By nature a goalie’s development is highly unpredictable, especially when you’re talking about a 17- or 18-year-old. As the years go on, teams are putting off taking one until sometimes the second round at the earliest. With the 55th overall pick the first the Predators are going to use, there might be a few options available if they decide to go the goalie route.
Second Round Options
1) MacKenzie Blackwood
Barrie Colts (OHL)
6’4″/216 lbs
Central Scouting Ranking: #1 (North American Skaters)
MacKenzie Blackwood is a butterfly goalie with good lateral mobility and great poise and intelligence. He is a very highly ranked goalie so if he falls late in the second round he wouldn’t be a terrible pick. Many mocks have him going much earlier than 55th, though, so don’t be surprised he he’s wearing a different jersey at this time.
2) Daniel Vladar
HC Klando (Czech U20)
6’5″/185 lbs
Central Scouting Ranking: #2 (European Goalies)
Daniel Vladar has high-end skill, great mobility, and a high compete level. He had a great season in the Czech Republic playing in the U20 league and making a strong appearance in their second league.
3) Callum Booth
Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
6’3″/198 lbs
Central Scouting Ranking: #2 (North American Goalies)
Callum Booth is a goalie that can be described as solid overall player. He’s not particularly great in one area but he is more than capable in all areas.
Later Round Options
1) Felix Sandstrom
Brynas J20 (SuperElit)
6’2″/191 lbs
Central Scouting Ranking: #3 (European Goalies)
Named one of Sweden’s top-three players in the U18 championships, Felix Sandstrom is one of the better goalie prospects in this draft. He has the tools, intelligence, and mobility to be a top goalie in the NHL. Ranked very highly by some scouts and not so much by others, he could fall far enough to where the Predators feel they have to take him if they are in the former group.
2) Alexander Georgiyev
TPS (Liiga)
6’0″/168 lbs
Central Scouting Ranking: #10 (European Goalies)
Entering his second draft year, Alexander Georgiyev is coming off a very good season with TPS in Finland’s top league. A 2.21 goals against average and a .917 save percentage are very good numbers for his age at that level.