Up next in our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Team Preview series is the Nashville Predators. Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Predators are a bit of a wild card. They parted ways with several notable players since last season’s trade deadline but have since made multiple additions. Therefore, they could flirt with a playoff spot this season if all goes well. When it comes to fantasy hockey, they have some solid options to choose from, too. Let’s discuss them now by position.
Nashville Predators Fantasy Hockey Preview
Predators Forwards
The Predators bought out Matt Duchene and traded Ryan Johansen, two notable forwards from last year’s roster. However, they still have good options for your fantasy hockey club. The most notable forward on their roster is Filip Forsberg. Forsberg is a star while playing at his best. The winger appeared in 50 games last season, posting 19 goals and 42 points. Those are solid numbers, but he also had 42 goals and 84 points in 69 games the season before.
Ryan O’Reilly was the Predators’ biggest offseason addition and is expected to be their 1C. The 32-year-old struggled a bit last season, posting 16 goals and 30 points in 53 games. However, he heated up after his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring four goals and recording 11 points in 13 games. Like Forsberg, he’s a star when playing at his best, so he warrants consideration for your fantasy hockey squad.
Other Predators forwards to consider in the later rounds of your draft include Tommy Novak, Luke Evangelista, and Philip Tomasino.
Predators Defensemen
The Predators defenseman who is a must-have for your fantasy hockey team is Roman Josi. The one-time Norris Trophy winner had another excellent season, posting 18 goals and 59 points in 67 games. When noting that he also had 96 points in 80 games in 2021-22, he is a superstar and one of the best defensemen in hockey.
Tyson Barrie is another Predators defenseman who should be considered in the later rounds of your draft. The veteran chips in well offensively, and last season showed this. In 85 games, he had 13 goals and 55 points. He should have zero trouble reaching 50 points again this campaign, as he will be the club’s primary power-play defenseman.
Defensemen like Ryan McDonagh, Luke Schenn, and Alexandre Carrier are also late-round/waiver-wire candidates to consider for your fantasy hockey club.
Make sure to check out all of our Fantasy Hockey Team Previews as they roll out over the coming weeks!
Predators Goalies
The Predators offer fantasy hockey managers an excellent choice for their potential goaltender – Juuse Saros. Saros is one of the top goaltenders in the sport, and last season was only the most recent example of this. In 64 games, he had a 33-23-7 record, a 2.69 GAA, and a .919 SV%. With that, he led all NHL goaltenders with 1,928 saves. Needless to say, he is outstanding when playing at his best and a must-have for your fantasy hockey team.
The Predators also have a breakout candidate to watch in Yaroslav Askarov. Kevin Lankinen is expected to be the team’s backup, but keep an eye on Askarov. If he dominates in the AHL, it could open the door to a call-up this season.
Alas, the Predators have some strong options for your fantasy hockey team. Let’s see how they perform this season from here.
Looking for more great fantasy hockey analysis? Check out our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit for team previews, rankings, and all the sleepers you can shake a stick at.