The Nashville Predators enter the 2026 NHL Draft with the 10th overall selection, a slot that could shape the next era of the franchise. After a season that leaned on veteran depth, the organization is turning its attention to a handful of elite wingers who combine size, skill and high‑end upside.
Scouting the top prospects
Wyatt Cullen, a 6‑0, 172‑pound left wing ranked 13th among North American skaters, posted a 45‑point campaign with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under‑18 squad. His father, Matt Cullen, a former Predator and now director of player development at the University of Minnesota, has been a steady influence throughout his rise.
Nikita Klepov, a 6‑0, 180‑pound right wing ranked eighth, dominated the Ontario Hockey League with 97 points in 67 games, topping the league’s scoring chart. The Michigan State commit will join the university program next season, bringing a proven scoring touch to the next level.
Ethan Belchetz, a 6‑5, 230‑pound left wing ranked ninth, contributed 59 points in 57 games before a season‑ending injury curtailed his campaign. Despite the setback, his physical brand and offensive upside have kept him on the Predators’ radar, and he will continue his development at Michigan State alongside fellow prospect Ryker Lee.
Oscar Hemming, a 6‑4, 204‑pound Finnish forward ranked eleventh, exploded for 63 points in 31 games in his country’s top Under‑18 league. The performance is amplified by his brother Emil’s status as a 2024 first‑round pick of the Dallas Stars, underscoring a family tradition of offensive talent.
J.P. Hurlbert, a 6‑0, 190‑pound left wing ranked twelfth, led all rookies in goals and points with 42 goals and 97 points across 68 games. He has pledged to hone his game at the University of Michigan in the fall, a move that could further align his development with the Predators’ long‑term vision.
The Predators’ scouting department, in partnership with NHL Central Scouting, will weigh each prospect’s lineage, international experience and collegiate commitments as they finalize plans for the 10th overall pick. The depth of talent among these wingers suggests that whichever name comes off the board could become a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.