"For the first time in franchise history, the questions don't follow the "Can they get out of the first round of the playoffs" storyline.

Now there are different expectations.

Last season the Predators made the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time. As they head to training camp beginning this weekend at Centennial Sportsplex, there's a higher level of confidence, but also a greater sense of urgency.

Defenseman Ryan Suter and goaltender Pekka Rinne are set to be unrestricted free agents after this season. Defenseman Shea Weber returns for his second year as captain, though his summer was anything but smooth."