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Nashville Predators: Ranking Each Central Team’s Projected Top Forward Line

By Max Greenberg

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates with center Matt Duchene (95) after a goal during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates with center Matt Duchene (95) after a goal during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Arizona Coyotes: Nick Schmaltz — Barrett Hayton — Clayton Keller

This is actually a better group than people might give them credit for on paper. Schmaltz and Keller were nearly point-per-game producers last year, and Hayton is a former fifth overall pick and still does have some potential.

But Hayton is a big part of why they are ranked where they are, as he has not lived up to expectations throughout his career and is unproven at best. And even then, Schmaltz and Keller have not been top line caliber players their entire careers, as they turned in borderline career seasons last year.

That is unlikely to happen again this year on a team like the Coyotes, when that top line is going to be the toughest unit to shut down. They are not Blackhawks bad, but still one of the worst in this division.

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