Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Predators Trimmed

The Nashville Predators did their necessary housecleaning before the season starts by sending down Antti Pihlstrom to the AHL, leaving the team with 25 players on the roster, three of which are hurt.

The Predators are going to have to work extra hard to keep up with the ever-improving Central Division. The goaltending tandem of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne will be facing a lot of rubber this year, which will wear down the keepers over the long haul. Ellis is sure to get the bulk of the starts, but it won't be a superstar-like amount, letting Rinne have his fair share of games as well.

ForwardsDefenseGoaltenders
J-P DumontRyan SuterDan Ellis
Jason ArnottDan HamhuisPekka Rinne
Martin EratShea Weber
David LegwandVille Koistinen
Vern FiddlerGreg de Vries
Radek BonkGreg Zanon
Jordin TootooKevin Klien
Scott Nichol
Jared Smithson
Nick Tarnasky
Rich Peverley
Jed Ortmeyer
Patric Hornqvist
Ryan Jones
Joel Ward
Steve Sullivan

The Preds are safely within the salary cap safe-zone at $42.1 million against. The inclusion of some new faces like Patric Hornqvist, Ryan Jones and Joel Ward should bring some youthful optimism to the squad. Hornqvist seems to be the best one of the three to consider for sleeper options. If you have already drafted, you may want to keep an eye out for him during the year, if you have some mid-season changes to make.

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