The Nashville Predators are looking to the future as their prospects continue to make strides and earn success in their respective leagues. The team’s young stars provide hope for the future and help distract from the lack of playoff action this spring. As the organization’s prospects show promise in their playoff campaigns, the city of Nashville gears up for the 2023 NHL Awards on June 26.
Milwaukee Admirals Advance in AHL Playoffs
The Milwaukee Admirals, the Nashville Predators’ AHL affiliate, have made it to the Western Conference Final for the first time in 17 years. They will square off against the Coachella Valley Fire Birds, the minor-league affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, in their next game on May 25.
The Admirals’ success is particularly exciting for the Predators as many of the AHL team’s players are prospects in the Predators’ organization and may soon be promoted to the NHL. Luke Evangelista currently leads the Admirals in scoring with 13 points in seven games, and he showed promise with the Predators, scoring 15 points in 24 games this season.
The Admirals also have other promising young forwards, including Joakim Kemell, who is showing significant improvement, scoring five goals and six points in just eight games. Yaroslav Askarov, the Predators’ top goaltending prospect, boasts a .909 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.44 goals-against average (GAA). As the Admirals continue to advance through the playoffs, their players gain valuable experience that will prepare them to play under pressure at the NHL level in the future.
Reid Schaefer Hoists Ed Chynoweth Cup
Predators prospect Reid Schaefer showcased impressive skills as he led the Seattle Thunderbirds to victory in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Schaefer scored eight goals and 19 points in just 19 games, helping secure the coveted Ed Chynoweth Cup. The 19-year-old forward looks to join the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL next season, with hopes of eventually making it to the NHL.