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Nashville Predators: Who Will Lead the 2019-20 Team in Points?

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Viktor Arvidsson #33 celebrates his goal with Filip Forsberg #9 and Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena on October 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Viktor Arvidsson #33 celebrates his goal with Filip Forsberg #9 and Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena on October 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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roman josi
DALLAS, TX – APRIL 15: Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) waits for play to begin during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators on April 15, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Roman Josi

We can’t predict offensive numbers without including Josi. He’s arguably the best offensive defenseman in the NHL, and I think a Norris Trophy is still in his near future. He puts some much pressure on opposing defenses with his skating ability, puck handling and speed. He’s instant offense, and sometimes gets criticized for giving up counter attacks.

Josi is fourth on the franchise’s all-time points list with 348, and is the current leader among current Predators players. Forsberg is just behind him with 305. Josi will most likely move past Shea Weber in career assists in Predators history. He needs just 23 assists.

Despite playing in 70 or more games in six-straight seasons, Josi has still never scored more than 15 goals in a season. That’s right around the top of the NHL among defenseman, with Morgan Rielly leading all defensemen last season with 20 goals. Josi absolutely has the skill set to accomplish this same feat and surpass 20 goals for a season. That probably won’t be enough to lead the Predators in points.

Who will lead the team?

After looking through these five possibilities to lead the Predators in points, I have to go with Forsberg to lead the team. Assuming he finally plays upwards of 75-80 games this season, he’s going to pile up the goals and maybe set a new franchise record. He’s also going to be more productive on a Predators power play that has nowhere to go but up. Duchene and Arvidsson will be close behind him, but I’m going with a prediction of 70 points for Forsberg (32 goals, 38 assists).

Next. Predators Look to Continue Successful Preseason Against Carolina. dark

This is really a tough call to make this prediction. It shows how balanced the Predators are that they have four or five players that you can make arguments for to lead the team. None of them are going to be near the top of the NHL leaders, but having four 60-point scorers seems very conceivable this upcoming season.

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