Predators Set to Begin 16-17 Season

Connor McDavid made his long awaited debut for the Nashville Predators last night. It was the Predators 4th of 5 pre-season games, and the first one McDavid suited up for. And of course it was McDavid who stole the show by scoring the game winning goal in overtime by blasting a slapshot over the shoulder of Bluejackets goaltender Anders Lindback.

"It feels really good to finally put on a Predators jersey over my head and play a full game with the team. I'm very excited to get going." McDavid said in a post-game interview. 

"It feels like a new era is upon Nashville" Eric Wolf, the GM said. "It's been a pretty busy summer for me. We acquired Hall, brought in Del Zotto close to the pre-season to help us on the blueline, and then of course the arrival of McDavid. In a summer where I didn't anticipate much change, well here we are with a bunch of big news stories to begin our 2016-2017 season. The vibe in the city and the excitement around the city is a very exciting thing to be experiencing right now." Wolf remarked. 

Early in the summer, the Predators acquired Taylor Hall at the cost of Sean Monahan. A move somewhat overshadowed by the arrival of McDavid. Taylor Hall made his pre-season debut last game against the Lightning, notching an assist in the win. Hall is expected to be on a line with Crosby to start the year. Hall was brought in to supply Crosby and McDavid a goal scoring winger as the Predators had a surplus of centers.

"I feel like we are a more complete team this year. There are goals I set out before the summer that I wanted to achieve, but realistically it's a lot easier setting goals than actually being able to achieve them. We are satisfied with our summer, but there's one move I wish I could of got done, but did not. As for the current roster, this is our team moving forward and I hope our prospects can begin to really push the envelope and earn some roster positions as soon as next year." Wolf said to media. 

The Predators have one more pre-season game in Tampa Bay tomorrow night. McDavid is expected to dress and center the top line. Crosby will again sit out, sitting out in all 5 pre-season games this year, but will center the top line in Game 1 of the regular season.