Nashville, Tenn. (March 7, 2024) – Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Yakov Trenin and defenseman Graham Sward.
Hanzel, 21 (2/27/03), leads the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds in assists (37) and points (50) this season, establishing career highs in both categories. The 6-foot, 190-pound blueliner ranks tied for eighth among WHL players in his position in points and 10th in assists; his 13 goals are tied for a career high and are tied for the seventh-most out of defensemen in his league. Additionally, Hanzel leads the Thunderbirds in power-play points with 24 (7g-17a).
Originally drafted by Colorado in the sixth round (187th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Hanzel has played in parts of four WHL seasons for Seattle, collecting 139 points (35g-104a) in 210 games. Last season, while serving as an alternate captain and as teammates with Predators prospects Luke Prokop and Reid Schaefer, he recorded 48 points (13g-35a) in 66 contests and added 22 more points (5g-17a) in 19 postseason appearances to help lead the Thunderbirds to the Memorial Cup. The Burnaby, B.C., native’s +70 rating in 2022-23 led the WHL and was the highest in a single season in the league since 2018-19.
Nashville now owns eight selections in the 2025 NHL Draft – two in the first and third rounds and one in the second, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
The Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena and Ford are committed to celebrating and honoring all our active and retired heroes during Ford Military Week. Join us in SMASHVILLE as we recognize these heroic individuals on March 19 vs. San Jose and March 23 vs. Detroit. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit NashvillePredators.com.
