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Nashville Predators Mysterious Case of Colin Wilson

By Zachary Elrod |

The Nashville Predators Colin Wilson has been a talented prospect with mediocre numbers.

Born on October 20, 1989, the Greenwich, Connecticut native has had one of the most confusing careers as a Predator so far.

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After watching his father Carey play in the NHL, Colin skated in his footsteps earning a scholarship at Boston University and becoming one of the best young American prospects. In his only season at Boston U, Colin became the fifth player in the university’s history to be named Hockey East Rookie of the Year, posting 35 points (13-22-35) in 37 games. Wilson also participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships where he tied the goal-scoring lead with six goals for Team USA.

In June of 2008, Colin Wilson was selected 7th overall by the Nashville Predators over the likes of Erik Karlsson, Josh Bailey, and Mikkel Boedker. Wilson’s first season in Nashville saw him skate in 35 games for 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) which was pretty decent as he had just come out of college as one of the hottest collegiate players on the market.

In year seven of Wilson’s career, he has seen his numbers drop dramatically after signing a four-year, $15.25 million contract after last postseason’s heroics. Colin went down with a lower-body injury

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

on January 8th which kept him out till February 9th. But since his return, Wilson has only managed one goal and five assists in 19 appearances. He needs to step it up for the sake of his contract and his career as he is currently on pace for the worst season since his rookie year in the NHL.

Last season, Wilson arguably had his best season of his career, posting 42 points ( 20, 22 ) in 72 games and lighting it up in the postseason, carrying the scoring for the Predators.

Now the former Top 10 pick is skating on the fourth line when he should be the first line winger that he was drafted to be. Nashville has seen players who are mediocre in the regular season and turn it up in the postseason like Joel Ward and Dan Hamhuis, but it is about time that Wilson becomes the top line winger that they need him to be.

Nashville’s future is extremely bright with the likes of Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Fiala, Vladislav Kamenev, Yakov Trenin, and Pontus Aberg coming up. If Colin Wilson wants to continue to wear the blue and gold and keep his career alive, he needs to start scoring soon. If you lose your spots on the roster to worthy skaters like Mikka Salomaki, Viktor Arvidsson, and Calle Jarnkrok, then what is going to happen when high caliber skaters start coming up?

I personally have had a love-hate relationship with Colin Wilson since he has been on the team. We have seen good Colin, but we have also seen bad Colin. I want Wilson to turn this around and start sniping like he did in the playoffs and at Boston but time is of the essence and it’s running out. He can score from anywhere on the ice and he is helping the scoring on the fourth line with Colton Sissons and Austin Watson. He is a fan favorite and has always helped in the community. He needs to show up on the scoring sheet?

Here is a Tweet from last nights game. Fantastic rush but no puck in the net:

I would hate to see a guy like Colin Wilson with such great potential have a career end like this. Nashville needs him and we need him as soon as possible since the season is coming to an end as April nears. Winning is the most important thing right now for the Nashville Predators and they will put who they feel is the best 12 forwards they have on the ice. With that in mind, Vesey’s time is running out at Harvard and he is about to put on that gold jersey.

Next: Mike Fisher's Big Night

Will Vesey’s new jersey and locker be Wilson’s old equipment? The fans and the organization will just have to wait and see.

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