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

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.

Option #1

Arvidsson is a 30-goal scorer. They just don’t grow on trees. And, he is always working. I cannot recall a moment of time when I felt Arvidsson was slacking off or taking it a bit easy. The first player that comes to mind for me is Ryan Hartman.

For two seasons in a row, Hartman achieved 31 points. In 2016-17, he tallied 19 goals with the Chicago Blackhawks. He earned only 11 goals last season, but part of that was learning a new team in Nashville.  The young winger has 5 goals so far this season but on 32 shots. Those numbers are similar to Arvidsson’s. Hartman also has 13 high-danger chances on his own.

The main difference? Hartman is deployed in the offensive zone only 23% of the time, a far cry from Arvidsson’s 68%. Can Hartman earn the chances and goals worthy of top-line time? Maybe.

There is no doubting Hartman’s effort. He flies around the ice with tons of grit and energy. Honestly, he is my pick for the role.

Option #2

If you were just to focus on one aspect of Arvidsson’s playing on the JoFA line, the most important may be his grit. Sure, the points are nice, but Arvidsson is known for setting screens – or executing a jump screen – in front of the net. He will take a hit but also move with intensity.

If you are looking on the current roster, Rocco Grimaldi may be a good choice. Grimaldi was leading the Milwaukee Admirals in points before getting called to the Nashville Predators. However, he has only one goal in six games to this point.

What Grimaldi does is play with a similar passion as Arvidsson. In six games, Grimaldi has six hits on the season, already more than Arvidsson. His physical play makes him an ideal player to get in front of the net. Playing on the fourth line does not present Grimaldi with tons of chances to shot, which explains his 47.3% Corsi rating. He can play defensively, keeping that aspect of the JoFA line intact. With that line facing other top lines, defense will be needed.

Option #3

Honestly, I do not like any other option on the roster right now. Kevin Fiala is inconsistent and has trouble controlling the puck from time to time. Colton Sissons works hard at all times but just doesn’t have the same energy at Arvidsson. He does go to the net, which does make him a possibility.

That means finding someone off the roster. How about Rickard Rakell? It is highly unlikely the Anaheim Ducks will move this key forward. Or would they even make a trade with the Predators? Still, it could work in this situation.

In each of the last two seasons, Rakell has 30+ goals. The right-handed shooter is performing below expectations so far this season, with a 5.4% shooting percentage. But, the entire team is struggling as well, being one of the worst in shot-sharing metrics.

The Ducks have zero cap space this season, and are only projected to have about $6 million in space this offseason. Unloading some salary could be helpful to Anaheim, and Rakell makes $3.8 million. He also has three years left on his contract. The Nashville Predators could package Zac Rinaldo or Rocco Grimaldi with a third-round pick to acquire Rakell. It won’t hurt the Predators’ offseason plans this offseason. Well, maybe.