On the Forecheck, a Nashville Predators community

The Nashville Predators have set their roster for the opening night of the 2011-2012 NHL season, and the big story is that defenseman Mattias Ekholm has indeed made the cut.

Notably, Jack Hillen, Teemu Laakso and Zack Stortini were not on today's waiver list, increasing the likelihood that they'll be part of the Opening Night roster when the Predators take the ice in Columbus on Friday.

Defense prospect Mattias Ekholm could still do one of three things - stick with the big club, accept an assignment to Milwaukee, or head back to Sweden. Which will it be?

Ryan Ellis may have completed one of the most accomplished careers in the history of Canadian junior hockey, but with the Predators, who boast that "the road to Nashville goes through Milwaukee", he still needs a bit of seasoning before lining up on an NHL blueline.

Perhaps what is most notable about this development is who is not going on waivers today...

Perhaps they should play a little Pink Floyd around Centennial Sportsplex today, as decisions on the Opening Night roster are made.

While Tyler Sloan, Gabriel Bourque and Chris Mueller head to Milwaukee, Craig Smith has received word that he's not making that trip.

The Nashville Predators canceled practice today after last night's victory over Carolina, giving the guys a chance to rest up before what will be a critical few days for some of the players remaining in Training Camp.

The Predators still have 10 defensemen on their training camp roster. Who will get sent down to Milwaukee, and who will make the roster on opening night?

If Sloan gets assigned to Milwaukee tomorrow, that would leave the Preds with 30 players left in training camp, which includes injured players Francis Bouillon, Mike Fisher, and Roman Josi.