Whether it's emerging as an elite offensive threat in the league, staking a claim for the future of the franchise, or repeating a surprising season, these three Predators forwards each have something to prove.
Whether it's emerging as an elite offensive threat in the league, staking a claim for the future of the franchise, or repeating a surprising season, these three Predators forwards each have something to prove.
It's a new chapter for the Nashville Predators as Andrew Brunette was named the new head coach in May and Barry Trotz took over as General Manager July 1. It's a team that looks very different than it did at the beginning of last season. The Predators lost Nino Niederreiter, Tanner Jeannot, Mattias Ekholm, Mikael Granlund, Ryan Johansen, and Matt Duchene from last season's forward lineup.
This season the Predators are counting on a handful of veterans to lead a young group of up and coming players back into playoff contention, and there are a few who must make the most of this transition time. Three Nashville forwards will have opportunities to prove they are ready to take their game - and this team - to the next level.
Filip Forsberg - Ready to prove he's an elite offensive weapon
Forsberg signed an eight year contract last summer, and it's clear Nashville will be relying heavily on him in this new era. In addressing the media about the team's path forward, Barry Trotz points to Forsberg as being one of the veteran core for this team's new iteration. At his introductory press conference, Gus Nyquist also mentioned Forsberg as a core piece for the Predators, so it seems like Forsberg is considered the veteran elite forward in the team's vision.
With Duchene gone, Forsberg is the remaining go to guy when it comes to scoring. The additions of Ryan O'Reilly and Nyquist and the development of players like Cody Glass, Luke Evangelista, and Phil Tomasino will hopefully add offensive punch, but when it comes to being the team's dynamic finisher, the buck stops with Forsberg.
There's no question that Forsberg has the talent for a top offensive role. The question is more about how much production the Preds can expect from the 28 year old. Last season Forsberg scored 19 goals and 42 points in 50 games, but the Predators will need more of the 2021-22 Forsberg. In that season, he recorded 42 goals and 84 points.
Looking ahead, Forsberg will need to stay healthy - something that has been an issue at times in his career - and find chemistry with new line mates. He will be without Duchene who helped elevate Forsberg's game in 21-22. Now Forsberg needs to prove he's the player who elevates the games of those around him.
Cody Glass - Ready to prove he's the future of the franchise
It is Cody's year and no one deserves this chance more than Glass. The 2017 sixth overall pick who heard his name called immediately after Cale Makar's and Elias Pettersson's, Glass has not had an easy start in the NHL. Taken by Vegas with their first ever franchise pick, Glass dealt with injuries, a knee surgery, and recovery during COVID, followed by a trade that landed the center with the Nashville Predators. His fresh start with the Preds was less than illustrious as the Winnipeg native played a mere eight games before spending the rest of the 2021-22 season in Milwaukee.
The time with the Admirals was not wasted. Glass regained stamina and strength and, almost as importantly, confidence. He made the Predators lineup last season, but was a healthy scratch for a handful of games early on. Once Glass settled in, his skill set became more and more evident. When the veterans went down late in the season with injuries, Glass made the most of his increased ice time and elevated his play finishing the season with 14 goals and 35 points.
Glass needs to continue that upward trajectory as the Predators enter this new chapter. Even though Trotz added veteran center Ryan O'Reilly to the roster, it is Cody Glass's season to step into a leading role.
"I really enjoyed it," Glass said of the big minutes he played at the end of last season. "I just really want to take advantage of it now that I've had that taste of what it's like to be in a big role and big opportunities."
Glass has the hunger to succeed, and he has the potential to be a core piece for this team in the future if he can continue growing his game. New head coach Andrew Brunette will have some tough decisions to make when it comes to Glass's line mates, but the right combination could unlock the young center's next level.
Tommy Novak - Ready to prove last season was no fluke
It is unusual that a name that is fairly unknown in the NHL could be such an important piece for the Nashville Predators, but nothing about Tommy Novak is usual. Novak plays on the ice with an intensity and energy that contrasts with the chill, soft spoken player in postgame media. Perhaps we are all still trying to get to know Novak who has played just 78 total NHL games in his career. The 26 year old played 51 of those this past season and finished 2022-23 third in points on the team and fifth in goals scored.
There is no doubt that Tommy Novak won over Predators fans, and now he will need to win over Andrew Brunette and show that his performance last season was no fluke. Novak could be an important piece for a "resetting" Predators team as a less experienced NHL player who could benefit from time on a line with a veteran in a middle six role. Will Novak finish next season as the third highest goal scorer? I doubt that's the plan considering the pieces Trotz has added this offseason. Regardless, he is a player who could with a performance like he had last season ignite plenty of offense. Even if Novak ends up playing fourth line minutes, he could be a depth scorer the Predators need.
It is going to be one of the more interesting training camps with a new head coach, a revamped roster, and plenty of young players hungry to get their shot in Nashville this season. Andrew Brunette will have his hands full deciphering this roster, and Forsberg, Glass, and Novak will be players to watch with something to prove.
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