Hockey is back, and that calls for a bonus episode of the Preds Official Podcast. Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis break down the NHL and NHLPA's agreement (2:16) to play a 56-game 2020-21 season, starting Jan. 13. The show reveals all the details - including a new-look Central Division (4:42) for the Predators - in this special edition of the program. 

A 2021 NHL season inches closer, but unanswered questions remain. Thomas Willis and Brooks Bratten pass along details on what hockey could look like in the new year (6:00). Plus, Preds forward Philip Tomasino joins the show (28:45) to discuss his impending play for Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Juniors Championship. 

Details about the 2021 season are filtering out via reports and rumors. With a possible return to hockey coming in early January, Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis filter through the news to explain what the Nashville Predators' season could look like. The duo also answers fan Twitter questions on the 2021 Expansion Draft, available free agents and fantasy football. 

Former Preds forward J-P Dumont explains what free agents are going through prior to the 2021 season and discusses his involvement in high school hockey (12:45). Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis recap Hockey Fights Cancer month and share the story of cancer survivor Marshall Billingsley (32:30). Plus, the show returns from Thanksgiving break to provide updates on Preds prospects and the World Junior Championships (9:10). 

Defenseman Matt Benning has arrived in Smashville, and he joins the show to chat about signing with the Preds, road tripping across the continent and his favorite Thanksgiving cabbage rolls. Also, Thomas Willis and Brooks Bratten discuss Nashville’s new Reverse Retro jersey, provide updates on the 2021 season and share how Pekka Rinne is giving back. Plus, the ever-popular Thanksgiving food debate returns!


 

Predators Assistant Coach Todd Richards joins the show (13:40) for his first interview since arriving in Nashville. Richards looks back on beginning his career in Milwaukee, winning the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay and what he sees in this Preds team. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis have updates from the NHL on the 2021 season (1:30), a groundbreaking in Clarksville (10:15) and news from the Preds over the past week (33:00).

With Thomas Willis off for the week, Predators Radio Analyst and former NHL defenseman Hal Gill joins Brooks Bratten as a guest co-host on Episode 107 of the show. 'Skillsy' talks the current state of the Preds, his career as a player and how he became a broadcaster. Gill also tells stories about former teammates like Roman Josi and Pekka Rinne and also answers listener questions. Plus, learn how you can get involved and help the Preds in their Hockey Fights Cancer efforts. 

For no other reason than being the episode closest to Halloween, the show schedule is flipped on its head! Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis answer listener questions about the Predators' second line and the potential of forwards Eeli Tolvanen and Philip Tomasino (21:20). Plus, Nashville hires Todd Richards as an assistant coach (3:45). Finally, Preds forward Nick Cousins chats about his recent wedding and raising a puppy with his wife (29:12). 

Veteran forward Brad Richardson introduces himself to Preds fans with his debut on the podcast. The forward discusses his connections to the Nashville coaching staff and talks penalty killing and locker room leadership. Plus, Thomas Willis and Brooks Bratten chat about the new jersey numbers selected by several Preds players and say thank you to broadcaster Mike "Doc" Emrick.

The Predators make a number of changes to their roster as the NHL's Free Agency period opens, including the additions of Mark Borowiecki, Nick Cousins, Brad Richardson and Matt Benning. Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis break down the moves and look at what's next for the Preds. Plus, Borowiecki makes his debut on the show to discuss his "Boro Cop" nickname in an entertaining interview.