How do Predators stack up after free agency?
We have reached the true beginning of the NHL offseason. The initial rush of free agency is over, so there isn’t much left to do before training camps open in September.
The Predators haven’t made many waves, but neither have most of their Central Division rivals.
Here’s how each team, listed in order of finish last season, looks after the busiest period of the summer:
Nashville Predators
Add: None Subtract: F Mike Fisher, F Scott Hartnell, D Alexei Emelin
Days after the Predators were eliminated from the playoffs by the Winnipeg Jets in May, general manager David Poile said he liked the team’s makeup and wouldn’t be making major changes . He’s kept his word, leaving the Presidents’ Trophy-winning roster intact.
Defenseman Ryan Ellis, however, still is without an extension, which he’s now eligible to sign. He remains the Predators’ top offseason priority. Juuse Saros, Ryan Hartman and Miikka Salomaki are restricted free agents in need of new contracts.
Winnipeg Jets
Add: None Subtract: F Paul Stastny, F Joel Armia, F Matt Hendricks,G Steve Mason
With 15 points in 17 playoff games, Stastny delivered as a trade-deadline acquisition. The Jets, who have several key restricted free agents to sign, moved money to keep Stastny, but he opted for a three-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. The Jets have the high-end depth to replace him.
Minnesota Wild
Add: Hendricks,F Eric Fehr, F J.T. Brown, D Greg Pateryn
Subtract: F Matt Cullen, F Tyler Ennis
At the helm of the Wild, former Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton hasn’t shaken things up. He should consider it, though. The Wild, despite consecutive 100-point seasons, have been eliminated from the first round in five games each time. They’re a good team, but not when it matters.
Colorado Avalanche
Add: F Matt Calvert, D Ian Cole, G Philipp Grubauer
Subtract: F Blake Comeau,G Jonathan Bernier
The Avalanche improved their goaltending by trading for Grubauer, who started the first two games of the playoffs for the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. Longtime starter Semyon Varlamov can’t stay healthy, so some reliability in net should help a young team on the rise.
St. Louis Blues
Add: F Ryan O’Reilly, F Tyler Bozak, F David Perron, G Chad Johnson
Subtract: F Patrik Berglund, F Vladimir Sobotka, F Tage Thompson, F Kyle Brodziak, G Carter Hutton
Is this the year that the Blues finally live up to expectations? They’ve been the most active Central Division team this summer.
The additions of O’Reilly, who’s good for at least 50 points, and Bozak as middle-six centers behind 70-point scorer Brayden Schenn strengthens the Blues down the middle. Keep an eye on them.
Add: Comeau, D Roman Polak, G Anton Khudobin
Subtract: Pateryn,F Antoine Roussel, G Kari Lehtonen
The Stars’ pitch to superstar center John Tavares was unsuccessful, but they at least received an invitation. After their splashy offseason last year didn’t pan out, the Stars kept quiet this summer other than hiring rookie coach Jim Montgomery. Khudobin, who started 29 games for the Boston Bruins last season, is a solid backup behind injury-prone starter Ben Bishop.
Chicago Blackhawks
Add: F Chris Kunitz, D Brandon Manning, G Cam Ward Subtract: None In response to their first last-place finish in 11 years, the Blackhawks didn’t overreact. The demise of the Blackhawks’ season can be linked to goaltender Corey Crawford’s long-term absence because of injury. Ward is a more experienced Plan B than the Blackhawks had last season, but he’s not much better.
Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.