After what is on pace to be a franchise worst season for Nashville Predator's fans, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. With the team officially locking itself into its draft position, the Preds' own pick cannot fall below the top 5.
With two additional picks at his disposal, Barry Trotz could load the shelves of the prospect cupboard with a few exciting new players. The Predators also have possession of the Vegas Golden Knights' first-round pick and the Tampa Bay Lightning's. With both teams in the playoffs and geared for deep runs, it is likely that these will be late-round picks. Therefore, only prospects being ranked around that position will be considered.
Haoxi Wang (D) Oshawa Generals
"I want some size on the back end, so we have to draft that way"
That was Barry Trotz speaking with Jared Stillman on 102.5 The Game on a radio interview early this month. Describing the types of players he wants to draft, there isn't a better match available then Haoxi Wang.
Wang is 17 years old until July 27th, but measures in at a whopping 6'6". Also known as "Simon", he was born in China and could be the first Chinese born player taken in the first. He appeared in 32 OHL games in his draft year with the Oshawa Generals, only scoring two points. With his size, he is a punishing force on the ice, however, and made his presence felt in other ways.
With a few other decent defensive prospects like Tanner Molendyk, Andrew Gibson, and Ryan Ufko, the Preds dont have anyone with Wangs tools and size. The former all have more offensive skillsets while Wang is more of a pure defender. He seems exactly the kind of guy Trotz would have loved to coach and the exact guy he could try and target later in the first as a General Manager.
Blake Fidler (D) Edmonton Oil KIngs
Sticking with defense, another late-round option is WHL defender Blake Fiddler. A 6'4" right-handed defenseman, he has more tools the Predators lack in their prospect pool. Fiddler's "future lies in his defensive game", according to Neutral Zone Scouting. They also mention Fiddler knows how to leverage his body, allowing him to finish checks and clear his net front well, doing all the dirty work coaches love. Considering Nashville's GM was a coach, maybe this is enough to get Trotz eyes on him.
Born on July 9th, he is currently 17 and was born in none other than Nashville, Tennessee. Having a hometown story to cheer for would be a fun pick for the Preds to make. After such a bleak season, the more feel-good stories the better, starting at the draft.
Cullen Potter (C/LW) Arizona State University
In the same interview with Stillman mentioned earlier, Trotz described another tool he was looking to draft for his organization going forward.
"I want to draft speed, I want more speed"
Cullen Potter is a forward who fits the bill. At only 5'9", he relies on his skating, something he's quite good at. His speed is one of his best weapons, helping him register 22 points in 35 NCAA games. Some describe him as one of the top skaters in this draft class, and if he falls late in the first, it would be a good gamble to take on a skilled, undersized player. Some draft lists have him quite high, but measuring in as small as he does, he seems like the exact type of prospect we see fall in drafts.
Trades?
Of course, with a core of competitive players still on the roster, some of these picks may not be used and instead moved. If Trotz believes in some of the players he has, it wouldn't be an awful idea to ship out a late first-round pick for immediate help. Fans will be waiting to find out what the Predators do as the team misses the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.