Defenseman Seth Jones and center Nathan MacKinnon are expected to be the first two players chosen in this year’s draft, but here are four players the Predators will consider drafting with the fourth overall pick.

Aleksander Barkov

• Position: Center
• Measurables: 6-2, 205
• Statistics: 48 points in 53 games with Tappara (Finland)
• Ranking: No. 1 European skater

• Cause for celebration: Barkov is potentially the franchise center Nashville has lacked its entire existence.  At the age of 17, he is posting nearly a point per game playing against grown men.  Barkov is a productive two-way center who excels defensively and would fit naturally in a Barry Trotz system.  He’s also ranked as the No. 1 European skater in the 2013 draft, which would give Nashville the top rated European from the last two drafts (Filip Forsberg, ranked No. 1 in 2012).

• Cause for concern: Barkov injured his shoulder in March ending his season prematurely.  The injury is not considered serious long-term.  Barkov’s skating, or more specifically speed,  has also come into question.

Jonathan Drouin

• Position: Left Wing
• Measurables: 5-10, 186
• Statistics: 105 points in 49 games with Halifax (QMJHL)
• Ranking: No. 3 North American skater

 - Photo Mike Dembeck

• Cause for celebration: Drouin is arguably the most exciting player in this year’s draft class.  His skill set is elite, his hockey IQ is high, and his vision is unmatched, as evidenced by his 41 goals and 105 points in just 49 games this season.  These attributes really set him apart from other draft-eligible players.  Drouin is projected to go in the first three picks, but could fall to No. 4 if the Tampa Bay Lightning elect to draft Barkov or a defensemen like Darnell Nurse.

• Cause for concern: The only question mark attached to Drouin is his size.  Can he hold up in the NHL against bigger forwards and defensemen?  Drouin is undersized, obviously, but his hockey sense and creativity should allow him to eventually dominate at the NHL level.  Think Patrick Kane or Martin St. Louis.

Elias Lindholm

• Position: Center
• Measurables: 6-0, 181
• Statistics: 30 points in 49 games with Brynas (Sweden)
• Ranking: No. 3 European skater

• Cause for celebration: Lindholm is another highly regarded European center who would fill a huge need for the Predators.  He is probably what you would consider a prototypical Predator playing a relentless, defensive-minded style of tw0-way hockey.  That said, he certainly has potential to be a point-producer at the NHL level.  Because of his well-rounded game, Lindholm is considered one of the safest possible picks in the 2013 draft.

• Cause for concern: Lindholm doesn’t really have any weaknesses in his game, but his offensive upside may be limited in comparison to the other top prospects available in the top-5 of this draft.

Sean Monahan

• Position: Center
• Measurables: 6-2, 187
• Statistics: 78 points in 58 games with Ottawa (OHL)
• Ranking: No. 5 North American skater

• Cause for celebration: Monahan is another strong, two-way center.  He has good size, he’s a great face-off guy, he plays a smart and responsible game, he was the captain of his junior team this season, and he increased his point-per-game scoring this year despite a lack of talent around him.

• Cause for concern: Monahan is a ’94 birthday meaning he is a little older than a majority of the players in this draft class (he turns 19 this October).  Some have wondered if Monahan has already reached his full potential

Best guess: Aleksander Barkov will hear his name called when Predators announce the fourth pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft this June.

Author information

Brian Roe

Brian Roe covers the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers. Brian brings a unique background that included writing for Hockey’s Future, interning for ESPN Radio, and working for the Dallas Stars Hockey Club. He is also the founder and lead writer of NHL Intel. Brian holds a journalism degree from Abilene Christian University.

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Hawks, Wings, and Blue Jackets; Oh my!

(Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports)

Over the next eight days, the Predators will travel to face the top team in the West, the Chicago Blackhawks, host the Calgary Flames, another team eliminated from playoff contention, at the Bridgestone Arena, then finish the season on the road with the two teams currently in 8^th and 9^th in the Western Conference, the Detroit Red Wings and the surprising Columbus Blue Jackets.  While the allure of a high draft pick might have some hoping that the Predators finish with a less than stellar season, the team will be looking to make sure their division rivals share their fate.

