The Nashville Predators have been the starting home for many NHL stars, showing just how good the scouting department is here. Even though management has given up on the majority of their selections in recent years, they've proven time and time again that their drafting doesn't disappoint. With the 2025 NHL Draft taking place next week in Los Angeles, why not take a look back at some of Nashville's best selections.
Smashville grew up in a time where the draft went beyond the 7th round. Keeping this in mind, I'm going to explore the seasons when Nashville did their research in the later rounds and picked up some talent. A player's time and contributions with the Preds are the only things being looked at instead of their entire career. Honorable mentions will also be included because as said before, there's a lot and it's quite difficult to pinpoint the best in some cases.
Round 1: David Legwand, Pick 2
David Legwand is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the Predators organization. Former General Manager David Poile selected Legwand with their second overall pick back in 1998. Immediately out of the draft, the former Plymouth Whaler began making impacts. In his first two full seasons with the new franchise, Legwand tallied 69 points—26 goals and 43 assists. He helped carry the Predators in the right direction, staying with the franchise for 956 games.
Before the Forsberg, Josi era, Legwand was the goat of Nashville hockey. He led the franchise in multiple stats such as goals (210), assists (356), and points (566) just to name a few. He was there to witness the birth and growth of Smashville, and he played a huge role in how it played out. Legwand helped foster the team's future stars like Shea Weber, Roman Josi, and Pekka Rinne.
Honorable Mentions
Scott Hartnell (6th Overall), Ryan Suter (7th Overall), and Ryan Ellis (11th Overall)
Round 2: Roman Josi, Pick 38
Roman Josi is arguably the most important skater in Nashville history. He is the current franchise leader in assists (534), points (724), and games played (962). He also holds the franchise record for most points in a season with 96. Like Legwand, Josi carried Nashville through many phases of growth. The rise of Josi ultimately lead to one of the more dominant organizations in the late 2010s. His leadership and skill were one of the factors that resulted in the 2017 Cinderella run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
His on-ice performance is not his only great attribute however, as he is a prominant figure in the Nashville community. His movements towards to a better youth culture in the Nashville area gave children more opportunities in their local communities. Josi is the longest tenured captain in Predators history—and for good reason. Without Josi, I'm not too sure where Nashville would be. We should all be glad that we have someone like him around.
Honorable Mention
Shea Weber (49th Overall) and Colton Sissons (50th Overall)
Round 3: Tommy Novak, Pick 85
For many in Nashville, Tommy Novak came by surprise. A couple seasons prior to his NHL success, Novak was a regular for the team's ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades. It only took him three games in the NHL to regular his first point—three to be exact. He tallied three key assists in a 6-4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Novak helped revolutionize the youth takeover in Nashville. With the names like Tanner Jeannot, Philip Tomasino, and Juuso Parssinen, Novak found energy from the young guys.
With the Preds, Novak scored 49 goals and recorded 68 points for a combined 117 points in 201 games. He was a solid centerman for Nashville and averaged nearly 15 minutes a night. The Minnesota native was traded at the deadline this season for Michael Bunting but even with his absence, his presence is still felt. Novak helped in the progression of Zachary L'Heureux, Luke Evangelista, and eventually Fedor Svechkov. He will be missed by Nashville.
Honorable Mention
Cody Franson (79th Overall)