If they Predators had not matched the offer for Weber and he had also left, it would have been devastating for the small-market team that has carved out a strong following for itself in the unlikely Nashville market.

While there are still financial issues for the Predators, they could get a substantial return for Weber if they decide to trade him a year from now.

The Flyers are in need of a No. 1 defenseman and it seems likely that they would remain quite interested in acquiring his services.

Chris Pronger missed the majority of the 2011-12 season due to concussion-related problems and there is no timetable for his return to the team (source: SportsOverdose.com).

Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren knows his team must find a player who can fill Pronger's role if it wants to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

Weber is one of the top defensemen in the league. He was a finalist for the Norris Trophy this year—it was won by Ottawa's Erik Karlsson—and his explosive shot may be the best weapon in the league from the blue line.

(Boston's Zdeno Chara regularly edges Weber in the hardest-shot contest during the All-Star weekend, but Weber gets his shot away faster and is more accurate with it in game competition.)

Weber is also a hard-hitting and physical defenseman who is not afraid to mix it up with opponents.

By matching the offer sheet, the Preds can prove to potential season-ticket buyers that they plan to remain in contention for a Western Conference playoff spot.

However, if the team's financial issues get worse, the Predators could seek Weber's permission to trade him sooner rather than later.

That won't make Predators fans happy, but it could do wonders for Flyers supporters.

Shea Weber's 14-year, $110 million mega deal will likely keep the 27-year-old defenseman in a Nashville Predators sweater for the rest of his career.

However, if the team decided to trade him after next season, there's nothing in the contract that would prevent general manager David Poile from shopping his captain to any of the other 29 teams.

Josh Cooper of The Tennessean talked to Weber's agent on Wednesday, who shared the last details of his client's enormous contract.

Per Shea Weber's agent Jarrett Bousquet, contract is finished, registered with the league. No no-trade clause or no movement clause though

— JoshuaCooper (@JoshuaCooper) September 5, 2012

The lack of a no-trade and a no-movement clause isn't a surprise at all, and was fully expected to happen, but it does mean that the Predators will never have to deal with a Rick Nash-like disaster that the Columbus Blue Jackets went through for most of last year and into the summer.

Nash's deal had a no-trade clause that made it difficult for the Blue Jackets to get rid of him. He submitted a list of teams he was willing to be dealt to, and Columbus could only make a trade with one of those clubs. This really hurt the Blue Jackets' ability to get the most in return for their captain, and when we finally saw the value they got for Nash when he was dealt to the New York Rangers, it was obvious that the NTC was a real problem.

Luckily for the Predators, they will be able to get the best possible deal for Weber if they ever want to trade him. The Predators are not allowed to trade Weber for one year, which is standard with offer sheets that are matched. However, when that period of time is up, it's possible that several teams could be interested in acquiring him.

Even if there was significant interest in Weber around the league, to trade a player of his importance, the Predators would be need to be blown away with a trade offer they simply couldn't afford to refuse.

From a salary cap standpoint, Weber's cap hit of about $7.85 million (via Capgeek.com) would be tough to trade under the current salary cap of $70.2 million, but if the owners' proposal of a lowered salary cap (via Darren Dreger of TSN) comes to fruition in the next CBA, trading Weber could be even tougher, especially in the first few years.

Proposed Salary Caps: all projected and fixed: 2012/13 - $58M 2013/14 -$60M. 2014/15-$62M. 2015/16-$64.2M. 2016/17 - $67.6M 2017/18 - $71.1M

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 29, 2012

The chances of the Predators trading Weber are slim, but if they ever wanted to, at least they will have the freedom to find the best deal for the franchise because there isn't a no movement or a no-trade clause in his contract.

Nicholas Goss is an NHL lead writer at Bleacher Report. He was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston. Follow him on Twitter.

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With talks between the NHL owners and the NHLPA suspended until a time yet to be determined, fans are bracing for the third lockout under Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Around the league, fans are trying to figure out alternatives should the NHL shut their doors once more.

