Paul Coffey has a message for Predators captain Roman Josi

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi is enjoying a career season, and has a chance to accomplish something not done by an NHL blue liner in 30 years. With 87 points so far on the season, he has the chance to reach triple digits, and would be the first player at his position to do so since Hall of Famer Brian Leetch, who recorded 102 points in 1991-92 with the New York Rangers.

And another Hall of Fame defenseman has a message for Josi, and it's from none other than Paul Coffey, who recorded five 100+ seasons of his own. 

“He’s got to get 13 points in 12 games. Don’t kid yourself, that ain’t easy,” Coffey said in a phone interview with Postmedia. “I wish him well. I’ll be (in Nashville) next Thursday to watch him. I hope he gets it. But as a fan, I want it every year. Unless you’re hurt, I want it every single year. Because you’re that good where you should be able to do it every year.”

It's no secret that the NHL is different now than in Coffey's heyday of ridiculously high scoring compared to now, despite an uptick in offensive numbers of late. 

“As a defenceman, the only thing these guys should do is what they do best. And it’s not easy. You have to be in good shape. It’s hard work. Anyone can lay back and dump it along the boards. Josi is having an incredible year.”

And as a fan of the game, you can't blame Coffey for wanting to see players routinely at the top of their game.