Category: Sports News

The Nashville Predators are today’s focus in the NHL prospect pool overview series.

Tony Ferrari digs into the Predators’ strengths and weaknesses, latest draft class, positional depth chart, next player in line for an NHL opportunity and more. A player who no longer holds rookie eligibility in the NHL is considered graduated and no longer a prospect for these exercises, with few exceptions.

Initial Thoughts

It’s tough to figure out what the Predators are trying to be right now.

The team is trying to compete after a poor season, but the Preds also made three first-round picks to bolster their pipeline.

GM Barry Trotz said he wants to see if the veteran group can bounce back. Adding prospects to the pipeline, at the very least, gives Nashville a chance to come out of what could be a disaster with a head start on the rebuild.

Matthew Wood is one of the top prospects in the system for Nashville, signing his entry-level contract after three solid seasons in the NCAA. He dealt with some ups and downs in college but ultimately finished fairly strong. 

Wood got into six NHL games, and he will likely be in the lineup to start the season. His finishing ability and size are the assets the Preds want him to showcase. Wood isn’t the fleetest of foot, and he doesn’t drive a line, but as a complementary offensive weapon, Wood has the tools to be a very effective winger. 

The Predators have waited for Joakim Kemell to break through and force his way into the NHL lineup, but it hasn’t happened just yet. The 21-year-old Finn has always been praised for his lethal shooting ability. Kemell can throw some of his weight around at times as well. Unfortunately, Kemell has poor habits when it comes to shooting location. His two full AHL seasons have been fairly steady, putting up 41 and 40 points, but he hasn’t looked dominant or threatening as a goal-scorer quite yet.

Teddy Stiga was one of the best value picks of the 2024 NHL draft. Although he is a bit on the smaller side at just 5-foot-10, his freshman season in the NCAA proved the Preds may have found a very important piece for the future. 

Stiga is relentless in all facets of the game, consistently working to get pucks back by getting in on attacks or chasing down loose pucks into the corners. Offensively, he helps drive his line’s success by providing his linemates with a hard-working, skilled player to work with. Stiga wasn’t given much run with Boston College’s top players last year, but he still managed to put up 30 points in 36 games. This upcoming year, he could be reunited with USA Hockey National Team Development Program teammate James Hagens on the top line, and the duo could tear up the NCAA. 

The Preds love players with a blend of skill and physicality, and Egor Surin brings that in spades. He can crush a player along the wall or below the goal line, pick up the puck and deke a defender on his way to the net. Surin had a good year in the KHL, and he has two more years on his contract in Russia. Altering speed and learning to play a bit more refined defensive hockey will be a big step for the entertaining Russian. 

Kalan Lind is a wrecking ball, constantly looking to inflict pain on defenders whenever he’s hunting them down on the forecheck. Lind is the kind of player that teams value for his playoff impact when the rules become more relaxed and the game gets heavier. He’s never going to be a big scorer at the NHL level, but he could play a very steady depth role and break out in the post-season. He has some good playmaking ability at times, but his on-puck game has plenty of room for growth.

Although he’s been traded twice now, David Edstrom is a very good player. It’s why he went from Vegas to San Jose in the Tomas Hertl trade, and it’s why Nashville wanted him in the trade that sent Yaroslav Askarov to the Sharks. 

Edstrom is a big, mobile, reliable center who plays the game the way coaches want. He’s got solid two-way utility and connects plays well as a passer. After a couple of seasons in the Swedish League, he’ll play in the AHL after getting a taste in the playoffs.

The Predators have been enamored with the development and play of Tanner Molendyk over the last couple of years, but they’ve been patient in not rushing him into the NHL. He finished his junior career with a WHL championship before falling in the Memorial Cup final, but he did a great job in using his mobility and intelligence to dictate play from the back end. He will likely join the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this season, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if he gets off to a solid start and finds himself in the NHL at some point. 

U-23 Players Likely to Play NHL Games This Season 

Zachary L’Heureux (LW), Fedor Svechkov (C)

2025 NHL Draft Class

Round 1, 5th overall - Brady Martin, C, S.S. Marie (OHL)

Round 1, 21st overall - Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Round 1, 26th overall - Ryker Lee, RW, Madison (USHL)

Round 2, 35th overall - Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln (USHL)

Round 2, 58th overall - Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)

Round 4, 122nd overall - Alex Huang, D, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Round 6, 163rd overall - Daniel Nieminen, D, Pelicans (Fin.)

