Nashville Predators 2010-11 Season Preview: Martin Erat

by Chris Burton on Aug 25, 2010 8:35 AM EDT in Nashville Predators Player Profiles

In the weeks leading up to the upcoming season, we'll preview the Nashville Predators on a player-by-player basis, examining their role on the squad and expectations relative to capabilities. So come along for the ride as we look ahead to 2010-11, from Andersson to Wilson. Next up: Martin Erat.

Arguably the most offensively gifted player on the Nashville Predators' roster, Martin Erat casts a polarizing figure. One minute he's firing pucks into the back of the net at will, and in the next minute spinning like a top on the ice and turning over the puck in rather crucial situations.

After being the main scapegoat for the Predators' playoff failure against Chicago (along with the power play), it is a redemption season of sorts for the man we call Marty. We'll take a look after the jump.

Martin Erat

#10 / Left Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-0

Weight: 200

Born: Aug 29, 1981

Role

Despite some maddening inconsistencies, I think Erat will be relied upon (again) to play the left wing of the Predators' top scoring line. He has the ability to do this, and played admirably in stretches here last season typically alongside Jason Arnott. He'll be a go-to winger for the no. 1 power play unit and probably log some penalty kill time, too.

Expectations

The development of Colin Wilson and Patric Hornqvist enables us to temper expectations for Erat - but only a little. Even in a highly successful season, I see no reason why Martin Erat should not lead the Predators in points, thanks to a combination of his talent, role, and the aging of J.P. Dumont and Steve Sullivan.

Previously

Erat scored some timely goals for Nashville, and even made some good memories such as his penalty shot goal in Game 3 against the Blackhawks. That said, he's only been remembered for one thing, and that is gifting the puck to Patrick Kane deep in the Predators' zone in Game 5. This is not for the faint of heart.

In 2009-10, Erat played in 74 games. He registered 21 goals and 28 assists, and finished with 50 penalty minutes and a -7.

Prediction

Erat's productivity will largely depend on his linemates. Very often last season, Erat was found moving up and down the boards trying to create space in the offensive zone while Jason Arnott was lax to move his feet. The lack of hustle from Arnott meant fewer chances, and thus fewer points for the both of them. If Erat is placed on a line with Matthew Lombardi or Colin Wilson, then his production will see an increase from a down year. If he stays healthy, pencil Marty in for 24 goals and 34 assists.

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Comments

Expectations of Erat

Big Marty will be making $5.25M next season. That’s tops on the team. My expectations of him are not tempered. Of all the players on this roster, Legwand included, Erat needs to justify his salary the most.

Hopefully, with Arnott gone, we’ll see a boost in production from Erat as Chris suggested. As a matter of fact, I’m hoping that Arnott’s lackadaisical efforts being out of the picture will boost the games of a few more Predators, mainly Dumont. I believe Weber, as captain, will bring about a completely different culture to the area of work ethic. The possibilities are exciting.

by Predaceous on Aug 25, 2010 8:52 AM EDT reply actions

Roger that. With hustling linemates, maybe Marty will be less inclined to be the danseur on the team and stop disappearing for extended minutes.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Aug 25, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I too, believe that there will be increased production from a few players as a result of the summer additions. I am looking forward to seeing great plays on the ice. It will be interesting to see what the line combinations will result from the new faces added to the team. WORK ETHIC is a primary component of success in any endeavor!

by EXPECTATIONS on Aug 25, 2010 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

I’m really looking forward to what this next season will bring. New captain, some new faces on the team – and hopefully a better PP/PK. Martin Erat is one of my favorite players – he definately has the skills to be one of the top contributing players regarding points in regulation play, as well as what he brings to a shootout. My expectations for him aren’t lowered one bit – in fact, they are raised because there’s no more excuses that his line wasn’t moving fast enough to create scoring opportunities. Drop the Puck !!

by XVIII on Aug 25, 2010 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Erat has always been my personal favorite as well. I’ve always thought he was capable of a big season (70-80 pts) if he could just find a way to get rid of those long dry spells. I believe it’s a confidence issue for him. Perhaps he can still make that jump if his confidence stays high.

by Lil cutie on Aug 25, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I couldn't even watch the video.

I mean, I really couldn’t force myself to do it. It would be like watching a really bad car accident over and over and over and over…

by rusherman on Aug 25, 2010 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Same here..

I actually flinched when I realized what it was…no way am I ever voluntarily watching that again. If there were ever a video that causes physical pain…that one is it.

by TitanPredBearFan on Aug 25, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Interesting Erat picture you chose...

Is he having a breakdown?

by Lil cutie on Aug 25, 2010 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

I couldn’t find one of after he coughed up the puck against the ’Hawks, so that one had to do :).

OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.

by Chris Burton on Aug 25, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Good player, good attitude. I like Marty. Though, not as much as my wife does…
He looks like he is having fun when he is playing, he is not afraid to mix it up, he has the skills.
He will be skating with a faster line this season and for this reason I expect him to do better. And maybe because he thinks he owes the fans something for that turnover. Which he does not.

by cisar on Aug 25, 2010 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

That play...

It’s pretty interesting to think about that play and how, if he’d held the puck and the Preds won the game, then clinched the series in Nashville, what would have happened. Would the ’Hawks have broken up their team as they did or tried to hold onto a couple more pieces? What would ATL have done instead of those trades with CHI? Would Quenville have a job? Would the Preds have gone after a couple more FAs with the added revenue from another playoff series?

Mainly, it just makes me want to throw up. But it’s crazy to think about. I hope Marty has a great year.

(also, no mention of the 48-hr episode where Crispy and Pete were told his name was pronounced “Ehhhrat”? That was bizarre.)

by atty123 on Aug 25, 2010 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

they

would have still had to make most of if not all moves. less bonuses may have helped a little.

by predswilrule on Aug 25, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

he's like the team's Bill Buckner

LaGarrette Blount says, “he’ll never live that moment down.”

by NikoliVoltron on Aug 25, 2010 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

definately

1st line minutes for marty w/ lombardi and another wing (i say hornqvist). chris will be close on the numbers he predicted. maybe we will get even more if erats memory is as burned w/ the above video as mine is. if so… he should be good for 50 goals.lol.

by predswilrule on Aug 25, 2010 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

Erat & game 5

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: We did NOT lose that game because of a giveaway in the final seconds. We lost that game because we played 1 period of hockey and Chicago played 2.5 periods of hockey. Erat was the only reason we were up in the first place. Without his TWO 3rd period goals, we lose in regulation. It’s not fair to pin the whole playoffs, or even the whole game, on one terrible moment.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Aug 25, 2010 5:10 PM EDT reply actions