2. Jonathan Marchessault will lead the team in goals.
Okay I know, this one isn’t that bold of a prediction. But you can’t deny Jonathan Marchessault’s 2016-17 campaign when he scored 30 goals 21 assists and 51 points for a weak Panthers team. He’ll be regarded as the top scorer especially if James Neal is not ready to go by opening night.
Yes, He’ll have the top defensive pairings in the league trying to shut him down. Yes, he doesn’t have the linemates he had in Florida. But what makes Marchessault standout from the rest of the roster is his ability to work in the dirty areas and create havoc around the net.
All in all, Marchessault should easily lead the team in goals. He lacks size and strength so he always must rely on putting up points with his slick stickhandling and his wicked shot. The Cap-Rouge, Quebec native plays all three forward positions, but if Coach Gallant wants to maximize his full ability, he’ll be on the top line with center Vadim Shipachyov.