via Josh Cooper of the Tennessean,

Checking in on the Predators roster as the 2014-15 season approaches:

Reason for optimism: Neal brings one of the best one-timers in the NHL to the Predators. He's a pure goal scorer, someone who immediately upgrades the attack, and is probably a lock for 30 goals. He adds a dimension the Predators have probably never had in their history.

Reason for pessimism: Neal has had discipline problems – the NHL has suspended him three times – and he has a reputation for being surly. Also, it's unclear how Neal will perform without All-Star pivot Evgeni Malkin – his centerman with the Pittsburgh Penguins – feeding him the puck.