After two games at a rookie tournament in Tampa, Florida, the Nashville Predators should have an idea which players could make their NHL roster in October.
Forwards Brady Martin and Joakim Kemell, both first-round draft picks by Nashville, contributed in the two wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes.
In the first game against Tampa Bay on Sept. 12, Martin assisted on Kemell’s first-period power play goal, then added a penalty-shot goal in the second period. Kemell and Martin combined for three points in the Predators‘ 3-2 win.
Martin’s two points in his first competitive rookie game impressed Milwaukee Admirals coach Karl Taylor.
“(Martin’s) a young kid, it’s his first time (playing for the Predators),” Taylor said after the Tampa Bay win. “Obviously he’s a high pick, and then there’s a lot of pressure with that. But I thought he settled in, played well.”
In the second game against Carolina, on Sept. 13, Kemell assisted on Reid Schaefer’s late go-ahead goal as the Predators came from behind to beat the Hurricanes 3-2. Kemell’s play in the offensive zone stood out, weaving in and around Carolina defenders, finding crease passes and long-range shots.
With points in both games, Taylor believes Kemell is ready to show what he can do in the NHL.
“(Kemell) is ready for that next opportunity,” Taylor said. “Whatever that means, right? Whether that’s an elite player in the American League or it’s a player in the National Hockey League, he’s been with us for a while. He’s trying to show that he’s ready for that next opportunity.”
A first-round pick in 2021, Kemell has played 146 games in the AHL, all under Taylor with the Admirals. His scoring touch and offensive vision are separating skills — he’s scored 41 goals and 53 assists in three seasons — but he has added a physical component to his game.
“I thought he competed really hard today,” Taylor said. “I thought he showed some good leadership, physicality, killing penalties. I thought he was one of our better forwards, and he should be. It’s his third year here, and it’s his time to shine.”
Kemell made his NHL debut in February, registering eight shots in two games for the Predators.
Nashville’s rookies play one more game in the tournament, on Sept. 15 against the Florida Panthers (11 a.m. CT). Games can be streamed for free on the Predators’ website.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.