After a blockbuster deal that sent defender P.K. Subban to the New Jersey Devils, Nashville came up with the 34th overall pick today as part of their return. After missing on Arthur Kaliyev, who went 33rd to the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville moved the pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 45th and 65th pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
With the 65th pick, the Nashville Predators selected forward Alexander Campbell of the Victoria Grizzlies in the BCHL. Campbell was ranked 43rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting; I did not have him ranked in my top 93 slots.
Campbell played on a line with top prospect Alex Newhook this season and scored 21 goals and 67 points in 53 games in his first BCHL season. He’s an excellent playmaker whose high awareness levels complimented Newhook’s skill well. He’s a good skater with a nice separation gear and is elusive with the puck.
Campbell has committed to play at Clarkson University next season. I will be watching with curiosity to see how his skill plays out without Newhook to set him up.
All statistics are courtesy of eliteprospects.com.