Predators Activate Forsberg from Injured Reserve

The Nashville Predators activated forward Filip Forsberg from injured reserve on Monday. He is considered a game-time decision for tonight’s contest against the Maple Leafs.

Forsberg missed the last 17 games with a hand injury. Prior to the injury, he filled the net at a rampant pace. He racked up 14 goals in just 26 games and was on pace to shatter his previous career-high of 33 goals. Forsberg will now play less than 70 games for the second-straight season after a pair of undisclosed injuries forced him to miss 12 games last year.

If he does play tonight, you can expect him to assume his spot on the Predators’ first line, alongside Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson. The three of them have the firepower necessary to go blow for blow with Toronto’s dynamic offense. The Predators are averaging a whopping 35 scoring chances and 18 high-danger chances per 60 when Johansen, Arvidsson, and Forsberg are on the ice together.

Forsberg’s return gives Nashville a much-needed boost on special teams as well as 5v5. The Predators have struggled to convert on the man advantage in his absence, scoring on just 14.9% of their chances since his injury.

Ryan Hartman is set to fall down the Predators’ lineup with Forsberg’s impending return. The 24-year-old failed to seize his opportunity with Johansen and Arvidsson on the top line. He has no goals and one assist in his last 11 games.