Adam Vingan

USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee

In detailing the short- and long-term landscape of the Predators organization at the end of the season, general manager David Poile trumpeted the promising growth of the next generation.

As an example, five rookies played for the Predators in the playoffs, tied with the Panthers for the most among participating teams, with four appearing in at least 10 games.

The emergence of Nashville’s youth has the team and its older guard excited.

“I think our future looks good,” Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said last month. "We still have a good core group of guys, and then a lot of young players really made a name for themselves this year. I thought a lot of guys stepped up.”

If the Predators choose not to be an active participant in free agency when it opens July 1, it’s partially because of their faith in their younger players to fill any holes.

Forward Viktor Arvidsson, who led all Predators rookies with eight goals and 16 points, is a shoot-first spark plug, as seen in his Game 6 performance against the Sharks on May 9 when he scored in overtime after starting the second-round game on the top line. Nashville wants more scoring from its bottom six, and Arvidsson, 23, will be expected to head that effort.

Miikka Salomaki, 23, is unapologetically hard-hitting, leading Predators forwards with 164 hits, and 22-year-old Colton Sissons, according to Poile, should be the “heir apparent” to departing veteran Paul Gaustad as Nashville’s fourth-line center. Those two could combine with Austin Watson, 24, to form the Predators’ fourth line next season.

There's also forward prospects Pontus Aberg, Kevin Fiala and Vladislav Kamenev, all of whom will compete for roster spots in training camp in September. The 22-year-old Aberg paced the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League with 25 goals, with Fiala, 19, doing the same in points with 50. Kamenev, 19, added 15 goals and 37 points.

Defensively, 25-year-old Anthony Bitetto, signed to a two-year contract extension in February, and 23-year-old Petter Granberg, a pending restricted free agent, rotated as the Predators' sixth defenseman, each bringing a different element to the position.

"Just the thought of them being in their second year gives me good confidence going forward that we’re headed in the right direction and should be a bit better,” Poile said of the Predators' rookies.

The Predators' future will likely be built around free-agent forward Filip Forsberg, center Ryan Johansen and defenseman Roman Josi, with all three considered to be among the rising stars in the NHL. Surrounding them with a supporting cast of fresh-faced contributors should keep Nashville competitive.

“The youth is starting to step up,” Predators captain Shea Weber said. "Guys are playing bigger roles and it’s exciting because we’ve got some good young talent and guys that can grasp bigger roles and be a bigger part and make a bigger difference.

"I think that’s exciting. With another year of hard work from them and everybody, it should be a better year next year.”

Reach Adam Vingan on Twitter @AdamVingan.

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