No matter who ends up wearing the gold jersey with the Nashville Predators' fifth overall pick, general manager Barry Trotz believes the team will be selecting a "really good player."
Trotz spoke to media on Tuesday ahead of the NHL Draft, which is set to take place on Friday and Saturday. Nashville has three picks in the first round (fifth, 23rd and 26th) and nine picks in the entire draft.
Their fifth overall pick this year is the Predators' highest since they drafted Seth Jones fourth overall in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Trotz said that Predators management is trying to figure out who will be selected ahead of them, but they are confident that they will get a good pick no matter who they select.
One of the names that Trotz floated was Boston College center James Hagens.
Hagens is expected to be drafted within the top five, going as high as third or falling right into the Predators' lap at fifth. This past season with the Eagles, he recorded 37 points in 37 games, including an appearance in an NCAA Regional Championship.
He also helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording nine points in seven games.
Trotz categorized Hagens as a player that was "right in our wheelhouse."
With having such a high pick, the Predators could go an alternate route and trade, which Trotz said he's open to in the right circumstances.
After last season's 30-44-8 finish, a rebuild doesn't seem to be on Trotz's mind, as he remains confident that the current group can be successful.
Outside of the draft, Trotz addressed a handful of other topics that have come to light since the end of the season.
On captain Roman Josi's diagnosis and recovery from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Trotz said Josi has been working with a specialist and should be in good shape, both mentally and physically, by the time training camp arrives.
Forward Jonathan Marchessault, who was acquired by the Predators via free agency last summer, was rumored to have been interested in a trade from Nashville, specifically Montreal. Trotz said there was "no truth" to the rumors.
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