Nashville Predators’ Strategic Shift
As the Nashville Predators look ahead to future seasons, general manager Barry Trotz is contemplating strategic shifts aimed at enhancing the team’s composition. His vision for the organization hinges on two core philosophies: prioritizing larger and younger players on the roster.
“We have promising young talent in the pipeline, but it’s crucial that we get both bigger and younger,”
Trotz remarked, underlining his dual focus.
Current Team Composition
Currently, the Predators’ defensive lineup stands at an average height of 6 feet 2 inches and weighs around 200 pounds. In contrast, the upcoming 2025 draft class is notably shorter and lighter, averaging 6 feet tall and 181 pounds, with the team’s defense currently averaging an age of 28.
Potential Draft Pick: Alexander Karmanov
With a keen eye on bolstering the size and youth of the team, Trotz is considering a potential pick from the 2026 NHL Draft: Alexander Karmanov, a remarkable Moldovan defenseman who stands at an astounding 7 feet and weighs 273 pounds. At just 17 years old, Karmanov recently garnered attention after being chosen 172nd overall by the Brantford Bulldogs during the CHL’s Import Draft, which is designated for international prospects outside of Canada and the U.S.
Impressive Track Record
Karmanov has built a noteworthy resume competing with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 16U AAA squad in Pennsylvania, where he played 35 games last season, notching 33 points and accruing 60 penalty minutes. According to a post from Brantford’s official X/Twitter account, he has rightfully earned the title of “the largest hockey player on the planet.” If he enters the NHL, he would surpass Zdeno Chara as the tallest player in league history by three inches.
Future Prospects
He is also set to join Penn State for the 2027-28 academic year, where he may cross paths with Aiden Fink, the 2023 Predators draft selection who would be a senior at that time. Furthermore, Mac Gadowsky, another defenseman who is attending the Predators’ development camp and has recently transferred to Penn State, stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and could also become Karmanov’s teammate.
Challenges and Opportunities
While taller players often face challenges with speed, watching Karmanov’s highlights reveals that skating efficiency will be a key area he needs to develop. The ability to adjust to the rapid pace of the NHL is critical, especially for larger athletes, yet Nashville has built a reputation for successfully crafting the skills of big players. Originally envisioned by Trotz, Karmanov presents an intriguing opportunity to not only bolster the physical presence of the Predators but also potentially redefine historical standards within the sport.