The Nashville Predators had the opportunity to alter their future with three first-round picks and five picks in the top 60. They opted for a mix of safe picks and risky selections. Only time will tell if the 2025 NHL draft class will have the effect that Preds fans and management hope it can.

With the fifth pick, the Predators sought a player who would bring physicality, drive and an endless motor. Those are the reasons Trotz gave for taking Brady Martin in the top five. Martin is a missile on the ice, constantly looking to throw his weight around and level opponents along the boards.

Martin may not have quite the offensive upside of some of the other players available, but he is nearly a surefire bet to be a solid NHLer. His offensive game isn’t anything to shy away from, either. He can bang and crash, cleaning up garbage around the net. He also has a solid shot from the slot. Martin creates offense through his physical play, winning battles on the boards or turning pucks over on the forecheck. Martin may not be a No. 1 center, but he should be an effective player nonetheless.

At 21st overall, the Predators took a swing on one of the most intriguing defenseman in the draft, Cameron Reid. He’s a high-level skater who loves to attack up ice and join the rush. In the offensive zone, his mobility to walk the line and fire crisp passes all over the ice makes him dangerous. He can beat opponents off the blueline to open up more opportunities to make plays. The six-foot Reid needs to work on his defensive game, particularly when the play gets hemmed in his own end, but the upside is enticing. 

Speaking of enticing upside, Ryker Lee was so much fun to watch this season for Madison in the United States League. His puckhandling is tantalizing, creating space with his hands and manipulating the position of the puck to open passing or shooting lanes. His defensive game is a work in progress, but his offensive tools are absolutely unreal at times. Lee has a fantastic shot, but his creativity and touch as a passer make him special. His skating needs to develop so that he can better use his skills, which makes the move to Michigan State such a smart one. College will allow him to refine his craft against bigger, stronger competition. 

Jacob Rombach is a physical defensive defenseman. He won’t try to make flashy or skilled plays, understanding the limitations of his game and playing within them. The 6-foot-6 defender is a smooth skater who reads play and cuts it down as quickly as possible. He has the tools to make a good breakout pass or connecting play, but his offensive game won’t blow anyone away. Rombach is a throwback in some ways, bringing the big hits and physical edge that teams love. 

The Predators replenished their goalie pipeline by adding Jack Ivankovic. He may not have been the first goalie off the board, but he was in the top tier of netminders in this class. His six-foot size was the one limiting factor for NHL scouts, but his technical game and athleticism are exactly what they should want. Ivankovic has been a fixture for Team Canada at the junior levels because he can not only give his team a chance to win but also steal games. 

Alex Huang was talked about as a potential first-rounder heading into the season. The defenseman’s mobility and passing were impressive throughout the campaign. Huang took advantage of the QMJHL's softer defensive structure to find passing lanes or room to change the angle. His defensive play was inconsistent, and Huang’s overall issue is that he has struggled to consistently impact the game at both ends when the pace and pressure increase.

With their final pick of the draft, Nashville took Daniel Nieminen. The 19-year-old Finnish blueliner has always been an excellent skater, but this year, he showed just how well-rounded his game is. His puck-moving ability is impressive and efficient. Nieminen uses his skating defensively as well, cutting off play and gapping up quickly to take away the time to make a play.

Strengths

For a team that has struggled to find a true No. 1 center for most of its existence, the Predators prioritized drafting players with at least some center experience. 

Wood and Joey Willis have played some center, but they’ll likely wind up as wingers at the next level. But their centers who have an actual chance of sticking there are solid bets. 

The recently drafted Martin is a one-man wrecking crew who has some intriguing upside. Surin is a high-energy center who plays fast and skillfully. Felix Nilsson is a complete, do-it-all center who understands how to advance play on just about every shift. Edstrom is a strong two-way center with the size and mobility to be an effective middle-six pivot. The Preds may not have a true No. 1 in the pipeline still, but they have a handful of centers who could all be legitimate options in the middle six. 

Weaknesses

The Predators have done a fairly good job of rebuilding the prospect pool, but the one area they haven’t really addressed yet is the right side of the defense. 

They have a couple of low-upside long shots, but they don’t have a potential top-four blueliner. On the left side, they have Molendyk, Reid and maybe Rombach or Nieminen, depending on how much rope you want to give them. Jack Matier and Andrew Gibson look like depth players at most, and the more recent draft picks don’t come with much pedigree. Finding a young D-man on the right side will be key to building toward the next era. 

