Roman Josi – Yahoo Rank 57th
2016 Stats: 14 Goals, 47 Assists, 24 Powerplay Points, 59 Hits.
2016 was quite the year for Roman Josi. Arguably one of the most underrated blueliners over the past few seasons, Josi’s impressive regular season performance certified himself as an elite two-way defensemen after years of battling his way out of Shea Weber’s shadow. Now without Weber as his defensive partner, Josi will be expected to fill an even larger role this season as the Predators most reliable defender.
While Josi’s 61 points in 2016 were a new career high, he is fully capable of matching or exceeding those numbers again this season, especially if he ends up being paired with P.K. Subban at even strength or if the Predators can figure out their overtime struggles. If you miss out on Subban when the first wave of defensemen come off the draft board, feel confident in drafting Josi in the sixth or seventh rounds.
2017 Prediction: 15 Goals, 50 Assists, 25+ Powerplay Points, 50+ Hits.