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NHL

Filip Forsberg returns to Washington a budding star

Adam Vingan
USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg is second in the rookie scoring race.

ARLINGTON, Va. - In a moment of candor earlier this season, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan reflected on the April 3, 2013, trade that sent forward Filip Forsberg to the Nashville Predators.

"I think he's played well," said MacLellan, who was Washington's assistant general manager at the time of the transaction. "Obviously he's one of the leading candidates for the Calder Trophy. If you're asking, would I like to do a do-over? Yeah, sure."

The Capitals acquired veteran forward Martin Erat, who ultimately requested a trade out of Washington, and depth forward Michael Latta. Meanwhile, Forsberg has blossomed into one of the NHL's most dynamic rookies, which has made the trade appear even more lopsided than originally thought. He'll play in Washington for the first time Saturday.

"There's always going to be a connection," Forsberg said. "Getting drafted (11th overall by Washington in 2012) is obviously a really special thing. Things turned out in a way that no one really saw coming. They'll always be a part of it, but obviously never really made anything for the Capitals."

Forsberg has played an integral part in the Predators' unexpected success this season. The 20-year-old has 56 points, second among NHL rookies, and was named to the NHL All-Star Game as an injury replacement.

Former Predators coach Barry Trotz always knew that Forsberg was capable of producing as he has, but Trotz also recognized that Forsberg required more professional seasoning last season. After Forsberg earned MVP honors at the 2014 World Junior Championship, the Predators sent him to the American Hockey League. There, he responded with 34 points in 47 games for the Milwaukee Admirals and accelerated his development into the burgeoning star he has become.

"It's one of the best things that we did is we had him go back," Trotz said. "At the time, it wasn't a popular decision, but it was a good decision because he had to grow up, stand on his own a little bit in Milwaukee with the stuff you do in the minors, growing up, and it was really, really helpful for him. You look at him this year, he's stronger, he's more sure, he's more worldly.

"He's having a (heck) of a year. He's a tremendous player."

Adam Vingan writes for The (Nashville) Tennessean

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