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The Nashville Predators entered the 2024 NHL Draft with strategic goals and high hopes for bolstering their future roster. With a focus on adding depth and potential impact players across various positions, the Predators aimed to capitalize on a diverse pool of prospects. This article delves into the Predators' draft strategy, the key picks they made, and an analysis of each prospect's potential fit within the organization.

Draft Overview

The Predators' draft class of 2024 reflects a blend of promising talent and strategic choices aimed at addressing both immediate needs and long-term development. Headlined by their first-round selection, Yegor Surin, the Predators set out to secure players who could potentially contribute at various levels of their organization, from immediate impact roles to future developmental projects.

Yegor Surin - 22nd Overall Pick

Position: Center
Team: Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Date of Birth: August 1, 2006
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 192 pounds
Draft Grade: C+

Scouting Report: Yegor Surin brings a robust skill set to the Predators' prospect pool. A standout performer in Russia's junior league, Surin is noted for his competitive edge and all-around game. His ability to generate offense, combined with his physical play and strong skating, positions him as a potential middle-six forward in the NHL. With comparisons drawn to players like Ivan Barbashev, Surin's NHL projection highlights his potential impact as either a third-line center or a second-line wing, depending on team needs.

Analysis: Surin's selection underscores Nashville's commitment to acquiring players with high hockey IQ and a relentless work ethic. His performance in the Russian junior league playoffs showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, making him a promising addition to the Predators' prospect pool.

Teddy Stiga - 55th Overall Pick

Position: Left Wing
Team: U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
Date of Birth: April 5, 2006
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 179 pounds
Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Scouting Report: Known for his exceptional skating and offensive prowess, Teddy Stiga emerged as a key forward for the U.S. NTDP. Despite his smaller stature, Stiga's speed and skill on the ice make him a dynamic presence. His ability to create scoring opportunities and drive play from the wing position bodes well for his future potential in the NHL, although questions about his size remain a point of debate.

Analysis: Stiga's development trajectory suggests he could carve out a role in the NHL, particularly in a bottom-six capacity where his speed and offensive instincts could be valuable assets for the Predators.

Viggo Gustafsson - 77th Overall Pick

Position: Left Defense
Team: HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)
Date of Birth: September 11, 2006
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 192 pounds

Scouting Report: A defenseman with considerable size and defensive acumen, Viggo Gustafsson excels in shutting down opposing forwards with his reach and mobility. While his offensive contributions are limited, Gustafsson's ability to play a reliable defensive game makes him a potential asset in the Predators' defensive pipeline.

Analysis: Gustafsson's selection reflects Nashville's emphasis on defensive stability and physical presence on the blue line, addressing organizational needs for depth in defensive prospects.

Miguel Marques - 87th Overall Pick

Position: Right Wing
Team: Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Date of Birth: March 8, 2006
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 187 pounds

Scouting Report: Miguel Marques emerged as a productive scorer in the WHL, showcasing strong puck-handling skills and playmaking ability. His offensive instincts and ability to maneuver in tight spaces highlight his potential to contribute offensively at higher levels of play.

Analysis: Marques' offensive talents make him an intriguing prospect for the Predators, although questions about his physicality and defensive contributions may influence his development path in professional hockey.

Hiroki Gojsic - 94th Overall Pick

Position: Right Wing
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Date of Birth: May 1, 2006
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 198 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games

Scouting Report: Hiroki Gojsic's size and skating ability make him a formidable presence on the ice. His powerful stride and scoring touch highlight his potential as a scoring winger, capable of generating offense and finishing plays effectively.

Analysis: Gojsic's progression in the WHL underscores his potential to develop into a bottom-six winger for the Predators, provided he continues to refine his consistency and defensive play.

Additional Picks

The Predators' draft class extends beyond the highlighted prospects, encompassing a range of talents from goaltending prospects to forwards with diverse skill sets. Each pick contributes to Nashville's long-term strategy of building a competitive roster through strategic player development and scouting.