Official Nashville Predators Thread

#3,826
#3,826
Teams with new No. 1 prospects

Kevin Fiala, LW, Nashville Predators
2013-14 team: HV71 (SHL)
Fiala rose about as much as one prospect can as the season went along. He was a top-six forward for his SHL team, and even played at the World Championships for Switzerland as a 17-year-old. He's a really skilled offensive threat with top-end puck skills and offensive IQ. Fiala's ability as a playmaker and how he maintains puck possession does a lot for his team. He's a small player (5-10, 181 pounds), which is his primary drawback.

I've gone back and forth on whether Fiala or Filip Forsberg should be rated higher, but I lean to the former. Both have top-line upside and Forsberg had a fantastic 2013-14 season, but Fiala just looks so advanced for his age that he gives the impression of a player who may have another level.
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#3,827
#3,827
4th besat pipeline in the NHL as rated by ESPN :rock:

Nashville Predators
Org rank: 4

Overview

This may be the first time in a long while that a Predators top 10 prospects list contains no defensemen, but is mostly filled with high-skill forwards. Those players would greatly benefit the NHL team -- and relatively soon -- if they develop.

Brendan Leipsic was one of the more dangerous forwards in the WHL this past season. He's 5-10, but plays with a lot of grit combined with outstanding skill. Leipsic regularly created highlight-reel chances with his hands, vision and skating. Colton Sissons isn't great in any one area, but he's average or better at most of the major skills, can contribute in both ends and has great intangibles. He was impressive in his rookie AHL season, earning some NHL time as well. Vladislav Kamanev is a skilled puck handler, plays physical with his 6-2 frame and has some defensive value. His skating, however, can use some work; he's not slow, but he's about average in that area.

Jimmy Vesey's 22 points in 31 games as a sophomore isn't that impressive in a vacuum, but Harvard was a pretty poor offensive team this past season, and that total led the squad. He's a skilled goal-scorer who may not be the most well-rounded player, but he has offensive potential. At 5-11, Pontus Aberg (11th in system) isn't going to be on an NHL penalty kill, but he can skate, handle the puck and has a great shot. I also liked what Saku Maenalanen showed this past season. He's 6-3, with solid speed and skill and can finish.

2014-15 impact

Calle Jarnkrok played well in a few games with Nashville and is a certain candidate to make the squad very soon, if not directly out of camp. Players from their AHL team like Filip Forsberg, Sissons, and potentially even Miikka Salomaki and Austin Watson could start making bids for expanded NHL roles this season as well.

Noteworthy prospects

First-round pick Watson (2010) has been a good, not great player in the AHL. He's a pretty good skater with great defensive IQ and a top-end work ethic. However, his offensive skill is average, and while he could be a scorer in the NHL, it's questionable if he will be.

A sleeper in the org is Viktor Arvidsson, who was passed over in the draft multiple times before the Preds took him with pick No. 112 this June. He is a high-end puck handler who can be dynamic and always plays with a lot of energy, showing above-average speed. For a 5-9 forward, he does not mind putting physical pressure on his opponents. He also has a plus shot, and he can score from distance.


Top 10 Prospects
LW Kevin Fiala
RW Filip Forsberg
C Calle Jarnkrok
RW Miikka Salomaki
LW Brendan Leipsic
RW Colton Sissons
LW Vladislav Kamanev
RW Austin Watson
G Juuse Saros
LW Jimmy Vesey
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#3,833
#3,833
Listening to the game on 102.5 tonight. Forsberg apparently had a pretty filthy move to notch our first goal.

I think he's got a spot locked up now. He's played well in camp & preseason.
 
#3,835
#3,835
Toujours Pret said:
On the wing or are they going to move one of the new
pickups over?
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Yeah he'll be on the wing. Playing on the first line with Ribeiro & Neal tonight & has been buzzing around making plays all night by the way the radio is making it sound.

It'll be either Forsberg or Smith rounding out that line when the season starts.
 
#3,839
#3,839
Going to the Sens game on Thursday. Can't wait. I'm on the Vols board and see "CBJ" and "Jones" and have to remind myself it isn't Columbus and Seth.

I'll be hitting about 30 game this season.

Will also will be keeping an eye on the Caps and Pens as well to see how our formers are doing.
 
#3,841
#3,841
ESPN's goalie rankings

5. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators (1.60 average rating)

Voters didn't seem to know what to do with Rinne. He earned multiple 1s and multiple 3s. When he is at his best, Rinne is a Tier 1 goalie. But he hasn't been healthy (hip issues) or playing at that level since 2011-12.

One head coach initially gave him a 3 and then talked himself into upgrading it. "He could be a 2. Give him a 2," said the coach, trying to pick the rating. "If he's healthy, Pekka Rinne is good. He's just been hurt. Pekka Rinne is a 2."

"Obviously, he needs to be healthy but he's a frickin' good goalie," another head coach said. "You remember games where you get out-goaltended, and he's had a few against us."

Word is circulating that Rinne really benefited from competing at the world championships this past spring, where he was named MVP, and that "he trained this summer like a madman," according to a voter. If the power and quickness Rinne had at his peak has returned, he could be back in the top tier this season.
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