A Tribute to a Scouting Legend
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, with the first round scheduled for June 26 and rounds two through seven following on June 27. As part of the festivities, the Nashville Predators have announced a tribute to David Westby, a longtime scout who passed away after a brief battle with cancer last year.
Westby spent two decades within the Predators’ scouting department, rising to the role of North American Amateur Scout. His eye for talent helped bring players such as Craig Smith, Colton Sissons, Seth Jones, Tommy Novak and Eeli Tolvanen into the organization’s fold, and he also contributed to the development of prospects like Ryan Ufko, Cole O’Hara and Ryker Lee.
Jeff Kealty, the team’s Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting, described the tribute as a "no‑brainer," emphasizing that Westby’s impact on the franchise and the broader scouting community warranted a visible acknowledgment during the draft.
To honor Westby, the Predators will display a logo featuring his initials "DW" on draft signage and will have staff members wear lapel pins bearing the same mark throughout the event. The gesture reflects the deep respect held for Westby by players, coaches and front‑office personnel alike.
The tribute underscores the importance of scouting in building a competitive roster and serves as a reminder of the often‑unseen work that shapes a team’s future. As the draft approaches, the Predators’ gesture adds a poignant chapter to the narrative of a franchise that values its history as much as its on‑ice achievements.