NHL Preview 2011-2012: 5 Bold Predictions for the Nashville Predators

The 2011-2012 NHL season begins tonight for the new-look Nashville Predators. 

The Preds look to carry over momentum from their first second-round playoff appearance in franchise history last season. Following a hard-fought series loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Preds went to work in the offseason in hopes of improving their prospects for a deep run in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The good news? Nashville kept its core intact for at least one more season by inking captain Shea Weber to a one-year, arbitration-awarded $7.5 million contract.

The bad news? Replacing the offensive output of departures Joel Ward, Steve Sullivan, and J.P. Dumont. 

Players leaving are nothing new for general manager David Poile and the Predators' front office. This is an organization known for getting the most value out of each of its players year after year. 

What to expect this season? A new calendar brings about a fresh start, promising young talent, new uniforms, and these 5 expectations for the Nashville Predators...

 

Shea Weber Will Win the Norris Trophy

Nashville Predator players rarely get the national attention necessary to win individual awards at season's end.

The voters will not ignore Shea Weber this time around.

Weber produced the all-around best season of his career in 2010-2011, scoring career highs in assists with 32 and average time on ice with 25:19 per game. The British Columbia native just barely lost out to Nicklas Lidstrom for the Norris Trophy last season.

Why will this year be different?

The stellar duo of Weber and fellow All-Star Ryan Suter will have one more year of experience under their belts. The pair will have increased continuity to go with an increase in ice time as both are under more pressure to carry the load for the Preds this season.

With Weber being a free agent again at the end of the season, he will be motivated to earn an illustrious payday from the highest bidder.

A Norris-caliber season makes him worth every penny. 

 

Niclas Bergfors Will Be This Year's Sergei Kostitsyn

General manager David Poile has a history of turning dust into diamonds. Last year, it was outcast Sergei Kostitsyn. 

This year? Niclas Bergfors.

The 23rd overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft was dealt to the Atlanta Thrashers during his first full season with the New Jersey Devils as part of the Ilya Kovalchuk trade. Last season, Bergfors was dealt at the trading deadline to the Florida Panthers.

His numbers for the full 2010-2011 season? 12 goals and 24 assists. 

Those stats certainly do not turn heads. However, given ample opportunity, Bergfors possesses the offensive talent to make an impact for the Nashville Predators. 

After seeing what head coach Barry Trotz did for Kostitsyn, look for Bergfors to enjoy breakout season.

 

Craig Smith Will Be a Contender for Rookie of the Year

The Nashville Predators may have their first ever Calder Memorial Trophy winner on their hands in Craig Smith. The Calder Trophy, NHL's name for rookie of the year, has a good chance of landing in Nashville at season's end.

The road to becoming a Nashville Predator usually goes through Milwaukee, its AHL affiliate. David Poile and company never send prospects directly to the NHL to begin their careers.

Except for this young Wisconsin Badger product.

Craig Smith was persuaded by David Poile to turn pro after just two seasons playing for the University of Wisconsin. He was awarded a spot in the 2011-2012 opening day roster.

Smith was also a star for the United States in the World Championships, tallying three goals and three assists in seven games played.

Nashville fans might just be looking at an emerging American star for their hockey club, and a long-awaited offensive performer to boot.   

Barry Trotz Will Win Coach of the Year

The Jack Adams Award is the trophy assigned to the NHL's coach of the year. 

Barry Trotz should win that award every season.

With one of lowest payrolls each year, the only coach the Preds have ever known continues to lead his hockey club to perennial playoff appearances.

In recent seasons, the Preds have had to replace integral players such as Dan Hamhuis, Tomas Vokoun, Jason Arnott, Paul Kariya and Kimmo Timonen.

Yet the Predators keep on making the playoffs and are respected league-wide as one of the hardest-working teams from game to game.

It is a disservice that Trotz has yet to win this distinction thus far in his career. When Nashville makes the playoffs again in April, it will be hard to ignore his credentials for winning the Jack Adams Award this time around. 

The Nashville Predators Will Make the NHL Playoffs

With all of the offseason departures, it is easy to designate the Predators as non-contenders heading into the 2011-2012 season.

However, Barry Trotz and his coaching staff yearly prove the doubters wrong regarding their hockey team.

With the best defensive pairing in the National Hockey League, an elite goaltender in Pekka Rinne and a plethora of young talent, Nashville will be a formidable force heading into the Western Conference Playoffs.

In addition to making the postseason, this team will give the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks a run for their money for the Central Division crown.