Nashville Predators 2023 Mock Draft Roundup

With the 2023 NHL Draft just one week away, it's officially mock draft season.

The Nashville Predators have 13 picks, including two in the first round, and no shortage of elite talent to choose from in an exceptionally deep draft class.

Here's what several media outlets envision the Preds doing with their first-round picks at No. 15 and No. 24 overall:

At No. 15…

NHL.com: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL) / Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skellefteå AIK (SHL)

Analysis from Adam Kimelman: "Barry Trotz, who will take over as general manager on July 1, wants his scouts to 'take some high-end swings on some guys,' so Yager would be the perfect addition here. The right-shot forward is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better."

Analysis from Mike Morreale:"Pellikka (5-11, 176 pounds) compensates for his lack of size with his hockey smarts and understanding of the game. He's quick and agile, reliable and consistent. Compared by some to Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Pellikka had 36 points (16g-20a) in 31 games in Sweden's junior league and five points (2g-3a) in 22 games with Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League."

The Athletic: Oliver Moore, C, U.S. U-18 National Team (NTDP)

Analysis from Scott Wheeler: "The Preds' pool is deepest on the wings, so this choice came down to center ice and defense, two premium positions they could stand to spend premium draft capital on. Right-shot Swedish defenseman Sandin Pellikka's availability was tempting, but Moore, the best skater in the draft, is my best player available and a natural center. I also considered Moose Jaw pivot Brayden Yager here."

:: Dmitri Simashev, D (Lokomotiv, MHL)

Analysis from Steven Ellis:"Simashev plays hard, is defensively responsible and might be the best shutdown blueliner in the draft. He hits like a truck and makes life miserable for opponents around the net."

:: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)

Analysis from Logan Horn: "Nashville's brand new general manager, Barry Trotz, recently shared his draft philosophy which was essentially to take swings on prospects who could be legit top-of-the-lineup talent rather than safe picks with lower upside. Zach Benson will likely slide a bit on draft day, probably out of the top-10, because of his size and lack of footspeed. He would be an incredibly valuable pick here for Nashville and would be a fitting start to the Trotz era as an incredibly skilled and competitive forward who will get the fans out of their seats."

At No. 24 (from Edmonton Oilers)…

NHL.com: Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL) / Eduard Sale, RW, HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)

Analysis from Kimelman:"The Predators haven't taken a defenseman in the first round since Dante Fabbro in 2016, and with their second first-round pick, this could be the right time to address that lack of quality organizational depth. Bonk has a high hockey IQ and good poise with the puck, which allows him to succeed in all areas of the game. He's a good skater who can get the puck up the ice, and use his size and reach (6-2, 180 pounds) to help break up plays."

Analysis from Morreale: "Sale is a talented forward with great offensive instincts who can shoot and pass with good accuracy. He is active in the offensive zone and presents a challenge for opposing defenders with his size and strength. He had six points (4g-2a) in five games for Czechia at the World U-18s."

The Athletic:Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL)

Analysis from Wheeler: "After adding a center at No. 15 in Oliver Moore, the Preds feel a little more comfortable going to a winger here and use their second pick to take a swing on Cristall, one of the most productive non-Bedard CHL prospects to come through the draft in years. I recognize this would be a little rich for some but I don't see it that way given the remaining prospects, and I don't think a Preds team that has sorely needed skill for years should either."

Daily Faceoff: Eduard Sale, RW (Brno, Czechia)

Analysis from Ellis:"Consistency was an issue for Sale, especially in the second half after the World Junior Championship. However, he showed enough big-game potential at that event that I'm still quite intrigued. He's best when he's being deceptive, which comes more with confidence. I do wonder if he'll go to the AHL and follow a similar route as Buffalo's Jiri Kulich, which could be beneficial."

The Hockey Writers: Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Analysis from Horn: "In following Trotz's theme of taking big swings with early picks, I have the Predators using their second pick of the first round on another undersized, super-skilled winger who I expect will fall on draft day in Andrew Cristall. Cristall is probably the best bet to lead the WHL in scoring next year if he has a healthy year. He has a ton of skill and a sneaky-good shot. Getting out of the first round with Cristall and Benson would be an absolute haul for a Predators team that looks prepared to take a small step back in order to allow themselves to take a big step forward again in the near future."