Vannozzi: Could Predators Deploy ‘All-Star’ Top Line Using New Additions?

Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette must be thrilled.

With the July 1 additions of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and Steven Stamkos – alongside franchise cornerstones Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi and Juuse Saros – the Predators arguably have more top-end talent today than at any point in their 25-year history.

It’s up to Brunette to put each piece in the right place as Nashville pushes for a Stanley Cup.

Conventional wisdom says to leave last year’s top line of Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist alone. The trio played 78 games together and scored the second-most goals (46) of any forward line in the NHL, according to MoneyPuck.

But what if Brunette took a different route to make the team even better?

There’s a scenario where the Predators load up the first line with Forsberg, Stamkos and Marchessault, pair Josi with Skjei on defense and have Saros in net. For lack of a better term, we’ll call this the “All-Star” line. (Those with a knack for coining acronyms, feel free to take your swing).

Here’s how the lineup could look:

Forwards

• 1. Filip Forsberg – Steven Stamkos – Jonathan Marchessault
• 2. Gustav Nyquist – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista
• 3. Mark Jankowski – Tommy Novak – Colton Sissons
• 4. Cole Smith – Michael McCarron – Juuso Parssinen
• Bench: Philip Tomasino

Defensemen

• 1. Roman Josi – Brady Skjei
• 2. Jeremy Lauzon – Alexandre Carrier
• 3. Spencer Stastney – Luke Schenn
• Bench: Dante Fabbro

Goalies

• Starter: Juuse Saros
• Backup: Scott Wedgewood

Of course, this hypothetical depends on whether Stamkos is truly willing to play center. The 555-career goal scorer seemed to welcome the thought during his introductory press conference at Bridgestone Arena on July 16.

“I think I would definitely be open to going back to that position,” said Stamkos, who spent most of 2023-24 at left wing. “It was a position I played for a long time. I’m certainly comfortable in that area. Still took a ton of faceoffs the past couple of years, so I think that’s a strong suit as well.”

Assembling the All-Star line also requires dismantling the standout Forsberg-O’Reilly-Nyquist line, which may be a hard sell. However, bumping veterans in O’Reilly and Nyquist down one rung to play with Evangelista could make for a nice consolation – and still a more dangerous second line than Nashville was able to construct last season.

Evangelista appears to be the most promising of Nashville’s young forwards. He posted 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) and took the fourth-most shots on the team (172) despite averaging just 13:57 of time on ice per game as a rookie.

During his post-free agency press conference, general manager Barry Trotz briefly alluded to the idea of keeping Evangelista in the top six. That’s where the 22-year-old will have the best chance to reach his full offensive potential.

Even if the Predators opt to keep Forsberg, O’Reilly and Nyquist together, putting Evangelista with Stamkos and Marchessault might be just as effective as stacking the top line.

There are also late-game situations to consider. In moments where the Predators must score, deploying the All-Star line would be a no-brainer. Forsberg, Stamkos and Marchessault each hit the 40-goal mark last year. 

Brunette will likely tinker with the lineup throughout the season, as he should. Nashville is all-in on winning now and maximizing its experienced roster.

The best part? It may be hard for him to go wrong.

Follow Russell Vannozzi on X/Twitter @RussellV_MSP.

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