With the playoffs already long-wrapped up and clinching the Western Conference, the Blackhawks have their sights set on the President’s trophy.  With 70 points in 42 games, the Blackhawks have six games remaining to finish off their best season in recent years.  Although the Predators won’t have a chance to spoil Jonathan Toews and the Blackhawks playoff chances, making the end of their season slightly less pleasant wouldn’t be a terrible way to start the beginning of the end.

Battling for the final few playoff slots in the West, the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Predators hoping to roll over them on way to securing a spot in the post-season.  With playoffs officially out of the equation, ruining not one, but two division rivals playoff chances could still give the team something to look forward to.

Even without a playoff spot to fight for, beating the Red Wings, on their home ice, en route to knocking them out of playoff contention would be something for both the team and fans to celebrate in a rather painful shortened season.  Additionally, knocking off the Red Wings might make it easier for the biggest surprise of the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets, to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-2009 season.

As two of the newer franchises in the NHL, the Blue Jackets and Predators couldn’t have had much of a different recent history, with the Predators making the playoffs 7 of the last 9 years, while the Blue Jackets have only made the playoffs once in that same timeframe, being swept by the Red Wings in their only appearance.  I think its fair to say that if the Predators have a choice, they would much rather see the Blue Jackets make the playoffs over the Red Wings.

Austin Watson {Photo Credit: Puck Magnet – Flickr}

Is Winning the Wrong Choice?

Simply put, no.  Even at the cost of a higher draft pick in a deep draft, the difference between 8 points in the standings could move them a few spots, but the fact is that the Predators will most likely end up with a top-10 pick in this years draft, if not higher.  Here’s a good look at the NHL Draft lottery standards, as of April 18th from Smashville24/7.  Its no secret that the Predators lack offensive punch, but its important to remember that wherever the team drafts, the prospect, like many other prospects, will take time to develop.

At the same time, its also important to remember that the Capitals drafted highly-touted prospect, turned Nashville Predator, Filip Forsberg with the 11^th overall pick.  If the Predators end up with another prospect of the same skill level, lets just say the team and their fans won’t be disappointed.  Between this upcoming draft and the stockpiling of what looks like one of the most promising prospect groups, outside of Edmonton.

With players like Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne as veteran leaders on and off the ice next year, younger players like Colin Wilson, Roman Josi, Jonathan Blum, Gabriel Bourque and others will be expected to step into bigger roles with the team.  While the younger guys are adjusting to larger roles on the team, prospects like Forsberg and Austin Watson will get a chance to shine on a bigger stage, most likely seeing time in the top-six and on the powerplay.  Others like Daniel Bång, Ryan Ellis, Chris Mueller, and most recently Mattias Ekholm will all get time with the big club at the end of this season due to injuries.

Regardless of what happens in the rest of the season, win or lose, the Predators have a chance to not only play spoiler to their division rivals, but also remain in line to draft another franchise player.

Author information

Nick Vucic

Outside of working in politics, Nick also loves watching hockey at all levels. In addition to writing about the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers, Nick also writes for Faceoff Factor about his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

(Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)

Pessimistic times for the Predators.

But allow me to interrupt the Predators funeral procession with four reasons to find optimism in this supposed lost season.  I’m no John Buccigross, but let’s let a few of the current chart-topping country songs help explain why this season isn’t a lost cause.

Sure Be Cool If You Did, by Blake Shelton … could the Nashville Predators actually win the draft lottery and gain ownership of the top pick in the draft for the first time in franchise history?  The highest the Predators have ever selected was No. 2 overall in 1998 – the club’s initial draft before its expansion season – when Nashville drafted center David Legwand.  While fans would always prefer to see its team in the playoffs and toward the bottom of the draft board, if you miss the post-season then you might as well pick first in the draft.  Speaking of firsts, for the first time since using a lottery system, all 14 teams that miss the playoffs will have a chance to win the draft lottery and select first in the 2013 draft.

