Nashville Predators pivot to defence for 2026 NHL Draft strategy
With the No. 10 overall pick, the Nashville Predators are evaluating a departure from their recent forward-heavy draft history, targeting larger, projectable defenders to bolster their blue line.
The Nashville Predators are reconsidering their traditional draft approach for the 2026 NHL Draft, with the organisation now weighing the selection of a defenseman with the No. 10 overall pick. This potential shift marks a significant departure from the team’s recent strategy, which has heavily favoured forwards. In eight of the last nine drafts, the Predators have selected a forward with their first-round pick, with the only exception being goaltender Yaroslav Askarov in 2020.
Jeff Kealty, the Predators’ director of scouting, acknowledged the changing landscape during a media session at Bridgestone Arena on May 13. Kealty noted that the current draft class features a high volume of elite, projectable defencemen who could be difficult to pass up. While he did not commit to a specific position, he emphasised that the available players possess the attributes required to become top-four defenders.
Head amateur scout Tom Nolan reinforced this assessment, describing the top 15 of the draft as a "very deep" group for defence. Nolan highlighted that the available players offer a mix of size and strong skating abilities, suggesting the team may find a suitable candidate falling to them at No. 10. This contrasts with previous years, such as last season, where only two of the first 10 picks were defensemen.
Specific prospects identified as potential targets include Daxon Rudolph and Verhoeff, both of whom offer the physical presence the team currently lacks. Elite Prospects ranked Rudolph, a right-handed defender, at No. 10 in their April rankings. Rudolph recorded 28 goals and 50 assists in 68 games for the Prince Albert Raiders, along with nine goals and 14 assists in 15 playoff games. Verhoeff, a 6-foot-4, 212-pound defender, recorded six goals and 14 assists during his freshman season at North Dakota.
The strategic pivot addresses a specific structural need within the Predators’ prospect pool. Current top defence prospects Cameron Reid, Tanner Molendyk, and Ryan Ufko are all listed as 6-foot or under. By targeting larger players like Rudolph and Verhoeff, the organisation aims to add "beef" to the backend, balancing the skill sets of their existing younger defenders.
