After the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, NHL.com is examining where each team stands in preparation for the 2022-23 regular season, which starts Oct. 7. Today, the Nashville Predators:
2021-22 season: 45-30-7, fifth in Central Division; lost in first round of Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key arrivals
Ryan McDonagh, D: The 33-year-old was acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 3 for defenseman Philippe Myers and forward prospect Grant Mismash, after scoring 26 points (four goals, 22 assists) in 71 games and five points (last season. The 12-season veteran won the Stanley Cup twice with the Lightning. He will be a top-four defenseman, possibly serving as part of a shutdown pairing with Mattias Ekholm. … Nino Niederreiter, F: The 29-year-old signed a two-year contract on July 21 after scoring 44 points (24 goals, 20 assists) in 75 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He’ll play on one of the top two lines, adding aggressive forechecking and goal-scoring ability to the top-six forwards. … Kevin Lankinen, G: The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract July 14 after going 8-15-6 with a 3.50 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in 32 games (29 starts) for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. He will back up Juuse Saros, who led the NHL with 67 appearances last season. … Zach Sanford, F: The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract July 15 after a career-high 169 hits and 67 blocks in 80 games with the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets last season. He will likely play on the fourth line on a team that led the NHL in hits (2,470) last season.
Video: BOS@CAR, Gm1: Niederreiter nets goal through traffic
Key departures
Luke Kunin, F: Traded to the San Jose Sharks on July 8 after he had 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 82 games last season. … Nick Cousins, F: Cousins signed a two-year contract with the Florida Panthers on July 19 after scoring 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 80 games last season. … Matt Benning, D: Signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks after he had 11 points (all assists) in 65 games last season. … David Rittich, G: Signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets on July 13 after going 6-3-4, with a 3.57 GAA and .886 save percentage in 17 games (12 starts) last season.
On the cusp
Egor Afanasyev, F: The 21-year-old played his first professional season in North America last year, scoring 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 74 games for Milwaukee of the American Hockey…
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