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The Nashville Predators are the focus of today’s NHL Prospect Pool Overview Series.
Tony Ferrari will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Predators’ prospects, review recent draft classes, assess their position depth chart, and evaluate who might be the next player to make an NHL impact. Players who have lost their rookie status in the NHL are considered graduates and are generally excluded from these evaluations, with few exceptions.
Initial Impressions
It’s challenging to decipher the current direction of the Predators. After a disappointing season, the team is gearing up for competition but has also secured three first-round draft picks to strengthen their developmental pipeline. GM Barry Trotz has expressed hope that the veteran squad can rebound. Meanwhile, adding young talent to the pipeline offers Nashville a chance to avoid a full rebuild and bounce back quicker.
Among the top prospects is Matthew Wood, who recently signed an entry-level contract after three strong seasons in the NCAA. Although his college career had ups and downs, he finished on a high note. Wood could join the NHL lineup for up to six games at the start of the season. His size and finishing touch are valuable assets, though he is not the fastest skater nor a strong puck carrier. Still, Wood’s offensive skills make him a promising complementary winger.
The Predators have been awaiting Joakim Kemell to break into the NHL, but that breakthrough has yet to come. The 21-year-old Finn is known for his lethal shot, though he can sometimes lack consistency and tends to have poor positional habits. Kemell’s two full AHL seasons saw him score 41 and 40 points, but he has yet to demonstrate dominance or goal-scoring threat.
Teddy Stiga was one of the best value picks in the 2024 draft. At 5’10”, he’s on the smaller side but showed that he could be a crucial piece for Nashville’s future with a strong freshman NCAA season. Stiga’s relentless play, ability to retrieve pucks, and collaboration with skilled teammates highlight his potential. Last season at Boston College, he scored 30 points in 36 games, and his reunion with James Hagens has helped them excel this year.
Egor Surin blends skill and physicality, excelling in board battles and transitions to the net. After a solid year in the KHL, he’s continuing to develop his speed variation and defensive play in Russia.
Curran Lind is known for his physicality and forechecking, often applying heavy pressure on defenders. While not a major scorer, he plays a reliable depth role and can make critical postseason contributions. He also shows promise as a playmaker, though there is room for growth.
David Edstrom, a big and mobile center, is a valuable two-way player who fits coaching demands well. After several seasons in Sweden and a taste of playoff hockey, he’s set to make an impact in the AHL.
Tanner Molendyk has been a focus for the Predators over several years, patiently developing in junior hockey. Known for his mobility and intelligence in directing plays, he’s expected to join the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) this season and could find his way to the NHL with a strong start.
U-23 Players Likely to Play NHL Games This Season
- Zachary L’Heureux (LW)
- Fedor Svechkov (C)
2025 NHL Draft Class Highlights
- 1st Round (5th Overall) – Brady Martin, C, SSM Marie (OHL)
- 1st Round (21st Overall) – Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
- 1st Round (26th Overall) – Rikerley, RW, Madison (USHL)
- 2nd Round (35th) – Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln (USHL)
- 2nd Round (58th) – Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)
- 4th Round (122nd) – Alex Fan, D, Sictimi (QMJHL)
- 6th Round (163rd) – Daniel Nieminen, D, Pelicans (Finland)
With three first-round picks and five in the top 60, Nashville had plenty of opportunities to shape its future. They opted for a blend of safe and high-upside choices. Only time will tell how impactful the 2025 class will be.
At the 5th overall pick, the Predators chose Brady Martin, a physical, motor-driven player known for battling along the boards. While not the most offensively gifted, Martin is a reliable prospect with offensive tools like a solid shot and net-front presence. His game is built on physicality and forechecking, making him a dependable center option.
At 21st overall, Cameron Reid stands out as a skilled, mobile defenseman who actively joins the rush. Though he needs to improve defensively, his offensive upside is significant.
Riker Lee of Madison has impressed with his puck handling and creativity. While his defense needs work, his shot and playmaking ability are exceptional. Transitioning to Michigan will offer him the chance to sharpen his skills against tougher competition.
Jacob Rombach is a big, physical defenseman who prioritizes smart play over flash. At 6’6", he’s a smooth skater who reads plays well and offers strong defensive presence with some offensive passing ability.
Jack Ivankovic strengthens Nashville’s goalie depth. Although not the tallest at 6 feet, his technical skill and athleticism make him a top prospect. He has been a key player for Team Canada at the junior level.
Alex Fan showed promise with his defensive mobility and passing in the QMJHL, though he struggles with consistency under pressure.
Daniel Nieminen, a skilled Finnish defenseman, impressed this year with his skating and ability to control the puck defensively.
Strengths
The Predators have focused on drafting players with center experience to address their historic need for a true No. 1 center. Although some prospects like Wood and Joey Willis may ultimately become wingers, others such as Brady Martin, Egor Surin, Felix Nilsson, and David Edstrom have strong two-way game potential in the mid-sixth-round draft range.
Weaknesses
While the defense pipeline is improving, Nashville still lacks a true top-4 right-side defenseman. Their left side has several promising players like Molendyk and Reid, but right-side options are limited. Finding a young right-handed defenseman is critical for the team’s future success.
Hidden Gem: Felix Nilsson (C/W)
At 19, Nilsson had a breakout SHL season with 22 points in 40 games. Known as a smart playmaker with a chess-like approach, he excels at positioning and timing his passes. His ability to distribute the puck effectively makes him a steady, reliable center prospect.
Next Up: Matthew Wood (C/W)
Though projected as a bottom-six player, Wood’s offensive instincts and all-around skill could earn him a spot in the top six. He plays well with skilled teammates, keeps good spacing, and is a strong passing option. If he finds consistent scoring, Wood could become a dark horse Calder Trophy candidate.
Prospect Depth Chart
- LW: Matthew Wood, Teddy Stiga, Joey Willis, Curran Lind, Reed Schafer, Victor Norlinger
- C: Brady Martin, Egor Surin, Felix Nilsson, David Edstrom, Adam Ingram
- RW: Riker Lee, Joakim Kemell, Aiden Fink, Hiroki Gojic, Ozzy Wiesblatt
- LD: Tanner Molendyk, Cameron Reid, Adam Wilsby, Jacob Rombach, Daniel Nieminen, Viggo Gustafsson
- RD: Jack Meier, Andrew Gibson, Alex Hunter, Kasper Kronomi
- G: Jack Ivankovic, Jakub Mirota, Magnus Crona
For more detailed player rankings and prospect insights, check out the Hockey News yearbook and future watch editions.
Fan Take: Nashville’s prospect pool shows a promising blend of skill, physicality, and hockey IQ that could set the foundation for future playoff runs. For hockey fans, watching these young players develop offers an exciting glimpse into the next era of the NHL, where fresh talent redefines teams and revitalizes the sport.
