A legend is drafted late in the 2004 Draft
Try not to get teary eyed on this one, but I couldn’t omit the 2004 Nashville Predators draft class thanks to one man. The undisputed G.O.A.T of the franchise and the player that played a major part in the Predators becoming a successful NHL franchise in Nashville.
Pekka Rinne was drafted all the way back in the 8th round, proving that you can find legendary players in any part of the draft. It does take a lot of luck, and the Predators were definitely lucky to draft Rinne so far back in the draft.
I realize this draft class as a whole is a bust, but Poile and his scouts made the pick of all picks to set this franchise up as a viable contender for nearly every season to come after drafting Rinne and getting him into the NHL crease as a regular starter.
There’s also Alexander Radulov who was taken at the 15th-overall pick. It’s turned out to be a great pick even though it didn’t work out in Nashville long-term. He ignited the fanbase at the time with his ability to score and his energy.
What could’ve been if Radulov hadn’t pushed his way out of Nashville and been a long-time Predator? Either way, the pick itself proved to be a good one as Radulov still has a vital role in the NHL as he’s coming up on the 350-poin mark for his NHL career.