PHN Mock NHL Entry Draft: Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, Tn – To say that the past year and a half has been a whirlwind time for the Nashville Predators is a bit of an understatement. Still, despite everything that has gone on around the team, such as a new ownership change, rumors of the team moving everywhere from Kansas City, to Hamilton, to Seattle or to Las Vegas the Predators have stood tall. Despite all that for now at least, they seem to have righted a ship that for a time was without a rudder.
Solid drafts and fiscal responsibility has given the team hope not only for the short term future but for the long term future as well. Finally, the Predators, regardless of where the team calls home 10 years from now, is finally set to move forward to not only rebuild a winner, but a team that just might contend for a Stanley Cup one day.
Still, there is work to be done before we start anointing the Predators the next great contender for the Cup. Five of the Predators forwards are free agents as well as four defensemen and starting goaltender Dan Ellis. Still,

Nashville looks as though they are in good shape overall as the ‘Preds are finally in a position to start keeping their own players.
The ‘Preds were pretty solid on offense as four players had 20 or more goals, and six others with 10 or more. J.P. Dumont and Jason Arnott led the offense with 72 points each, with Dumont leading the team with 29 goals. Still, in a conference that is always competitive the need for more offense is always a plus, and without a forward who is a free agent that they would miss, the Predators appear solid up front.
As far as prospects go the Predators could use help down the middle of the ice. Cal O’Reilly is a solid prospect, but so far hasn’t set the world on fire at the AHL level. Mike Santorelli might be rated higher and might also be a dark horse to make the big club next season. Drafting a forward, regardless of their position would not be a bad thing.
Nashville is solid on defense despite the number of free agents. Ryan Suter is an RFA and someone like the Flyers who were rumored to have wanted him at the draft might be in line to make him an offer come July 1. Between the current roster and the recent drafting of Jonathan Blum and Cody Franson, the Predators are in good shape. In a draft that is loaded with top defensive talent, don’t be surprised if someone falls into Nashville’s lap at the draft.
In net signing Dan Ellis is a must. Chris Mason is a solid goaltender, but Ellis proved he can lead a team into the playoffs. Forget what you saw against Detroit, Ellis is exactly what the Predators need. Still, topprosepct Pekka Rinne appears to be ready to take the next step up to the bigs. If not Nashville could use him as trade bait at the draft which is yet another thin draft for goaltenders.
In our mock draft, Mikkel Boedker and Kyle Beach are sitting there for the taking, but oddly enough so is Luke Schenn, a defenseman projected by most to be one of the few defensive prospects who just might be NHL ready.
If best available player is the way to go for the Predators, and in this case we believe so, Nashville General Manager David Poile will be making this annoucement at the draft.
“With the ninth pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators proudly select, from the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, defenseman Luke Schenn.”
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com