The Nashville Predators youth movement is looking brighter as the weeks go by. Whether it’s a draft prospect or one that’s been traded for, the big names are constantly advancing in their respective league seasons. The hope provided by their young guns’ accomplishments should help avoid any disappointment with the Predators’ lack of breakout action this spring. With the organization’s prospects looking to put together an impressive playoff campaign, the city of Nashville is gearing up for the 2023 NHL Awards coming to town on June 26.
The Milwaukee Admirals advance to the AHL playoffs
The Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators’ AHL affiliate, advance to their first Western Conference Final for the first time in 17 years. They are scheduled to play the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the Seattle Kraken League, in the third round, with the first game scheduled for May 25. The Admiral’s success is great news for the Breeds, as they are such a big part of the roster. It consists of prospects in the organization who will be looking for a promotion to NHL training camp come fall. Luke Evangelista leads the Admirals in scoring with 13 points in seven games. The forward has shown promising signs in 24 games with the Predators this season, scoring 15 points (seven goals and eight assists).
The Predators’ first-round winner as of 2022, Joachim Kimmel, is also showing signs that his development is going well. He has five goals and six points in just eight games. Phil Tomasino, Egor Afanasyev and Isaac Ratcliffe form other impressive young strikers for the Admirals. Yaroslav Askarov, the Predators’ top scorer, has a 0.909 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.44 goals against average (GAA). His save percentage fell slightly from his regular season numbers of . 911. whenever admirals advancing, The better the organization’s prospects learn to play under pressure, and learn the valuable tangible and intangible qualities they must carry into the next season.
Reid Schaefer lifts the Ed Chynoweth Cup
Leading Predators, Red Schaefer, investigated Western Hockey League (WHL) greatest achievement, lifting the Ed Chynoweth Trophy. His team defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds and Winnipeg Ice in five games to claim the title. Schaefer, 19, scored eight goals and 19 points in 19 games en route to the championship. He’s looking to turn pro next season, potentially joining the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL with the potential of making the jump to the NHL.
Related: Nashville Predators: Meet new prospect Red Schaefer
Latest news and highlights
The Predators acquired Schaefer at the 2023 NHL trade deadline. He was part of the package the Edmonton Oilers sent to the Preds to acquire veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Despite the Oilers’ early exit, Ekholm helped stabilize the shaky blue line. The Predators acquired Schaefer along with Tyson Barrie, a 2023 first-round draft pick and a fourth-round pick in 2024. It looks like Schaefer will be a solid quarterback in the future, while the magic and mystery surrounding the picks is always fun for fans to contemplate on who Their team will choose him. The trade helped completely retool the team, marking the end of an era in Nashville.
2023 NHL Award Show tickets available
Tickets to the 2023 NHL Awards Gala in Nashville are officially on sale. Prices start from $55.00 on Ticketmaster For those looking to see the best of the NHL compete for awards at Bridgestone Arena. Predators fans won’t see any of their favorites win, as the team didn’t have any favorites this year.
Predators captain Roman Josey took home the Norris Trophy last year, winning the first time in his career. Juuse Saros was the best bet for the Predator to win this year’s award. Unfortunately, to the surprise of many, it was not nominated for an award Vezina Cup. Sarus He had an outstanding season, posting a 2.69 GAA and 0.919 SV% while leading the NHL in goals saved above expected with 46.7. He almost, single-handedly, pulled the Predators into the playoffs. However, Vezina Trophy voters found Conor Helbwick of the Winnipeg Jets, Linus Allmark of the Boston Bruins, and Ilya Sorokin of the New Yorkers more worthy than he was.
The Predators hope that one day their currently developing prospects throughout their organization will turn into NHL caliber award winners. Evangelista, Schaefer, Kemell, and others all plan to be full-time NHLers soon. While this season may not offer any accolades that fans can readily acknowledge, as a team or individually, the future is undoubtedly bright for the Predators organization.
Advanced stats were taken from money imp.