Nashville Team Update

It was a busy off-season for the Nashville Predators as they traded both Cammalleri and Robidas in return for three prospects and three draft picks also the Pred’s signed left wing Clarke MacArthur to a 4 year deal worth 17.4mil.

The Pred's GM had a few words with the press this morning about what direction the team will be heading for the future to come. Here’s what he had to say.

After last season’s playoff loss in the second round made me think it’s time to start rebuilding the team at a slow and steady pace. We don't want to make any major moves as we still want to make the playoffs again this season and for the future. Ever since I was hired we have not missed one playoff season and I don’t intend to now. As we start rebuilding we will keep the team a playoff contender as long as we can.

It was tough loss to see Nashville’s starting goaltender Niklas Backstrom sign on with the Leaf’s during free agency. We couldn't give Niklas what he wanted so it was best for both sides to agree on finding him a new home with a fresh start.

Backstrom has been with us since the start of his professional career in the MRFHL. He was a big factor by helped the Pred's win our first MRFHL cup back in 2010. He also helped the team win not one but two presidents cups and four division champ titles. Niklas has made so many fond memories over the years that there will be no other goalie quit like him. He is and will always be a fan favorite to us all and we wish him nothing but the best.

Cammalleri was a difficult decision for us to trade him away. He was a perfect fit with teammates Jason Pominville and Patrice Bergeron. They had great chemistry between them. They were one of the best first line players in this leagues history. Both Jason, Mike and Patrice also became good friends both on and off the ice. It was a sad day when word got out that Mike was traded to the Sabers (Patrice stated.) Mike knew that the team needed more cap space to make room for future players. He always put the team first before himself. Clark MacArthur will be a good fit with the team. He brings both offence and defence each night. He will be a great addition to the Pred’s line up.

The three young prospects Nashville Received in return where Jordan Schroeder, Jordan Schmaltz, and Blake Coleman along with a 2^nd and two 3rd round picks for the future. This will be a good start in the right direction on rebuilding the team. There will also be some new faces added to the Pred’s pro roster this season. The next starter in net for the Pred's will be 25 year old Russian goalie Sergei Bobrovsky with 26 year old Ben Bishop as his backup. 23 year old Jacob Markstrom from Sweden will be starting his first pro season on the farm as the Admirals new starter. One thing Nashville has now is very strong goaltending for the the future. These guys could all be starters one day. They have the endurance, size, and skill to make them all reach pro potential.

Also to make their first appearance on the Pred’s roster this season is Cam Atkinson and Mathieu Perreault. Both rookies had a great season with the Admirals last year and where the only two to make the pro’s roster out of training camp. Perreault will most likely fill in the spot for center and Atkinson will play on the wing between the 3^rd or 4^th lines. Also starting in Milwaukee for the first time this season will be Dwight King, Victor Bartley, Matt Barkowski, and Jeremy Smith as Markstrom’s backup.

There could be more changes as the season goes on like for instence the Pred's might be looking for another center or winger if the team starts to fall behind.