Nashville Predators Know That Prospects Add Depth

The Nashville Predators have been very successful during the off season taking quality players in the NHL draft. The have not had a successful season since they joined the league a few year's ago. They hope that some of their newcomers will come into their own next season.

If the Predators have a weakness, it's up the middle. They simply do not have a first line centermen. This past June, the Predators found themselves in a difficult spot. They had their eyes set on center Colin Wilson, but weren't sure he would be available still when they picked 9^th overall. So they decided to trade up to number 7 to ensure they got their man. Wilson is the power forward that the Predators are missing up front. Wilson's development with Boston University this past season earned him the Hockey East Rookie of the Year. He put up 35 points in 37 games for Boston, and also had six goals and an assist for Team USA in this year's World Junior Championships.

The Santorelli brothers are just another pair of brothers who love hockey. It just so happens that the Nashville Predators decided to keep the brothers together when they were drafted by Nashville in 2004 and 2007. Mike, the older of the two brothers had a great season last year with the Predator's minor league team the Milwaukee Admirals. The 22 year old tallied 21 goals and 21 assists in 80 games with the Admirals. Because of Mike's success in Milwaukee, the Predator's hope the older of the two brothers will be making the move to the main stage next season. As for younger brother Mark, he earned himself the coveted Bobby Clarke Award as the WHL's leading scorer last season. Mark is not only a scorer though; his skills as a playmaker were proven with the 101 points in 72 games for the Chilliwack Bruins. Mark will make the move to the Milwaukee Admirals next season.

On the wing, Blake Geoffrion can do some damage. With a solid centermen in the middle, Geoffrion has the size and skill to make it onto the Predator's team in the near future. The University of Wisconsin Junior will take a leadership role next season as he enters his senior year. He is also a native of Nashville and is the first member of the Nashville Youth Hockey League to be in the NHL.

Turning to defense, we have puck moving defensemen Jonathon Blum. The Predator's selected Blum 23^rd overall at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Blum signed an entry level contract with the Predators this past season and is known for his play with team USA in the 2008 World Junior Championship. Blum could someday see time with the Predators specialty unit on the poweplay. The Predator's are in no rush to move their young players forward without making sure they are ready. Fortunately for defensemen, this is particularly true. The Predator's are currently set with their defensive pairings, so it will be increasingly hard for Blum to make this year's team. He would have to really have an outstanding training camp to make the team.

On the goaltending side of the prospect pool we find Chet Pickard. Pickard was taken number 18 overall this past June and the Predators are happy to have him. Playing with the likes of Carey Price for Tri-City of the WHL, Pickard has honed his skills to perfection. With a record of 46-12-4 last season, Pickard knows how to win. Pickard will also be in the running to back stop Canada's World Junior Team as well next season. Pickard's award as best goalie in the Canadian Hockey League won't go unnoticed.