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Long before the Nashville Predatorslearned their fate in the NHL draft lottery on May 5, general manager Barry Trotz was prepared for the worst — that they might miss out on their first chance at a No. 1 overall pick in franchise history.
Which is exactly what happened.
The Predators dropped to No. 5 overall, falling from their No. 3 pre-draw position. When two teams lower in the order beat the odds — the New York Islanders moved from No. 10 to No. 1, and the Utah Hockey Club moved from No. 14 to No. 4 — that pushed Nashville down two slots.
"When you're up against the field, in terms of the odds, there was a likelihood that that could happen," Trotz said. "I was hoping it didn't. But at the same time I feel very comfortable we're still going to get a good player to add to our pool."
Despite dropping two spots, the Predators will select in the top five for the first time in 12 years — in 2013, they drafted defenseman Seth Jones at No. 4 overall.
"Even moving back a couple spots to No. 5, we're going to get a good player. I don't have any doubt about that," Trotz added.
Now, with a little less than eight weeks until the draft, Trotz and the Predators' scouting department have plans to maximize the value of their three first-round picks.
THREE FIRSTS: One of Nashville Predators' 3 first-round draft picks improves thanks to Florida Panthers
Because they dropped out of the top three, the Predators likely will miss out on the top prospects, including defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens.
But that doesn't mean the Predators won't instantly upgrade their talent pool.
"(The lottery result) doesn't change a whole lot. You have a little more clarity because you know where you're picking," Trotz said. "At (No. 5), the options before us will send us in different directions than we thought."
Three North American forwards and two European forwards are the most likely options. Porter Martone, a winger with the OHL's Brampton Steelheads, is a dynamic goal scorer and playmaker who led his team with 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games. At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Martone would be a perfect size and skill combination for the Predators and likely a top-six winger as an 18-year-old.
Roger McQueen is a big two-way forward with plenty of skill to go with his size (6-5, 192 pounds). He battled injuries this year playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), but still managed more than a point-per-game pace, with 20 points in 17 games.
Center Caleb Desnoyers is a late riser in draft rankings after a 35-goal, 49-assist season with the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). He also brings a size and skill combination often found at the top of the NHL draft.
The two European options include winger Victor Eklund and center Anton Frondell, both of whom play for Djurgardens IF in Sweden. Eklund is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed shooter who led the team with 19 goals. Frondell battled a knee injury early last season, but still managed 25 points in 29 games once he returned.
ESTES: By doubling down on Andrew Brunette, Predators' Barry Trotz gambles his future, too
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at [email protected]. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Barry Trotz on Predators drop to No. 5 overall in NHL draft lottery
Continue reading...
Which is exactly what happened.
The Predators dropped to No. 5 overall, falling from their No. 3 pre-draw position. When two teams lower in the order beat the odds — the New York Islanders moved from No. 10 to No. 1, and the Utah Hockey Club moved from No. 14 to No. 4 — that pushed Nashville down two slots.
"When you're up against the field, in terms of the odds, there was a likelihood that that could happen," Trotz said. "I was hoping it didn't. But at the same time I feel very comfortable we're still going to get a good player to add to our pool."
Despite dropping two spots, the Predators will select in the top five for the first time in 12 years — in 2013, they drafted defenseman Seth Jones at No. 4 overall.
"Even moving back a couple spots to No. 5, we're going to get a good player. I don't have any doubt about that," Trotz added.
Now, with a little less than eight weeks until the draft, Trotz and the Predators' scouting department have plans to maximize the value of their three first-round picks.
THREE FIRSTS: One of Nashville Predators' 3 first-round draft picks improves thanks to Florida Panthers
Who could the Nashville Predators take at No. 5 overall?
Because they dropped out of the top three, the Predators likely will miss out on the top prospects, including defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens.
But that doesn't mean the Predators won't instantly upgrade their talent pool.
"(The lottery result) doesn't change a whole lot. You have a little more clarity because you know where you're picking," Trotz said. "At (No. 5), the options before us will send us in different directions than we thought."
Three North American forwards and two European forwards are the most likely options. Porter Martone, a winger with the OHL's Brampton Steelheads, is a dynamic goal scorer and playmaker who led his team with 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games. At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Martone would be a perfect size and skill combination for the Predators and likely a top-six winger as an 18-year-old.
Roger McQueen is a big two-way forward with plenty of skill to go with his size (6-5, 192 pounds). He battled injuries this year playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), but still managed more than a point-per-game pace, with 20 points in 17 games.
Center Caleb Desnoyers is a late riser in draft rankings after a 35-goal, 49-assist season with the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). He also brings a size and skill combination often found at the top of the NHL draft.
The two European options include winger Victor Eklund and center Anton Frondell, both of whom play for Djurgardens IF in Sweden. Eklund is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed shooter who led the team with 19 goals. Frondell battled a knee injury early last season, but still managed 25 points in 29 games once he returned.
ESTES: By doubling down on Andrew Brunette, Predators' Barry Trotz gambles his future, too
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at [email protected]. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Barry Trotz on Predators drop to No. 5 overall in NHL draft lottery
Continue reading...
