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Nashville Predators: The Predators’ future lays on Forsberg

By Jake Evans

May 22, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) against the Anaheim Ducks in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) against the Anaheim Ducks in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Filip Forsberg, the Nashville Predators’ 22-year old Swedish winger, is one of the NHL’s rising stars and a force to be reckoned with.

Ever since the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships, when he won Best Forward of the tournament, along with a silver medal for Team Sweden, Filip Forsberg has risen to star levels in the hockey world. His outstanding play during that tournament earned Forsberg the top available European forward by NHL Central Scouting, for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. At 18 years old, he was drafted 11th overall by the Washington Capitals, with whom he signed a three-year entry level contract. He returned to Sweden on a loan to mature and sharpen his skills for the NHL, only to be traded to the Nashville Predators in April 2013. The unexpected deal sent the 18 year old Forsberg to Nashville, in exchange for 31 year old Martin Erat and 21 year old Michael Latta.

The trade was no-doubt a big win for Predators GM David Poile and the team. In 5 seasons with the Predators, Forsberg has put up 191 points, 185 of which have come just in the last three seasons. In comparison, Martin Erat and Michael Latta have amassed 44 combined points, and only 6 goals.

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Forsberg’s Breakout Year

Forsberg’s ability was displayed in the 2014-2015 season, finished with 26 goals and 37 assists, and his first All Star Game selection. He is a star on a young Nashville team that shows much promise for the future ahead. Scoring 30 goals in back-to-back, he is the leader of the NHL’s third most productive line. A line that includes Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen. Forberg’s production is very solid for a player his age the last three years, with two 60+ point seasons. His plus/minus the previous two seasons was +16, dipping to a -1 in 2016 because of injuries forcing line shuffling.

Last Season

Forsberg’s 2016-2017 campaign was statistically slower than his previous two in comparison, with lower assist, point, +/-, and shot totals, however it was not his fault. As you know, the JOFA line of Johansen, Forsberg, and Arvidsson put together an offensive season for the books. The drop in production from Forsberg, was simply the effect of playing with two rising stars at the same time. Johansen matched his goal total from the previous two seasons this year, while Arvidsson almost quadrupled his, with 61. Simply speaking, Forsberg didn’t score as much this season, because he didn’t have to. With arguably the best blue line in the NHL, Forsberg could step out of the spotlight this season, and let the other talent on the Nashville Predators star-studded roster pick up the slack.

The Eye Test

From a non-numbers standpoint, Filip Forsberg is just flat out good. He is as smooth a skater and puck handler as you’ll find anywhere in the NHL. His wrist shot is a thing of beauty. He shoots with speed and accuracy that very few can match. His 6 foot 2 inch, 215 pound frame allows him to hold his own against the game’s biggest players.  He’s the total package for an NHL winger. He can pass, shoot, skate, handle the puck, and defend. And did I mention that he’s only 22 years old?

The Sky is the Limit

With a complete skillset, solid physical maturity, outstanding hockey IQ, and five more years left on his current deal, Predator fans have to love what they have in Filip Forsberg.
Forsberg is a member of an exciting Nashville Predators team that currently has nine players age 25 or younger. The future is bright for Nashville hockey, thanks in part to General Manager David Poile. Poile has created a fast-paced, hard-hitting team that is no longer a pushover in the Western Conference.

Next: Aberg to Vegas is worst case scenario

With young talent, a winning coach, a genius GM, and amazing fans, the sky’s the limit for the Nashville Predators.

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