The 2007-2008 Nashville Predators had a great season, placing second in the Central division of the Western Conference, and earning the eighth seed in the playoffs before falling to Stanley Cup finalist and Western Conference Champion, Detroit.
The team is spending the offseason trying to sign players and re-sign free agents, a problem last year as they lost Paul Kariya, Scott Hartnell, Kimmo Timonen and Tomas Vokoun.
They have already re-signed goaltender Chris Mason, and Dan Ellis is currently an unrestricted free agent. The Preds seem to be interested in two-time AHL all-star goalie, Pekka Rinne, who led Milwaukee to the playoffs this past season.
- B/R Ticket Guide
As far as forwards, the Preds seem to be set. They currently have 12 signed including Jason Arnott, David Legwand, heavy-hitting Jordin Tootoo, and the injured Steve Sullivan. In addition, five are free agents, including Darcy Hordichuk.
Defense is set as well, with four defensemen locked for 2008 and four free agents signed. Captain Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are restricted free agents in whom Nashville must invest.
Overall, Nashville has a bright future ahead of them. While they have lost the majority of their experienced squad last year, they have youth going for them as well as many bright minor leaguers and prospects. All they need now is a higher seed.
*Information on signed players, free agents, and prospects found on the Nashville Predators website (http://predators.nhl.com)
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