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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 /
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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 07: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets, held on April 7, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 07: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets, held on April 7, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Ryan Ellis

The biggest agenda item for the offseason was getting Ryan Ellis into a long-term deal. That item is now accomplished as he’ll be with the Predators for several more years, officially signing for eight years and $50 million. Here is what GM David Poile had to say about Ellis getting signed:

"“Ryan is a huge part of our team on and off the ice and we are happy to have his leadership remain in our locker room for the foreseeable future. We have talked about wanting to keep the core of our team together, and this is another opportunity to help us do so, while continuing to compete for a Stanley Cup.”"

Poile also mentions that Ellis is entering the peak of his career at age 27. Even a season shortened by injury brought plenty of positives, including 32 points in just 44 regular season games. He would’ve shattered his career high if not for missing nearly the entire first half of the season.

Ellis offers a punch on the power play, leadership in the locker room and can do the dirty work as well. He will eventually become team captain during his time with the Predators. It probably won’t happen now with Roman Josi being the captain and another important piece to the Predators’ core part of the roster.

Next. Forsberg, Arvidsson Ranked in Top 20 Wingers. dark

It obviously takes a complete team with quality depth to win a Stanley Cup. However, Ellis and the other four players on this list are most vital to the long-term success. There are others that we don’t want to lose any time soon. These five players are most critical, and all of them should remain in Nashville long enough to give the Predators plenty more opportunities at returning to the Stanley Cup Final.

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