Predlines
Fansided

Nashville Predators: Forsberg, Arvidsson Break Top 20 Wingers List

By Kyle Gray

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: Viktor Arvidsson #33 celebrates his goal with Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: Viktor Arvidsson #33 celebrates his goal with Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The season is just around the corner and the NHL Network is announcing their top players. This time, the Nashville Predators are part of the action.

In recent weeks, the NHL Network has been compiling lists of top 20 players per position.  After no love was given to Ryan Johansen on the Centers list, the NHL Network corrected their path and featured two Nashville Predators on the Top 20 Wings rankings.  Drum roll, please!

Filip Forsberg cracked the list at number 15, while Viktor Arvidsson snuck in at the 20th spot.  In my pessimistic opinion, I wouldn’t have been surprised if the Nashville Predators were stiffed in this category.  Seeing three Predators defensemen make the list is really just an affirmation.  But with the wing position, it seems much more difficult to make an impression.  Obviously, there are two wings per line so just by quantity the room is crowded.

More from Predlines

I think Forsberg should be a shoo-in no matter what.  This man is the most dangerous skater on the Predators.  His skills and awareness are out of this world.  Give him a few more years of experience, and he’s breaking the top 10.  Looking at this list now though, I think the top 9 players are accurate.  When you get to Panarin, Tarasenko, Gaudreau, and Kessel, things get a little muddled.  If the Nashville Predators didn’t have the depth they do, Forsberg would be performing at the caliber of those players.  Any lower than the 15 spot and I’d be crying foul.

What’s most shocking though is how high the NHL Network is on Viktor Arvidsson.  I’m pleased with the inclusion of Arvi on this list. With 61 points in each of the past two seasons, he is a player on the rise.  His notorious hustle and jump-screen are aspects of his play that put the league on notice.  Glad to see him getting recognized.

Fan Vote

The NHL Network followed up their ranking with a Top 20 Wings list based on fan votes.  There must have been a big Washington Capitals turnout with Alex Ovechkin at number one and the inclusion of Tom Wilson.  But lo and behold, the fans voted Filip Forsberg into the top 10.  Arvi fell off the list, but what can you do?

dark. Next. Looking long-term for Predators

With the Nashville Predators being contenders year after year, it’s nice to see individual players get recognized for their play.

Home/Predators News