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)
Overview
With a young core of rising talent on the Predator roster and perceivably the best years of the franchise’s hockey laid out directly ahead, the center position offers reasons for both hope and anxiety. With the current climate of things, it’s hard to imagine Mike Ribeiro outlasts the coming season, and yet it’s difficult to imagine Nashville sustaining success without production from whoever mans the second line center position.
Next: Preds Postseason Pros and Cons
Perhaps this offseason is not the offseason to address the issue, with players still under contract and the left wing position being noticeably thin- but sooner or a year from sooner, the center position will require attention, and Nashville will have to pay it.