NASHVILLE - Tom Poraszka is back again, and like the Backstreet Boys, he feels his mission is incomplete. He's ready to take another shot with the Nashville Predators.
After leaving the New Jersey Devils and watching the team he built eventually go on to Stanley Cup glory, Tom Poraszka joined the Washington Capitals. Due to time constraints, Poraszka had to step down as General Manager. The two teams he once ruled are now at two different poles, one celebrating their championship season, the other, being awarded the #1 overall draft pick and selecting young phenom, Sidney Crosby.
So with a taste of unfulfillment in his mouth, Tom Poraszka came crawling back this afternoon, this time to a middle ground. The Nashville Predators are not reigning Cup champions, nor do they possess possibly the hottest commodity on the market (though their new GM isn't too shabby in the looks department), but Tom Poraszka feels they have the right tools to compete now and even moreso in the future.
"This is a very young team capable of achieving many things. They finished 6th in the conference last year before bowing out to a strong Red Wings team. I feel we have a team capable of improving on last year's success and possibly surprising the hockey world if the right adjustments are made." said Poraszka when asked of what he feels he has gotten himself into. Poraszka went on to say that the Predators look to make a "splash" in the free agent pool and have already thrown their hat into the ring. He assured fans that he will be committed to resigning the team's restricted free agents, including star goalie and franchise player, Tomas Vokoun.
With new management in place, the Predators and their fans look forward to next season and the possibility of improving on the team's performance in the inaugural OTHL season.