Predlines
Fansided

Nashville Predators: Five Players With Most Value to Long-Term Future

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 14: Viktor Arvidsson
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 14: Viktor Arvidsson /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jonathan Bernier #45 reaches out to defend his net against a charging Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen #92 in the first period during the first game of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena April 12, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jonathan Bernier #45 reaches out to defend his net against a charging Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen #92 in the first period during the first game of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena April 12, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Ryan Johansen

He may not be as flashy as the other two guys on the JoFA line, but Ryan Johansen is a major key to the success of the other two. He’s savvy, smart and knows how to put his teammates in position to be successful. You’ll have plenty of time to appreciate what Johansen does as he’s currently signed with the team through 2024-25. He’s already been with the team for two full seasons, missing just three regular season games in that span.

The Predators have been smart with retaining key players like Johansen for the next several years. It’s ensuring that they remain in the Stanley Cup conversation each year without having to do too much in free agency. Johansen is an outstanding veteran to build around and makes younger players around him better. His assist numbers have remained steady in the mid-40’s since 2014, while his Corsi percentage sits in the upper 50’s.

It’s players like Johansen that make the Predators a team that’s going to remain a top contender for the next several years. He may not have even reached his ceiling yet. If the Predators are going to break through in the next few seasons and win a Stanley Cup, Johansen will be a major factor.

Home/Editorials