If You’re Gonna Be Somebody’s Heartbreak, Be Mine, by Hunter Hayes … if there was ever a season to stink, the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season was the one to do it.  Fans of teams that were against winning this season only have to suffer through 48 games between January and April compared to the traditional 82-game, October to April death march.

1994, by Jason Aldean … Filip Forsberg – who made his NHL debut last night and who was born in 1994 – is a product of a poor Predators season.  If Nashville was a playoff team this year, then Martin Erat is less likely to demand a trade and Forsberg is more likely to remain in Washington (or is dealt to another club).  You don’t get Forsberg without giving up Erat.  The Predators rarely have the opportunity to acquire a player with this type of skill set and offensive potential.  Filip Freaking Forsberg – my favorite nickname so far for the Nashville newcomer – has the potential to make fans forget all about this disappointing season.  Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie (my apologies to Joe, to hockey, and to 1994).

The Highway Don’t Care (But I Do), by Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift … the Predators hit the road – though I imagine they will travel by plane, not via the highway – and hope to play spoiler in the final two games of the season against the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.  Columbus and Detroit are two of the teams battling for the eighth and final playoff spot so the two will be desperate for points.  What better way to conclude a division rivalry than to prevent the Red Wings and Blue Jackets from making the playoffs in their final season as members of the Western Conference?

Author information

Brian Roe

Brian Roe covers the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers. Brian brings a unique background that included writing for Hockey’s Future, interning for ESPN Radio, and working for the Dallas Stars Hockey Club. He is also the founder and lead writer of NHL Intel. Brian holds a journalism degree from Abilene Christian University.

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

(Icon SMI)

Injuries End the Season for Bourque, Wilson, and Gaustad

With 6 games remaining for the Predators 2013 season, the team is facing a unique situation of being on the outside of the Western Conference playoff contenders.  On a team already struggling to find an offensive identity, the loss of Bourque, Wilson, and Gaustad signifies that the slim hope that Predators fans were holding out for the season is all but officially non-existent.

Colin Wilson was leading the Predators in scoring with a paltry 19 points in early March when he was injured in early-March.  Both Gabriel Bourque, leading the Predators with 11 goals, and Paul Gaustad, winning faceoffs at near a 60% rate, ended their seasons in early April.

Scoring only 6 goals in their last 5 games, the Predators have clearly missed the presence of three of the team’s top forwards.  Although it looks like youngster Filip Forsberg will make his NHL debut with the team this week, the season for the Predators is already well beyond saving.

Things to Watch in Last 6 Games

With only 6 games remaining in the season, Predators’ fans may experience something they are not accustomed to; not watching playoff hockey cheering on their team.   Missing the playoffs only once in the last 8 seasons, there are still plenty of important things to look for on this young Predators team, including:

1)   The debut of Filip Forsberg – All eyes will be on the young gun as he plays his first NHL game.  The future success of the Predators will largely be impacted by the success of Forsberg.  Although time will most likely be necessary for him to adjust to the North American game, Forsberg could stand out, even in the 6 remaining games.

2)   The Youth Movement – Its no secret that the Predators are a young team with prospects ready to get their time in the spotlight.  In addition to the aforementioned Forsberg, it will be interesting to see if any other prospects will get a shot on the team and what their first taste of NHL action will be like.

3)   Parting shots – It appears that the Predators could part ways with all three of their prospective Unrestricted Free Agents this offseason (Brandon Yip, Chris Mueller, and Chris Mason).  Watch to see how these three free agents, in addition to the 8 upcoming Restricted Free Agents, perform in what could be their last games as Predators.

Just because the Predators season may be ending soon and three of the top forwards are out with injury, it doesn’t mean that the end of the season won’t hold insights into the future direction of the franchise.

