Josh Cooper

jcooper2@tennessean.com

Free agent period begins July 5.

On July 5 last summer – when the Predators went through free agency – the vogue word was 'grit'.

Former coach Barry Trotz even talked about some sort of 'tax' on teams coming into Bridgestone Arena last season, and a return to 'Predator Hockey.'

With Trotz gone, and a focus now on skill, expect a different type of free agent day, which will again be July 5. Nashville will probably take a dip into the forward free agent market, and try to lure more scorers to its franchise.

Whether the Predators can land one of the bigger names – such as Thomas Vanek or Paul Stastny – is unclear. But with Nashville having $48.9 million of salary cap payroll committed to its players for next season, and just four restricted free agents to sign – the opportunity is there for the Predators to make a big push for one of the larger names. Nashville has $22.1 million of salary cap space, and the cap is expected to go up from its current $64.3 million.

Five forwards who could merit Nashville's interest come July 5, 2014.

1. Paul Stastny

Stastny would give the Predators the coveted No. 1 center they've never had besides Peter Forsberg's 17-game stint in 2007. While Stastny isn't considered an elite center, he's still an excellent producer. Stastny has had three seasons of over 70 points.

His 60 points last season would have led Nashville, as would have his 25 goals. The fact that he's just 28 makes him an attractive option. Also, he played very well with leading goal scorer Craig Smith in the 2013 World Championships.

The only issue is that Stastny made $6.6 million in his previous contract, and would likely be looking for somewhat of a raise. Regardless of Nashville's salary cap situation, that will be a lot to pay.

2. Thomas Vanek

The former 43-goal scorer is at the end of a seven-year, $50 million contract. Odds are the 30-year-old Vanek will look for a contract that will push him into his retirement years, and could merit him a greater haul than his last deal.

That being said, Vanek is the one, true elite goal scorer on the market. He has scored over 40 goals twice in his career, and was a point-per-game player with the Islanders this season, before a trade deadline deal to Montreal. He started the season in Buffalo before being dealt to the Islanders. Signing someone like Vanek would probably make captain Shea Weber very happy.

3. Matt Moulson

The former Islander/Sabre/Wild forward would be a great fit for the Predators, and would likely come at a better price than Stastny or Vanek. His last contract was for three years at $9.4 million, and players don't often make such major jumps in salary.

From 2009-10 through 2011-12, Moulson notched over 30 goals with the Islanders. During the lockout shortened 2012-13 season, he had 44 points in 47 games. He could flourish in Peter Laviolette's attacking system, as a first line player, and has the right type of workman personality to fit in Nashville's locker room.

4. Mikhail Grabovski

After an up-and-down time in Toronto, Grabovski proved his worth in Washington, finishing the year with 35 points in 58 games. He's a good type of player for the Predators personnel, and would give them a strong body down the middle.

The only issue on Grabovksi is how he and his representation view his worth. Grabovski made $3 million last year, which proved a haircut from his $5.5 million cap hit the previous season in Toronto. Will be want back into the $5 million range or be comfortable with less?

5. Derek Roy

It made little sense to us that the Predators didn't make a bigger push for the then 30-year-old Roy last offseason, and opted for the then 36-year-old Matt Cullen instead on a two-year contract. Roy signed with St. Louis for one year, and actually had similar numbers to Cullen. Roy had 37 points to Cullen's 39.

With Nashville looking to go with a more attacking system, the speedy, shifty Roy could be a nice fit. He's had years of 69, 70 and 81 points. His numbers, however, do seem to be in decline. And at 5-foot-9, he doesn't quite fit the mold of a big, strong center in today's NHL.

Reach Josh Cooper at 615-726-8917 or on Twitter @joshuacooper.