News Summary
As the excitement builds for the upcoming NHL Draft in Los Angeles, the Nashville Predators reflect on their successful draft history, producing NHL stars and preparing to make significant selections. With a fifth overall pick and ten total selections, including three first-round choices, the Predators look to strengthen their roster and continue their legacy. Iconic players like David Legwand and Roman Josi serve as reminders of their draft achievements, while recent trades highlight their strategic approach going forward.
Nashville – As the sports world eagerly anticipates the 2025 NHL Draft set to take place next week in Los Angeles, the Nashville Predators are reflecting on their storied draft history, which has successfully produced numerous NHL stars through its scouting department. Despite a few recent draft selections that management has opted to move on from, the franchise’s historical draft record showcases significant achievements and promising players that emerged from earlier selections.
The Nashville Predators are poised to select fifth overall in the draft, marking their first top-five selection since they drafted Seth Jones at number four in 2013. Adding to their strategic advantage, the Predators hold a total of ten picks in the upcoming draft, which includes three first-round selections. These additional picks were acquired through trades involving players like Tanner Jeannot and Yaroslav Askarov, further enhancing Nashville’s prospects for future talent acquisition.
Among the franchise’s standout draft selections, David Legwand, chosen second overall in the 1998 NHL Draft, is deemed a foundational figure in the Predators organization. Legwand played an impressive 956 games in Nashville, amassing 210 goals, 356 assists, and a total of 566 points. His tenure was not only marked by his individual accomplishments but also by his pivotal role in developing other prominent players, including Shea Weber, Roman Josi, and Pekka Rinne.
Roman Josi, in particular, is celebrated as one of the most important players in franchise history. Drafted by the Predators, Josi currently holds multiple franchise records, including assists (534), points (724), and games played (962). Notably, Josi had a record-breaking season in which he accumulated 96 points. His leadership has also been evident outside the rink, as he actively engages with Nashville’s youth community, further solidifying his legacy in the region.
On the roster, another intriguing story is that of Tommy Novak, who has demonstrated an impressive transformation from the ECHL to the NHL. Novak scored 49 goals and recorded 68 points in 201 games with the Predators after joining from the Florida Everblades. His success has contributed significantly to the team’s youth movement and has aided in the development of younger players such as Zachary L’Heureux and Luke Evangelista.
The Predators have also made headlines recently with a trade that brought Erik Haula to the team from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft. Haula, who signed a three-year contract worth $9.45 million with the Devils, returns to Nashville after a season that saw him contribute 21 points in 51 games. This trade will allow the Devils to gain $3.15 million in cap space, illustrating the strategic shifts that teams often make to strengthen their rosters.
A notable milestone for the Predators is the recent success of Seth Jones, who was drafted by Nashville in 2013 and recently celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers. This achievement is significant as it marks the first time a Predators first-round selection has won the coveted trophy, further elevating the franchise’s reputation for producing elite talent.
As the countdown to the 2025 NHL Draft continues, the Nashville Predators are not only preparing to add new players to their roster but also reflecting on a legacy built on successful draft practices that have shaped the team into a competitive force in the league.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Predlines: Nashville Predators All-Time Greatest Draft Selections
- NHL.com: Erik Haula Traded to Predators by Devils
- Tennessean: Nashville Predators Draft Lottery Results
- Predlines: NHL Draft Profiles for Nashville Predators
- NHL.com: Predators Acquire Erik Haula from New Jersey
- Wikipedia: Nashville Predators
