In the latest 32 Ideas Podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, the subject of participant improvement got here up with the Nashville Predators. The workforce noticed an enormous change in faces within the offseason and hopes have been excessive within the music metropolis. With the additions of Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault Friedman believes a number of gamers might be seeing a lift of their sport this season.
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One participant sparked Friedman’s curiosity in who will see essentially the most success. He said: “Novak will change into a greater participant.”
Novak’s Previous Dominance Units the Stage for a Standout Season
Novak, 27, solidified himself as a top-six ahead within the Nashville group. In his most up-to-date season, he put up a formidable 45 factors in 71 video games, solely enjoying roughly 14 minutes an evening. Within the season prior, Novak recorded 43 factors in 51 video games whereas solely enjoying 11 minutes per sport, as a rookie.
He has proven large enchancment in his two seasons on the skilled stage and is just anticipated to enhance. The Minnesota native is predicted to play alongside Stamkos and Marchessault on the second line. Contemplating the star energy on the second line, Novak will certainly see an enormous improve in ice time.
Stamkos and Marchessault to Improve Novak’s Sport
Stamkos, 34, scored 40 targets for the seventh time in his profession final season, reaching 81 factors in 79 video games performed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His excessive stage of management gave him the captaincy with the Lightning. With him enjoying alongside Novak, there’s a likelihood that Novak may choose up on these traits and change into a pacesetter within the Predators group.
Marchessault, 33, additionally reached the 40-goal mark final season, scoring 42 in 82 video games. Together with being a regular-season stud, the previous Vegas Golden Knight shines brilliant on the subject of postseason efficiency. Marchessault took house the Conn Smythe trophy in Vegas’ first Stanley Cup victory again in 2023, tallying 13 targets, and 12 assists in 22 video games.
With the mixture of Stamkos and Marchessault, Novak will play with two Stanley Cup winners. If Friedman’s suspicion is appropriate, Novak could have the chance to change into a possible star within the league and produce the Predators right into a deep playoff run.
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