Nashville Predators: Three Unlikely Potential Breakout Players
It isn’t easy for forwards to earn a spot on the extremely deep Nashville Predators. But here are a few players who could do that this year.
The 2017-2018 Nashville Predators are among the most talented in the NHL. With 61 point campaigns in 2016-17 from Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen, 58 from Filip Forsberg, and 40+ from four other Predators, the offensive stars are there. Now, all Nashville needs is another two or three players to breakout this year and add 40+ points of their own.
We witnessed it happen before. And, it appears that it is about to happen again. Kevin Fiala is showing his speed and creativity during this preseason. There is already hopes that he will continue this trend. Add to this the rising play of Miikka Salomaki, and you have strong scoring potential.
But, there are other players – maybe less discussed ones – that can make the jump on play this season.
These are the 3 most likely candidates to make that jump to stardom this season.
Pontus Aberg
My first candidate for a breakout 2017-18 is winger Pontus Aberg. The Predators took Aberg in the 2nd round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Since joining the Admirals in the AHL full-time in 2014, Aberg has slowly made a name for himself. He played two full seasons with Milwaukee from 2014-2016, where he racked up 74 points in 143 games. This past season he spent 56 games in the AHL, and 15 in the NHL. In his 56 AHL games, Aberg scored 31 goals and had 21 assists, making a significant jump from his previous two seasons. He skated in 16 playoff games this past
year, and made a huge impact on the ice when he was out there. He finished with 5 points, including this filthy goal in the Finals.
BEST PONTUS IN THE LEAGUE.
— NHL (@NHL) June 1, 2017
That's a beauty by Aberg. #StanleyCup https://t.co/yG0uccutPM
The 24-year-old Swede appears to be ready to finally make the full-time jump to the NHL this season. If he makes a spot on the final roster, look for Aberg to finish the year with 15-20 goals, and 20-25 assists. He is an electric playmaker, who brings a spark to the ice with his quick game and great vision.
Frederick Gaudreau
This one might be a little more off the radar, but I think this guy is for real. Frederick Gaudreau, the Predators 24-year-old Canadian center, is poised for a breakout year. Gaudreau has spent the last two seasons in the AHL, while seeing brief stints in the NHL. Only 9 games with the Predators overall though. In 141 games in Milwaukee, Gaudreau has tallied 90 points-40 goals, 50 assists. That kind of balance is what NHL teams look for in a center. He can score when given the chance but shines when setting up his linemates.
Gaudreau stepped up big time during the playoffs after the Johansen and Fiala injuries and had 3 huge goals in his 8 games. To me, Gaudreau proved his NHL-worthiness during his playoff run. He was an electric player who seemed to always be buzzing to the puck. Another Arvidsson-type player if you will. He brings a great offensive/defensive dynamic to the table and seems to be developing into a total package. If things go his way this season, look for 10-15 goals, and 20 or so assists.
Colton Sissons
Colton Sissons seems to be as hot as any player right now. Every time you hear about #10, it’s positive. He’s just always getting better. Like Aberg, Sissons was taken in the 2nd round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Although he’s played 109 NHL games over the last 3 seasons, he has only tallied 20 points. The combination of adjusting to the fast paced game, and barely seeing over 10 minutes on ice per game on the 3rd or 4th line has held Sissons down. However, he looks ready to take on a bigger role and be a real offensive threat this season. His hat trick in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals was the eye-opener that convinced me that he is for real.
Colton Sissons' third goal of the night puts Nashville up 4-3 and has the Predators six minutes from the Stanley Cup Final. pic.twitter.com/aOEQS2RHP3
— Jeff Bidwell (@AKAJeffBidwell) May 23, 2017
His 12 points in 22 games during the playoffs was a statement. A statement that he’s ready to be a leader on this young Predators team. Sissons was rewarded for his production with 15:04 ATOI in the playoffs, and he made the most of it. He was a real threat on the ice and moved the puck well.
Sissons has already been showing off his improvements this preseason with a goal in three games. He’s already had an increase in his role, as he’s seeing almost 18 minutes on ice per game. If he handles his new responsibility well, he could continue to see that much time during the regular season, and hopefully, finish the year around 45-50 points. Bold prediction, but I think he can live up to the hype for the Nashville Predators.
Huge Potential
Overall, Nashville has as many offensive weapons as any team in the league. Coming off monumental success last season, the expectations are high. We will see what this young team is really made of this year, as they try to deal with a tough Central division, and repeat last season’s Cup run. If Aberg, Gaudreau, and Sissons step up like I think they will, they will make the Predators that much better. They will surely have more chances, as teams will no doubt focus more on Arvidsson, Johansen, and Forsberg. However, their opportunities will be key for Nashville’s success. I feel that they will have greater roles in the offense than before, and will step up big this year.
Next: Nashville Predators: Should Kevin Fiala See The First Line?
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