Author information

Nick Vucic

Outside of working in politics, Nick also loves watching hockey at all levels. In addition to writing about the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers, Nick also writes for Faceoff Factor about his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Most teams claim to draft the best player available regardless of organizational depth, and it seemed many teams could have used a prospect like Forsberg.  He’s big enough to play in North America (6-1 or 6-2, depending on the source), he’s known for his responsible two-way play, and he’s projected to be a point-producing forward at the NHL level.  For example, a team like Pittsburgh – who had the seventh pick and annually search for wingers to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin – seemed like a logical fit to draft the Swede.  So, why did Forsberg fall out of the top 10?

And why did the team that drafted Forsberg give up on him just nine months later?

In what was the final deal of the 2013 trade deadline, the Capitals flipped Filip to the Nashville Predators in exchange for winger Martin Erat and prospect Michael Latta.  To say it was a surprising deal is an understatement.

For starters, Erat apparently requested a trade.  Not only is Erat having a down season offensively – only four goals, a minus-7 rating, and a scoreless drought that dated 21 games with Nashville – he also carries a cap hit of more than $4 million per season and had a no-movement clause worked into his contract.  So, it would be fair to assume that Nashville wasn’t exactly in the greatest bargaining position when it came to dealing Erat.

Secondly, Forsberg is considered one of the top prospects hockey.  Teams generally don’t go around trading those types of young players unless you are getting an All-Star caliber player or a “final piece” type of player in return.  No offense to the 31-year-old Erat, but I don’t think anyone in Nashville or Washington would put Erat in either of those categories at this point in his career.

So, after slipping down the draft board last summer and being traded after less than a year with the Capitals organization, the question needs to be asked: what’s wrong with Filip Forsberg?

On paper?  Nothing.  He’s ranked as a top-25 prospect by both The Hockey News (No. 21) and Hockey’s Future (No. 24). On the ice?  Nothing.  Forsberg was named the best under-20 player in the HockeyAllsvenskan league after posting 33 points and a plus-11 rating in 38 games.  Leadership or locker room concerns?  Unlikely.  He was captain of the Swedish World Junior Championship team, which won the silver medal this year.  Development concerns?  Though some have speculated about his foot speed, most scouting reports on Forsberg speak glowingly about his elite puck-handling skills, his creative offensive instincts, and his willingness to play two-way hockey.

One issue may have been his projections as a center vs. as a winger.  Personally, I think Forsberg projects better as a winger at the NHL level.  Several in the Washington organization were apparently concerned enough about his foot speed and his development as a center to sign off on putting the 18-year-old in a deadline deal.

Meanwhile in Nashville, the Predators continue tumbling down the standings while dealing with injuries (including an injury to this year’s top scorer, Colin Wilson), with the off-season departure of top pairing defensemen Ryan Suter, and now with the loss of last season’s leading scorer and alternate captain Martin Erat.  If the season ended today, the Predators would be selecting in the top-10 of the 2013 draft.

Forsberg jumps to the top of the Predators prospect pool and will be carefully developed in an organization that is lacking top-level forward prospects.  Nashville obviously thinks highly of Forsberg and even had him rated as a top-5 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  Maybe Nashville is the right place for Forsberg to start his NHL career.

By the sound of it, if the Predators owned a top-10 pick in the 2012 draft we wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with him at all.

Author information

Brian Roe

Brian Roe covers the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers. Brian brings a unique background that included writing for Hockey’s Future, interning for ESPN Radio, and working for the Dallas Stars Hockey Club. He is also the founder and lead writer of NHL Intel. Brian holds a journalism degree from Abilene Christian University.

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Filip Forsberg was the exclamation point on a very solid 2012 NHL draft weekend for the Washington Capitals. (Elite Prospects)

The Predators Next Great Forward, Filip Forsberg

There’s no doubt that Martin Erat has been the definition of a Nashville Predator in his time with the team.  In 723 games with the Predators, Erat has scored a total of 481 points, good enough for second all-time for the franchise behind teammate David Legwand.  Since being drafted in the 7^th round in 1999 (191^st overall), Erat has been a mainstay in Nashville and one of the most offensively gifted and generally underrated forwards on the Predator’s roster.

