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2021 NHL Mock Draft: Top Targets for Nashville Predators in 1st Round

By Chad Minton

Nashville Predators players thank the crowd after being eliminated in overtime by the Carolina Hurricanes in game six of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators players thank the crowd after being eliminated in overtime by the Carolina Hurricanes in game six of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Noel Gunler #28, Albin Sundsvik #29 and Oskar Olausson #24 of Sweden (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Noel Gunler #28, Albin Sundsvik #29 and Oskar Olausson #24 of Sweden (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

Oskar Olausson, LW, Sweden/SHL

I’m a firm believer that the Predators need more pure offensive scoring threats in their prospect pool. I like where they stand defensively in terms of their prospects that are coming up, but more scoring wingers is the biggest need in this draft.

Oskar Olausson brings a lot of promising offensive tools to the table. Here’s a portion of his scouting report courtesy of The Hockey Writers

"“Olausson’s speed and mobility makes him a real threat at both ends of the ice. He has the ability to enter zones cleanly with control of the puck on his stick and difficult to contain on the cycle. He’s very fluid with his movements and when he’s on the attack, defenders begin to panic as he roars towards them upon entering the zone”"

Those are skills that the Predators need more of. Olausson’s size is also an encouraging aspect at 6’1″. I love his skating abilities and his how he can create offensive zone time.

As with most of these prospects, there’s also a lot to fine tune with Olausson, but at pick 18 the Predators would be making a wise selection here to add an offensive player.

A lot of mock drafts have Olausson being picked after the No.18 pick for the Predators, so he’ll almost certainly be available for the taking. We’ll see if the Predators have anyone else they desire more on their draft board.

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