Ryan O'Reilly was enthusiastic about the Nashville Predators' offseason moves, which included signing veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and defenceman Brady Skjei to big-money contracts.
The team's general manager, Barry Trotz, made significant waves in free agency, sparking title talk in Music City.
However, the Predators' previous season was disappointing, with the team losing its first five games and finishing 28 points below the Western Conference's playoff cutline.
Very frustrating
The team showed glimpses of potential, with former Vezina Trophy finalist Juuse Saros backstopping the group, but those moments were too few and far between.
Author's summary: Predators seek rebound after disastrous season.