Nashville Predators: Predlines staff debates impact of younger players

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 04: Head coach Peter Laviolette of the Nashville Predators looks on from the bench during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2018 in New York City. The Nashville Predators won 3-2. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 04: Head coach Peter Laviolette of the Nashville Predators looks on from the bench during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2018 in New York City. The Nashville Predators won 3-2. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
2 of 5
BROOKYN, NY – OCTOBER 06: Zan Rinaldo (36) of the Nashville Predators lines up against New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck (15) during the New York Islanders game versus the Nashville Predators on October 6, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BROOKYN, NY – OCTOBER 06: Zan Rinaldo (36) of the Nashville Predators lines up against New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck (15) during the New York Islanders game versus the Nashville Predators on October 6, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Strong Start for Rinaldo

With the hype of Eeli Tolvanen fading to start the year, and Gaudreau not getting consistent ice time, I think who will have a bigger impact will come down to either Ryan Hartman or Zac Rinaldo.  I’m going with the latter.  Sure it’s only been two games, but Rinaldo leads the team in on-ice CorsiFor %.  And that’s only in 15 minutes of playing time.

So far he is taking advantage of his shifts. Only eight Nashville Predators have a High Danger Chance to their name, and one of them is Zac Rinaldo.  His three shots on goal are the same as Ryan Johansen and more than Viktor Arvidsson.  His eight hits are 6th in the league.

We all know he is an aggressive player, so I believe if he can keep his temper in check and keep pitching in like he has so far, he will have a strong impact for the Nashville Predators.