Nashville Offers Depth Players For Teams Looking For Secondary Scoring

Club: Nashville Predators
Fantasy Impact Rating: Lukewarm

Superstars: None
Big Producers: Jason Arnott, Martin Erat, J.P. Dumont
Mid-Level Flyers: David Legwand, Ryan Suter, Dan Hamhuis, Shea Weber
Rookies/Prospects: Pekka Rinne
Sleepers: Steve Sullivan
Avoid The Hype: Alexander Radulov

Analysis:
The Nashville Predators may not have flashy superstars to offer fantasy managers, but the players that they do have to offer will certainly offer any fantasy team some serious depth in 2008-2009.

Martin Erat has become a vital element to Nashville’s offense over the past several seasons and he continues to improve his game each and every season. Erat totaled 23 goals and 34 assists last season picking up top line duties for an injured Sullivan. Erat will continue to hold down top line honors this upcoming season and should be considered a great option as a 2nd or 3rd left winger for any fantasy team.

On the top line with Erat are Jason Arnott at center and J.P. Dumont at right wing. Jason Arnott turned in another great season in 2007-2008 tallying 28 goals and 44 assists. Despite his point totals and reputation, Arnott continues to go overlooked in most drafts because the center position is the deepest in terms of talent and production, and there are far flashier names in front of him in the player rankings at center. Most certainly use this to your advantage if you happen to draft a top center with one of your first picks. Wait several round before going back to take another center, and if Arnott is still around, pick him up for sure. Having a 2nd option at center that could put up 70+ points again this season is desirable in any format. J.P Dumont continues to flourish in Nashville and shows no signs of slowing down. Dumont hit a career high with 72 points last season and spent most of the season a part of the team’s top power play unit. Dumont is emerging as a number one fantasy option at right wing and is still a player that can easily improve on last year’s effort. Look for Dumont between rounds 6 and 9, depending on your drafting strategy.

David Legwand returns for his 10th season with the Nashville Predators, and still offers decent production for a 2nd line center. Legwand won’t be able to crack top line honors, but certainly won’t fall to 3rd in the depth charts. If you’re looking for a decent 3rd option at center for your squad, Legwand may be able to fill that gap quite well with a 50 point performance.

With Players like Ryan Suter, Dan Hamhuis and Shea Weber, the Predators have begun amassing one of the best young defenses in the National Hockey League. Each of these players are capable of putting up 30+ points, but in terms or order drafted, there should be a few factors to be taken into consideration. Dan Hamhuis had a bit of an off season last year and is looking to bounce back in 2008-2009. Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are both looking to take the reigns as the top defensive pair, so when looking at this trio in your draft, consider Suter and Weber before Hamhuis. Suter and Weber would be decent 2nd options at d, and make sure you have 2 solid defenders before considering Hamhuis.

Two players that you need to keep an eye on heading into the draft are Steve Sullivan and Alexander Radulov. In looking at the positive, Sullivan should be a fairly well kept secret heading into draft day because of his absence last year with back spasms. He is a bit of risk because of his condition, but with this risk comes an enormous reward. If he remains healthy, look for Sullivan to break the 50 point mark this season. On the flip side, Alexander Radulov has become somewhat of a nuisance to the Nashville organization after signing a contract with a Russian club, while still having one more season remaining on his NHL contract. The latest news on Radulov is that he may want to return to the NHL soon. We know that Radulov is a great player who is showing signs of developing into a 70+ point player, but until the logistics of the situation are worked out, it would be best to stay away from Radulov this season.

Goaltending:
Situation: Solid with Performance Pressure
Grade: B
1: Dan Ellis
2: Pekka Rinne

Dan Ellis emerged out of nowhere last season to steal the starting job right away from Chris Mason (who is now a backup in St. Louis). Ellis is a solid option for a 2nd goaltender on your team. There are people still skeptical as to whether he can repeat his performance from last season. Ellis went 23-10 with a 2.34 goals against average. With a solid, young defense in front of him, he may have the opportunity to drop his goals against average and up that save percentage this season. Again though, a number two option for any fantasy team to start the season would be a good way to go. If Ellis seriously falters, however, Pekka Rinne will be waiting in the shadows to try and steal a start here and there. Rinne is a dynamite prospect that could be the future of the Nashville organization in net. Keeper and dynasty leagues may find Rinne of interest if long term goaltenders are the strategy at hand. It depends on your taste, really. For regular leagues, if you trust that Ellis will serve Nashville well again this season, leave Rinne alone unless signs of struggle or an injury surface. If you’re skeptical of Ellis, you could always nab Rinne with your last pick and sit on him until the appropriate time arises.

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