The Nashville Predators have always been a tough team to place against. Being fast and physical are two hallmarks of the coaching tenure of Barry Trotz and now Andrew Brunette. Trotz as GM has tried to bring in these kinds of players to plug and play into the system at both the NHL and AHL levels, and might've unearthed a find in Ozzy Wiesblatt.
Now entering his 2nd camp with the Predators, Wiesblatt was impressive in the AHL last season and was noticeable on the ice during his limited Predators action. The question surrounding him this season is if he'll become a regular, or spend more time waiting for his opportunity.
Last Year - Building Evidence
After being originally selected with the 31st pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks rolled the dice on being able to keep Egor Afanasyev in the country by acquiring him from the Predators in exchange for Wiesblatt. They weren't, so if you're looking for Barry Trotz trade wins, there is one.
That season, Wiesblatt was already with the Admirals via a loan, but in the 2024-2025 season, he made his full-time debut. Over 64 games, he had 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points and 96 penalty minutes. It looked as if Wiesblatt finally found his footing in the pro game and was able to do exactly what he did in junior hockey.
Speaking of junior hockey, here's a quote from Alex Howes pulled from Dobber Prospects about Wiesblatt.
" The final pick of the first round, Ozzy Wiesblatt, plays with a killer bee mentality using his speed and skill to baffle opponents and open up extra ice for his linemates. His skating and passing abilities make him a dangerous playmaker, yet there are still a few areas that will need improving before he is considered an NHL threat. On occasion, Wiesblatt has shown a lightning-quick release on his shot, but it remains inconsistent. Improving his shot and release should be a focus in his development. His smaller frame has also been the victim of criticism before, but Ozzy plays with grit despite his size. If he continues to play each shift with the intensity he has demonstrated in the WHL then his physicality will not be an issue (just ask Brendan Gallagher). Wiesblatt will need to continue to hone his skills, most likely in the WHL, throughout the course of the 20-21 season before going professional, but the Sharks should be excited to watch the young Canadian develop. "Alex Howes
Who Could Wiesblatt Become, and When?
If you're reading this and being reminded a bit of Jordin Tootoo, you aren't wrong, but you're a touch off as well. Wiesblatt has more top-end skill and probably a little less acumen with his fists. If you're an older hockey fan (shutters in the 90s) you'll remember Darcy Tucker, a tough 5'10 winger who would hit anything that moved, talk tons of smack, and surprisingly score 15 goals and finish with 30 or more points a year.
This might not be the year we start seeing that, though. Wiesblatt could probably use a little more professional seasoning, and the competition for time in the bottom six is pretty stout. The third line will feature Michael Bunting, who will be auditioning for a contract extension or a trade deadline destination, so he'll get his minutes.
Zachary L'Heureux is a top homegrown prospect who does pretty much exactly what Wiesblatt does.
On the fourth line, Cole Smith is entrenched and has the size advantage. The open spot will be fourth line right wing, and Wiesblatt will likely have to outduel Matthew Wood. He's a top offensive prospect and is pro-ready. The Predators might opt to keep either player in the AHL to get top-line minutes over limited 4th-line time, but in this case, Wiesblatt might be more suited to the role.
We don't know how much we'll see Wiesblatt, but you can imagine that we'll see an improved version, and we'll see him hopefully more than 5 times this season.