Im gonna ask the question: Is Nashville elite now?

[Five Alarm Fire]

I agree with a lot of what BKArchitect says in his post above. The 2C role however is a big question mark. If it is Novak, can he handle that for a full season? He was really streaky last year and he's not a "prospect"; he's in his prime. If they go with Stamkos at 2C and elevate Evangelista to 2nd line wing I think it could be more potent 2nd line.

In terms of Stamkos returning to C, I think it could actually unlock some 5v5 offense that was missing last year. He’s an underrated playmaker and if he’s paired with the right wingers he could see an uptick in production.

Just don’t expect much defensively. But maybe the matchups can be managed considering the other centers on the team.

 

[JPT]

In terms of Stamkos returning to C, I think it could actually unlock some 5v5 offense that was missing last year. He’s an underrated playmaker and if he’s paired with the right wingers he could see an uptick in production.

Just don’t expect much defensively. But maybe the matchups can be managed considering the other centers on the team.

I'd be interested to see how Stamkos would do at center with Forsberg and Evangelista on his wings.

 

[banks]

I like the Stamkos move a ton. But I think Marchessault is the real difference maker. NSH is going to be a great team this coming season. I'll say Cup threat. Maybe not top 2 or 3 contender, but maybe top 2 or 3 contender.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

No they are still a barely playoff team

 

[westc2]

At first glance they look like a potential playoff bubble team.

 

[Oilslick941611]

Can stamkos play and contribute for a whole season? That’s the big question for them

 

[WarriorofTime]

I could see an argument for them being the 4th, 5th, or 6th best team in the West.

Edmonton, Dallas, Colorado are the top three.

 

[triggrman]

Can stamkos play and contribute for a whole season? That’s the big question for them

Did he fall off in the off season?

 

[Oilslick941611]

Did he fall off in the off season?

You know what, i looked at his stats and i dont know what I’m talking about, i was under the impression Stamkos was an oft injuries player because i dont pay attention to the lightning and that one year he missed all but 4 playoff games and played 38 games the next season. Buts he’s been very healthy since. It’s so easy to think of 19-21 season as recent but it’s literally 5 seasons ago. Never mind my post.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Maybe not top 2 or 3 contender, but maybe top 2 or 3 contender.

strong take

 

[snag]

I hope no one tells Edmonton this since their team is older.

God....you people remind me of my sister. Hates certain people. Wants nothing to do with them. Shuts them out of her life. But never shuts up about them and oblivious how it makes her look in the end. lol

 

[Oilslick941611]

I hope no one tells Edmonton this since their team is older.

People CAN comment on things.

Just because the Oilers are older than they usually are doesn’t mean Oiler fans can’t speak about other teams and players who might be older.

 

[Szechwan]

They're gonna knock out Edmonton in the 2nd round. Saros will get hot and the Oiler will struggle to navigate through their defensive system like they did vs Vancouver

 

[Andre Palot]

To paraphrase the kids.

It's giving Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne on the Avalanche vibes.

 

[triggrman]

To paraphrase the kids.

It's giving Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne on the Avalanche vibes.

Listen so that's legit for me. Especially listening to Marchessault talk about his conversation with Stamkos the day before signing. My only saving grace is, Brunette's system seemed to really work with Nyquist and O'Reilly. Hopefully it has the same affect. Also, with how much Evangelista grew, especially towards the end of the year, I think he's also ready to be a big contributer.

 

[wetcoast]

A step below elite but still going to be a good team next year and a threat in the west

Came here to say something like this except they lack game changers so I'd have at least 4 teams in the West ahead of them.

To paraphrase the kids.

It's giving Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne on the Avalanche vibes.

Yikes.

 

[1specter]

5 years ago, it would've been a cup contender. Today, I think it's putting a lot of weight on guys close to their mid 30's who aren't at the top of their games. Seems like a 2nd round/WCF team to me. But the central is pretty rough, and one really good team will be bounced in the first round.

Most balanced and accurate take.

 

[Soundgarden]

Came here to say something like this except they lack game changers so I'd have at least 4 teams in the West ahead of them.


Yikes.

Forsberg, Josi, Saros, Stamkos, Marchessault, Ror? I don't think we're lacking in game changers.

 

[JPT]

People CAN comment on things.

Just because the Oilers are older than they usually are doesn’t mean Oiler fans can’t speak about other teams and players who might be older.

Um, ok? I'm not sure how you inferred that from my comment. I was just pointing out that a team everyone considers to be a cup contender is older than Nashville in a reply to someone saying it's a young man's game and Nashville is too old to make the playoffs. You know, since people CAN comment on things and I'm a people.

 

[ON3M4N]

Is Nashville elite now?

What are we defining as elite?

 

[57special]

Playoff team, but will be hard pressed to win a series. This all goes out the window if Forsberg or especially, Josi, is injured.

Some impressive names, but most of them are past their due date.

 

[wetcoast]

Forsberg, Josi, Saros, Stamkos, Marchessault, Ror? I don't think we're lacking in game changers.

Other than Josi and Stories.to a lesser degree none of those forwards are really game changers.

Decent players but maybe the highest rank forward on the team is what....30,40 something best in the league as a forward?

 

[wetcoast]

Forsberg, Josi, Saros, Stamkos, Marchessault, Ror? I don't think we're lacking in game changers.

Other than Josi and Storos.to a lesser degree (as many goalies can steal a series) none of those forwards are really game changers.

Decent players but maybe the highest rank forward on the team is what....30,40 something best in the league as a forward?

 

[Soundgarden]

Other than Josi and Stories.to a lesser degree none of those forwards are really game changers.

Decent players but maybe the highest rank forward on the team is what....30,40 something best in the league as a forward?

Forsberg just hit 48 goals like 4 months ago, sixth in goals, ahead of Pasternak, Kucherov, point, etc.

 

[HockeyScotty]

Forsberg just hit 48 goals like 4 months ago, sixth in goals, ahead of Pasternak, Kucherov, point, etc.

One of the most grossly underrated players in the NHL. For years I've had people try to convince me he isn't a "superstar" or "elite" but he is so money; and I'm not even a Predators fan!