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Nashville Predators: Five Players With Most to Prove in Upcoming Season

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 04: Eeli Tolvanen #28 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on December 04, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 04: Eeli Tolvanen #28 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on December 04, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Can Forsberg live up to his new contract from the Nashville Predators?

It’s just a natural reaction in sports; when professional athletes finally get that highly-anticipated new contract, in Forsberg’s case just under $70 million in total earnings, you’re going to get instant criticism when things don’t work out.

Fair or not, Forsberg has to prove to everyone that last season’s incredible production that was his career best was a sign of things to come, and not just a flash in the pan.

Forsberg has always been a productive player since his rookie campaign in 2014-15 when he put up an impressive 64 points while playing in all 82 games.

Now the question is can he finally move into that upper tier of forwards? With all of the drama that ensued while awaiting the Predators and Forsberg to come to an agreement, things will get loud fast if a scoring slump and production dip occurs.

Forsberg has to prove he is undeniably worth what is actually a team-friendly contract, but also that he’s truly that franchise forward that he can help get the Predators back to competing with the best teams for a Stanley Cup.

A repeat of last seasn’s production will be suffecient, and will also likely mean the Predators are having another successful regular season. However, it absolutely has to translate to playoff production as well.

Forsberg has just four points over his last 10 playoff games spanning over the past two seasons. Long-term contracts like this means you perform at a high level in the postseason.

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