The "resetting" Nashville Predators have hit a rough patch after surprising the league — and perhaps themselves — by being in the wildcard playoff mix. Which Predators deserve award recognition for their performances to this point?
With a new General Manager, new head coach, new system, and a very different looking roster, the Nashville Predators were not expected to be a part of the postseason conversation come the All Star break. Despite a loss to the LA Kings on Wednesday night, the Predators could still make a postseason appearance with a strong finish in their final 31 games of the season.
The Predators currently have a 26-23-2 record with no names floating in the end of season award conversations, but who would be Nashville's best candidates for the NHL's major awards up to this point in the season? Let's take a look.
ART ROSS - Filip Forsberg, 51 points in 51 games
When Barry Trotz announced the plan to "reset" the Predators roster, he was clear that Filip Forsberg was going to be a foundational part of the process. Forsberg is the forward Trotz is building around. Forsberg has been Nashville's most consistent and reliable points scorer, and with a strong finish to the season will be flirting with a chance to exceed his career high of 84 points set back in 2021-2022.
ROCKET RICHARD - Filip Forsberg, 24 goals in 51 games
Forsberg is the leader for the Predators in goal scoring with 24 goals so far this season. In his NHL career Forsberg has scored a between the legs goal and the Michigan, but his secret sauce when it comes to scoring is that subtle quick release that fools goaltenders.
It also helps that this season Forsberg is playing with two creative veterans on Nashville's top line. Forsberg, Gustav Nyquist, and Ryan O'Reilly have been the Predators' most offensively productive line. Forsberg has been clutch for the Predators with six game winning goals this season including three OT winners.
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HART - Ryan O'Reilly
"He's too old."
"His best days are behind him."
"He couldn't handle the scrutiny in Toronto."
Save it. Ryan O'Reilly came highly touted by General Manager Barry Trotz and he has been exactly who Trotz said he was. There isn't an area of the game that O'Reilly doesn't impact, averaging nearly twenty minutes a game and playing important roles on the power play and penalty kill.
Although off ice contributions don't usually weigh in to the Hart Trophy, O'Reilly deserves a shout out for setting a high standard in the locker room for a team with plenty of young players learning what it takes to be a Selke, Con Smythe, and Stanley Cup winner.
NORRIS TROPHY - Roman Josi
There have been plenty of storylines this season swirling around the Predators' defense with Tyson Barrie being a healthy scratch, trade rumors involving Dante Fabbro and Alexandre Carrier, and glimpses of Nashville's future blue liners Spencer Stastney and Marc Del Gaizo.
Josi is the defenseman Barry Trotz wants to build around and it is no surprise why. The 2020 Norris Trophy winner may have taken some time to get to his offensive game, but he has continued to be the backbone of the Predators defense.
VEZINA TROPHY - Juuse Saros
This has certainly not been Saros' best season. While it's widely known that the Finnish goalie and former Vezina nominee takes some time to get warmed up at the beginning of the season, Saros has had a few more dips in his performances than usual. There are still stretches of Vezina caliber goaltending and when Saros is on, he is one of the best net minders in the league.
SELKE TROPHY - Ryan O'Reilly
O'Reilly knows what it takes to win the Selke having done it in 2019. O'Reilly's addition to the roster this season has affected the offense, but his attention to detail in the defensive zone and all the little plays he makes to thwarted opposing offenses show he still has elite skill in his 200 foot game.
CALDER TROPHY - Luke Evangelista
With names like Bedard, Fantilli, and Cooley in the rookie mix one name that is overlooked around the league is Luke Evangelista. The 21-year-old Toronto native is sixth amongst rookies in goals and points and getting more and more comfortable playing the NHL game.
Evangelista made his NHL debut last season on February 28 and earned himself a spot out of training camp as a part of Trotz's focus on bringing up young players. In his 50 games this season, Evangelista has nine goals and 21 points and shows flashes of the standout play that made him elite in his OHL and AHL days.
MASTERTON TROPHY - Gustav Nyquist
A serious shoulder injury sidelined Gus Nyquist in January and February last season, but his speed, playmaking, and high hockey IQ combined with a full recovery make the 34-year-old the Predators' Masterson winner.
The Minnesota Wild believed the veteran could come back and contribute to their postseason effort after missing two months at the end of the regular season, and Nyquist collected five points in the Wild's six game first round series. Barry Trotz was effusive when he signed Nyquist, and the Swedish center has proven he isn't even close to slowing down. Nyquist could reasonably log a 20 goal season which would be his first 20+ goal season since 2018-2019.
LADY BING TROPHY - Gustav Nyquist
Nyquist averages 17:46 in ice time per game for the Predators, plays in all situations, and is having one of his best seasons all while executing a clean game with just six total penalty minutes in 51 games played.