2023-08-16 23:52:40
1. Matthew Wood, A
How it was acquired: Drafted 15th overall in 2023
Last season: University of Connecticut (NCAA): 35 MJ, 11-23-34
Wood had a big impact in his rookie season last year, when he led the University of Connecticut in points despite being the youngest player in the NCAA. The 18-year-old forward already has a good frame (6-foot-5, 202 pounds), which allows him to take up a lot of space on the ice and thus establish his position and maintain possession of the puck in the zone. offensive. He scores goals, he has great vision and he plays with a direct style, assets that will ultimately benefit the Predators.
Wood was used in all situations with the Huskies last season, so he can contribute in many ways. The Predators want Wood to improve his power and skating going into his sophomore season. When he will make the leap to the pros remains to be seen, but given his talent, it wouldn’t be surprising if it happens following this season.
“He’s an imposing player who continues to put weight on his frame,” said former general manager David Poile, who retired on June 30. “He’s a sniper and he’s big, that’s something we really wanted. »
Expected arrival in the NHL: 2025-26
2. Yaroslav Askarov, G
How it was acquired: Drafted 11th overall in 2020
Last season: Milwaukee (AHL): 48 GM, 26-16-5, 2.69 mba, %ARR. .911
Askarov had a strong first season in North America. The 21-year-old goaltender appeared in the 2023 AHL All-Star Game and helped guide the Milwaukee Admirals to the Calder Cup playoffs. Askarov (6-3, 178) won a decisive Game 5 twice in the AHL playoffs, but didn’t play the last four games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Predators are pleased with Askarov’s progress both on and off the ice during the 2022-23 season, particularly the fact that he has improved his training habits. The Predators say they’re impressed with his athleticism and his ability to cover openings when kneeling.
“I think he had a fantastic year in his first professional season,” said Scott Nichol, assistant general manager and director of player development for the Predators. “He has a good personality, he is very competitive and he wants to win. As with all young players in the American League, it’s simply a matter of consistency on a daily basis. For the majority of the season he has been very solid. »
Expected arrival in the NHL: 2024-25
3. Joakim Kemell, A
How it was acquired: Drafted 17th overall in 2022
Saison dernière : Milwaukee (LAH): 14 MJ, 6-7-13; JYP (League): 43 MJ, 12-3-15
The 19-year-old striker showed he can rise to the challenge once morest more experienced players when he joined the Admirals at the end of the season. Kemell, 18 at the time, had almost a point per game in 14 regular season games and then led Milwaukee with eight goals in 14 playoff games. He is a natural goalscorer with an excellent shot. Kemell (5-11, 182) creates his own scoring chances by taking advantage of his tenacity and competitiveness in the offensive zone. Even if he fails to secure his place in the NHL at the end of training camp this fall, he should be entitled to a promotion during the year.
“He plays a physical style,” Nichol said. He applies good checks with the shoulder, and he is strong with the puck for a young player. He wants the puck, he asks for the puck, and he wants to shoot the puck. »
Expected arrival in the NHL: This season
4. Luke Evangelista, A
How it was acquired: Drafted 42nd overall in 2020
Last season: Nashville (NHL): 24 GMs, 7-8-15; Milwaukee (AHL): 49 GM, 9-32-41
Evangelista, 21, made quite the impression following being called up from the AHL in February. He scored a brace in his fourth NHL game and became a roster regular, helping the Predators stay in contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs until the final week of the season, despite many players in the infirmary. When he returned to the AHL for the playoffs, Evangelista led the Admirals with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 16 games. Evangelista (6-0, 183) isn’t the biggest or fastest player, but the Predators like his smarts and tenacity down the ramp.
“He’s got really good hockey sense,” Nichol said. His hockey sense is amazing. He knows how to spot the second wave of players entering the offensive zone. »
Expected arrival in the NHL: This season
5. Tanner Molendyk, D
How it was acquired: Drafted 24th overall in 2023
Last season: Saskatoon (WHL): 67 GMs, 9-28-37
It all starts with speed for Molendyk, who takes advantage of his skating to anticipate the pass in the defensive zone and orchestrate the exits from the zone. The 18-year-old left-handed defender has a good shot, impressive blue line vision and the ability to play once morest top lines. Molendyk (6-1, 182) wants to produce more offensively this season in the WHL, where he should get more ice time.
“His skating is fantastic,” said Nichol. He has a lot of confidence in his footwork. His competitiveness… he’s not a very strong player, but he fights very hard. »
Expected arrival in the NHL: 2025-26
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