The Nashville Predators entered the off-season expecting to slip unnoticed into the free agent pool, and perhaps pick off a bargain or two. They ended up making a cannonball splash in the deep end. By signing center Jason Arnott to a five-year deal, the Predators addressed many of their most glaring deficiencies in one fell swoop. Arnott, just 31, brings size, skill and Stanley Cup-winning experience to a team lacking all three, especially up the middle. He also gives the Predators’ formidable first line a playmaker to deal the puck to Paul Kariya and Martin Erat.

In addition, the team added 6-foot-4 Josef Vasicek after general manager David Poile swapped the beloved and scrappy Scott Walker to the Hurricanes. Vasicek will push David Legwand for the second-line center job in training camp.

The Predators also signed right wing J.P. Dumont after he was released by Buffalo. Dumont will add much-needed veteran depth to the Preds’ thin right side, which could permit Alexander Radulov, Nashville’s highly-touted 2004 first-round pick, to develop in Milwaukee this season.

The Predators also resigned Chris Mason to back up Tomas Vokoun, who was injured late last season but should be ready to go for training camp.

In addition to dealing Walker, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, the team said goodbye to captain Greg Johnson, forward Adam Hall and defenseman Mark Eaton. Recent acquisitions Mike Sillinger, Yanic Perreault, Brandon Witt, and Danny Markov also have moved on.

Poile and head coach Barry Trotz feel it is time to give younger players Scott Hartnell, Scottie Upshall and Jordin Tootoo a chance to play a larger role on offense, while Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Greg Zanon and Kevin Kline will see increased minutes on the blueline. Veterans Nolan Yonkman and Alex Henry were signed to add size, but neither are impact players. One area in which the Predators are determined to improve is penalties.

The team ranked third in the NHL last season and the problem carried over into their series with San Jose, when Nashville allowed nine power play goals in five games. After the Predators’ exit, Poile said, “I can almost guarantee you we won’t be the third-most penalized team next year.”

Despite the significant roster overhaul, don’t look for the Predators to scrap their style of play in 2006-07. Trotz will continue to ice the same hard-working, blue-collar squad that has served Nashville so well the past two seasons. Nashville will once again be a strong contender in a loaded Western Conference.

 Key Additions:  C Jason Arnott, C Josef Vasicek, RW J.P. Dumont

Key Departures:  C Mike Sillinger, F Scott Walker, C Greg Johnson, C Yanic Perreault, F Adam Hall, D Brandon Witt, D Mark Eaton, D Danny Markov

Breakout Players
RW Alexander Radulov: The team’s first-round draft pick in 2004, Radulov is a speedy, offensive-minded winger who could add flair and explosiveness to the Predators’ lineup. He had 152 points in juniors last season and could jump straight to the Preds and contribute right away.

D Shea Weber: The team has opted to go with youth on defense, and Weber could be its next big find. The Preds need size and toughness on the blueline, and the 6-3 Weber can provide both. Already boasting Marek Zidlicky and Dan Hamhuis, Weber earned favor with the coaches by scoring two goals in the playoffs.

C Jason Arnott: Okay, so he’s already a breakout player. But when you consider that the Preds desperately needed an experienced, skilled forward with size, his addition cannot be overstated. He should flourish between sharpshooter Kariya and the speedy Erat, and help the team immensely in their push for a third-straight trip to the playoffs.