2017-2018 NHL Preview: Nashville Predators

Can Nashville make their way back to the finals?

By Mark Abell Aug 31, 2017, 1:43pm EDT

In this 31 part series, I will be working my way back from 31st to 1st in my projected 2017-2018 standings. Twenty-sixth up are the Nashville Predators. Currently in their 19^th season, the Predators are definitely on the rise with 3 consecutive trips to the playoffs coupled with a Stanley Cup loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins last year.

Basic Stats:

2016-2017 NHL Standings: 18th

Western Conference Standings: 8th

Central Division Standings: 4th

Goals for Rank: 11th

Goals against Rank: 15th

Overview: I know that some are anointing the Nashville Predators the next dynasty but I would like to offer this synopsis. The last 10 Stanley Cup losers next season results: San Jose Sharks (lost First Round), Tampa Bay Lightning (lost Conference Finals), New York Rangers (lost Conference Finals), Boston Bruins (lost Second Round), New Jersey Devils (missed playoffs), Vancouver Canucks (lost First Round), Philadelphia Flyers (lost Second Round), Detroit Red Wings (lost Second Round), Pittsburgh Penguins (Won Stanley Cup) and Ottawa Senators (lost First Round). I point this out as it’s possible to come back to the Stanley Cup (Pittsburgh did it) but it’s increasingly difficult and a lot has to be going your way for this to occur. I say this because this team entered the playoffs as the bottom seed. I say this because this team was fairly pedestrian in goals for and against last year. With all of this trepidation, what they did in the playoffs was phenomenal and an proclamation of them becoming a powerhouse team, they just need to make sure they follow that up with a respectable regular season this year. They went from the 14^th fewest shots against during the regular season to the 5^th fewest in the playoffs as they certainly stepped up most notably on the defensive end. Going into this season, nothing changes from that point, PK Subban will still be the focal point of potentially the best defense in the league featuring Ryan Ellis, Roman JOsi and Mattias Ekholm. To be honest, Roman Josi did not impress me last playoffs despite appearing to be one of their more promising defensive players over the last 2 years. The defense helped alleviate shots from Pekka Rinne who had grown accustomed to the team being among the 6 fewest in shots the two previous years, obviously up a full 2.5 shots per game last year. Pekka, now 34, will see a similar 60ish games this year probably showing around 2.4 GAA with a .915 Sv% behind him is 21 year old Juuse Saros who was a respectable backup with a 2.35 GAA and .923 Sv% going 10-8 last year across 21 starts. My fear lies not with the defense, they will improve into the top 10 in goals against, but instead the offense where Scott Hartnell and Nick Bonino will work to backfill the 41 goals and 83 points that left in James Neal and Mike Fisher not to mention the leadership from previous captain Mike. My guess is Filip Forsberg, Ryan Ellis or PK will backfill that spot but it’s a tough loss for the team. I expect to see their goals for regress back a bit.

Major Additions: Scott Hartnell, Nick Bonino

Major Subtractions: PA Parenteau, James Neal and Mike Fisher

Prospects and Picks:

- Eeli Tolvanen. Yet another scandanavian taken in the first round of the 2017 NHL draft (10 Scandanavians to be exact). Eeli, the 30^th overall pick looks to be Victor Arvidsson’s heir apparent. Eeli led the USHL in shots last season much in the way Victor was 20^th in the nhl with 246 shots last season. Eeli, while not overtly big or physical, is a very gifted shooter and makes up for his small stature with speedy bursts that get him out of trouble. He’s mostly focused offsensively, something he will need to work on as he matures.

-Jusse Saros. In the wake of a great inaugural season, Juuse is in line to be the ultimate backfill for aging Pekka Rinne. His GAA and Sv % had he played enough to qualify, would have put him in the top ten in both categories. He looks the part and it will be fascinating to see if he can duplicate it to show future success.

Sleeper Fantasy Asset:

-Kevin Fiala. Playing just 13 minutes a game last year over 54 games, Kevin scored 16 points. This year, he has a chance to play first line minutes and be the beneficiary to Ryan Johanssons natural talent coupled with Victor’s unabashed shots on goal and reputable 12% scoring percentage.

-Scott Hartnell. Scott’s point production over the last three years has waned heavily going from 60 points, to 49 points to 37 last year. Scott was released by the Blue Jackets and signed by his drafted team and while he will be playing 3^rd line minutes, I’m speculating it will be a full 1-2 minutes ATOI more than he had last year. Additionally, all signs are pointing to him getting 1^stteam PP time, a position he has relished in over his career. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back up around 45 points with 15-20 power play points. Scott will also contribute PIM and hits which is an added benefit.

Cap Situation:

They currently have around $6.1MM with 24 players signed.

Projected finish:

2017-2018 NHL Standings: 6th

Western Conference Standings: 3rd

Central Division: 2^nd

NHL 7th: Toronto Maple Leafs (Eastern Conference 4th; Atlantic Division 1st)

https://www.faketeams.com/2017/8/28/16217274/2017-2018-nhl-preview-toronto-maple-leafs

NHL 8th: Chicago Blackhawks (Western Conference 4th; Central Division 3rd)

https://www.faketeams.com/2017/8/27/16205968/2017-2018-nhl-preview-chicago-blackhawks

NHL 9th: Tampa Bay Lightning (Eastern Conference 5th; Atlantic Division 2nd)

https://www.faketeams.com/2017/8/25/16199864/2017-2018-nhl-preview-tampa-bay-lightning