Who has been the Nashville Predators' best rookie?

by Dirk Hoag on Apr 2, 2010 12:00 PM EDT

It's time to start considering which Nashville Predators have had the best campaigns, as this 2009-10 NHL regular season draws to a close. Today, let's discuss rookies - Nashville prides itself on a strong developmental pipeline, and that trend has held true this season as a pair of young players have assumed critical roles.

Follow after the jump for a breakdown of the candidates, debate away in the comments, and cast your vote in the poll...

Cody Franson

#32 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-5

Weight: 214

Born: Aug 08, 1987

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Cody Franson	58	6	14	20	15	16	1	0	3	0	86	7.0

At times he looked like the odd man out as Teemu Laakso and Alexander Sulzer received more playing time early in the season, but Franson has come into his own as the season has progressed. Second on the Predators defense with 6 goals, he also ranks second on the team in Plus/Minus.

As if that wasn't good enough, his Points/60 minutes in 5-on-5 play ranks 7th in the NHL among defensemen with at least 40 games played and averaging at least 10 minutes of ice time.

Colin Wilson

#33 / Center / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 214

Born: Oct 20, 1989

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Colin Wilson	32	8	7	15	-4	5	1	0	3	0	55	14.5

Slowed by groin trouble for the first half of the season, Wilson has stepped in on the wing in Nashville and produced well down the stretch, with 6 goals and 5 assists in 18 games after the Olympic break. His contribution as a secondary scorer will be especially important to the Predators' playoff hopes.

Poll

Who has been the Nashville Predators' best rookie this season?

Cody Franson

92 votes

Colin Wilson

73 votes

165 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I have a huge crush on Colin Wilson. I think he’s the best thing since Shea Weber. That said, I gotta go with Franson. His ability to quarterback a power play, and play above-average defense on good competition has been very, very impressive. His shot has also surprised me. He may have the 2nd best shot on our blueline already, which is saying something considering that Suter’s isn’t anything to scoff at.

On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
Follow me on Twitter
Now Cycling like the Sedins

by Chris Burton on Apr 2, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

Tough call

Ultimately I went with Wilson, just because a stick-handling finisher is more of a rarity for us than a dominant blueliner. I could easily be convinced otherwise, though. I shudder to think where we’d be without either one of them.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Apr 2, 2010 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

I think if Wilson had been here the whole season, it would have to be him.

But in terms of full season contribution, it’s gotta be Franson.

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Apr 2, 2010 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

Is there any doubt about Wilson putting 30 in the net next year after his last stint with Milwaukee? He’s grown up so quickly. If Hornqvist comes back this strong next year then the Preds will have two solid goal scorers that can lead to an even bigger year next year…that being said, I went with Wilson because it seems that he really picked this team up a month ago when we were about 2 points from falling out of the top 8.

Kevin

by Hawkfan08 on Apr 2, 2010 1:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Both of them

Like the NFL, I’m going to split my vote into an Offensive ROY and Defensive ROY, mostly because I keep waffling about which to choose. I really like Franson’s game. He seems to be able to play with anyone and not drop off, unlike Klein. Unlike most defensive rookies, I don’t cringe when he handles the puck. He tends to make his decisions almost as quick as the vets. But he does need to learn to get back sooner into the defensive end. Too many times in the last few weeks he’s been caught flat footed at the blue line as a forward motors on by him. Wilson’s game is really coming around. He’s much more patient than I expected him to be and his ice vision seems to be improving by leaps and bounds over the last few weeks. Now if all the other young guys look at how hard Horny worked in the offseason and can make the same improvements next year, watch out!!!

by BradHerman on Apr 2, 2010 3:36 PM EDT reply actions