Who To PICK? | A Way Too Early Look At The NHL Draft & Who The Predators Can Select

This episode of Locked On Predators dives into the early speculation surrounding the 2026 NHL Draft, focusing on the Nashville Predators' current draft position and potential picks. With the team missing the playoffs and trading for draft assets at the deadline, their draft stock remains low—currently holding just a 3.5% chance at the #1 overall pick, with the highest odds landing at #10 or #11. The host, Jack Williams, emphasizes the lottery's randomness, cautioning fans against over-optimism despite past upsets like the Islanders' 2025 #1 pick. He outlines the top projected picks: Gavin McKenna (likely #1), Ivar Stenberg (#2), and discusses potential targets for the Predators if they land a high pick, including Tynan Lawrence and Oliver Suvanto. The episode then shifts to the Predators' actual draft haul—12 picks across seven rounds—with a focus on the second-round pick being the most valuable. Williams critiques the low ceiling of later-round picks, noting the high likelihood of most drafted players ending up in the ECHL or Europe. He also highlights the team’s potential to trade roster players to move up, especially with new management expected. In the final segment, Williams grades the 2025 draft class, praising Cameron Reed, Jack Ivan Kovic, and Riker Lee for their standout performances, with Reed earning top marks for his leadership and production. Overall, the episode balances realism with hope, stressing the importance of the upcoming draft lottery and the need for strategic decision-making from the new front office.