Nashville Predators Go Winless in Prospect Showcase, But Show Promise
By Chad Minton
Coming out of the three-game prospect showcase without a win certainly isn’t ideal for the Nashville Predators, but in the end it’s really about learning moments and development for a blend of young talent that’s close to the NHL level, and also some that have a long ways to go.
Some of these prospects who just competed are really close to the NHL and will turn their attention now to Nashville Predators training camp against seasoned NHL talent like Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Roman Josi
Time to up the ante and really show Predators coaches what you’re made of.
The Predators dropped all three games to the prospects from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the defeats, Milwaukee Admirals Head Coach Karl Taylor said there was a “good effort overall”, per the team’s website.
Nashville Predators Prospects With Too Many Unforced Errors, Penalties
Some lengthy offensive droughts and untimely penalties really plagued the Predators prospects in all three games. Flashes of outstanding offensive play, but a lot of self-inflicted errors as well. To be expected when working in new prospects with each other under a new coaching staff led by Andrew Brunette.
Some unfamiliar prospects made their presence known for the Predators coaching staff, including Austin Roest tallying a goal against the Hurricanes. A 2023 sixth-round pick by the Predators.
Navrin Mutter, who is undrafted, showed off his blend of offensive abilities and physical traits.
A more well-known prospect, 2023 first-round pick Tanner Molendyk, looked crisp on offense and even tallied a goal against the Florida Panthers. He also added a goal in the post-game shootout.
Another 2023 draft pick that stood out was centerman Kalan Lind. Got into a brawl against the Florida Panthers and was very aggressive in his skating. He will be playing in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels in 2023-24. His fourth consecutive season in that league.
We didn’t see any of the high profile Predators prospects show much in terms of scoring, aside from Joakim Kemell scoring twice in the opening game. Would’ve liked to have seen a little bit more from Egor Afanasyev, who was named captain and deservedly so for the prospect showcase.
Hard to get a full read on the Predators prospects from three games, especially with so many instances on the penalty kill and not being allowed to full run your offense at even strength.
Heading into Predators training camp, the emphasis for these young players that are talented enough to be invited to an NHL training camp will be to play more disciplined hockey and continue to fine-tune their overall games. They all have immense talent and certain strengths, but to be successful in the NHL on a consistent basis, you need a well-rounded game.
The Nashville Predators first report to training camp on September 20 and the first preseason game will be September 25 against the Florida Panthers.
