Nashville Predators Finding True Center
![Mar 17, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) looks on during the third period against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Mar 17, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) looks on during the third period against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6af577908e87a4a4d9fe63e674637d3c685b167e70cb6b1615d97c384dba7cf3.jpg)
First Line
Ryan Johansen’s presence sparked to life the offensive motor of the club, and his combination of size, talent, and youth puts a crown that reads “Franchise Material” on top of his head. Moving into next season and hopefully the foreseeable future, there is little question that the 23-year-old will helm the center position on the top line.
Though he has had his efforts and composure questioned at times, his results have been unambiguous- pocketing two 60-point seasons and a 70-point season in the past three campaigns of his short five-year career. With a season in the Predator system under his belt and highly skilled wingers at his flanks, it will be Smashville’s pleasure to watch the star center grow towards his ceiling.
Next: Story Continued: Second Line