Nashville Predators: Important Takeaways from Training Camp

New Line Combinations, Fresh Approach?

One of the majors reasons for so much frustration on this team’s shortcomings over the past few seasons is due to the same approach being thrown out there and hoping for a different result. It just never happened, and now it finally looks like we’re going to get a taste of something new.

Hynes had the daunting task of reconstructing these lines coming out of training camp, including finding the always critical top line. The writing is on the wall now with which three players will end up on the opening night top line, per Brooks Bratten of the team’s official site:

A considerable chunk of the veteran core at the forward position was lost over the offseason, but the likes of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene stuck around.

Although the uncertainty remains regarding the long-term futures of these three polarizing players, it’s encouraging to see Hynes elevate them to this level. The chips really are on the table for this trio to produce at a high level, and Hynes is putting them in a position to do that, and I couldn’t agree more.

The trio has had a very productive preseason in limited action. Forsberg has produced two goals and three assists in just two preseason games so far. He really showed out against the Hurricanes on Tuesday by dishing out the game-winning assist on Philip Tomasino overtime winner:

Johansen and Duchene have also made their presences known in a positive way. They’ve looked very comfortable out there together, with Duchene on the other wing and Johansen retaining his top line center role.

Johansen scored the opening goal in the win over the Hurricanes on Tuesday, while Duchene tallied a goals and an assist in what was a very productive night for the entire trio.

Mark one major item off the training camp to-do list. The Predators have their top line to start off with against the Seattle Kraken a week from today. Or at least that’s what is fully expected.