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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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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators tends net against the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on December 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators tends net against the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on December 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Saros, not sorry.

When putting together a list like this it is easy to go with obvious answers. All of us want to see what Eeli Tolvanen does in a full season. It could be something never witnessed before in Nashville. But, that would be an easy answer.

Or, Pekka Rinne. But, I mean, really. Can he do anything more to prove he is worth of being on the Nashville Predators’ Mount Rushmore?

Maybe Kyle Turris or Kevin Fiala. There is no reason to think they both cannot reach 55+ points.

No. I want to see what Juuse Saros does. There is no denying he is the heir-apparent to Rinne. The goalie in waiting. After a weak start to last season, Saros proved he can be one of the best in the league.

In 2017-18, Saros finished with 18.72 goals saved above average rating, good enough for ninth in the league. It was better than Corey Crawford, Carter Hutton, Frederik Andersen, and Henrik Lundqvist. Additionally, Saros was 11th in the NHL in high-danger save percentage (84.54). Sure, it was only in 26 games, but his performance was enough to convince us he is ready to take the lead.

Next: Alternate Jersey of the Predators

With the season creeping closer and closer, it is exciting to thing about all the possibilities. If this five players show what they can really do, the Nashville Predators could hoist another Presidents’ Trophy.

Hopefully……more.

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