The Nashville Predators entered the 2026 NHL Draft with a clear agenda: to replenish a pipeline that has been starved of fresh talent. Over the course of the weekend the club announced eight new faces, a mix of forward, defense and goaltending prospects that reflect both a nod to tradition and a look toward the future.
Among the most anticipated selections was Wyatt Cullen, taken tenth overall. The center comes with a strong hockey pedigree; his father, Matt Cullen, earned three Stanley Cup rings during a distinguished NHL career. Cullen has pledged to hone his game at the University of Minnesota, a move that many analysts view as a strategic bridge between collegiate development and the professional ranks.
On the blue line, Tommy Bleyl made headlines by being named the CHL’s Rookie of the Year and by setting a QMJHL record for points by a first‑year defenseman. The young blueliner will continue his development at Michigan State University beginning in the 2027‑28 season, a decision that underscores his desire to blend academic rigor with elite competition.
International Reach
The draft also highlighted the Predators’ expanding global scouting net. Dmitri Borichev, previously ranked as the top international goaltender heading into the draft, brings a European pedigree that could bolster the team’s depth between the pipes. Jakub Floris, a Slovakian silver‑medalist at the 2026 U‑18 World Championship, adds another layer of international flair, having represented his nation on the world stage.
Beyond the headline names, the Predators secured commitments from a quartet of promising prospects. Justin Graf will head to Harvard University, while his brother Collin Graf, already a fixture with the San Jose Sharks, continues his professional journey. Philip Hemmyr contributed to a championship‑winning side that earned promotion to the SHL, and Benjamin Cossette Ayotte earned a spot on the QMJHL’s All‑Rookie Team for the 2024‑25 season. Charlie Puglisi rounds out the class with a commitment to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers before a collegiate stint at Cornell University.
The breadth of these selections illustrates a strategic blend: leveraging family legacies, rewarding proven collegiate performance, and tapping into emerging talent from abroad. As the organization moves forward, the newly signed prospects will be expected to translate their developmental milestones into impact at the NHL level.