We are just a few hours out of the Nashville Predators most important day in franchise history. The 2025 NHL Draft has fans from teams all over crossing their fingers, hoping their team selects the organization's next star. In the case of the Predators, we are hoping for more than just a star. With Nashville selecting 5th overall, fans are hoping we draft the team's next franchise piece. Whether that be a future 1C or an elite winger, we desperately need someone to shift the organization's path.
A few weeks ago, Predlines explored the possibility of selecting Anton Frondell at 5th, but recent rumors seem to counteract that. There was even the possibility of drafting someone like Brady Martin at some point but again, it isn't that likely. When it comes to the draft, Nashville can't go wrong with anybody in the top ten but there seems to be a clear choice on who to select. And that selection belongs to...
James Hagens, The Logan Cooley of Nashville
James Hagens is looking to be the next player to join the Predators franchise. Scouts have been getting lower and lower on the kid, but the stats don't lie when it comes to his potential. The former consensus first overall player has fallen in draft rankings leading up to today and is expected to be drafted 4th-9th overall. It is quite ridiculous how far the Long Island native has fallen in people's minds, he has one of the highest ceilings in his draft class.
The New York Islanders are expected to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer 1st overall with the San Jose Sharks selecting Michael Misa right after. Some reports show Frondell going to the Chicago Blackhawks and Caleb Desnoyers going to the Utah Mammoth. With the Predators selecting after, the next best player available is none other than Hagens. The elite playmaking centerman has shown glimpses of a Logan Cooley-type of game. A combination of speed and puck handling is exactly what Nashville needs.
When asked about Hagens, Preds General Manager Barry Trotz said that he is "right in our wheelhouse." After hearing this statement, fans should fully expect Trotz to consider taking Hagens at 5. He noted that he is something Nashville is interested in and could be a potential pick. He's even went as far out and said that Hagens size—5'10", 185 lbs—isn't an issue, stating that "The yardstick should never be the deciding factor."
We have also recently seen reports that Nashville could be a dark horse winger Porter Martone who is projected to go in the late top 10. Martone—6'3", 205 lbs—is quite the opposite of Hagens. He is a sizeable right winger who is known for his sniping abilities. Trotz said that he isn't specifically trying to select based off position so Martone is a possibility. However, when looking at the bigger picture and the number of words he had to say, Hagens might as well begin packing his bags to Smashville.
We already have some quality talent on the right wing with Joakim Kemell and Luke Evangelista. On the left side, we have Matthew Wood and Zachary L'Heureux. When it comes to the center position, there aren't many future stars. Sure, Fedor Svechkov is looking promising but it he really the top line centerman we need? I don't think so. With that conclusion, Hagens seems to make sense. We'll have to see if this all comes true tonight.