Nashville Predators: Four Key Players Who Will Need to be Leaders

Associate Captain Mattias Ekholm

You would be hard-pressed to find another player on Nashville’s roster who plays with as much passion and intensity as Mattias Ekholm. There is a reason his name was mentioned so much during the trade deadline last season. He is the type of player that any team in the NHL would be more than happy to have on their roster.

With the departure of Ellis, the Predators’ coaching staff will have to shake up the defensive lines a bit. Ellis’ departure and the emergence of Carrier should mean that Ekholm’s normal defensive partner, Dante Fabbro, would be a better fit on another defensive pairing.

If Fabbro does find himself on another pairing next season, then newly-acquired defenseman Philippe Myers can even play alongside Ekholm.

With their size, the second pairing of Ekholm and Myers would be daunting. Plus, Myers would gain valuable experience playing with a player of Ekholm’s caliber.

With changes in the defensive lineup looming, the Predators will rely upon Ekholm for his leadership and ability to demonstrate to the younger players what it is like to play with the same intensity and passion that he has for the game.