The Nashville Predators were extremely active at this year’s NHL Draft in Philadelphia. They made a total of seven selections, and traded for a roster player. While we won’t be able to really judge the results for several years to come, overall the Predators seemed to have a successful draft. They not only found a way to acquire a sniper in his prime, but they deepened the forward prospect pool, as made some classic moves for a defenseman. Let’s dive in shall we?
The Trade
Before David Poile and Co. even walked up to the microphone, they were able to add James Neal to the roster. It cost Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist, but the 11th overall pick was somehow not part of the equation. Like we’ve said, this trade is a win for Nashville, and it doesn’t appear Poile is done yet. A deal for Jason Spezza was lined up Saturday, until the Senator vetoed the trade. Eyes will now be on the start of free agency on Tuesday.
The First Round
With the pick that didn’t go anywhere, the Predators selected Kevin Fiala, who could be an impressive offensive player down the line. Fiala will most likely return to play in Sweden again this year, before making the jump over to marinate in the AHL.
11th – KEVIN FIALA, Uzwil, Switzerland – Left Wing from HV 71 JR. (Sweden-Jr.) 5’10”, 180 lbs.
The Second Round
After taking Vladislav Kamenev with the 42 overall pick, the Preds swapped their other second-round pick and chose Jack Dougherty 51st.
42nd – VLADISLAV KAMENEV, Orsk, Russia – Left Wing from Magnitogorsk 2 (Russia-Jr.) 6’2, 203 lbs.
51st – JACK DOUGHERTY, Cottage Grove, Minnesota – Defense from the USA U-18 (USHL) 6’1”, 201 lbs.
Rounds Three – Seven
62nd – JUSTIN KIRKLAND, Camrose, Alberta – Left Wing from Kelowna (WHL) 6’2”, 175 lbs.
112nd – VIKTOR ARVIDSSON, Kusmark, Sweden – Left Wing from Skelleftea (Sweden) 5’9”, 172 lbs.
132nd – JOONAS LYYTINEN, Espoo, Finland – Defense from KalPa (Finland) 6’0”, 154 lbs.
162ND – AARON IRVING, Edmonton, Alberta – Defense from Edmonton (WHL) 6’0”, 185 lbs.
None of these players will see any time in the NHL any time soon, but so was the case with pretty much the entire draft. The Predators should fly out of Philadelphia not only pleased that they made some good adjustments for the future, but they made some good adjustments for the present, as well.
Thoughts?