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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) /

Going back to Calle

The 2017-18 season for Calle Jarnkrok was interesting to say the least. Injury kept the forward from valuable playing time, but when he was on the ice he made it count. When all was said and done, Jarnkrok finished with career highs in goals (19) and points (35). He also achieved a shooting percentage of 15.2%, second best on the team.

For Jarnkrok, the issue is simple. If he can stay healthy, he can score. If he scores, he will play. Part of the concern last season was the overall play of the forward lines not nicknamed JoFA. The second line was deployed significantly more in the offensive zone to help make up for their lack of defensive ability. It meant the third and fourth lines saw more time deployed in the defensive zone. For Jarnkrok, it meant a 45/55 split. He saw a similar split if 2016-17, gaining 31 points in 82 games.

There is evidence to support Jarnkrok surprising us this more points next season. Each season he has improved. Last season he missed tons of time. He is trending upward. Can he reach 40 points?

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