To put it simply, Filip Forsberg is not Martin Erat, he has the potential to be better.  In 38 games with Leksand in HockeyAllsvenskan (the second-highest league in Sweden), the 18 year old managed 33 points (15 goals and 18 assists).

To get a better idea of Forsberg potential, here’s what some scouting reports had to say about the prospect:

“A leader who shows by example — I would compare him to Anaheim’s Corey Perry a little bit. Has a nose for the net, and often scores the big goals. He’s a creative playmaker, good skater with fine straight-ahead speed. He’s a right-handed forward with an excellent shot and an effective two-way player with a great winning attitude. Filip’s a solid puck carrier with very good puck-handling skills; mature, good size and physically strong. On top of that, he’ll sacrifice himself to make the play.”
- NHL Director of European Scouting, Goran Stubb

“A highly skilled two-way player. Forsberg is blessed with first class hockey sense and puck skills. He is a creative player, somewhat flashy, and can do the unexpected. In addition to being a great stick handler, he has also a very powerful shot and overall the tools to become a high scoring player. Furthermore, he skates well and takes care of his defensive responsibilities. Has good size, but could use more strength. Could also be more consistent.”
- Elite Prospects 2012

“Filip is a blend of high end skill and indomitable will. Skill that allows him to produce offensively and a will that makes it very challenging for opponents to stop him. He’s a very strong skater with power in his stride and combined with speed, he’s capable of opening up ice for himself and backing up defenders. Possessing very good agility, he uses this to maneuver in the tight areas around the net and make himself dangerous. His shot is hard and accurate and he can score from 35-40 feet. His release is outstanding which doesn’t allow goalies to get an accurate read on it. He can shoot off the pass as well as being able to shoot in stride. He recognizes opportunities and he has a hunger to score. He’s not one-dimensional though and is capable of making plays and creating offensive chances with his passing. He gets involved in the physical game and while he may not be punishing, he’s assertive in establishing his presence and gaining valuable space for himself. With a playmaking center, he could be a prolific scorer in the NHL.
- TSN Scout Craig Button

Forsberg has the potential to become a star on a team that typically lacks stars of the offensive type.  Not to mention, the best part is that he already plays Predators hockey, in the sense that he never gives up on a play and comes to work every game.  Nobody should confuse him with becoming the next Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby, but Forsberg could end up making a name for himself in Nashville in a far greater way than David Legwand, Martin Erat, or Patric Hornqvist.

Forsberg’s Path to the Predator’s Lineup

Prior to Forsberg’s trade to the Predators, the Capitals had planned on assigning the young Swede to their AHL-affiliate, the Hershey Bears, later next week.  For Forsberg, it seems that although the young forward is extremely talented and a hard-worker, that there will need to be a period for him to better transition to the North American game.

In his first year with Leksand in Sweden, he only scored 17 points in 43 games, but as previously mentioned, tallied 33 points in 38 games this year with games remaining on the calendar.  While the Predators could certainly use Forsberg’s offensive capabilities immediately, the team would be smart to take their time with him and let him fully develop for some time in the AHL.

The earliest most scouting reports have placed Filip Forsberg in an NHL lineup has been around mid-year next season, but with an offensively-challenged Predators club, Forsberg could find himself competing for a spot out of training camp.  The young winger will most likely find himself with the Milwaukee Admirals for at least the rest of this season and to start next season.  When he finally reaches the NHL, the Predators can most likely expect to find that they’ve made a tremendous deal for a promising prospect.

If you’re still doubting that Forsberg’s potential, check out these highlights below:

Author information

Nick Vucic

Outside of working in politics, Nick also loves watching hockey at all levels. In addition to writing about the Nashville Predators for The Hockey Writers, Nick also writes for Faceoff Factor about his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

TwitterFacebookGoogle+LinkedIn

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.