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Predators: Calle Jarnkrok Thriving in His Bigger Role

By Chad Minton

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: Calle Jarnkrok #19 of the Nashville Predators and Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings battle for the puck during the third period at STAPLES Center on October 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: Calle Jarnkrok #19 of the Nashville Predators and Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings battle for the puck during the third period at STAPLES Center on October 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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With the lineup being shuffled greatly for the Nashville Predators so far this season, Calle Jarnkrok is thriving in his new role.

Perhaps the biggest surprise to the start of the Nashville Predators’ 2019-20 campaign is Calle Jarnkrok’s ascension to the top line. He’s responded to it in great fashion and is a big reason why the Predators are cruising along right now.

Jarnkrok is making the most of playing alongside more skilled players in Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson. Jarnkrok has always been a depth guy in the bottom six that isn’t going to garner the spotlight. However, he’s taking charge in a big spot.

Great teams can beat you with so many different players, and take that “next man up” mentality. That’s how I feel about Jarnkrok’s start. He’s responding to the call to action and surprising a lot of people. If someone expected this start from Jarnkrok, go play the lottery with them. Seriously, this start has been a pleasant, but unexpected surprise.

Analyzing his start to 2019-20

Jarnkrok’s career high in points in 35, set back in 2017-18. Not that long ago. I’ve always seen him as a very solid role player that can occasionally show up with a big game. However, I’ve never thought of him as being on the top line. I’m sure a lot of people agree with me.

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When the decision was made to pair Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene on the second line, it left an open slot on the top line. Figuring out the best player for that spot was a big question. I loved the idea of Duchene and Forsberg playing together, but had no clue who would be capable of moving up to the top line.

Jarnkrok had a modest three-game point streak snapped in last night’s win over Chicago, but more importantly he’s not a liability on the top line. If anything, he’s making it just as strong as its always been. He’s obviously isn’t on the level of Forsberg, but he’s making the team better as a whole once Forsberg returns from injury and is playing with Duchene again.

Last night against Chicago, Jarnkrok didn’t register a point. What he did do was be effective in controlling possession of the puck with a Corsi of 71.74. He’s solidified the top line and should be there for the long-term assuming no injuries occur.

It’s a small sample size, but Jarnkrok is benefiting from playing on the top line personally. He’s averaging 0.82 points per game, which would crush his career high since becoming a regular in the lineup in 2014. He may not keep up this efficient pace, but I’m very interested to see if he can easily surpass 35 points and make the Predators very formidable with their top two lines.

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