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Nashville Predators: An Overview of the 2017 Entry Draft

By Jake Evans

June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Eeli Tolvanen poses for photos after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Eeli Tolvanen poses for photos after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the tough loss of James Neal to the Expansion Draft, the Nashville Predators made it their mission to stock up on young talent in the Entry Draft.

The NHL Entry Draft concluded Saturday, and Nashville Predators GM David Poile wasted no time reloading his team with talent. Poile, who already has a roster with 16 players aged 25 or younger, added 6 more over the weekend. The Predators had 6 picks spread out over 7 rounds. Although the Nashville Predators showed their depth of young talent this year, there is always a need for more.

With the departure of James Neal, and the potential retirement of captain Mike Fisher, there will obviously be offensive holes in the Predators lineup. Thus, creating one need for Poile in the draft. The Predators blue line is as solid as any in the NHL, but with the rise of players like P.K. Subban, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm, a money problem could emerge. If the Predators were unable to pay all of their stars, a need for a younger, less expensive talent would emerge. This brings another need to the draft table for Poile.

Finally, Pekka Rinne has been the cornerstone of the Nashville Predators for nine years now. However, he won’t be around forever. The 34-year-old will eventually retire, leading to another need for Poile and the Predators. All these situations, pose issues for Poile, so with the future in mind, he stocked up on young talent over the weekend.

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