Nashville Predators: An Overview of the 2017 Entry Draft

Third Round, 92nd Overall

With their 3rd round selection, and the 92nd overall pick, David Poile chose David Farrance. Farrance, a 5 foot 10 inch, 180 pound defenseman from Victor, New York, was the Predators 2nd American-born selection in this draft. Like Grant Mismash, Farrance spent his last two seasons in the US National Team Development Program. NHL Central Scouting’s 11th best North American defenseman finished last season with 7 goals and 30 assists, in 64 games.

Farrance is slightly undersized like Nashville’s Ryan Ellis, however, his game matches up more to Roman Josi. He is a skilled puck-handler who has an offensive mind. He skates well in all three zones, and has an NHL caliber slapshot. His hockey IQ allows him to control the game and see the whole ice at once. Although he is a strong defender, his lack of physicality is a weakness to his game.

With the Predators finishing the year with the 16th best power play in the NHL, Farrance’s leadership and offense could greatly help the Nashville power play. Overall, Farrance seems to be a strong player that could flourish under the guidance of the Predators strong defensive core. Nashville has done well with smaller, quicker defenseman like him in the past, so I would expect Farrance to thrive in the Predators organization. Nashville Predators fans need to keep an eye out for David Farrance in the near future.