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Power Ranking the remaining Nashville Predators Training Camp Roster Bubble players

The Predators have cut down to 28 players with only their preseason finale on October 4 remaining before the regular season begins.
ByChad Minton|
Dec 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (81) and defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) and defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrate during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (81) and defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) and defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrate during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Joakim Kemell
Nashville Predators v Chicago Blackhawks | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

2. Joakim Kemell (17th overall pick by Nashville Predators in 2022)

Another really tough call trying to find space for the sniper that is Joakim Kemell. How do you really leave this guy out of your lineup on opening night if you're a Nashville Predators team who lacks this kind of raw skill in your lineup? If they had veteran depth at the wing that has this kind of skillset then I would say to let Kemell develop more to start the season, but that's just not the case.

I'm all about unleashing the young talent this season and living with the consequences. How does it really benefit you to keep hiding these guys longer and longer in favor of aging veterans who are going to be gone by the time you get through this rebuild anyway?

Now to be fair, Barry Trotz wouldn't agree with my terminology of "rebuild" and probably would favor more of a "reset" or "recalibration". Either way, Kemell is a guy who is waivers exempt and should get his chance to start the season on a clean slate in the NHL.

I just don't always like throwing prospects into a horrible, losing situation late in the season. Why not give them a chance to prove something before it goes off the rails on opening night? Kemell should absolutely be in the starting lineup against the Blue Jackets, and I'm totally fine with healthy scratching Cole Smith or Zachary L'Heureux for it.

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