Risers and Fallers in Nashville Predators Stock Report Heading into 2023

Slightly Rising ⇑

We hold Roman Josi to such a high standard that whenever he looks somewhat ordinary, we wonder why. He’s short of a point-per-game pace through 33 games, but defensively he has been as sharp as he has ever been.

The combination of Josi and Ryan McDonagh has been well-noted as being a shutdown defensive pairing. They’ve given up just one goal against in over 170 minutes of ice together and went over 100 minutes before surrendering the first goal against.

Among defensemen Josi also is sixth in the NHL in shots blocked and is ninth among all players in shots on goal with 142.

Josi also leads the NHL among defensemen, just ahead of reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, in Expected Goals and has been the victim of some stellar goaltending and a low shooting percentage at 5.4. That number ticked up with a power play goal against the Ducks on Friday, his eighth goal of the season.

Considering Josi’ stock was already soaring coming into the season, I can’t say it’s rising from that. He remains steady for now, but don’t be surprised if he goes on hot streak to get back to a point-per-game pace.