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Nashville Predators: Players Who Will Have Improved Seasons

By Kyle Gray

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 29: Nick Bonino #13 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators as the waits for play to begin against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 29: Nick Bonino #13 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators as the waits for play to begin against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Nashville Predators roster is filled with capable players; however, not every played up to their own standards.

Hockey is tough.  To play a full 82-game season is quite a feat. It’s always a blow to the team when a player gets injured or in the unfortunate case of a suspension.  A few Nashville Predators skaters who missed some time last year, for whatever reason, look to have bounce-back seasons in 2018.

Nick Bonino

Nick Bonino was the prized offseason acquisition last summer.  He won the Stanley Cup with the opposing Pittsburgh Penguins before he chose Nashville as home.  Bonino nursed an injury most of that offseason, but he was able to make it back for Opening Day.  Five games in, he was injured again and missed about a month of play.

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Needless to say, he didn’t start his first season with the Nashville Predators the way he wanted to.  His 25 points were below average of what is to be expected.  Also, his 83 shots and individual Corsi of 144 were his lowest since 2013.  On a positive note, his shot percentage was a career high at 14.46%, and his on ice HDGF% was in the green.  Bonino will likely settle in with his second season on the Nashville Predators.  I expect him to bounce back and have a season he is used to.

Filip Forsberg

What? But Filip Forsberg led the team in points.  You say he’s going to improve? Yes.  Yes, he will. Forsberg didn’t play a game in January due to an injury and then missed some time for a crushing hit on Jimmy Vesey.  All in all, he suited up for 67 games, finishing with 64 points for the Nashville Predators.

He was unable to hit 30 goals for the third consecutive season. His iCF of 349 was his lowest in his four full seasons of play.  So, of course, Filip Forsberg will improve those numbers. Can he get a 30 goal, 40 assist season? We’ll see.

Kyle Turris

Kyle Turris had an outstanding first season with the Nashville Predators.  He meshed right away with Craig Smith and Kevin Fiala to form the 1B to the JoFa’s 1A. Because of his acquisition through an early-season trade, Turris only played 65 games as a Nashville Predator.  His 42 points were good for eighth on the team, but a full season of play will easily get him 50+ points.

dark. Next. Rinne? Snubbed? What?

When on ice for the Predators, Turris amounted some fantastic analytic stats.  His CF%, GF%, and HDGF% were all very high. It may be difficult to match those numbers, but you’ll see an improved season out of Kyle Turris.

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