How the 2022-23 Nashville Predators Power Play Should be Constructed
By Alec Creasy
Second Unit: Tolvanen, Glass, Tomasino, Ekholm, Jeannot
For the second unit, I’m going to go with Eeli Tolvanen, Cody Glass, Philip Tomasino, Mattias Ekholm, and Tanner Jeannot. The second unit wasn’t as productive as many would’ve liked last season, but I think it’ll only take a few tweaks and to get this unit going.
Eeli Tolvanen has been in a bit of a slump, but still has a lot to offer in my opinion. I’m hoping that a fresh new season is all it will take for the flood gates to open for him, Tolvanen has a wicked shot, and as we saw in the 2020-21 season, can contribute to the power play quite well.
Cody Glass is someone who absolutely killed it in Milwaukee, and when he was put on the NHL roster during the playoffs, he began showing glimpses of brilliance. I expect Glass to be a full-time NHLer next season, and steadily grow his game to be the piece the Nashville Predators have hoped for since trading away Ryan Ellis. I expect Glass to show out next season on the second unit, and start to produce as he continues to grow his game.
Philip Tomasino is a player who should definitely be on the second unit. Tomasino is an offensive player similar to the likes of Forsberg, and I only expect his game to grow. With him on the second unit, it adds a little more offensive creativity and helps to grow Tomasino’s individual game.
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Mattias Ekholm is a seasoned veteran and will be the veteran leader of the second unit. On a unit full of youth, Ekholm will be the veteran presence to help guide the youth on the power play. His game wasn’t exactly where we’d expect it to be last season, but I’m confident he can turn it around and be the leader of the young unit.
Finally, Tanner Jeannot. What else can you say about this kid? Hits, goals, penalty killing, he does it all. Jeannot didn’t get too much power play time last season, but when he did, he made the most of it. I’d like to see Tanner Jeannot on the second unit to bring his strong presence to the unit, as well as his scoring prowess that comes with his style to produce on the power play.