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Boston College forward James Hagens (10) shoots the puck against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats during the third period at Conte Forum.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Nashville Predators were promised a top-five pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and that is precisely what they got, picking fifth.
While it may not be as high as what fans and management had hoped for, the Predators will still have the chance to select one of the top players in this year's draft class.
This is Nashville's highest pick since 2014, when they selected defenseman Seth Jones at No. 4 overall.
Coming off a disappointing 30-44-8 regular season, talent for the future could be just what this team needs.
Here are three of the top prospects the Predators can select with the fifth overall pick.
James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
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American talent in the NHL has spiked over the last decade. With players like Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, and Jack Eichel leading the way, picking a high-end American forward could be the move for the Predators.
Center James Hagens is the top American player in this class. He spent this last season with Boston College, tallying 37 points in 37 games and helping the Eagles to the NCAA Regional Finals, where they fell to Denver, 3-1.
He also helped Team USA to the gold medal in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, recording nine points in seven games.
While he isn't a generational talent coming out of the draft, he has the potential to grow into a franchise player. The Predators need more consistency in their bottom six, and Hagen could be a perfect center on the third or fourth line.
He'd be a good fit for Nashville, but as one of the top players in the draft, the odds are high that he could be picked earlier than fifth.
Hagens is from Hauppauge, New York, meaning the New York Islanders have the chance to use their first No. 1 overall pick since 2009 on a hometown player.
Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Top-end prospects that were injured this season are always a risk to draft, but could allow the Predators to dig up a diamond in the rough.
One of those players is Roger McQueen, who had 11 points in his first eight games of the season before suffering a long-term injury. He'd eventually return and play six more games, recording nine points.
However, during the 2023-24 season, he played in 53 games and recorded 51 points. McQueen also played for Team Canada in the IIHF Under-18 World Hockey Championships, recording a point in two games.
With a 6-foot-5-inch, 190-pound build and a proven scorer, McQueen seems physically built for the NHL and a spot as a third or fourth-line center.
Due to his injury, he's predicted to go a little lower in the draft, but that allows Nashville to scoop him up easily. The downside is that the Predators could be passing on more secure and healthier talent.
Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
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Erie Otters forward Dylan Edwards, left, competes against Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa during an Ontario Hockey League playoff game at Erie Insurance Arena in Erie on April 1, 2025. GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Can the Predators experience some good fortune? After a disappointing season and the "worst case scenario " in the draft lottery, will it be three times the charm?
Michael Misa is statistically a top-two pick in this draft. He put up a monstrous statline this season with the Saginaw Spirit, recording 134 points in 65 games and winning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, which is given to the top scorer in the OHL.
He could be selected with the fifth pick because he suffered a lower-body injury in the playoffs and was reportedly still recovering from it at the Under-18 World Championships.
If scouts and GMs have a similar mindset as they do with McQueen, Misa could slip a few spots.
If the Predators do get him, that would be huge. While he can be used as a center, putting him at the wing gives Nashville the firepower it needs along the edges.
Depending on how well he develops, he could pack that punch that's been needed on the second line.
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