CJ Wodushek’s pick (@Squeege800)
The 2019-20 season brought many ups, downs, and all arounds for the Nashville Predators in pretty much all categories. The expectations that were set did not unfold like we had hoped. Because of that, David Poile decided it was time to “retool” the team.
The “retooled” positions that were filled bring on some new faces that might be in contention for setting the bar for penalty minutes on a team that was 10th in penalty minutes last year.
I have a few top picks to lead this department, starting with our consensus choice of Mark Borowiecki.
Borowiecki led his team in penalty minutes multiple times before in Ottawa and we could expect the same for him in Nashville. Being with a new team it does take time to adjust to a new system and to players alike, especially for defensemen, so we could see some lazy penalties next year from him.
On the gritty side of the puck, Borowiecki will be a player that will step up for his players when situations turn sour. I expect his numbers to be high on the Predators since we are lacking grit.
Next player that will rack up the penalty minutes again will be Ryan Johansen. He’s been in the top-five for penalty minutes since the 2016-17 season.
Last year saw one of Johansen’s worst years as far as production. Hopefully he can return to his years of posting 60 points and being a productive piece to the top-six. Regardless, he takes my second spot for penalty minutes to make it five-straight years.