Nashville Predators: Draft Picks You Wish They Could Have Back
By Ryan Veal
![ST PAUL, MN - JUNE 25: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators shakes hands with Miikka Salomaki drafted 52nd overall by the Predators during day two of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 25, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) ST PAUL, MN - JUNE 25: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators shakes hands with Miikka Salomaki drafted 52nd overall by the Predators during day two of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 25, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ef24efdab1a7bcd7d8af763c6c6e3b51f52563aca6d7ee4256c107c1b9295181.jpg)
2000- Jure Penko (Goalie)
Penko was drafted in the 7th round by the Predators and didn’t ever play in the NHL. Two picks
later Henrik Lundqvist was picked. This one stings because Lundqvist, who is still playing, went on to have one of the best careers for a goalie in league history.
His best days are far past him, but he currently sits at 459 wins in 887 games played. The “King” will 100 percent be in the Hall of Fame once he retires.
Again, the Predators made out just fine at goaltender through acquiring goaltenders through other avenues, and eventually ending up with Pekka Rinne.
This proves again that this isn’t an exact science, especially when it comes to drafting goaltenders and seeing how they navigate through the minor league system.
But to think the Predators could’ve had Lundqvist is wild to to think about.