Ryan Johansen, C (INJ.) -- He missed Nashville's final eight playoff games because of a thigh injury, but remains the No. 1 center after signing an eight-year contract July 28. The Predators' secondary scoring is questionable after losing James Neal in the NHL Expansion Draft, so Nashville will rely heavily on its top line of Johansen, Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson. Johansen, 25, has four straight seasons of at least 60 points and is worth drafting in the fourth round or later.
Viktor Arvidsson, LW/RW -- One of the biggest fantasy steals last season (49th in Yahoo; undrafted on average), Arvidsson signed a seven-year contract to remain with the Predators on July 22. He had strong goal (31), point (61) and shot (246) totals, but did not cover PPP (nine) well based on his usage (1:59 per game). He's especially valuable in leagues that count shorthanded points (seven last season; T-1st), but don't reach for him in a standard format in case he regresses.
Kevin Fiala, LW/RW (INJ.) -- He had 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 54 games as a rookie, but turned the corner with two goals in five playoff games before his season-ending injury (broken femur). With Neal (2:44 per game on PP) out of the picture, Fiala could see much more man-advantage time this season and is a late-round flier with 20-25 goal potential.
Scott Hartnell, LW -- The 35-year-old is known for consistent coverage of points, penalty minutes and hits. He played mostly on the Blue Jackets' third line with a diminished power-play role last season, but was still productive at even-strength (34 ES points) to finish 196th in Yahoo. Hartnell is a more experienced power-play option than Fiala and Nashville's other young forwards, so he remains a low-risk, high-reward pick in many multi-category formats.
