Top prospects for Nashville Predators

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8 to Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Nashville Predators, according to NHL.com.

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1. Yaroslav Askarov, G

How acquired:Selected with No. 11 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:St. Petersburg (KHL): 6 GP, 2-1-2, 1.81 GAA, .913 save percentage; St. Petersburg (VHL): 9 GP, 5-2-2, 2.57 GAA, .899 save percentage
After playing sparingly in the KHL last season, Askarov (6-foot-3, 178 pounds) is expected to make his North American debut with Milwaukee of the American Hockey League in 2022-23. The Predators are impressed with the size, athleticism and mobility of Askarov, 20, who was the third goalie drafted in the first round by Nashville in its history. The Omsk, Russia, native impressed Predators fans over the summer at the team's development camp, when he had a 25-minute shutout performance in the Future Stars game. The right-catching goalie will likely compete with fellow prospects Devin Cooley and Tomas Vomacka at Milwaukee this season and should carry the starter's load in Milwaukee in 2023-24.
Projected NHL arrival:2024-25

2. Joakim Kemell, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 17 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:JYP (Liiga): 39 GP, 15-8-23
The Predators were surprised and happy that Kemell, 18, fell to them in the first round. The organization considers him a competitor and pure goal-scorer who already possesses an NHL shot. In 2021-22, he led all Liiga rookies with 15 goals, finishing tied for third on his team. Kemell (5-11, 182) also sees the ice well, which allows him to create opportunities for teammates. He is expected to remain in Finland for the 2022-23 season and will likely spend the following season adapting to the North American game in Milwaukee.
Projected NHL arrival:2024-25

3. Juuso Parssinen, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 210 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:TPS (Liiga): 41 GP, 9-23-32
The Predators hope they have uncovered a gem in Parssinen, who they chose in the seventh round. The 21-year-old gained valuable experience playing for TPS in Finland the past three seasons. He joined Milwaukee for the Calder Cup Playoffs last season and had three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games. The Predators like Parssinen's size (6-3, 212), attention to detail, and ability in the face-off circle. His maturity has impressed the organization as well.
Projected NHL arrival: 2023-24

4. Zachary L'Heureux, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 27 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22:Halifax (QMJHL): 46 GP, 22-34-56
The combination of skill, feistiness and physicality led the Predators to draft L'Heureux, and they love his energy and competitive fire -- though he has to learn not to cross the line. L'Heureux (5-11, 197) was suspended once last season and four times the previous season. When he's at his best, L'Heureux is difficult to play against; an aggressive forward with a good goal-scoring touch. The 19-year-old will return to the QMJHL for the coming season, with the possibility of representing Canada in the World Junior Championship in December.
Projected NHL arrival:2024-25

5. Fedor Svechkov, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 19 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: St. Petersburg (KHL): 4 GP; St. Petersburg (VHL): 30 GP, 9-22-31; St. Petersurg (MHL): 4 GP, 0-8-8
Svechkov, 19, is under contract for another year in Russia, but the Predators are hoping to bring him to North America for 2023-24. Nashville likes his size (6-0, 187) at center, as well as his vision and ability to produce. He's a playmaker in the middle of the ice, more of a passer than a shooter. It will take Svechkov some time to adjust to the North American style of game once he arrives, so his timeline to the NHL appears similar to L'Heureux, who was drafted eight spots after him.
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25