Hidden Gem: Felix Nilsson, C/W

With incredible intelligence and a tactical approach to the game, Nilsson has grown quite a bit since being drafted in 2023. The 19-year-old had a bit of a breakout season in the SHL with 22 points in 40 games. 

Nilsson is a playmaker who makes crisp passes as he works his way around the ice like a chess player. He uses his teammates and positions himself to receive return passes, working give-and-gos around the ice. In the offensive zone, Nilsson consistently funnels pucks to dangerous scoring areas. The ability to read the play and make the correct passes with perfect timing and weight makes Nilsson a very steady center.

Next Man Up: Matthew Wood, C/W

While most of the projected lineups have Wood listed in the bottom six, his offensive habits and dual-threat ability will work best in the top six. 

Wood has consistently been able to play alongside high-end players as a passing option in give-and-go plays or on the boards in transition. Wood keeps pace, fills space and understands how to present the puck carrier with an outlet at every turn. He stays connected to his linemates, keeping good spacing. Wood is likely to bounce around the lineup, but if he gets a shot in the top six, he could be a sneaky Calder candidate. 

Prospect Depth Chart Notables

LW: Matthew Wood, Teddy Stiga, Joey Willis, Kalan Lind, Reid Schaefer, Viktor Norringer

C: Brady Martin, Egor Surin, Felix Nilsson, David Edstrom, Adam Ingram

RW: Ryker Lee, Joakim Kemell, Aiden Fink, Hiroki Gojsic, Ozzy Wiesblatt

LD: Tanner Molendyk, Cameron Reid, Adam Wilsby, Jacob Rombach, Daniel Nieminen, Viggo Gustafsson

RD: Jack Matier, Andrew Gibson, Alex Huang, Kasper Kulonummi

G: Jack Ivankovic, Jakub Milota, Magnus Chrona

For a deeper dive into the prospect pool with player rankings, check out the Yearbook and Future Watch editions of The Hockey News in print.

Ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers. The decision to move on from him was not an easy one for the organization, but one they felt was necessary at the time.

Chicago ended up finishing with the third-worst record, and the lottery balls fell their way. The Blackhawks won the first overall pick, which gave them the privilege to select Connor Bedard. 

It wasn't wise not to even consider bringing Kane back once they secured Bedard. He, along with Jonathan Toews, who they also forced out, would have been the perfect mentors for their young superstar prospect. Instead, Toews took two years off, and Kane moved on to the Detroit Red Wings. 

Kane’s impact on Bedard would have helped him both on and off the ice. In terms of hockey, Kane is one of the most productive offensive wingers of all time. Having him on the top line with Bedard from the jump would have helped the kid’s production, which would have allowed him to reach a premier confidence level early. 

Off the ice, Kane is obsessed with winning and making himself better. He is still productive in his late 30s, and that is a result of his dedication. With Kane to look up to, it may not have taken almost three years for Bedard to take action on his skating/speed issues. He likely would have been more motivated to improve with each passing day if he had the opportunity to watch Kane up close. 

Instead of letting their generational stars lead the way, Chicago opted to bring in guys like Corey Perry, Nick Foligno, Taylor Hall, and Patrick Maroon, among others, to be leaders. Those are all great players, but none of them have the impact that a guy like Kane (or Toews) has. 

Bedard came into the league and was already so much better than everyone else on his team. If Kane were there, that would not have been the case.

Kane is signed to another one-year deal with Detroit, so in theory, he can come back one day. However, based on Kyle Davidson’s previous comments, it doesn’t sound likely ever to happen. Instead, Bedard will have to keep learning what it takes to be a star from scratch, although the Blackhawks could have had an elite example already waiting for him. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Eleven players chose to sign for arbitration this offseason. Of those, only six remained unsigned by the time the hearings were scheduled: Arvid Soderblom (July 28), Maksim Tsyplakov (July 29), Dylan Samberg (July 30), Conor Timmins (August 2), Nicholas Robertson (August 3), and Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Jayden Struble, whose case is scheduled for August 3.

As for Kaapo Kakko, he avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms with the Seattle Kraken. The three-year deal has an AAV of $4.525. Just like filing for arbitration doesn’t put a halt to negotiation, getting a hearing date doesn’t either, so the Canadiens and Struble can still avoid the unpleasant experience if they reach an agreement before the hearing commences.

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These things can take time. When the Habs struggled to sign former blueliner P.K. Subban in 2014, both parties were already in Toronto and they completed the hearing process before a deal was reached ahead of the arbitrator delivering his ruling.

