#5: Teddy Stiga, Center, 2nd Round pick by Predators in 2024
I really like the early returns from Teddy Stiga since being drafted at 55th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2024. Still very early in his journey to the NHL one day, but Stiga looked really good in his first year at Boston College putting up 30 points in 36 games.
Stiga is praised by scouts as being a player that plays with a high hockey IQ, a skill that is paramount to one day being an starting center in the NHL. It should serve him well throughout the rest of his NCAA career and eventually in the professional ranks.
I'm giving Stiga a spot in my top-5 for one because the Predators' prospects pool isn't deep with superstar potential, but also because I like Stiga's hockey sense to keep getting better. He has plenty of time to round out his game before the Predators will come calling.
Stiga has also already had his moments in the bright lights and on the biggest stage you can ask for as an 18-year-old at the time, and that's the World Junior Championship for Team USA. Included with that honor, Stiga won a few weekly and monthly awards as an NCAA rookie player.
Keep tabs on Stiga in 2025-26 to see just how much his game keeps improving even more. In a couple years, Stiga will be a center the Predators hope to call-up and usher in the new future of the organization.
My realistic ceiling for Stiga is probably a middle-six center, but with a medium chance that his game takes off to heights higher than expected.