Nashville Predators: Top Rookie Campaigns in Franchise History
By Chad Minton
Filip Forsberg (2014-2015)
It’s really not even close when it comes to the best rookie seasons in Predators history. You can throw in Pekka Rinne’s 2008-09 campaign, but when it comes to skaters, it’s all about Filip Forsberg’s rookie season.
Forsberg put up 63 points and really made his launch into NHL notoriety during this season. He had already appeared in 18 games in the previous two seasons, but wasn’t considered a rookie until he played in all 82 games in 2014-15.
Six power play goals and six game-winning goals just scratch the surface of Forsberg’s rookie year. He came over in the well-known trade that still haunts Washington Capitals fans as they received an aging Martin Erat who was well past his prime.
Forsberg was still just 20-years-old during this rookie season that saw him make the NHL All-Rookie team. He’s the top player, again aside from Rinne, in terms of the current Nashville Predators team and should hopefully play his entire career in Nashville.
Perhaps Tolvanen could’ve rivaled Forsberg’s rookie season if he began the season on the starting roster and we were playing a full 82-game slate like Forsberg managed to do.