The Young and the Veterans: The Voices of Wisdom
Nashville is advertising a young and energetic roster, but three new veteran voices will help shape the Predators' culture for seasons to come.
As Barry Trotz leads the Nashville Predators into the next chapter, much of the focus is on the young players who took steps forward last season to become the future core. Players like Cody Glass, Luke Evangelista, and Phil Tomasino will draw a lot of attention at training camp in September. Training camp will also mark the return of the slew of veterans the Predators lost to injury last season. Fans will get to see Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg back on the ice along with three new veteran players - Ryan O'Reilly, Luke Schenn, and Gustav Nyquist.
Some in Nashville question the signing of these older free agents, but Barry Trotz made his intentions very clear when it came to why he wanted these three to be on the Predators' roster.
"My intention was to make this team ready good and for a long time," Trotz said.
"I want you to come here to win. That was really important to me. They just want to win."
It isn't just the on ice talent that new veterans like O'Reilly, Nyquist, and Schenn add to the team. The off ice contributions are as important. Each is an experienced winner and can be a mentor to a team developing a crop of young talent. Veteran voices in the locker room are going to help shape the culture of this Nashville team as the young players step into their own leadership roles over the next few seasons.