Fantasy: 5 players to target on the Nashville Predators

With your fantasy draft just around the corner, theScore's Ian McLaren and Darren Kritzer take a look at 5 players you should consider drafting this season.

Top Targets

Shea Weber

According to theScore's defensemen composite rankings, Weber ranks third among all fantasy options at his position, making him a coveted player by any measure. Weber led the Predators in scoring and ranked third among all defensemen last season with 56 total points, a new career high. His 23 goals led all blue-liners, tying his high watermark set in 2008-09.

The Predators are likely to play a more up-tempo, offensive brand of hockey under head coach Peter Laviolette, and, with the support of veteran newcomers like James Neal, Mike Ribeiro, Derek Roy and Olli Jokinen, Weber should remain near the top of the defensive scoring list once again.

Getting back to 200+ shots and a positive plus/minus would also help the cause.

James Neal

The Nashville version of James Neal is unlikely to replicate his single season career high of 40 goals, and probably won't average more than a point per game, as he did last season in Pittsburgh. However, as perhaps "the most pure, natural goal scorer" in team history, much of the offensive attack will be funneled through the 27-year-old.

For those concerned about the removal of Evgeni Malkin from the equation, check back to 2009-10, where Neal recorded 27 goals, 28 assists and 200 shots on goal with the Dallas Stars. Those numbers are probably what fantasy owners should expect, putting him in line to lead the team in scoring.

Pekka Rinne

After missing the majority of last season due to a hip injury, Rinne - a two-time Vezina Trophy finalist - is back to full health and ready to reclaim his spot as an elite fantasy goalie. 

Since 2008, only six goalies have posted a better even-strength save percentage than Rinne's mark of .929. Granted, that success was fueled in part by former coach Barry Trotz's defensive system, but with Weber still in the mix and an offense that will look to push play in a northern direction, Rinne remains well positioned for success.

Proceed With Caution

Mike Ribeiro

Ribeiro found his way to Nashville on a one-year deal after being bought out by the Arizona Coyotes. 

Personal issues kept his production down last season, but the 34-year-old has averaged 62 points per 82 games since entering the league in 1999.

Asking a player of his age to rebound in a big way may be a bit much, but he could very well be out to prove that his off-ice problems are a thing of the past.

Take A Flier On

Filip Forsberg

If all goes well, the 11th-overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft may be set to show why everyone thought the Predators made out like bandits by acquiring Forsberg from Washington for Martin Erat.

The 20-year-old scored 15 goals and added 19 assists in 47 AHL games last season, and possesses as much skill as anyone in the lineup. A new offensive approach may be just what the fantasy doctor ordered for the young forward.