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Projections for Nashville Predators Forward Lines after Monster Free Agency Haul

By Max Greenberg

May 3, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) passes the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) passes the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
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Filip Forsberg #9 Nashville Predators
May 3, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) skates with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

First Line: Filip Forsberg -- Ryan O'Reilly -- Gustav Nyquist

This one right here is the no-brainer of the group after what the trio accomplished last year. Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Nyquist were extremely productive and played the second most minutes of any forward line in the NHL, logging 766.5 minutes together in the regular season.

It would be a crazy decision for Brunette to break these guys up at the start of the 2024-25 season, but it is fair to wonder just how long they can last throughout. The biggest reason why is because Nyquist is coming off a career year that came out of nowhere, and with him turning 35 in September, there is a very real chance he fails to repeat that success.

Barry Trotz mentioned weeks ago the reality that some lines are super lethal one year and suddenly fade away the next, and I think this one is a prime candidate for that. Based on the acquisitions Trotz made in free agency, it seems like he is more than prepared for that possibility.

The biggest question here is if Nyquist comes back down to earth, who takes his spot, and it would almost certainly have to be Marchessault. He has versatility on both the left and right side of the ice, has an extensive history of quality production, and has a blue-collar mentality and tenacity to his game that is likely to age well.

Stamkos would not make sense to be the guy in this case because his shot would not be showcased the same way if he played on the right side. Some might make a case for Luke Evangelista, but that is a lofty ask for someone so young and inexperienced, and with the Predators trying to be a win-now team.

Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Nyquist might maintain their high level play from last year, or they might not, but the last time we saw them they had incredible chemistry together. Until they prove otherwise, they should be kept together, and they almost certainly will be when October rolls around.

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