Draft night is coming and Pred Nation is keeping their eyes on several potential first round picks…

RW / Jordan Schroeder – A product of the US development program, Schroeder finished his freshman year at Minnesota second on the Gopher’s scoring with 45 points. He really opened some eyes at the World Juniors leading Team USA in scoring. Scouting reports call Schroeder a leader. While size may be an issue, he is called a complete hockey player on both sides of the ice. His final raking (NA Skater) by CSS - 5

D / Ryan Ellis – Size seems to be holding this prospect back from being more highly coveted, at 5’9” and only 173 lbs. he is not a prototypical blueliner. He is ranked 16 in the final CSS rankings of North American Skaters but scouts rave about his offensive abilities and call him a “really smart, heady defenseman.” The offensive upside may propel this prospect into the top ten as some mock drafts have him going as high as 8th. His junior coach (former Pred Bob Boughner) says he has an NHL level one-timer and slap shot.

C / Scott Glennie – The Winnepeg native has been a fast rising prospect, finishing the year as the #7 ranked NA skater, which is up from #12 at mis-season. Picking him at #11 may be a bit of a stretch for Nashville, but Glennie has a huge upside, handles the puck well and can skate. Plating in the shadow of Brayden Schenn may have depressed his rating. Classic power forward that Nashville certainly can use.

RW / Zack Kassian – The Windsor native is known as a tough guy, belying his final CSS ranking of 10th. Good playmaker, handles the puck well and is not afraid to go into the tough areas. He plays a physical game and is not shy about using his body. Good size may make him very attractive to the Preds.

D / John Moore – 18 year old Illinois native has good size, great hockey sense and leadership skills. Will need to add size but physically and to his game as one of the knocks on him is a lack of aggressiveness in his game. Is called a “world-class” skater and handles the puck with calmness and accuracy. Moore is the highest ranked player coming from the USHL with a final CSS rank of 6.

Predator’s GM David Poile continues to preach the “best available” mantra. However, stretching for a player at #11 shouldn’t happen. You’ll see a trade-down before a stretch. If the Preds stay at the 11 spot, I’d be happy with Scroeder or Kassian. Ellis would be a stretch.

We’ll talk about the draft in more detail tonight on HockeyBuzz Radio.

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Tonight’s show will feature OHL Director of recruitment Joe Birch to give us the lowdown on the players that will be drafted, Eklund will be bringing us the hottest rumors leading up to UFA day and more… so tune in!

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