Nashville Predators: Five players to improve in 2017

Number 5: Austin Watson

At 6-feet 4-inches, he has size. He has talent. Now, he just needs to put it all together. And signs during the playoff show that he is doing just that.

Austin Watson was drafted 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.Last season, he tallied 17 total points. His versatility to play all forward positions and reliability to play in all zones drew the eye of the Predators. In three season, Watson played 140 games, 77 of those in 2016-17. Last season, he tallied 17 total points. His versatility to play all forward positions and reliability to play in all zones drew the eye of the Predators.

But in the playoffs, Watson showed signs of life, earning nine points in 22 games.

The positives of his play including giving a hit, taking the puck away, and controlling the puck when it is on his stick. However, as a team, the Predators only controlled the puck 44.3 percent of the time when Watson was on the ice.

If that improves in 2017-18, Watson will flourish.