NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Nashville Predators are preparing for what could be one of the most significant NHL Drafts in franchise history.
The Predators have nine total selections, including the fifth overall pick and four picks in the Top 35 of the Draft. Their three picks in the first round also mark the most first-round picks in franchise history.
The Preds have several needs, but arguably the biggest is at the center position.
“We’re fortunate there is a number of good centers in this draft,” says Predators General Manager Barry Trotz. “They all bring different elements. You talk to most draft experts, and they say two or three, I should say to eight or nine, it’s a pretty close group, and it is.”
Four teams pick ahead of the Predators: New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Utah Mammoth.
The Islanders are expected to take defensemen Matthew Schaefer, and the San Jose Sharks are expected to take Michael Misa. However, after the first two picks, it’s unclear who will be next.
“We’ve been trying to figure it out, find out any information we can,” says Trotz. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a name we have at three might come to us later, and vice versa for every team. I think they are probably in the same boat. The qualities that those teams really feel will be the difference maker will be the deciding vote and whoever is the influencer in the room for the team will be the difference maker.”
FOX 17 Sports Director Jill Jelnick will be live from the Preds’ watch party Friday night at Bridgestone Arena and will have more on the team’s first-round selections on FOX 17 News at 9.
The first round of the NHL Draft kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. CT.
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