Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland has his priorities straight heading into his first draft with the team.
MacFarland held a pre-draft press conference with local reporters today and gave his piece of the pie on the team's direction going into the offseason. One point he brought up suggested that the Predators could be going after another center with their first pick in the draft. Sitting at 10th overall, they certainly won't get a franchise-altering player, but they'll have a wide array of elite talent to choose from.
Improving the middle of the ice is a priority for the Preds. Looking for incremental improvements because it is hard to get a game changing superstar right now.
— AnnK_ (@AnnK_MamaOnIce) June 25, 2026
"We know where we are. We know what we are."
Analysts have released their mock drafts, and there are a handful of them that have the Predators taking a center at 10. Let's take a look at who MacFarland could take if center is the way to go.
Tynan Lawrence is a steal if he drops to 10
Tynan Lawrence is expected to just before 10th overall, but there are some that suspect that he drops. There is a consensus among journalists that with the San Jose Sharks occupying two picks in the top 10, they will draft a forward first and then a defenseman. This opens a door for the Predators, who sit just one pick behind the Sharks. Given the circumstance, there is a good shot that a talented center would still be available.
Looking at Hannah Stuart's mock draft on Bleacher Report, she suspects that defensemen will be the priority for many teams. At No. 8, Daxon Rudolph goes, and at No. 9, Keaton Verhoeff goes. Lawrence is one of the top center prospects this draft, so it'll be stupid to pass on him. The 6-foot-1 Lawrence is an explosive skater. He is an elite two-way center who will fit perfectly under the Predators framework.
Alexander Command is pretty "Swede"
A bit of a wild one, but Alexander Command could very well be a Nashville Predator come draft night. We recently covered Command in one of our draft profiles, and we love him. Also standing at 6-foot-1, he has time to grow into a stronger mold and become a physical force on the Predators. Most known for his offense, he impressed scouts with his international play.
Command was a point-per-game in the U-18 WJC, scoring seven points. He also scored 10 goals and 21 points in 21 games with the Swedish U-18 team, being an effective piece. He is confident with the puck and like Lawrence, also possesses excellent hockey IQ. He is all-around a promising center, excelling on both sides of the ice. If he lives up to the hype, he can easily be one of the top centers on the Predators roster, helping guys like Brady Martin and Felix Nilsson score in prime areas.
Predators may decide to pursue other positions
There is still uncertainty whether or not they will only draft a center at No. 10, but all roads lead to it. In the case that it doesn't happen, they may pursue an elite winger. For a hot minute, Wyatt Cullen looks to be the answer if center isn't a go. While he would be a great addition to Smashville, many mock drafts, like Stuart's have him going before the Preds pick.
In the end, as long as MacFarland takes home somebody with offensive upside, than it'll be in a win in the books.
Add us as a preferred source on Google