GM Barry Trotz knew dropping to No. 5 was possible in the NHL draft lottery, but he expects the Nashville Predators to find quality talent.

After the Islanders, the San Jose Sharks landed the second pick while the Chicago Blackhawks will pick third. The Sharks own a top-five pick for the third straight season after selecting Macklin Celebrini with the top pick in 2024 and Will Smith with the No. 4 pick in 2023.

The 2025 NHL draft class includes a number of great players, including Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Saginaw Spirit center Michael Misa and Boston College center James Hagens.