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Predators: Three Players We Should Most Be Thankful for on Thanksgiving

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on November 21, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on November 21, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Roman Josi

I can’t leave the captain out of this. Especially the captain who is arguably becoming one of the best defenseman in the NHL. He’s definitely one of the best offensive defenseman in the league. He’s having a great start to his 2019-20 campaign after locking up his contract extension.

I remain very confident that a Norris Trophy is in Josi’s near future. Maybe even as soon as this season. He’s currently nearly the top in the NHL among defensemen in points with 22 and leads the Predators in that same category.

Josi is also averaging nearly a point per game, which puts him well-above pace of breaking his career-high of 61 points set in 2015-16. His pace will probably slow down a little, but it looks highly probable he’ll set a new career high and is firmly in the conversation for his first Norris Trophy for league’s best defenseman.

Another big reason to be thankful for Josi is he has really taken the captain role and worn it admirably. I know that sometimes the captain role can be overplayed, but Josi has still carried that title very well. When Mike Fisher retired, Josi filled in and took the role in stride.

Josi also came in and helped us cope with the loss of Shea Weber. Sure, the Predators received the exciting P.K. Subban, but he didn’t stick around long enough to get extremely attached to him. Josi is a Predator for life, and we should all be thankful for that.

I’m thankful for Josi’s leadership, speed, that he’s our captain and that he’s got a shiny new contract that will keep him here for a long time. 

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