Despite recent improvements, the Nashville Predators are still the third-worst team in the NHL, with only the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks performing worse this season.
However, the Predators are in a different position compared to those two teams. The Blackhawks and Sharks have already secured their future stars, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, in the 2023 and 2024 drafts, respectively.
The Predators have not yet selected their franchise player, which could lead to an unpredictable draft order that could work in Nashville’s favor. For this exercise, we will ignore the draft lottery and assume the Predators pick based on their current standings.
With the third pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators select…
James Hagens, Center, Boston College (NCAA)
The Blackhawks selected Sacha Boisvert and Oliver Moore in the past two drafts, and with Connor Bedard needing a solid teammate rather than more center depth, they will focus on adding Porter Martone at No. 1. At No. 2, the Sharks pick Matthew Schaefer, the top defenseman in this draft, as they continue to build their defense.
This leaves the Predators to select James Hagens, one of the top forwards in the draft.
Hagens, from Hauppauge, N.Y., has five goals, 16 assists, and 21 points in 19 games with Boston College this season. He also had a strong performance at the 2025 World Junior Championships, scoring five goals and four assists in seven games, helping Team USA win a gold medal.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Hagens may be on the smaller side, but he brings speed, intelligence, competitiveness, and offensive skill. He can handle the puck well, deceive defenders, and is a constant threat in the offensive zone. With the Predators struggling offensively, they need a player like Hagens to help turn things around.
With the 20th pick (TBL) in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators select…
Blake Fiddler, Right Defense, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
The Predators are lacking a strong right-shot defenseman in their system. Adding Blake Fiddler with an extra first-round pick would give the Predators and their fans something to get excited about.
Fiddler, the son of former Predators forward Vernon Fiddler and a Nashville native, is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound defenseman with good skating, puck movement, and a willingness to create offense.
While still working on his decision-making, Fiddler has the potential to develop into a strong player who could complement others like Tanner Molendyk and Roman Josi.
With the 30th pick (VGK) in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators select…
Joshua Ravensbergen, Goalie, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Although Juuse Saros signed an eight-year extension this summer, the Predators will eventually need a successor. With Yaroslav Askarov traded, the team no longer has a clear long-term option in goal.
Saros, who will turn 30 in April, has had some struggles recently, and with him playing many games each season, it’s important for the Predators to secure a future goalie. Ravensbergen, a 6-foot-5 right-catching goalie, is ranked highly by scouting outlets and is a strong candidate to be a first-round pick.
Ravensbergen has recorded 20 wins in each of the last two seasons and had a strong playoff performance last year with a 1.98 GAA, a .931 save percentage, and three shutouts. Despite some lower numbers this season, his competitive nature, athleticism, and ability to read the game make him an appealing pick for the Predators.
If the Predators select Ravensbergen, they can give him time to develop behind Saros, allowing him to ease into the NHL without pressure.
