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Nashville Predators: Five players could surprise us this year

By Corey Francis

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 13: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators waves to the crowd after his overtime game winning penalty shot against the St. Louis Blues during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 13: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators waves to the crowd after his overtime game winning penalty shot against the St. Louis Blues during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Ellis Island

For the second time in his career, Ryan Ellis finished a season with 32 points. His career high was reached in 2016-17 when he obtained 38 points. Last season, Ellis set career marks in assists (23) and points per game (.73). Only Forsberg and Arvidsson had higher points per game marks than Ellis.

Let’s not read over that last stat too quickly. Ellis played in only 44 games, earning 32 points. Average that out over 82 games and he earns 60 points. That is rather impressive.

However, Ellis has never played 82 games. The most game in a season for the veteran defenseman is 80. He has two seasons in the 70’s and one of 58. For his career, Ellis is a .47 points per game player. Yet, last season, in limited action, he excelled. Maybe it was because he was healthy or because he was motivated. Whatever caused it, we will take another year of it.

As the summer rolls on, we wait to hear of the Nashville Predators re-signing Ellis. If that does not happen, he will be in his free agency season. A strong showing will only increase the bidding price. And, it could mean a great season for the Predators.

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