When Subban came out of the hearing, he stated that it had been “an educational process” for him, while then GM Marc Bergevin simply stated that he had nothing to say. It’s hardly surprising to hear that kind of comment from a player who comes out of a hearing in which the team tried its best to demonstrate why he’s not worth the money he’s asking.

Essentially, the hearings consist of the team stating and demonstrating the player’s shortcomings. Since hockey is a big business, you can be sure that teams leave no stone unturned. They hire litigation lawyers and tell them what kind of award they would be satisfied with, and the firm puts together a file that includes every single stat that is favourable to the team’s position. The lawyers are thorough.

Having worked on such files in the past, I can tell you it’s like getting an appraisal from your boss and just being told what you do poorly. There’s nothing positive there, which means it’s a lot to process and can sour the relationship between the team and the player.

In the end, the Canadiens and Subban reached a deal before the arbitrator decided on an award, but the damage had been done. Still, the rearguard went away with an eight-year deal with a $9M AAV, but it was the beginning of the end for him in Montreal.

The contract included a no-trade clause that was set to take effect on July 1, 2016. Still, it never materialized, as the Canadiens traded him to the Nashville Predators in return for the Predators' captain, Shea Weber, on June 29, 2016, in the nick of time, as they say.

A few things have changed since then, though. The 2020 Memorandum of Understanding states that a contract can only be agreed on until the hearing starts. Once it kicks off, negotiations are over and the parties will have to live with the arbitrator’s decision.

Since Struble decided to go to arbitration, it will be up to the Canadiens to determine if they want a one-year deal or a two-year one. So far, Kent Hughes has generally opted for a two-year pact with young defenders coming off their ELC deal.

Last offseason, the Canadiens’ GM put pen to paper with Arber Xhekaj on a two-year pact with a $1.3 M AAV and signed Justin Barron to a two-year agreement with a $1.15 M AAV. The year before, he had signed Jordan Harris to a two-year contract with a $1.4 M AAV. Both Harris and Barron were traded before the end of their second contracts, and the fact that they were signed to reasonable deals made them easier to trade, thereby giving them more market value.

The one exception when it comes to defensemen contracts has been Kaiden Guhle, whose services were retained by the Canadiens for six years coming off his ELC, becoming the first blueliner to be identified as a core piece for Montreal. As for newly acquired Noah Dobson, he was given an eight-year deal by the New York Islanders under the Habs’ instructions, but that was his third contract; he was coming off a three-year deal with a $4M AAV.

Chances are Lane Hutson will also be part of the exceptions, and while he is eligible to sign an extension, his contract is good until the end of the upcoming season, and there’s therefore no rush. However, Hughes will no doubt want to sign him before the next CBA comes into force on September 16, 2026. Why? Because then the maximum term a player can be extended to by his team will become seven years instead of eight, and there will be restrictions on the amount of bonuses that can be included as part of the deal.

For now, the amount Struble is asking for and the amount the Canadiens are offering are unknown, but they will be made public if the matter reaches arbitration. I struggle to see how this move makes sense for Struble, since he hasn’t got much leverage. He’s only played 56 games per season in the NHL so far, and that was mainly thanks to other defensemen being injured. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good defenseman, but he’s yet to establish himself as a regular. Even with the salary cap going up, I find it hard to believe that he could receive more than what Xhekaj was signed for. Hopefully, a deal will be reached before the hearing begins.

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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During the 2023-24 season, Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson thrived. In 82 games, he set new career highs with 22 goals and 35 points in 82 games. This was after he scored nine goals and set a previous career-high with 30 points in 78 games with Chicago in 2022-23. 

Due to how well he immediately fit into the Blackhawks' system, Dickinson earned a two-year, $8.5 million contract extension with the Blackhawks in January of the 2023-24 campaign. His extension started this past season, and unfortunately, it was a tough year for the Georgetown, Ontario native. 

In 59 games this past season with the Blackhawks, Dickinson recorded just seven goals, nine assists, and a minus-11 rating. Overall, the 2013 first-round pick's offense noticeably dropped in 2024-25, and his goal from here will now be to bounce back next season.

When looking at Dickinson's first two seasons with the Blackhawks, there is reason to believe that he can get things back on track. He has shown in the past with Chicago that he can produce decent secondary offensive production, and this was especially the case in 2023-24. While expecting him to score 22 goals again may be a big ask, him reaching the 30-point mark again should not be ruled out. If he does, it would be good for a Blackhawks club that is hoping to take a step forward in 2025-26. 

