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

ByRich Howe|
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 30: (L-R) Filip Forsberg #9 and Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators celebrate Forsberg's third period goal against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 30, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Predators defeated the Devils 6-5 in the shoot-out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 30: (L-R) Filip Forsberg #9 and Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators celebrate Forsberg's third period goal against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 30, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Predators defeated the Devils 6-5 in the shoot-out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Ryan Johansen
Nashville Predators (Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

Associate Captain Ryan Johansen

Ryan Johansen is a first-line centerman and will be for the upcoming season. He is always looking to make plays that help his teammates score, but he also has the ability to find the back of the net.

I foresee Johansen lining up with Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene this upcoming season. These three players showed lots of promise last season when matched together.

Although, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see Eeli Tolvanen make an appearance on the first line at some point.

If there was ever a season where Johansen needs to step up and lead by example, it is this one. The Predators will have some struggles, and his veteran leadership will be leaned upon to help keep the team on track.

Even though we are still waiting on Johansen to have a break-out season and return to the days of scoring 60 points or more, he is a teammate that the younger guys can and will look up to.

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