Predators Trade Down in Draft to Select a Goaltender Gem in Mid-Second Round

With the 58th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators are glad to select goaltender Jack Ivankovic from the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL.

General Manager Barry Trotz traded pick 55 to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for picks 58 and 122 in this year's draft. The organization has highly prioritized defense this draft and now shift their focus to the goaltending department. Ivankovic was projected to go early in the second round by analysts, especially with top goalie prospect Joshua Ravensbergen going 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks.

Ivankovic had a 25-12-5 record with the Steelheads, recording a .903 SV% and 3.05 GAA with 2 shutouts. However, we didn't get to see his true potential until the WJC. With Canada's U18 team, he posted an insane .961 SV% and 1.05 GAA. In the six games he laced up for, he managed to give Canada a win every single team, going 6-0-0.

Ivankovic Could Be Replacement for Askarov in Net

After watching some highlights, you can really see why so many scouts love him. EliteProspects calls Ivankovic "a game-stealing" goaltender and for very good reason. His height—6'0"—allows him to move with speed and endurance. For Preds fans, look at Ivankovic as the Canadian Juuse Saros. While he may be slightly taller than the league's shortest goalie, he's told reporters that he looks up to Saros' style and is excited to join him in Smashville in a few years.

The Mississauga, Ontario native is committed to joining the University of Michigan for next season. For Nashville, this is important since it allows him to further develop his game with more skilled players in the NCAA. Expect Ivankovic to slip into the Predators' organization in the coming years. In the case skating with Broadway, Trotz shouldn't rush the process and let the kid grow into his new pair of skates. Welcome to Smashville Ivankovic!