Lack of Offensive Play
The Predators offensive core needs to live up to their contracts. The top four goal scorers in the lineup this season are Nino Niederreiter (9 goals), Filip Forsberg (7 goals), Matt Duchene (5 goals), and Ryan Johansen (5 goals).
These four goal scorers account for $28,500,000 of the Predators salary cap. Dividing those individuals cap hit into four quarters and then by the number of goals scored among them, each goal scored by those four players has cost $274,038. Those are some expensive goals.
Looking back at last season Forsberg had 42 goals in 69 games, while this season he is on pace for 28 goals if he plays all 82 games.
If Forsberg were to only play 69 games then he is on pace for 24 goals, just over half of what he had last season.
Duchene is in the same situation. Last season, 43 goals in 78 games. This season, five goals in 20 games. He is on pace for 21 goals this season, less than half of last season.
In order for success during the last three quarters of 2022-23, the Nashville Predators’ top players have to perform at a much higher level offensively. Average won’t cut it.