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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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Roman Josi
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Captain

The question around Roman Josi is can he repeat his Norris Trophy winning season? He absolutely can, and last season definitely was in no way a fluke or a blip on the radar.

Josi carries this team, sometimes to a fault, on a regular basis. Let’s hope he gets some help on the offensive side of things by some of the previously mentioned players having improved seasons.

With that said, Josi is going to keep doing what he does best. Pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities all on his own thanks to his speed and puck handling skills. There’s no reason to think that’s going to change anytime soon.

Oddly enough, Josi’s shooting percentage has always been fairly below the league average. If he starts getting a little more luck with his shots on goal, then his goal total could really blossom. He set a career-high in goals last season despite playing in just 69 games due to the pause.

Josi will be a big reason once again why the Predators hang around in the playoff hunt and push for a top-four spot in the newly constructed Central Division.

It’s also going to be grueling for players to make it through all 56 games without needing a rest, but Josi is a different breed. He’s the captain, and barring any unforeseen injuries, he’ll grind it out through every regular season game.

Season Prediction: 56 games,13 goals, 40 assists, 53 points, Norris Trophy finalist

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