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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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A general view of the draft board following the first round of the 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft at the NHL Network Studio on October 06, 2020 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
A general view of the draft board following the first round of the 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft at the NHL Network Studio on October 06, 2020 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Cole Sillinger, C, WHL/USHL

This player is getting a ton of attention as perhaps one of the most gifted offensive players in the draft class. Cole Sillinger put up 46 points in 31 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL this past season.

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Dynamic scoring centers are hard to find, and the Predators have always had trouble landing these types of players in the draft. Sillinger would be an outstanding pick for the Predators if he somehow slips down to them.

I have my doubts that Sillinger makes it down to pick No.18, but he’s still a player that needs to be all over the Predators’ radar. Tony Ferrari of Dobber Prospects has a pretty glowing scouting report of Sillinger:

"“With one of the best shots in the draft, Sillinger is a threat to score on every shift he steps on the ice. His ability to get his shot off regardless of the puck position is impressive, whether it’s firing it from in his feet or extended out to the side, he’s dangerous”"

Sign me up for all of that, please. The Predators can’t get over the hump in recent years because they don’t have many players that play like this. This is the prospect you’re hoping slips down to the Predators the most.

This would be another probable steal for the Predators if they can get Sillinger at pick 18.

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