Predators on the Prowl

Few men in the NHL have had as many hard decisions lately as the Nashville Predators' GM David Poile. The biggest decision of all is what to do with two of the best defensemen in the league, Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Weber will become a restricted free agent this summer. Additionally, Suter can become an unrestricted free agent as well. It is Poile's job to convince them both to stay in Nashville. His hope of course is to resign both. In regards to this, Poile said, "I have a Plan A. I really like Plan A. It's one that I know if it happens will keep us competitive and allow us to compete for the Stanley Cup."

The Nashville Predators franchise is trending right now, and it is the right direction. As far as attendance is concerned, they are on record pace for average attendance and sold-out home games. As a result, the Predators' revenue increased 25-30% last season and their television ratings have gone up over 50% this season. The front office has done a brilliant marketing job, which has resulted in the increase in ticket sales, expansion of advertising, and the team's continued partnership with Bridgestone. The Predators remain very involved in the community. They have helped build and support up-and-coming youth and high school hockey programs. Nashville, a city were hockey had never existed before, has been transformed by the sport.

In an effort to improve this year's team and to convince Suter and Weber to stay, Poile and the front office were busy prior to the NHL's trade deadline. They began by bringing in veteran defenseman Hall Gill, who is a former cup winner. Then, they acquired forward Andrei Kostitsyn and center Paul Gaustad right before the deadline. The moves will help keep the Predators among the top of the crowded Western Conference standings. They certainly hope to make a run at the Stanley Cup this year.

The Predators still have plenty of work to do. Their numbers and play might be improving, but they are still middle of the pack in many areas. However, when you consider where this team was and the fact that they play in a Southern market, the work Poile and the rest of the front office have done has been impressive. The Predators are on the prowl and looking for prey to devour. Their eyes are fully on Lord Stanley's Cup.