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3 Nashville Predators bounce-back candidates who disappointed in 2023-24 feat. Luke Schenn
Last season, the Nashville Predators had a successful season across the board. The club made an unexpected playoff appearance, prompting management to invest more of the team’s payroll into high-end free agents like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
In addition, several players posted career highs in various categories as the club made a strong mid-season push to earn a playoff spot. Nevertheless, three players didn’t have the best season of their careers last year.
But when looking at the Nashville Predators for this upcoming season, these underperforming players have a chance to turn things around.
So, let’s take a look at three Nashville Predators poised to bounce back in 2024-25.
3 Nashville Predators players who are bounce-back candidates for 2024-25
#3: Mark Jankowski
While Jankowski didn’t necessarily have a down year, he did spend much more time playing in the AHL than in the NHL. In 2022-23, Jankowski played 50 games at the NHL level. Last season, however, he only managed to play in 32 games.
But ever since earning a call-up in January 2024, Jankowski made an impact on the team. So, the hope is that he can make the team out of camp, play a full season, and improve on the 15 points he scored last season.
The Predators will need players like Jankowski to step up in the bottom six as the depth scoring will be crucial for the club next season.
#2: Juuso Parssinen
The Finnish forward played in 45 games in 2022-23, scoring 25 points. As such, the Nashville Predators expected Parssinen to take a step forward last season.
However, Parssinen managed to register just 12 points in 44 games. His lack of consistency and injuries kept him out of the lineup, while also spending time in the AHL.
This season, the plan is for Parssinen to play a more prominent role in Nashville’s bottom six. If he can manage to stay in the lineup for the entire season, Parssinen could easily top his career highs.
#1: Luke Schenn
Schenn is four games shy of 1,000 for his NHL career. A former first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Schenn never really blossomed into the number-one defenseman most believed he could become.
By the 2023-24 season, Schenn is mainly a bottom-pairing defenseman. Nevertheless, the Nashville Predators are counting on him to provide veteran leadership and a steady presence on the blueliner. Unfortunately, Schenn was limited to 63 games due to various injuries. He was hurt in Nashville’s opening game, causing him to miss nearly two months.
If Schenn can remain healthy and productive, he could become one of the most reliable veteran blueliners in the league. Given the 34-year-old’s track record, the Predators are hoping Schenn can come back stronger than ever.
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