Fantasy Report Card - Nashville Predators
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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Nashville Predators.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Pekka Rinne
Rinne is no longer a Vezina-caliber goaltender, but it's also clear that his down season last year was just a blip on the radar. As expected, his play has landed somewhere between the two. The Preds as a team have underachieved this year, so expect his win total to be on the rise. Grade: B+
C Ryan Johansen
Johansen excelled upon being dealt to Nashville last season, but it hasn't translated over in 2016-17. A full season with James Neal and/or Filip Forsberg on his wing(s) gave Johansen 80-point potential, but it just hasn't materialized. Grade: D+
RW James Neal
Neal's job is to score goals and he has done just that, as he seeks another 30-goal campaign to add to his resume. His assist total is way down, but it's tough to knock a guy for doing exactly what you drafted him to do. Grade: B-
LW Filip Forsberg
Forsberg has been one of the biggest disappointments in the entire league thus far. Many expected him to take the leap after tallying a combined 127 points in the past two seasons. His low shooting percentage would indicate that progression is on the horizon, however. Grade: F
LW/RW Viktor Arvidsson
You can't help but think of Arvidsson as a little ball of energy when you watch him play. He is only 5-foot-9, but he is extremely quick and plays a very intense style of game. In his second full season, his combination of speed and relentlessness has led to fantasy relevance. He is among the NHL leaders in shots on goal and has arguably been Nashville's most consistent forward. Grade: A
C Mike Ribeiro
Mike Ribeiro continues to do Mike Ribeiro-like things. He barely takes any shots, but his playmaking ability hasn't faltered whatsoever. He isn't relevant in season-long fantasy leagues thanks to the depth at center, but he usually presents great value in daily fantasy. His price is usually low because of his low floor, but he is a solid tournament play with the right matchup. Grade: B-
C Mike Fisher
Fisher has evolved more into a checking role in the latter stages of his career, but being named captain with Shea Weber's departure may have ignited his offensive game. In addition to his bounce-back season offensively, Fisher contributes in PIMs, shots, hits and blocks, providing great value as a roster filler or streaming option in banger leagues. Grade: A-
D P.K. Subban
Many, including myself, thought that moving to more potent offensive team would increase Subban's fantasy value. The team's offense has been far from potent, though. Moving to a new team - and a new conference for that matter - can take time, so be patient with Subban if you own him. Grade: C-
D Roman Josi
Like most of the players on this report card, Josi is having a down season offensively. He doesn't look primed to match the 61 points he totaled last year, or the 55 points he racked up the season prior. Even his blocked shots are down, hurting his banger-league value. Grade: D+
Player to watch - LW Kevin Fiala
If Fiala, 20, could be granted more ice time, it wouldn't be surprising at all if started showing up on the fantasy radar. He is third on the team with 3.82 iSCF60 (individual scoring chances for per 60 minutes) per Corsica.Hockey. The speedy Swiss native is currently on the club's top line with Johansen and Forsberg, making him worth a speculative add in deep or keeper leagues.
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