5 Burning Questions For Nashville Predators Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

By Nick Villano

5 Burning Questions For Nashville Predators Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

Nashville Predators Score — The Nashville Predators became a true contender last season when they went from second-worst in the division to the second-best team. They were carried by an amazing goalie, a stellar defense and an offense led by a rookie. Can they pull that off again this season? That is just one of the many questions surround this team.

5. Where Does Barret Jackman Fit?

5. Where Does Barret Jackman Fit?

5. Where Does Barret Jackman Fit?

5. Where Does Barret Jackman Fit? — Barret Jackman is a big, veteran defenseman who should theoretically fit in a team's top four, but this isn't any old top four. Seth Jones, Roman Josi and Shea Weber are the cream of the defensive crops in the NHL. Jackman will have a lot of pressure to live up to his status and to keep up with this elite group.

4. Can They Make A Postseason Run?

4. Can They Make A Postseason Run?

4. Can They Make A Postseason Run?

4. Can They Make A Postseason Run? — Nobody is arguing that the Central is not the hardest division to play in. It just is a fact at this point. The Predators will still be a favorite to make the postseason, but can they survive the first round when they will have to play one of the Blackhawks, Blues, Wild, Stars, Avalanche or Jets? They would no doubt be the favorite in some of those series, but none would be easy.

3. Can Filip Forsberg Avoid The Sophomore Slump?

3. Can Filip Forsberg Avoid The Sophomore Slump?

3. Can Filip Forsberg Avoid The Sophomore Slump?

3. Can Filip Forsberg Avoid The Sophomore Slump? — Filip Forsberg came out of nowhere to carry the Preds to the postseason. He slumped pretty hard towards the end of the season, which cost him even a nomination for the Calder Trophy. Is that slump going to carry onto this season, or was it a case of a young player getting used to an increased workload?

2. How Does Seth Jones' Contract Situation Play Out?

2. How Does Seth Jones' Contract Situation Play Out?

2. How Does Seth Jones' Contract Situation Play Out?

2. How Does Seth Jones' Contract Situation Play Out? — The Predators will be paying around $21 million to four defensemen next season. They have the contract of Seth Jones expiring. He is becoming a restricted free agent, so he can't test the market, but that doesn't stop him from asking for big money. A good benchmark is Adam Larsson's contract. He is a little better, but was drafted in around the same place. Expect a $5 million per season contract.

1. Can Pekka Rinne Stay Healthy?

1. Can Pekka Rinne Stay Healthy?

1. Can Pekka Rinne Stay Healthy?

1. Can Pekka Rinne Stay Healthy? — This is the main question every single season. If Pekka Rinne can stay healthy, they always have a chance to compete. If he doesn't, they can't. It is that simple. Carter Hutton barely keeps his save percentage above .900 (.902 last season). Rinne is an elite level goalie. They just don't compare.

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Nashville Predators

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