Nashville Predators: Prospects showed their abilities at Rookie Camp

The Nashville Predators Rookie Tournament has come and gone. After three very different games, which prospect made the most of their opportunity?

After two very close games a terrible blowout, where do the Nashville Predators rookies stand? In my mind, it all went according to how people thought. Most of the free agents were a bit unimpressive, although T.J. Melancon scored a key goal in game three. There were certain players who may have had a bad camp but none really stand out. Justin Kirkland is a fine player in his own end but he lacked any offensive touch. and he has issues with his inability to break the puck out. He seems destined to toil in the AHL forever or be a band-aid for defensive injuries.

Still, which players made the most of their time at Rookie Camp?

Emil Pettersson

Emil Pettersson had an impressive outing scoring three goals in three games. His size and speed came into great effect as sped by many defenders. He looked like a man among boys during the entire tournament. But if you think about it, he is a man among boys in that situation. He’s at the ripe old age of 23 and it’s time for him to make the push. We’ll see how he does in the pre-season. But judging from his performance in the rookie tournament, he could be a full-time NHLer this year.

Alexandre Carrier

Points aren’t everything, especially to defensemen. Alexandre Carrier is about to turn 21 and has the NHL at his finger tips. Although an injury to Ryan Ellis hurts the Nashville Predators now, it could really help Carrier. He has the chance to make the big club right out of the gate on the third pair. And if his play in the rookie tournament is any indication, he should be an NHL regular for years to come. His play in the rookie tournament was truly exceptional. He played excellently in his own zone and did a great job leading the breakout. He may not have put up the points I expected him to, but he impressed elsewhere. The points will follow in my opinion. The points will follow him all the way to Nashville.

Yakov Trenin

One goal and one assist is nothing to sneeze at, especially for a 20-year-old. Yakov Trenin will start his tenure with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL this season. He deserves at least four games in the NHL before he goes down. But a full season in the AHL will develop him well. Trenin is a big body at 6 feet 2 inches and 205 pounds and he knows how to use it. He was a force along the boards and a master at puck possession. His shot looks better than last season and his skating is stronger. But his vision and passing need a bit of work but that will develop in the AHL. He has a similar playing style as Viktor Arvidsson, although he has a bigger frame.

Who to watch in the future

A few players impressed during the tournament, but some look poised for success in the future. Tyler Moy had an impressive outing, and although he didn’t score any points, he looked good. He played an energized style that would fit in well on the third or fourth line of any team.

Samuel Girard looks phenomenal as well. Although he was held pointless in three games, he showed great promise. He’s a smaller mobile defenseman that has an active stick. All of his skills are easily transferable to the NHL, although he needs more muscle. He’s 5’10 and 161 pounds, he’ll likely need to weigh around 175 to handle offensemen.

Tyler Kelleher came out of nowhere, at least for me. The tiny American played top line minutes with Emil Pettersson and Yakov Trenin. And he didn’t disappoint.

He’s 22 and 5’6 so the road ahead of him is lousy with obstacles. He’s been a superstar in NCAA and this season will be his first taste of the AHL. He plays like Arvidsson in that he uses his speed to get by a defenseman on the outside. But I’m not sure if that will translate to higher level hockey leagues as the defensemen will be faster.

Next: Key Free Agents Predators Should Pursue

The Nashville Predators prospect pool is stocked to the brim with talents. The best place to see these guys this year is with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL. But the best place to see most of these guys will be with the Nashville Predators as soon as next season.

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