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Nashville Predators: Stat Projections for Key Players this Season

By Chad Minton

Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) and center Ryan Johansen (92) congratulate defenseman Roman Josi (59) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) and center Ryan Johansen (92) congratulate defenseman Roman Josi (59) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Duchene, Nashville Predators
Ottawa Senators defenseman Ron Hainsey (81) breaks his stick blocking a shot from Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Duchene

There’s a lot of pressure on Matt Duchene to live up to the expectations that were put on him when the Predators got him in the 2019 offseason. It was one of the biggest offseason signings in team history.

Duchene didn’t have as horrendous of a first season in Nashville that some people like to throw out there, but it also left a lot to be desired.

I’m fully expecting Duchene to play on a more consistent level and lead a more productive second line for Nashville. He’s not going to be the prolific goal scorer, but he does need to start making the player around him better through his puck and skating abilities that he undoubtedly has.

Duchene had a huge drop in production from the previous season when he spent time with both Ottawa and Columbus. A 70-point campaign dropped down to just 42 points for the Nashville Predators.

I don’t think that’s the norm from Duchene, and now we need to see something in between at the very least. He’s not going to be a point-per-game pace necessarily, but being much more efficient that last season is a must.

With more stability on the roster and the coaching staff, expect Duchene to up his efficiency level.

Season Prediction: 53 games, 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 points

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