Who Will Stand Out from the Youth to Close Out 2022-23?
Alright, so we already know that Tommy Novak, Cody Glass and Luke Evangelista took center stage throughout this entire run for the playoffs. Do they have a couple more highlight reel plays in store for us to hold us over until next season?
Novak can push to third on the team in points and pass Filip Forsberg if he can tally two more points. Even the big believer in Novak, including myself, before the season started didn’t see that coming.
Of course Forsberg being out so long is the reason why, but still an impressive accomplishment by Novak who didn’t join the team until mid-December.
You want these guys to keep their momentum up not only for next season, but in the shorter term, for the Milwaukee Admirals heading into the AHL playoffs.
I would like to see some other younger players get into the mix and make some good things happen. Spencer Stastney has been fun to watch in his first six games, recording two assists and six blocked shots.
Another defenseman that got into the mix late in the season is Jake Livingstone. He has been getting gradually more comfortable in his first NHL action as a collegiate standout and no experience in the professional ranks at all.
How impressive is that? With no pro experience, Livingstone has moved into the lineup about as seamlessly and commendable as you can ask for.
The playoffs may not happen, but this young core gives you plenty of reasons to tune into the final two games of 2022-23 and be loud and proud about the Nashville Predators and the positive directions they’re going in.