2025 Nashville Predators Draft Review

Predators select twelve players, loading up on skill and offense

SELECTION

Round 1 – Pick 12

Victor Eklund (Right Wing)

Height: 5’11”, Weight: 161lbs, Shoots: Right

DOB: 10/3/06 (18)

Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden

2024-25 Team: Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Stats: 42GP / 19G / 12A / 31P / 37PIM / +16

Projection: Top Six, skilled winger

Dobber Ranking: 8.5 / 7.5

Analysis

Eklund is a relentless player with a never ending motor. He plays with a high pace, and constantly beats the opposition to the puck. He is more of a playmaker and very skilled, he is lethal playing down low and dishing it off to team-mates, he’s very speedy and explosive as well, and going to be a game breaking type player and has potential to a be a point per game player.

GM Burkholder’s Quote

“I honestly couldn’t believe he was available, we know this is silly season, and some teams try to be the smartest guys in the room, but to us and our scouting staff had him ranked very high on our board, and at twelve you’d be crazy to let him pass by. He’s not really a play driver, but he’s going to be a solid building block for our organization.

SELECTION

Round 1 – Pick 25

Cole Reschny (Center)

Height: 5’11”, Weight: 181lbs , Shoots: Left

DOB: 4/6/07 (18)

Birthplace: Macklin, Saskatoon, Canada

2024-25 Team: Victoria Royals (WHL)

Stats: 62GP / 26G / 66A / 92P / 44PIM / +42

Playoff Stats: 11GP / 9G / 16A / 25P / 10PIM / +9

Projection: Top-Six, two-way center

Dobber Ranking: 8.0 / 6.5

Analysis

Cole Reschny is one of the most skilled kids in the class, and with the Predators taking him at twenty five is solid value. He’s one of the highest IQ forward’s in the draft and can think of the game at a different level. He’s a high end playmaking kid, who plays a solid responsible two way game, he can slow the game down, and one of the better off the dot faceoff draft eligible kids in this years class. He has committed to University of North Dakota next season

GM Burkholder’s Quote

“You see it every year, there is a talented kid who has a small frame fall, you always hear if this kid was two inches bigger he’d be a top ten pick, and that describes Cole to us to a tee. He’s another skilled forward who we think will fit in with our club, we’re happy he’s going to North Dakota to continue to grow and develop.”

SELECTION

Round 1 – Pick 28

Ryker Lee (Right Wing)

Height: 6’1”, Weight: 185lbs, Shoots: Right

DOB: 11/08/2006 (18)

Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois, United States

2024-25 Team: Madison Capitals (USHL)

Stats: 58GP / 31G / 37A / 68P / 18PIM / +9

Playoff Stats: 6GP / 3G / 3A / 6P / 2PIM / +5

Projection: Top Six,  Scoring Winger

Dobber Ranking: 8.0 / 5.5

Analysis

The Predators took a swing on super skilled porpsect Ryker Lee. The USHL rookie of the year award winner dominated the league. He has a high hockey IQ, and his a puck handling wizard. He is play driving winger, who is a threat whenever he has the puck, he also has a hard shot, while you’re saying if he is so good why was he selected this late? Skating is his major concern, and needs to be a little more responsible in his own end. He committed to play in the NCAA with the Michigan State Spartans.

GM Burkholder Quote

“He’s just a fun player to watch, offensively speaking the kid is unstoppable, he makes high end plays, if he can find that next level to his game he’s going to be the steal of the draft. The way he exposes defenders, and see’s the game, and the skills he has, just brings a lot of excitement to the game.”

SELECTION

Round 1 – Pick 30

Alexander Zharovsky (Right Wing)

Height: 6’1”, Weight: 163lbs, Shoots: Left

DOB: 2/22/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Klin, Russia

2024-25 Team: Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

Stats: 45GP / 24G / 26A / 50P / 30PIM / NA

Playoff Stats: 7GP / 0G / 1A / 1P (KHL)

Projection: Top Six, skilled winger

Dobber Rankings: 7.5 / 5.5

Analysis

Some scouts have called Zharovsky the “Russian Ryker Lee”. Zharovsky is a puck wizard, blending dymamic puck handling with high end play making vision. His skating isn’t explosive, but his top speed is better than getting credit for. He is a home run type of player. If he hits, he can very easily dominate the DCHL. He got to play in some playoff games in the KHL and didn’t look out of place and looked like he is going to be a player.

GM Burkholder Quote

“With us having so many selections we felt like we needed to take a few swings on these home run type picks. We felt like at 30^th overall is the perfect spot to take a kid like Alexander. He dominated the MHL, and he is another super skilled prospect, he oozes talent and taking him gives us some time to develop and hone in his overall game.”

