The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery deemed that the Nashville Predators will select 10th overall in the entry draft.
After missing the playoffs be mere points, it'll be a draft full of uncertainty for the Preds. The question of sticking with the pick or shipping it off will likely be left on the table in the days leading up to the draft. The question of whether or not the team will continue making its playoff push looks to remain the same, as players have cited.
If Nashville decides to use its pick to make a selection, it'll have a handful of skilled prospects to choose from. Here's three names Preds scouts should pay close attention to heading into draft night.
Tynan Lawrence, Center, Boston University
Tynan Lawrence was at one point a top three prospect according to scouts leading into the season. In mid-May, consolidated rankings show him going around ninth to 14th overall. The 17-year-old had a strong outing with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, but a slow start in the NCAA with Boston University stunned his draft rating.
Lawrence is still a highly touted prospect, however, and the Predators should not pass up on him. In 18 games with the Terriers, he scored two goals and seven points. He struggled to end up on the scoresheet in the first half of his tenure, but ramped his production in the other half, scoring six points in his final five games.
Beyond the scoresheet, Lawrence recaptured the attention of scouts thanks to his high hockey IQ. Peter Baracchini of The Hockey Writers noted that Lawrence carries in a winner's mindset every shift. He also wrote that while Lawrence isn't a flashy player, "it’s the little things he does that stands out." His two-way game is something Nashville would greatly benefit from, especially as its top two-way center Ryan O'Reilly gets up there in age.
Lawrence is a skilled skater with excellent puck handling. He does a good job at generating score chances and transitioning the play up-zone. He's also a talented skater, often outpacing his opponents while containing the puck. If nobody selects Lawrence prior to Nashville's pick, the Preds should take a chance on him.
Daxon Rudolph, Defenseman, Prince Albert Raiders
One of Daxon Rudolph's only uncertainties heading into draft night is where he'll be selected. Some analysts have Rudolph going as high as eighth overall while others have him going in the later stages of the first round. When it comes to what route the Predators might pursue in the draft, the defensive path is most paved one.
Rudolph's elite defense is demonstrated by his vision on and off the puck. He's always one step ahead of his opponents, analyzing the play before it even takes place. He'll blend right in on the Preds big blueline, standing at 6-foot-2 and 203 lbs.
Offensive is what Rudolph exceeds the most at. His strong two-way game is one of the best in the draft among defensemen. He was third among WHL defensemen in points and goals with 78 and 28 respectively in 68 games. His fast skating keeps opponents in a daze as he's able to easily transition up ice and force a play in the offensive zone.
The one thing Nashville should take note of is that he's right-handed. The Preds don't have the greatest prospect pool when it comes to right-handed defensemen. Rudolph would instantly bolster that side of the blueline and provide great scoring depth for years to come. Like Lawrence, if Rudolph's still available at 10, it would be wise to snag him while you can.
Oscar Hemming, Forward, Boston College
At 17 years old, Oscar Hemming is one of the youngest players in the NCAA D1 hockey. His age hasn't shown any signs of slowing him down, however, as he's scored one goal and eight points in 19 games with Boston College. He also scored five goals and seven points in six U18 games with Finland.
His size is something a lot of scouts are taking note of. At 6-foot-4, Hemming towers over his competition, and he takes advantage of that through his highly physical playstyle. He is tough to break apart on the forecheck and will do whatever it takes to ensure his team holds possession of the puck. Considering Nashville checked into the physical department last draft, it'll only make sense to continue that direction by drafting Hemming.
Out of the two previous players, the Predators actually have a good chance of selecting Hemming. Consolidated ratings have the Finnish winger going around 15th overall. While he isn't as highly talked about as Lawrence or Rudolph, Hemming is still somebody to take note of. The transition from junior hockey to college hockey isn't the easiest, the Hemming quickly found himself in a top six role after the transition.
As mentioned, the Predators might look into going more defensive this draft. If they don't want to draft a defenseman, Hemming might be the closest we'll get to one. His two-way game is reliable and his playmaking is impressive. Having a player like Hemming on your roster would be beneficial to almost any team, including the Predators.
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