Tommy Bleyl and Charlie Puglisi, childhood friends who grew up together in Glenville, New York, have taken a major step toward the NHL after being selected by the Nashville Predators in the 2026 NHL Draft.
A Shared Journey Begins
Bleyl, a standout defenseman celebrated for his offensive contributions, was chosen in the first round, while Puglisi, a skilled forward known for his playmaking, was selected in the seventh round.
Bleyl’s résumé includes a CHL Rookie of the Year award and a QMJHL record for points by a first‑year defenseman, earning him both Defenseman of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Puglisi was named New England Hockey Journal Prep School Player of the Year and posted 76 points in just 35 games for the Winchendon School in Massachusetts before moving on to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers.
Both prospects have mapped out distinct development paths: Bleyl has committed to attending Michigan State University in the fall, while Puglisi will play for the Kitchener Rangers next season before enrolling at Cornell University.
The Predators’ management, including General Manager Jeff Kealty and Assistant General Manager Tom Nolan, expressed enthusiasm about the duo, noting that the organization traded up to secure Bleyl and sees a bright future for both players in Nashville.
Their shared history dates back to age three, and they previously skated together for the Mid Fairfield Rangers in Connecticut before Bleyl’s stint with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL and Puglisi’s time at the Winchendon School.