Nashville - After a few months off to relax, heal up, and for some, get acquainted with their new surroundings, 56 members of the Predators organization showed up in Nashville on Wednesday for the start of training camp.
The first two days will consist of off-ice workouts and physicals, as well as mandatory orientation sessions for the 24 rookies in camp. On Friday, head coach Barry Trotz will direct the players in their first on-ice workouts, mostly skating and puck-handling drills. After a week of intense training both on and off the ice, the players will head out to Pigeon Forge for a weekend of team-bonding which includes a visit to Dollywood.
The schedule won't leave much time for recovery, as the OTHL pre-season is set to begin on Sunday, August 15th. Roster cuts are expected to take place soon after the Predators first pre-season game, which has yet to be scheduled.
VOKOUN SEEKING EXTENSION
Tomas Vokoun wasted little time expressing how glad he is to be back in Nashville, and made no secret that he wants to be around beyond this season. The 28 year-old netminder is set to become a restriced free-agent following the year, and is inline for a hefty raise from the $1.2 million he's currently making.
The league signing window doesn't open until Sunday at noon, but GM Chad Blouin said he's already scheduled a dinner with Vokoun's agent, Sunday evening.
"We'll get it done," he said while greeting arriving players. "Both sides are looking for a long-term deal, we just haven't had a chance to talk about a contract due to league restrictions and all."