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Taking a Look at Trotz's Checklist for the 2025 NHL Draft and Nashville Predators

Fans are getting on their knees, praying that Trotz does what's right for the franchise.
ByJordan Manning|
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators draft pick Matthew Wood shakes hands with incoming general manager Barry Trotz after being selected with the fifteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators draft pick Matthew Wood shakes hands with incoming general manager Barry Trotz after being selected with the fifteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
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We are just a few days away from the Nashville Predators' most important day in franchise history—the 2025 NHL Draft. General Manager Barry Trotz has nine picks to work with, including 3 in the 1st round. The Predators placed third last in the league with a 30-44-8 record, making it the worst season in team history in regard to winning percentage.


This past season proved that spending a lot of money doesn't always result in success. In order to apologize for his spending spree, Trotz must play the offseason with a conservative mindset. This means no throwing away money on expensive contracts and no trading away big draft capital and prospects. If anyone reading has Trotz's contract info, send him this draft checklist before it's too late.

1: Do Not Miss on Anyone in the 1st Round, Especially at 5th

This is pretty much a given for any team this year. In the case of Nashville, we can really not afford a singular draft miss in the 1st round. Outside of the top 10 prospects in this draft class, the fall off from elite to talented is noticeable. At 5th overall, Nashville must select their future 1C. Whether it be James Hagens, Anton Frondell, or Caleb Desnoyers, there is a lot of skilled centermen around Nashville's pick.

It's almost a given that Trotz will select a centerman with the 5th overall pick. With this in mind, the organization need to pay more attention to the 23rd and 26th overall picks. These two picks should prioritize on filling other needs like a right-handed defenseman and a goaltender. Realistically, Nashville selects a skilled right-D with the 23rd pick given the defensive talent later in the first 32. Somebody like Blake Fiddler—the dream selection—or Logan Hensler would help fill the hole.

If goalie prospect Joshua Ravensbergen is still available at 26, Nashville needs to select him. Since losing Yaroslav Askarov, the Preds goalie prospect pool hasn't been drier. Adding someone like Ravensbergen would bring a decent amount of stability in Nashville's future in net. However, recent rankings show that he could be select earlier so Trotz may need to pursue another prospect like Jack Ivankovic. A goalie must be drafted this year regardless.

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