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This past off-season’s departure of All Star defenseman Ryan Suter created a whole on the blue line of the Nashville Predators. While the loss is certainly a significant one, it also creates something else.
Opportunity.
Now that Suter is off in the Wild of Minnesota (get it?) defenseman Roman Josi should be on many fantasy hockey radars. Josi will most likely accompany top tier defenseman Shea Weber on the team’s first defensive pairing unit, giving him a great chance to succeed. When in the offensive zone, eyes are likely to be fixed upon the big Weber, allowing Josi to play a major role. He has a blast of a shot just like his teammate Weber. However, the more intriguing aspect of his game is his puck-moving ability, which will give him a terrific chance to set up Weber and others on the first line. Josi has a great hockey mind and knows what to do when the puck is on his stick.
The only downside is that Ryan Ellis may end up on the Predators number one powerplay unit, as he has a bit of an edge in the offensive department. However, that can easily change if Josi takes advantage of his opportunities.
Josi’s play-making ability will compliment very well with Weber’s rocket of a slap shot, as well as that first line as a whole. With the two on the ice together, especially if Josi ends up finding himself on the first powerplay unit, fantasy production could be a familiar sight in 2013.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy football/hockey columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
