A Draft Without WHL Talent
The 2026 NHL Draft passed without a single Western Hockey League prospect landing on the Nashville Predators' list of selections, marking the first time in recent memory that the club left the WHL entirely unrepresented.
Among the prospects the Predators did not pick, one name continues to surface in scouting circles: Hiroki Gojsic. The winger was chosen 94th overall in the third round of the 2024 draft and signed his entry‑level contract later that year.
Gojsic spent his junior years with the Kelowna Rockets, where he honed a blend of physical play and offensive creativity that culminated in a 2025‑26 season featuring 41 points — 19 goals and 22 assists — in 55 regular‑season games.
His performance earned a Memorial Cup appearance, where he registered an assist in three tournament games, underscoring his ability to contribute on a larger stage.
The Hockey News has highlighted his development, pointing to a combination of size, work ethic and offensive versatility that could make him a depth option for Nashville as the organization evaluates its future talent pipeline.