Nashville Predators: Top Realistic First Round Targets in 2022 NHL Draft

Owen Pickering, LD, WHL/Swift Current

Pickering is a tall and physically imposing defenseman (6’4″) who has a promising blend of offensive and defensive traits. He also has some concerning weaknesses to his game that slides him back to the territory the Predators will be selecting at.

Let’s start with the good, and an offensive skill that has my antennas pinging in interest. Per Dobber Prospects 2022 Fantasy Prospects Report, Pickering has the abilities to be a “power play quarterback” type of player. Where do I sign?

Pickering also has the raw talent to evolve into an eventual everyday NHL starter, and maybe even be a second pairing player. The problem is, it’s going to take a lot of development and fine-tuning in his game.

Unfortunately, Pickering turns the puck over a lot, which is once again the reason why he’s not a high-end first round draft pick. He almost certainly will be available for the Predators if they want a long-term project that could eventually pan out as a quality top-four defenseman.

If all else fails and many of the Predators’ top preferred targets are taken, I wouldn’t be totally against taking Pickering. He’s also certainly not my first choice.