Potential Preds: Defenders | NHL.com
The 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal is just days away. Returning in person for the first time since 2019 after two virtual drafts held during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Predators will once again look to select the best players available to bolster their identity.
Nashville will pick 17th in the first round on Thursday, July 7. It’s only the second time in franchise history that the club has been chosen for the position, with the Preds’ last 17th pick being the defender. Dante Fabbro in 2016.
The Predators haven’t selected a first-round defenseman since Fabbro, and it’s certainly possible that general manager David Poile is looking to add depth to the Preds’ blue line.
If Nashville goes that way, here are three defensemen who could hear their names called by the Predators on Thursday night.
*All scouting reports produced by NHL Central Scouting
Kevin Korchinsky
7th ranked North American skater
6’2″, 185 pounds
Play for: Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
Born: June 21, 2004 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Denton Mateychuk
14th ranked North American skater
5’10”, 194 pounds
Play for: Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL
Born: July 12, 2004 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Owen Pickering
15th North American Skater
6’4″, 180 pounds
Play for: Swift Current Broncos, WHL
Born: January 27, 2004 in Saint-Adolphe, Manitoba
The 2022 NHL Draft will take place at the Bell Center in Montreal. The first round will take place on July 7 (6:00 p.m. CT; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS) and rounds 2-7 will take place on July 8 (10:00 a.m. CT; NHLN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).
Visit the Nashville Predators 2022 NHL Draft Centerfold at NashvillePredators.com/Draft to keep up with the latest draft news, learn about watch parties, past picks and more.