It is hard to say that there are any real positives going for the Nashville Predators right now, as they just had one of their worst seasons ever and still lack a true direction. That being said, one thing that is a legitimate plus is that they have one of the best draft situations they have had in years.
They have the 5th overall pick, picking in the top 5 for the first time since 2013, and they own two other first rounders for a total of three. They also have two picks in the second round and one in the third, meaning they have six total picks in the top 100, which is super advantageous for them.
For a team that has no franchise saving player in direct sight, their draft capital at least gives them hope that they can find that guy this offseason. It would be extremely shortsighted decision making by Barry Trotz to use each pick straight up when he has the opportunity to get aggressive and try to acquire players he might not have the chance at otherwise.
Nashville Predators can be creative with use of 2025 draft picks
The biggest roster weakness that everyone talks about for the Nashville Predators is a top flight venter, and for as good as their draft situation is, they cannot bank on getting that guy in the draft, at least as it stands now.
They certainly will not find anything resembling a franchise changing center in free agency, so that leaves them with the trade market as their only option. There is nobody who is considered a sure thing via trades either, but all you can do is give yourself the best chance to find the best guy or group of guys, and making a trade or two would do that.
Marco Rossi is known to be available via trade from Minnesota, and a young and skilled guy like him would be an incredible fit in Nashville. That would be the most ideal option here, and while certainly far fetched, is something Barry Trotz should make a serious effort at, as guys like Rossi are hardly ever available.
The Predators could also take another look at a guy like Trevor Zegras, who has had a few down years in Anaheim, but seems to need a change of scenery and could really benefit from it. There is a chance he never again reaches the level and trajectory he was perviously on, but with his talent level and young age, he would be worth taking a chance on.
Maybe the Predators even decide to go for a more modest add such as Dawson Mercer, who had his best statistical season when Andrew Brunette was behind the Devils' bench. Mercer likely would not cost a ton of assets, and he is young, so he could be a quality add for the future even if he is not the main guy.
There are likely other options out there, but even if the Predators truly do not like what they see on the trade market, they could use their vast capital to help move up in the draft. There are even rumors that the San Jose Sharks are open to trading back, and being able to land the second overall pick in a trade with them would be a major boost.
There is no one move that the Predators must make with their top-100 picks, they just have to get aggressive and use one of those options if they want to actually get better for the future. They desperately need real blue chip talent, and this year is the best chance they have had to acquire it in a long time.