Nevertheless, it is going to be very fascinating to see what kind of season Dickinson has next year. The potential for him to get his offense back up and continue to be a smart defensive center is undoubtedly there. 

Blackhawks Young Defender Gets Big Shout-OutWith the Chicago Blackhawks rebuilding, they have plenty of promising young players. One of them is defenseman Wyatt Kaiser, as the 22-year-old blueliner has the potential to become a nice piece for them as he continues to adjust to the NHL level.

Photo Credit:  © Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Hockey News Big Show discussed the top players in the NHL right now, as ranked in THN’s Top 100 Players issue, and other topics as the off-season continues.

The NHL's Top Players Right Now by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

01:00: Why was Nathan Mackinon No. 1 on the list?

04:00: Thoughts on Cale Makar’s spot on the list?

06:00: What were the criteria for the top 10 of the list?

07:40: How much did championships play a factor?

09:00: Which player in the top 10 who hasn't won the Stanley Cup will win it first?

13:00: Which players who weren’t on the list could jump onto it in the future?

16:30: Who could potentially fall out of the list?

19:00:  Who are some young players who could soon join the list?

20:40: Who will be the most improved players?

23:50: Which rookie will make the list first?

26:15: Looking toward the season ahead, which teams could exceed expectations and or disappoint?

30:15: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs worse on paper?

33:00: Which team are you most excited to watch going into next season?

36:30: Did the Tampa Bay Lightning need to do more?

38:45: Should the Florida Panthers still be considered Cup favourites?

40:45: Where does the Tkachuk-Huberdeau deal rank in terms of blockbuster trades?

43:30: Kappo Kakko signed a three-year contract. Yay or nay on the cap hit and term?

44:40: How stoked are you for Adam Fox appearing in an ad for The Naked Gun reboot?

Watch the full Episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

Former New Jersey Devils right winger Daniel Sprong has officially signed with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after a decade in the NHL. He will continue his career abroad with CSKA Moscow.

Sprong was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut that same season, playing 18 games with the Penguins in 2015-16 before being assigned to the AHL.

From 2018-19 through 2024-25, Sprong played for six different NHL teams. He spent two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks (2018-20), followed by a year with the Washington Capitals (2020-22). He then joined the Seattle Kraken from 2021 to 2023.

The final stretch of his NHL career saw him with the Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, and finally the New Jersey Devils. During the 2024-25 season, Sprong was traded three times, splitting the year between the Canucks, Kraken, and Devils.

He joined the Devils on March 7, 2025, appearing in 11 games for the team.

Sprong recorded two assists with New Jersey, while on a one-year, $975,000 contract.

Reflecting on his time with the Devils, Sprong told Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News:

"I loved it here. A great group of guys (and) great fans. I would say everything before New Jersey (this season) was pretty difficult. Mentally, I had a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs, but when I got to New Jersey, I think I fit in well."

After the 2024-25 season, Sprong became an unrestricted free agent when the Devils chose not to re-sign him, and no other NHL teams picked him up.

Speaking about his time in New Jersey, Sprong praised Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, saying in his exit interview:

"He is my favorite coach I have played for in the NHL so far. He is honest. He says it how it is. That works really well for me."

Over his NHL career, Sprong played 374 games and tallied 166 points. 

Now 28 years old, Sprong has opted to continue his career in the KHL, though a future NHL return remains possible.

Photo Credit: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Defenseman John Ludvig has signed a contract with Czechia's HC Dynamo Pardubice, the team announced Wednesday.

Ludvig recorded two assists in eight games with the Colorado Avalanche and 12 points in 31 games with the Colorado Eagles last season.

The 24-year-old appeared in 33 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season and has seven points in 41 career NHL games. He has six goals and 37 points in 105 career AHL games with the Eagles, Syracuse Crunch, Charlotte Checkers, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

Originally a third round selection of the Florida Panthers in 2019, Ludvig was claimed off waivers by the Penguins prior to the 2023-24 season and by the Avalanche prior to the 2024-25 season. He was not issued a qualifying offer by Colorado this off-season. 

𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐆 🫵🏻 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 pic.twitter.com/iOdFJA8xH0

— HC DYNAMO PARDUBICE (@HCPCE) July 23, 2025

This is a somewhat surprising move for the young defender given his NHL experience over the past two seasons but he will play a significant role in Pardubice where his father, seven-year NHL veteran Jan Ludvig, currently serves as a skills coach.

Check out our AHL Free Agency signing tracker here.   

Photo Credit: © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images