Nashville Predators: 2021-22 Fantasy Hockey Projections-Part 1

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Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

FILIP FORSBERG (LW)

2020/2021 Totals: 12 Goals, 20 Assists, 32 Points in 39 Games Played

Last season we saw a scorching hot start from the “Stacheberg”! (Okay, I know that’s bad but I am working off some off-season rut too, bear with me)

Forsberg began the season on a torrid pace, and it was looking likely he was set to best his per-game point totals by a landslide in a 56-game shortened season, however, an upper-body injury interfered with this pace.

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Forsberg just wasn’t quite the same when he returned from a 17-game absence, and it resulted in a very common season for him. Common meaning, a very good start, some highlight-reel plays, but unfortunately missing time due to injury and falling short of point total expectations for the level of talent he possesses.

I’ve been saying yearly now that the best is yet to come for Forsberg and this may just be the year to believe it’s the case. He is now truly in the prime of his career entering his 27-year-old season, and a contract year to boot as he hopes to cash in on a major payday via an extension from the Predators that would eclipse his current salary of $6 million per season.

We have all seen the world-class skill, and the ability to outmuscle nearly anyone he goes into a corner with, but good health and consistency from both Forsberg and his linemates (Here’s looking at you Ryan Johansen) will be paramount.

Forsberg will need to have the willingness to put the team on the back of his sizable frame and skill set most nights in order to best his career-high of 64 points (2015-16 and 2017-18).

Without his longtime linemate and fellow countryman, Viktor Arvidsson, on right-wing now donning Los Angeles Kings black and silver effectively eliminating the JOFA line as we know it, the onus will be Ryan Johansen and whoever occupies the opposite wing spot on the top line to help Forsberg carry the load offensively and his fantasy totals.

Eeli Tolvanen and possibly Matt Duchene come to mind as options to not only help Forsberg elevate his game, but also see themselves reach new career highs or resurgences in their own careers respectively.

Forsberg will certainly be motivated to have a productive year for the team and fantasy owners alike as he aims to earn a lucrative new contract to see him become the highest-paid forward on the team, while also assuming a leadership role as the Predators transition into the most youthful period that fans of this generation have yet to see.

Regardless, I expect a very solid season from Forsberg and hope this is the year his skill level, health, the play of the players around him, and fantasy success all come together.

2021/2022 Projection: 31 Goals, 30 Assists, 61 Points in 76 Games Played

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