Nashville's top two centers played far below their potential last season. Johansen scored 26 even-strength points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 68 games, his lowest output in that category since he scored 11 (five goals, six assists) in 40 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012-13. Duchene, in his first season with the Predators, scored 13 goals, his fewest in 11 NHL seasons.
Heavy offseason turnover at forward -- Luke Kunin, Nick Cousins and Brad Richardson are in; Craig Smith,
Mikael Granlund
, Nick Bonino, Kyle Turris and Austin Watson are out -- will mean different linemates, which could provide a spark, but Johansen and Duchene need to drive the offense regardless of who plays with them.
"They had down seasons from an offensive standpoint and it was disappointing," general manager David Poile said. "But if we're going to be successful this year it all starts with our top players, and these guys have to play at the highest level they can, and they have to be point producers, because that's what we're going to need from our top two lines."