Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Nashville Predators’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system.
2024 Draft Grade: C+
Yegor Surin projects as a middle-six forward in the NHL, with a real chance to play down the middle and be a coach’s favorite. On Day 2, I had time for where Nashville took Teddy Stiga and Hiroki Gojsic, but I never saw top-three-round tools from Viggo Gustafsson, even if he played a major role for Sweden’s U18 team. I had heard the Miguel Marques hype all season but he seems like a dime-a-dozen skill type who skates well for me. If I’m wrong on one of those the assessment of this draft could change, but as of now Surin is the only player I’m excited about.
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Draft Class
22. Yegor Surin, C, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
August 1, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 192 pounds
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Player comparable: Ivan Barbashev
Analysis: Surin is an easy player to like. He was a top player in Russia’s junior league this season with a stellar playoff run for Loko. He’s a skilled forward who can create a lot of offense. He displays quality vision and finishing touch and skates well, too. Surin is a hyper competitive forward and the energy he brings to shifts is what makes me optimistic about his NHL projection. He brings it every game, plays both ways, is very physical and has a lot of tempo in how he creates offense. Surin has mostly played wing this season, but he has the traits to be a pro thid line center or second line wing.
Thoughts on the pick: Surin is one of the most competitive players in the draft. He had a monster playoff in the Russian junior league. The pure talent in his game doesn’t jump out at you, but he has a chance to be an Ivan Barbashev or even a Philip Danault type if he gets to his NHL projection.
55. Teddy Stiga, LW, U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
April 5, 2006 | 5′ 10″ | 179 pounds
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Stiga took significant steps forward in his development season, becoming a top forward for the U.S. NTDP and highly productive in junior player. Stiga is an excellent skater who brings a lot of energy and pace to his shifts. He buzzes around the ice, winning a lot of races to pucks. He is quite skilled and creates a lot of controlled entries. Stiga sees the ice well, and while he can create at the net, he has perimeter playmaking ability, too. Stiga’s only real issue is his frame at barely 5-foot-10. I don’t know if he’s dynamic enough at that size, but it’s a debate, and he has a puncher’s chance to carve out a bottom-six role in the NHL because of his talent and consistency.
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77. Viggo Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)
September 11, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 192 pounds
Analysis: Gustafsson is a good-sized defender who makes a lot of stops due to his reach, mobility and strong compete level. He has pro traits in that regard, but his puck play is quite limited. He creates offense with his feet, but otherwise, there isn’t much skill or hockey sense in his game.
87. Miguel Marques, RW, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
March 8, 2006 | 5′ 10″ | 187 pounds
Analysis: Marques had a highly productive second WHL season for Lethbridge. His offensive talents are evident watching him. He’s an excellent passer who is very patient and can hold pucks to let lanes develop. Marques also has strong stick skills and can make tough plays with the puck in small areas. He skates well and can create offense at quicker tempos. He’s not that big or physical, and while he competes well enough whether that aspect of his game will help him be an NHL player is debatable. It’s unclear what his path to the league is unless his offense is just exceptional.
94. Hiroki Gojsic, RW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
May 1, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 198 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Gojsic has developed well in his rookie WHL season after coming over from the BCHL and his game took off in the second half of the year. Gojsic looks like a pro forward. He’s got a big, bulky frame. He is a powerful skater who can generate a lot of controlled entries with his speed and skill. He has legit one-on-one ability to beat checkers and can make some tough plays with the puck too. He has a hard one-timer and can beat goalies from range. Off the puck, he’s just OK, drifts to the perimeter and could be more consistent. He certainly has a chance to be a bottom-six wing if he puts it all together.
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99. Jakub Milota, G, Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL)
April 14, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 168 pounds
127. Viktor Nörringer, F, Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
August 31, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 196 pounds
213. Erik Påhlsson, RW, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
April 9, 2004 | 6′ 1″ | 183 pounds
Analysis: Pahlsson is a highly skilled and intelligent player who can score. His compete is just OK. He skates fine but he’s not a blazer either.
(Photo of Yegor Surin: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
