{"id":119894,"date":"2025-07-10T21:50:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/119894\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T21:50:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:50:17","slug":"how-gm-barry-trotz-reacted-to-nashville-predators-drop-to-no-5-pick-in-nhl-draft-lottery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/119894\/","title":{"rendered":"How GM Barry Trotz reacted to Nashville Predators’ drop to No. 5 pick in NHL draft lottery"},"content":{"rendered":"

Long before the Nashville Predators<\/a> learned their fate in the NHL draft lottery<\/a> on May 5, general manager Barry Trotz was prepared for the worst \u2014 that they might miss out on their first chance at a No. 1 overall pick in franchise history.<\/p>\n

Which is exactly what happened.<\/p>\n

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The Predators<\/a> dropped to No. 5 overall, falling from their No. 3 pre-draw position. When two teams lower in the order beat the odds \u2014 the New York Islanders<\/a> moved from No. 10 to No. 1, and the Utah Hockey Club<\/a> moved from No. 14 to No. 4 \u2014 that pushed Nashville down two slots.<\/p>\n

“When you’re up against the field, in terms of the odds, there was a likelihood that that could happen,” Trotz said. “I was hoping it didn’t. But at the same time I feel very comfortable we’re still going to get a good player to add to our pool.”<\/p>\n

Despite dropping two spots, the Predators will select in the top five for the first time in 12 years \u2014 in 2013, they drafted defenseman Seth Jones at No. 4 overall.<\/p>\n

“Even moving back a couple spots to No. 5, we’re going to get a good player. I don’t have any doubt about that,” Trotz added.<\/p>\n

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Now, with a little less than eight weeks until the draft, Trotz and the Predators’ scouting department have plans to maximize the value of their three first-round picks.<\/p>\n

THREE FIRSTS: One of Nashville Predators’ 3 first-round draft picks improves thanks to Florida Panthers<\/a><\/p>\n

Who could the Nashville Predators take at No. 5 overall?<\/p>\n

Because they dropped out of the top three, the Predators likely will miss out on the top prospects, including defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens.<\/p>\n

But that doesn’t mean the Predators won’t instantly upgrade their talent pool.<\/p>\n

“(The lottery result) doesn’t change a whole lot. You have a little more clarity because you know where you’re picking,” Trotz said. “At (No. 5), the options before us will send us in different directions than we thought.”<\/p>\n

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Three North American forwards and two European forwards are the most likely options. Porter Martone<\/a>, a winger with the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads, is a dynamic goal scorer and playmaker who led his team with 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games. At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Martone would be a perfect size and skill combination for the Predators and likely a top-six winger as an 18-year-old.<\/p>\n

Roger McQueen<\/a> is a big two-way forward with plenty of skill to go with his size (6-5, 192 pounds). He battled injuries this year playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), but still managed more than a point-per-game pace, with 20 points in 17 games.<\/p>\n

Center Caleb Desnoyers<\/a> is a late riser in draft rankings after a 35-goal, 49-assist season with the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). He also brings a size and skill combination often found at the top of the NHL draft.<\/p>\n

The two European options include winger Victor Eklund<\/a> and center Anton Frondell<\/a>, both of whom play for Djurgardens IF in Sweden. Eklund is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed shooter who led the team with 19 goals. Frondell battled a knee injury early last season, but still managed 25 points in 29 games once he returned.<\/p>\n

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ESTES: By doubling down on Andrew Brunette, Predators’ Barry Trotz gambles his future, too <\/a><\/p>\n

Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com<\/a>. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter,\u00a0@alexdaugherty1<\/a>.\u00a0Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page\u00a0@tennessean_preds<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Barry Trotz on Predators drop to No. 5 overall in NHL draft lottery<\/a><\/p>\n