Nashville is a team already filled with uncertainty for this season (if there is a season).

Throw in a lockout and the future in Nashville becomes even more uncertain.

Some teams may benefit from a lockout, but for Nashville it could be somewhat of a mixed bag. It could allow some of their younger stars a chance to develop further in the AHL.

Last season there were a few young players who started to make their mark on the Predators organization.

Names like Colin Wilson, Craig Smith and Nick Spaling were busy racking up the points with the Predators last season. Of these three only one will have a contract next season: Colin Wilson.

Wilson managed 35 points in 68 games last season at centre, which earned him a three-year extension worth $6 million (CBS Sports).

Left wing Nick Spaling and centre Craig Smith also managed to make a name for themselves last season. Spaling totaled 22 points in 77 games and Smith had 36 points in 72 games.

Both of these young stars become restricted free agents next summer. For a team that plays a defensive game, it is beneficial to have young players who are fitting well into their system.

A lockout for these three players would mean they could play this season fully in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals.

Not to be confused with the Calder Cup winners, the Norfolk Admirals, Milwaukee managed to finish second in their division and fifth in the conference.

Should a lockout occur, these young players can continue to develop with Milwaukee. They will be able to gain more valuable experience for the following season.

It could also see further development of centre Chris Mueller, who topped the Milwaukee Admirals scoring with 60 points. He was brought up for four games, but was held pointless.

While Mueller may be ready to make a splash this season, the added time in Milwaukee with Nashville players like Spaling, Smith and Wilson would be a huge benefit to the 26-year-old.

While Nashville has a decent system in place that is developing talented young players that fit the style of play Nashville favors, a lockout could spell trouble for the Predators.

This summer, star defender Ryan Suter signed with Minnesota shortly after free agency began in July.

Their other top defender, who is currently viewed as one of the best in the league, Shea Weber, also signed an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers(TSN).

Nashville had warned the league it would match any offer. For a price of $110 million over 14 years, they did (Globe and Mail).

Yet if Nashville loses a season due to a lockout, it may have been for naught.

The rules of the current CBA stipulate that if an offer sheet is matched, the player in question can not be traded for one year.

While it may not be Weber’s intention, it would be completely in his rights to request a trade next season.

Nashville may not have had to pay the defenceman for the lost season, but they would still be forced to trade one of their best players.

The Predators need the season to go ahead. They have a few options on their roster to take over for the now-departed Suter, but it may take time to find the right fit.

If this season suffers a lockout and Weber exercises his right to request a trade, Nashville will still have to replace its top two defenders and find two players who are the right fit.

One reason for Nashville fans to be worried about Weber during a lost or partially lost season comes from his agent.

According to NBC Sports, Weber’s agent, Kevin Epp told Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sam Carchidi that they felt Philly “was the right fit” he also told CSN Philly “When Ryan [Suter] left, I think things changed…”

These comments do not bode well for Nashville.

It speaks of a player looking to move on with his career, not of a player who still wants to be a part of his old team.

Nashville could not afford another loss this summer. Having already lost Suter, the Predators losing Weber would have been devastating.

If the above comments are true, that could still happen. If Weber asks for a trade, Nashville will not get the full value for one of the league’s top defenders in his prime.

So while Nashville may still be able to develop the young upcoming core of players, should there be a lockout, it could see Weber asking for a trade after a year of not playing.

Only time and the lockout becoming reality will tell on these issues.

Ryan Suter is gone, but by matching a 14-year offer sheet from Philadelphia, the Nashville Predators locked up the best defenseman currently in the NHL.

Shea Weber can do it all. He has a blistering shot, capable of some day breaking Zdeno Chara's record in the hardest shot contest; he is one of the strongest and most physically intimidating players in the league; and he is the ideal power play quarterback.