SELECTION

Round 1 – Pick 31

Malcolm Spence (Left Wing)

Height: 6’1”, Weight: 190lbs, Shoots: Left

DOB: 9/22/2006

Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

2024-25 Team: Erie Otters (OHL)

Stats: 65GP / 32G / 41A / 73P / 57PIM / +10

Playoff Stats: 9GP / 4G / 5A / 9P / 6PIM / -6

Projection: Middle Six, two-way winger

Dobber Ranking: 6.5 / 8.0

Analysis

Coming into the year Malcolm had a lot of buzz, and was talked as a top ten pick, the former second overall pick in the OHL draft, this year he didn’t dominate as expected and it is what caused him to drop to this pick. He is a relentless player, who has some of that dog in him. He plays a solid two-way game, and if he can find that next level he could be a top six impactful winger.

GM Burkholder Quote

“We feel like Malcolm is going to be a player, we took a few swings, and at 31 we felt like we needed to make sure we got ourselves a player. He plays a good two-way game, and we feel like he does have some offensive potential, come playoff time when we get there Malcolm could be that type of guy you rely on. Going to University of Michigan next year is going to help him develop nicely.”

TRADE

To Nashville Predators

49^th overall – Kurban Limatov (D)

53^rd overall – Cole McKinney (C)

54^th overall – Ivan Ryabkin (C)

3,000,000 cash

To New York Islanders

Will Cuylle (RW)

Parker Wotherspoon (D)

SELECTION

Round 2 – Pick 42

Milton Gastrin (Center)

Height: 6’1”, Weight: 185lbs, Shoots: Left

DOB: 6/2/2007

Birthplace: Ornskoldsvik, Sweden

2024-25 Team: MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell)

Stats: 40GP / 18G / 24A / 42P / 18PIM / NA

Projection: Middle Six, two-way

Dobber Rankings: 6.5 / 7.0

Analysis

The advanced habits and play-driving abilities down the middle have been a consistent factor across every level Gästrin has played. He has a positive effect in every zone, whether it’s through offering passing options for his defensemen on breakouts, transporting the puck in transition, working give-and-go’s, creating space for his wingers off the rush or winning pucks and facilitating others.

GM Burkholder Quote

“The first thing you love about Milton is his leadership, when talking to some of his team-mates you hear the praise they have for this kid, its remarkable, play wise he is relentless, non stop, good skater, and has a really nice shot.”

SELECTION

Round 2 – Pick 44

Jacob Rombach (Defense)

Height: 6’6”, Weight: 209lbs , Shoots: Right

DOB: 4/1/2007

Birthplace: Blaine, Minnesota, United States

2024-25 Team: Lincoln Stars (USHL)

Stats: 57GP / 3G / 15A / 18P / 57PIM / +29

Playoff Stats: 7GP / 0G / 0A / 0P / 14PIM / -2

Projection: Middle Pair, defensive defenseman

Dobber Ranking: Not Available

Analysis

Rombach is a towering defenceman with a near-complete defensive toolkit and high-end puck retrievals. Scanning over both shoulders and keeping his feet moving through the pick- up, he cleanly escapes from pressure, often stepping inside, faking, and finding a high-value pass immediately afterward. He initiates early to absorb contact, even going out of his way to draw multiple forecheckers before passing, creating more space for his recipient

GM Burkholder Quote

“Rombach is raw, but he has something you can’t teach, and that’s size, and the way the kid can skate at that size is so impressive. He committed to University of Minnesota next year, which will do good for his game. He’s really talented, if he can find another level in offensive game he’ll be a huge pickup, but right now defensively speaking he’s pretty sound.”

TRADE

To Nashville Predators

BOS 2 26

SEA 3 26

5,000,000 cash

To Florida Panthers

45^th overall - Sean Vansaghi (RW)

SELECTION

Round 2 – Pick 49

Kurban Limatov (Defense)

Height: 6’3”, Weight: 198lbs, Shoots: Left

DOB: 3/20/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Moscow, Russia

2024-25 Team: MHK Dynamo Moscow (MHL)

Stats: 46GP / 8G / 15A / 23P / 44PIM

Playoff Stats: 7GP / 2G / 3A / 5P / 41PIM

Projection: Top Four, two-way defenseman

Dobber Ranking: 7.0 / 6.0

Analysis

Limatov is a prototypical modern two-way defenseman. He has the size, reach, and strength to excel in battles, winning many along the boards and in the net-front area, which is crucial. His skating allows him to keep up with the pace of the game and, based on this viewing, potentially even push the pace when he has the puck on his stick.

GM Burkholder Quote

“We were surprised he was on the board at this point, the Russian factor played apart of it, if his name Joe Smith, and played in the CHL he would have been picked in the top twenty. He’s everything you want in a defenseman prospect.”

