NHL Rankings: Western Conference’s 5 Most Improved Players

Apr 17, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates after a goal by center Craig Smith (not pictured) during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game two of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2. Filip Forsberg 

Forsberg evolved from a young prospect with a ton of talent into one of the biggest scoring threats on the Nashville Predators. The 21-year-old played all 82 regular-season games for the Preds and led the team in goals (26) and points (63) in what was his first full season in the pros.

There are many impressive aspects of Forsberg’s game, and his goal-scoring ability is something Nashville hasn’t really seen. He’s a purely offensive forward who has the luxury of playing aggressively under head coach Peter Laviolette.

More from Editorials

• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• Blackhawks: Changes to the coaching staff are a step in the right direction
• Chicago Blackhawks: Reasons for optimism and cause for concern
• Blackhawks: Kick off four game road trip against Kraken
• Recapping the Jeremy Colliton era with the Chicago Blackhawks

Forsberg has an extremely high ceiling as well. He is one of the best young centers in the NHL and is lethal in open space. Expect Forsberg to continue to soar as his young career continues.

Next: No. 1: Devan Dubnyk

More from Blackhawk Up

• Blackhawks: Three Noticeable Improvements in Comeback Win vs Blues
• Blackhawks: Key Takeaways from 3-2 win over the Blues
• Blackhawks: Grading Connor Murphy and a position comparison
• Blackhawks: Shuffling the lines to try and spark offense at 5 on 5
• These Lineup Changes could Solve the Blackhawks’ Scoring Problem