Tuesday morning, the Nashville Predators announced that center Frederick Gaudreau has been recalled, following Yannick Weber’s injury.
You never want to hear about a player getting hurt, but in this particular case, I’m excited about the timing of Yannick Weber’s injury. Center Frederick Gaudreau has been recalled after the announcement that Weber would be sent to the IR with an upper-body injury. In four games this season, Weber has yet to tally a point but has picked up four penalty minutes in about 10 minutes on ice per game.
With Yannick Weber, what you see is what you get, in my opinion. He is never going to surprise you with a fantastic play or make an awful, game-changing mistake. He just plays solid hockey, and gets the job done for the most part. In his 10 year career, Weber has only tallied 10+ points four times. He does play defense though, so he gets a little break.
With Frederick Gaudreau though, I see enormous potential. Gaudreau came out of nowhere during the playoffs last season, when injuries set the Predators back. He scored three huge goals in his eight games, and a plus two rating, in 11:29 ATOI. He has speed, vision, and a solid backcheck, which makes him very valuable. Gaudreau is still developing, as he is only 24 years old though. However, I believe that he has great hockey ahead of him. That’s why I picked him to be one of my 3 potential breakout players this season.
That didn't take long. 42 seconds after Josi's goal, Frederick Gaudreau adds another as the @PredsNHL take a 2-1 lead with 13:27 left in 2nd pic.twitter.com/S9oOGqluih
— Jeff Bidwell (@AKAJeffBidwell) June 4, 2017
The Numbers
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Last season in the AHL, Gaudreau tallied 48 points in 66 games. 25 goals and 23 assists. Seeing a balanced scoresheet like that from a center proves that he understands the balance required from an NHL center. He saw almost no NHL time last season but looks to change that starting now.
This season, Gaudreau is already off to a hot start in the AHL. Four points in three games. One goal and three assists, and a plus-four rating. He is part of the core of young talent that the Nashville Predators have in the minor leagues.
Hate to See It, But…
Like I said, you never want to see a player injured. Hockey is a brutal game, and it takes a toll on the body. However, Weber’s injury is providing a huge opportunity for Gaudreau to prove himself as a worthy NHL center. Personally, I think he has all the tools. Now it’s just a matter of him showing them off at the right time.
Next: The Statistics Can’t Explain Cody McLeod
Tonight at 7pm CT. Colin Wilson comes home for the first time and Cody McLeod faces his old team. Matt Duchene potentially sees his future team. Colorado (4-2-0) vs Nashville (2-2-1).