SELECTION

Round 2 – Pick 53

Cole McKinney (Center)

Height: 6’0”, Weight: 201lbs, Shoots: Right

DOB: 3/16/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

2024-25 Team: USNDT (USHL)

Stats: 23GP / 15G / 11A / 26P / 18PIM / +8

Projection: Middle Six, two-way center

Dobber Ranking: 6.0 / 7.5

Analysis

McKinney is a dynamic offensive player that has shown off all sorts of tools. His skating stride is a bit choppy and short, but he still has great speed that allows him to make moves at his top speed. He’s able to beat defenders one on one and has really good zone entry numbers that ultimately lead to more scoring chances. At times I feel that McKinney sees the game at a level that is so advanced from his teammates, that plays die on their stick. As McKinney advances his career and plays with stronger players,

GM Burkholder’s Quote

“It was a struggle for the USNDT this year, but the most consistent and steady player was Cole. The second half of the season the kid really took off, we love his game, he committed to Michigan which they develop players, and we really do think he can be a top six center for us own the line.”

SELECTION

Round 2 – Pick 54

Ivan Ryabkin (Center)

Height: 5’11”, Weight: 196lbs , Shoots: Left

DOB: 4/25/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Balakovo, Russia

2024-25 Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks

Stats: 27GP / 19G / 11A / 30P / 70PIM / +6

Playoff Stats: 14GP / 7G / 9A / 16P / 30PIM / +9

Projection:

Dobber Rankings: 8.0 / 4.0

Analysis

Simply put, Ryabkin is one of the most polarizing prospects in this class. He has the skill and creativity to justify a high pick, but some flaws may cause Ryabkin to slip into the draft’s second day. He is one of the most effective players in this class, with the puck on his stick. He has magic hands and can make a play out of almost any situation. This allows him to be a threat at any spot in the offensive zone, especially when paired with his physical stature and willingness to play in the dirty areas. However, Ryabkin struggles to make plays at a high speed and often does not play with pace. This leads to gaps in his transition defence that could lead to a one-dimensional game at higher levels

GM Burkholder Quote

“He was a potential top five pick coming into the season, our Russian scout was in on him, he came over to the USHL and completely dominated halfway through the season. Playoff’s he was unstoppable, talent wise the kid has it, he oozes that offensive moxy, with as many picks as we had we felt like we could take the risk here late in the second.”

TRADE

To Nashville Predators

72^nd overall – Gustav Hillstrom (C)

77^th overall – Michal Svrcek (LW)

4,000,000 cash

To Seattle Kraken

64^th overall – L.J. Mooney (C)

SELECTION

Round 3 – Pick 72

Gustav Hillstrom (Center)

Height: 6’2”, Weight: 176lbs, Shoots: Right

DOB: 1/20/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Galve, Sweden

2024-25 Team: Brynas J20 (J20 Nationell)

Stats: 43GP / 16G / 22A / 38P / 16PIM

Playoff Stats: 5GP / 1G / 1A / 2P / 2PIM

Projection: Bottom Six, two-way center

Dobber Ranking: 5.5 / 6.0

Analysis

Hillstrom is a big, hardworking center with defensive upside. He is strong on the puck and backchecks effectively, demonstrating good defensive awareness by often covering for out-of-position defenders in his own zone. He’s tough in front of both nets and can be an offensive threat when driving hard to the net. He wins many faceoffs, especially in key moments.

GM Burkholder Quote

“We were surprised he was here at this point we had a mid-second round grade on him, he is an elite playmaker, plays responsible and he has that jam in his game. He doesn’t have that elite projections, but we do believe he’s going to make the DCHL and carve a solid role in the bottom six, and can play special teams, and could be an elite penalty-killer.”

SELECTION

Round 3 – Pick 77

Michal Svrcek (Left Wing)

Height: 5’10”, Weight: 176lbs , Shoots: Left

DOB: 1/26/2007 (18)

Birthplace: Zilina, Slovakia

2024-25 Team: Brynas J20 (J20 Nationell)

Stats: 22GP / 5G / 7A / 12P / 12PIM

Playoff Stats: 2GP / 0G / 1A / 1P / 0PIM

Projection: Middle-six, two-way winger

Dobber Rankings: 7.0 / 5.0

Analysis

Svrcek is a feisty and aggressive forward. His skating is snappy and agile… sharp edges, moves laterally very well on and off the puck, and crosses over quick. Pursues the puck well with that skating and has a sharp physical edge to cut into puck battles. But his high-energy style gets the best of him, and he’s hardly ever in a position because of it. Svrcek has a great nose for winning battles in the dirty areas of the ice – and it’s proved well enough to earn pro points already. He’s a good frame too. But need a lot of refining to work in the DCHL.

GM Burkholder Quote

“Michal really reminds me of Jesper Bratt the year he came out. He is a great skater and is very aggressive. He’s relentless puck hound, and he played well. He’s a little bit rawer then Jesper was when he was selected, but we feel like he could be one of those gems of the class.”