While Smith's 2013 NHL season was an unmitigated train wreck, young forwards with offensive potential probably deserve a second (or third) chance in Nashville, given the team's overall lack of talent up front.
Gritty play, moderate offensive production and a few lost games to injury combined for a pretty typical Mike Fisher season. How much longer can he keep up his physical style, however?
Perhaps the biggest disappointment in Shea Weber's season was that he didn't get to grow his infamous playoff beard. That said, he did prove that he could still bring dynamic, game-changing play from the blueline without his "Robin".
Heralded as a competitive two-way forward, Nick Spaling scored goals at a faster pace than ever this season, but the Goals Against piled up, too.
The Preds' pesky goal-scorer had a disappointing year due to injuries which kept him out of half the team's games, but his persistent style of play was rewarded with a 5-year, $21.25 million contract. What does the future hold for Patric Hornqvist?
On a team loaded with young defensemen, Hal Gill's willingness to do the dirty work helped position his teammates for success.
When he suffered a season-ending injury against Chicago on April 1st, Gabriel Bourque was the Predators' leading goal-scorer. What does the future hold for Nashville's speedy winger?
When Ryan Suter left Nashville via free agency, the Swiss sophomore was tabbed to take over the bulk of his responsibilities. How has he done so far?
Almost five years after being drafted in 2008, Colin Wilson is the leading scorer on the Nashville Predators this season. Can he maintain this role the rest of the way?
This is the biggest storyline for the Nashville Predators this year. Fans hope their captain has 110 million reasons to rise to the challenge and lead this team to the top in 2013.
Journeyman netminder Chris Mason returns to the Nashville Predators this season, the club that gave him his start in the NHL. After three other NHL cities, is this the year Mase hoists the Cup? Or hangs up the skates?
The Nashville Predators aren't shy about the fact that they build their team on a foundation of outstanding defense & goaltending, and Pekka Rinne has established himself as the franchise cornerstone for years to come.
After recovering from a broken leg over the summer, count on "Treebeard" to provide reliable penalty killing and solid leadership for younger players.
He may not impact the outcome of a game, but Brian McGrattan did well enough in 2011-2012 to merit a contract extension. Is that an affirmation of the status quo? Or a charge to take more responsibility?
The on-again, off-again Jon Blum hasn’t been seen in Nashville in a long while, like December 2011 long. The Predators’ 2007 first round pick has seen NHL playing time, but has yet to solidify his spot with the big club. Can he do it this year?
Nashville’s favorite "Honey Badger" returns to Bridgestone Arena for his sophomore season in the NHL. Last year, Craig Smith proved he could put up points but then lost his offensive spark for the last half of the season. Can he rekindle the fire?
Nashville Predators fans may not be impressed with Scott Hannan’s offensive production, but they will appreciate the steady leadership he will provide on the blueline.
Matt Halischuk put up respectable offensive numbers despite relatively little ice time. Can he grow into a larger role with the Preds this season?
Will the smooth-skating Swiss defenseman be able to make Predator fans forget Ryan Suter?
When the Preds reunited Sergei Kostitsyn with his brother Andrei at last season's Trade Deadline, hopes were high that their chemistry might lead to a deep playoff run for the Preds. Things didn't work out nearly that well, however...
The Nashville Predators have had to battle an impression that they lack goal-scoring talent, but Patric Hornqvist's production over the last three seasons ranks him alongside names like Marian Hossa, Scott Hartnell, and Patrick Kane.
As a 28-year-old blueliner entering his 5th full-time NHL season, is there any upside left to Klein's game?
He stands second to David Legwand in the major career statistical categories for the Nashville Predators, and this season Martin Erat has been named part of the team's leadership group.
The condensed 2013 regular season schedule is likely to test the depth of every NHL team, and Nashville's minor-league club in Milwaukee will continue to play a major role in their success.
The Predators have long held penalty killing to be a team strength, so Gaustad's size, strength and faceoff ability will prove critical this season.
Every team needs foot soldiers as well as stars, and Nick Spaling has endeared himself to Preds fans in recent years with his hard-working approach to penalty killing. Will the rise of other young forwards threaten his future in Nashville, however?
