3 Players the Predators Should Target With the 10th Pick in the 2026 NHL Draft – The Hockey Writers – Nashville Predators

This season, the Nashville Predators were expected to be competing for the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. With an aging core and after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, it seemed that the Predators would be starting a rebuild.

They didn’t quite meet those expectations. They overachieved and nearly made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Steven Stamkos had a renaissance with 42 goals, and in a top-heavy Western Conference, Nashville was just four points behind the Los Angeles Kings, who held the second wild-card spot.

Despite their success, the Predators did secure a top-10 pick, and if they decide to embrace the rebuild, they could be in line for a better one. However, here are three players who should be draft targets for Nashville at 10th overall.

Daxon Rudolph, Defenseman, Prince Albert Raiders

The Predators haven’t invested a ton into their defensive prospect pool. In fact, they’ve drafted just two defensemen in the first round of their past 10 drafts (Tanner Molendyk, Cameron Reid) (from ‘Why the Nashville Predators could select a defenseman at No. 10 in 2026 NHL Draft’, The Tennessean, May 14, 2026).

The team could use a boost to their defensive prospect pool. With players like Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff, and Chase Reid hogging the attention, Daxon Rudolph has been so overlooked that he might still be around when the Predators are on the clock.

Rudolph is a great offensive defenseman already. His speed, shot, and overall feel for the game have helped him contribute offensively. He finished third in the Western Hockey League with 28 goals and 78 points through 68 games.

There are questions about his physicality, which has held him back from being better in his own zone, but his speed and intelligence give me confidence that he could translate into a good two-way defenseman. Nashville desperately needs a right-shot blueliner, with Molendyk and Reid both shooting left, making Rudolph a solid choice.

Tynan Lawrence, Center, Boston University

The Predators have a lot of depth up the middle, with Brady Martin and David Enstrom, among others. If management intends to draft based on need, they should consider a player other than a center. However, if Lawrence falls to them at 10th, he is too good to pass up. He has a great motor, plays an excellent 200-foot game, and has great transitional speed. He doesn’t have the best stats, but he transitioned well from the United States Hockey League to the NCAA level.

With his already developed two-way skills, Lawrence could evolve into a great second-line center. He also has experience on the power play and penalty kill, so Nashville could use him to add a jolt to their special teams.

Ethan Belchetz, Winger, Windsor Spitfires

The Predators might also consider prioritizing wingers. They don’t have a ton of depth on the wings outside of Joakim Kemell, and Kemell is arguably NHL-ready. For that reason, Ethan Belchetz would be a good choice. He has an impressive frame, at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds. Despite that, he moves well with the puck. His stick-handling is more impressive than his skating, but he also has a great shot and has good change of direction.

His overall defensive game needs some work, but offensive talent like his would really help the Predators. If Belchetz develops into a quality offensive winger, Nashville would have its future set on the first line, with Brady Martin and, hopefully, Kemell elevating their play to that standard.

Predators Are in Good Shape

The Predators feel like they’re in good shape with this pick. Amateur scout Tom Nolan told Brooks Bratten of NHL.com, “We feel the draft is really deep, and we’re going to get a really good player. There may not be that McDavid or Crosby or Celebrini type of player, but there’s going to be some high-end players that are going to help your organization.” 

Regardless, they’re in transition. They still haven’t found a new general manager yet, and when the time comes for them to hire a new person, they will have to find a direction for this franchise. A good start would be to hit on this pick.