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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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Ryan Johansen
Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The return of Johansen

There’s just no way around how down of a year Ryan Johansen had, and it directly impacted how inconsistent the Predators were at the top of their lineup.

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Johansen massively dropped from 50 assists to 22 assists despite only playing in 12 fewer games.

I just don’t see that same kind of lousy production happening again from this top-line center.

If Johansen shows these same struggles again at getting his linemates involved then expect another disappointing season for the Predators.

I’m remaining optimistic that Johansen has somewhat of a bounce-back season and rekindles the chemistry with Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson. His assists totals should rebound back to his career average.

Johansen for his career has averaged close to 0.5 assists per game, but last season managed barely above 0.3 assists per game. He’ll get back to his career average this coming season, and the top line will in return be much more reliable.

Season Prediction: 56 games, 9 goals, 29 assists, 38 points

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