Get ready #Preds fans. GM David Poile told us there could be some movement today. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/oB7gJVDipq
— Jeremy K. Gover (@govertime) June 25, 2016
As promised, General Manager David Poile went with more of a “home run pick” in second year draft-eligible center Rem Pitlick of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. An undersized scorer at 5’9″, Rem Pitlick led the USHL in scoring last season with 46 goals and 43 assists in 56 games. Pitlick will be committed to the University of Minnesota next season.
With their next pick, the Predators went with Frederick Allard, yet another QMJHL defender. Allard is an aggressive right-handed defenseman with a bomb of a shot. Allard marks the fifth player in the past two Predators drafts to come out of the QMJHL.
“[Pitlick] is a speed guy; shifty and elusive with the puck. He is a solid point producer and very hard to handle off the rush. He has a chance to play at the next level with his overall skill package and skating ability.” – NHL Central Scouting
“Allard won’t provide immediate help, but the leadership qualities and minute-munching he displayed for an overachieving Chicoutimi squad should make him a no-brainer for the Wings. He has a very hard shot, and he doesn’t shy away from using it. His one-on-one play is among the QMJHL‘s best, and he will do whatever it takes to win.” – The Draft Analyst
This is one of the reasons I love the draft right here:
Frederic Allard: I am so proud to wear this jersey right now. I’m going to show them it wasn’t the wrong choice.” #Preds
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) June 25, 2016