We are officially less than two months from Nashville Predators hockey in Smashville.
That should get every Nashville Predators fan excited about the season to come. What’s even more exciting, however, is the plethora of returning players that the Predators have this season. Today marks 59 days until the Predators open the home season, so let’s take a look at Nashville’s own no. 59, Roman Josi.
Roman Josi by the numbers
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Roman Josi is one heck of a defenseman for the Predators, but increasingly over the years he has gotten involved offensively for Nashville. His total number of shots have gone up each of the last three years (from 198 in 2016 to 253 last season) which is a sign of an increasing confidence level from the offensive side of things. The 2017-2018 season has been Josi’s most impactful with the Predators in terms of his plus/minus rating, which soared to an astounding 24 during the last season. He also came within one assist (39) and one goal (14) of tying his career record for those specific categories last season as well.
Looking to the future
Josi’s emergence on the scene has placed him in a cornerstone role for the team offensively. Having spent his whole career in Nashville, we can observe Roman’s trends as he has progressed. Looking ahead to this year, his impact on the team overall will be huge as he continues his upward trend in both defensive efficiency and offensive impact. His numbers as far as total shots and plus/minus from last season will be tough to match. However, Josi will have all kinds of offensive weapons he can assist, so look for a career high in that category this season. Also, having another year working with PK Subban under his belt, he will have the help he needs defensively to focus on setting a new career high in goals this year as well. Overall, look for this to be a bellwether season for Josi as he continues his ascent toward elite defenceman status.
Nashville Predators countdown continues
Stay up to date with the countdown series all next month as we take a closer look at this season by shining the spotlight on the Predators, one player at a time.