His size and shot make every team fear playing against him and he was the main reason that Nashville had the best power play in the NHL last season. He led NHL defensemen with an astonishing 10 power play goals in 2011-12, more than twice as many as he scored at even strength.

Weber's ability to contribute on the power play shows how he is the perfect offensive weapon when the Predators need a goal. He is a terrific player in the clutch and sees more ice time than almost any other player in hockey.

He also scored two shorthanded goals last year. What kind of defenseman does that? Nobody else in hockey.

Despite putting up brilliant offensive numbers, Weber also keeps his mind on defense at the same time, unlike other offensive defensemen (Mike Green, Dion Phaneuf, etc.). Weber's bone-crushing hits, high plus/minus ratings and high amounts of blocked shots show that he can be a threat to those trying to score on his team as well as those trying to stop his team from scoring.

Some other candidates that could be considered as best defensemen in hockey are Zdeno Chara, Erik Karlsson, Dustin Byfuglien and Alex Pietrangelo. Here's why Weber is better.

Chara is a huge physical presence and has the only shot harder than Weber's in hockey. However, Chara is a bit older, and despite being still one of the best defensemen in hockey, anyone would rather have Weber for the next 10 years because of his age. Weber is also faster on the ice and blocks more shots than Chara.

Erik Karlsson had a terrific year as he led defensemen in points by 25 points. However, he is more offensively minded than Weber and hardly hits or blocks shots at all. He also had the worst plus/minus in hockey in 2010-11. Whatever version of Karlsson we see in 2013 is likely the real Erik Karlsson.

Dustin Byfuglien is an intimidating player who can score, but he is also a winger, so he can't be considered a full-time defenseman. Byfuglien is a great player, but even when he is on defense, he seems to have his mind on offense. He has only finished with a positive plus/minus rating once in seven NHL seasons, and he does not block shots or hit nearly as much as Weber.

Lastly, Pietrangelo is the only defenseman in the NHL that I can see eclipsing Weber in talent any time soon. Pietrangelo fits the bill as one of the most underrated defensemen in the league, and he was a huge part of the Blues' success last season. He blocks shots and scores about just as often as Weber, but he is slightly smaller and less intimidating than Weber in size.

The Predators may be a defenseman short with Ryan Suter leaving for Minnesota, but the rest of the core is intact and the team still boasts one of the best goalies in hockey as well as the NHL's best defensemen: Shea Weber. 

The Nashville Predators lost top-tier defenseman Ryan Suter to the Minnesota Wild just over a month ago, and have not yet done much to replace him.

The team's main priority has been to extend star defenseman Shea Weber, which they have succeeded with by matching a 14-year offer sheet signed by Weber from Philadelphia.

Now that the Weber issue has been taken care of, the Predators should look for a defense partner for him in order to replace Suter.

Even with the monster deal for Weber, the Predators still have over $16 million in cap space, according to capgeek.com.

Rumors have been circulating around the NHL all over Twitter, ESPN's NHL rumor page and hockey news websites like hockeybuzz.com that the Calgary Flames are looking to trade defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.

Teams that have been linked to Bouwmeester on these sites include Detroit, Philadelphia and St. Louis, but not Nashville so far.

Yes, Bouwmeester's cap hit is $6.68 million per year according to CapGeek, and his numbers may be down in recent years, but one must remember that he has played nine NHL seasons and has never made the playoffs; he has unfortunately ended up with less-than quality teams.

Maybe he just needs a change in scenery. Look at his stats from his last three years with Florida and his three years in Calgary.

If he could go to Nashville and play next to Weber, don't tell me his play wouldn't improve. Watch Ryan Suter without his old partner this year and see what you think.

Since Nashville has so much cap space, they could trade for Bouwmeester and still have about $10 million left to do whatever they please.

The Predators should be just fine even if they don't get Bouwmeester. Losing Ryan Suter is by no means the end of the world; however, the addition of "JBo" would definitely help out the team's chances.