Nashville Predators: Pontus Aberg Days Until Hockey
Nashville Predators fans, there are officially 37 days until hockey in Smashville!
The Nashville Predators Pontus Aberg is a Swedish winger who has the potential to become a star in the Smashville organization.
Aberg started his professional career with Djurgardens IF in the J20 league at just 17 years old. At 18, Aberg scored 13 goals, 17 assists in just four games with the U20 Sweden team. By the time he was 20, he was the second leading scorer in the SHL and had signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators.
At the start of the 2014-15 season, Aberg moved his talents to the United States with the Milwaukee Admirals. Aberg started off on fire with the Admirals before mellowing towards the end of the year.
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By season’s end, Pontus was third in power-play goals (5), fourth in goals (16), and fifth in points (34) as a rookie in Milwaukee. Aberg’s ability to make plays anywhere on the ice made him a top tier talent in front office eyes.
Last season, the Predators had issues with the offensive identity. It seemed that either everyone was scoring or no one could find the back of the net. Many eyes and fingers pointed to center Mike Ribiero for his lack of contribution and “effort” per se. Feeling similarly, GM David Poile and Head Coach Peter Laviolette benched veteran Mike Ribiero for the young gun Pontus Aberg in the second round of the NHL Playoffs.
Pontus Aberg Stats from Hockey Database
With all of that being said, Aberg is still considered just the 12th best prospect in the Predators farm according to Hockey’s Future.com. Though in my opinion he is the fourth best behind Juuse Saros, Vladislav Kamenev and Kevin Fiala. If Aberg can make his first career start in the NHL Playoffs, the future should be bright for all of the parties involved.
Pontus Aberg has the ability and skill set to be a third or second line winger. He has the motor of a Viktor Arvidsson and scoring potential like Steve Sullivan. He can wind up doing great things for this team and city.
Be sure to stay tuned to Predlines as we continue our jersey countdown. There are officially 37 days until the puck drops on October 14th in Smashville!