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Nashville Predators: Could William Nylander or others fill vacancy left by Viktor Arvidsson?

By Corey Francis

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal at 16:42 of the second period- against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on October 06, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal at 16:42 of the second period- against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on October 06, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal at 16:42 of the second period- against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on October 06, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal at 16:42 of the second period- against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on October 06, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Nashville Predators will be out a key piece of their team for at least six weeks. They will need to fill the void. And fast.

It was news we didn’t want to hear. Viktor Arvidsson is out for six to eight weeks. The check he took into the wall earlier this road trip turned into a broken thumb. Now, the Nashville Predators have a massive hole in their top line. Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg are fully capable of scoring and generating offense. But, having a third player opens up the ice for more.

Arvidsson did so much on the ice. His energy and speed inspired his teammate each and every game. Every moment he was on the ice, Arvidsson put in work. He would pin an opponent to the wall on defense and then fly down the ice straight to the net. Something needed to be done, Arvidsson would do it. You can’t fully replace what he gives each and every night.

Just check the stats. Arvidsson has only played in 13 games this season but has 8 goals on 35 shots, leading the team with a 22.86 shooting percentage. He also created 19 high-danger chances in those 13 games. He has drawn six penalties and averages at least one takeaway in every game he plays. Not bad for a little guy.

The Predators need to find someone to generate opportunities like Arvidsson. While no one will be a full replacement, there are tons of option both on and off the team. It is time they look at them.

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