Locked On Predators - Daily Podcast On The Nashville Predators

Chris MacFarland has made an early splash as Predators GM, trading for Avalanche winger Ross Colton in his first few days. We chat about Colton's role in Nashville's bottom six and how he can elevate the group. Speaking of the bottom six, an aging Erik Haula could become a free agent if Nashville doesn't offer him an extension. Has he earned his spot on the roster for another year, or is it time for the Predators to move on from Haula? Finally, with the Panthers, Blackhawks, Sharks and Capitals trading away their first-round picks for current talent, should the Predators possibly do the same in trading away their No. 10 overall selection?

Locked On Predators is back as we detail a handful of hires made by new general manager Chris MacFarland. He introduced himself to the media, speaking of the deep prospect group and the dangers of being in the "mushy middle." He also announced the hires of Hall of Famer Rob Blake as VP of Hockey Operations and two-time Stanley Cup champion Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to the GM. At the same time, longtime front-office member Brian Poile announced his departure from the organization. Could there be more new hires on the horizion?

It's all about the positive and the future for the Nashville Predators, but what would a disastrous offseason look like? We take a step into the dark side and theorize about what would be the "coldest" summer for the Preds. A long general manager search ends with another legacy hire that is either making decisions too fast or not fast enough, beginning with drafting the wrong players. That trickles down to signing older players, like Erik Haula, to long and big contracts. Justin Barron gets extended and Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Evangelista are traded. Lastly, a prospect pool that fails to impress in July at Dev Camp.

It's once again time for Mailbag Monday as we answer your Preds-related questions on the offseason, Barry and Bruno and new teams coming to Tennessee. Could Vancouver stars Brock Boeser and Elias Patterson be potential trade targets, and are there any more free agents available in the KHL? With the GM search taking so long, is there a possibility that Barry Trotz might stay in the position? Finally, some unfortunate news about Predators prospect Ryker Lee, who was cut from Team USA's IIHF World Championship team after playing in just a pre-tournament game.

For the first time since April 20th, the Nashville Predators have spoken to the media, via Assistant General Manager/Director of Scouting Jeff Kealty and Chief Amateur Scout Tom Nolan. The main topic was the Predators receiving the 10th overall pick in what has been deemed a "deep" draft in June. We also got an update on a few prospects from Cameron Reid and Ryker Lee, as well as an inside scoop on signing Vitali Pinchuk. Finally, Noaln and Kealty answer some hard questions on the general manager search while host Jack Williams dispels some swirling rumors.

The Nashville Predators general manger search has crossed three months, so what is taking them so long? Today, we theorize a few reasons why the Predators are taking so long to settle on a new front office leader. One of their prime candidates, Darren Yorke, is still in the playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes, which could cause a potential delay. Nashville could be set on its Draft Day deadline, or it could be waiting for the Vancouver Canucks to hire their own GM. Finally, are there problems in the War Room that are causing a holdup? Is everyone on the right page?