Nash Daily: Predators Land 4 Prospects In Top 50, Krejci Retires

The NHL Network recently released its top 50 NHL prospects and the Nashville Predators were one of three teams, along with the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets, with four players making the list.

The NHL Network rankings verifies Nashville as having one of the more loaded farm systems in the league with goalie Yaroslav Askarov (No. 22) and forwards Joakim Kemell (No. 34), Luke Evangelista (No. 38) and Matthew Wood (No. 45) making the cut.

The Top 50 Prospects in the NHL, revealed.

Let's hear it 🧐 do you agree? pic.twitter.com/nAHLhOlXMM

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 11, 2023

Chicago Hockey Now’s very own Nate Brown discussed how the state of Nashville’s farm system affected the Blackhawks as both teams begin their rebuilds at roughly the same time.

Nashville Hockey Now’s Michael Gallagher completed a deep dive on the top 20 Nashville prospects earlier this month, of which Kemell, Askarov, Evangelista and Wood occupied the top four spots in his organizational rankings. We will also have a roundtable debate later this week, discussing more of the NHL Network’s rankings.

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Boston Hockey Now: Boston Bruins’ David Krejci has finally called it quits, retiring from the NHL after 15 seasons. Krejci was drafted in 2004, one year after Patrice Bergeron (2003) and two years before Brad Marchand (2006) with the trio of Boston players finally reaching the sport’s apex in 2011 when they defeated the Vancouver Canucks for the Stanley Cup. Krejci amassed 12 goals and 23 points in 25 games that post season. Oftentimes an overlooked factor in the Bruins lineup, Krejci remained a strong second line center behind Bergeron as Boston rebuilt their way from irrelevance to perennial contender.

A statement from David Krejci. pic.twitter.com/tVWAMsWAr8

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 14, 2023

Colorado Hockey Now: EA Sports has named Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar the cover athlete for the EA Sports NHL ’24 video game.

Philly Hockey Now: The IIHF ruled that goalie Ivan Fedotov’s contract with the club was valid, clearing the way for the 26-year-old goalie to leave Russia and join the team in North America.

Montreal Hockey Now: Although the Canadiens have three goalies on their roster, the team is reportedly interested in exploring the trade market for another net-minder.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins have been linked to forward Tomas Tatar and PHN weighs in on the pros and cons of adding the 32-year-old winger.

NHL.com: Horrible news came out of Toronto Monday with the death of Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov. Toronto’s 15th pick in the 2020 draft passed away from his battle with brain cancer. The Russian skater was only 21 years old. 

NHL.com: Thought to be on the short-list for the Predators head coach position, Spencer Carbery is embracing his new role in Washington with the Great 8 citing his approval of the new head man. 

Follow Clay Brewer on Twitter/X: @ClayBrewer10