Which Nashville Predator will lead the team in scoring in 2010-2011?

This weekend's hockey discussion will get us looking forward to the regular season, as we consider the question of which player will lead the Nashville Predators in scoring. With six scorers last season ranging from 51 to 43 points, and newcomer Matt Lombardi having tallied 53 for Phoenix, there's no single standout offensive leader on this team.

"Scoring by committee" will be the mantra once again, and that's not entirely a bad thing. Nashville scored at a decent clip in 5-on-5 play in 2009-2010, although of course the power play disappointed. The Predators should be able to withstand the rigors of the 82-game campaign as individual players lose time due to injury, but the team as a whole continues on.

Follow after the jump to review the candidates, and sound off in the comments!

J.P. Dumont

He led the team in scoring in 2008-9, but ended up on the 4th line last season, receiving minimal playing time. If he earns his way back into Barry Trotz's good graces, he could re-establish himself as a team leader.

Martin Erat

He has the highest skill level among Nashville forwards, but tends to disappear for weeks at a time.

Patric Hornqvist

He broke through as a 30-goal man last season, so the big question is whether he trends up or down from there.

Matthew Lombardi

Greater opportunity played a big part in his growth as a player in Phoenix, and he should get every chance to produce in Nashville as well.

Steve Sullivan

He's always in the mix, gets used in key offensive situations, and has seemingly addressed durability concerns by playing all 82 games last season.

Shea Weber

If the Nashville power play ever gets rolling, he'd be a major beneficiary.

Colin Wilson

The expectation is that he'll be placed in a position to succeed this fall, as either the center on a secondary scoring line or a wing on the top one.

So who do you think will end up as Nashville's scoring leader in the 2010-2011 regular season?

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