Top 5 Players Who Have Outperformed Preseason Expectations for Nashville Predators
By Chad Minton
3. Michael McCarron- Career Highs in All Major Categories
Similar to the preseason sentiment around Sherwood, it was unclear what Michael McCarron's future held with Head Coach John Hynes out and the much more offensively-minded Andrew Brunette stepping in. Would McCarron be able to prove himself to be a valuable asset with the new regime?
McCarron didn't even start the season off in the starting lineup. He made his season debut against the Rangers on October 19 and became a mainstay in the starting lineup in mid-November.
McCarron has shown noticeable improvement in his offensive game. He's not just some big bodied bruiser that fights and provides a physical presence. He's still that too, but now he's actually got some bonus offense he can provide.
Enjoying a 14.3 shooting percentage, McCarron has 11 goals and has long surpassed his career high for shots on goal. He's up to 77 on the season, and he's also proving to be an asset in the faceoff circle winning 51.9 percent of the time.
McCarron has been a huge surprise asset to this team, and will be massive (literally) in a seven-game playoff series. I wasn't even sure he would ever be more than a spot starter here and there, but he has overcome that notion to become an everyday starter.