The Nashville Predators have made a significant move, acquiring forward David Edstrom, goaltender Magnus Chrona, and the Vegas Golden Knights' first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks. This trade signals a change in the Predators' direction as they look toward the future. The trade comes with a conditional clause: if Vegas' first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft falls within the Top 10, San Jose has the right to transfer either its first-round pick or Vegas' to Nashville.
A Deep Dive into the New Predators
Edstrom, a 19-year-old center, had a successful season with Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League. He recorded 19 points (7g-12a) in 44 games and helped lead his team to the semifinals of the league postseason. Known for his two-way abilities, Edstrom is projected to become a solid third-line center in the NHL.
Edstrom's Journey
Originally selected by Vegas in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Edstrom had a promising start to his professional career. He made his SHL debut in 2022-23, recording four points (2g-2a) in 11 contests. His journey also includes impressive performances in Sweden's U-20 and U-18 leagues. Edstrom represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Championship and the 2023 U-18 World Championship, where he earned silver medals.
Chrona, a 23-year-old goaltender, split last season between the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. He made his NHL debut on November 4, 2023, playing for the Sharks against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He went on to play in nine NHL games, securing his first career win against the Ottawa Senators on March 9, 2024. He also played in 31 games for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL, where he had a 6-17-6 record. Before turning professional, Chrona spent four years at the University of Denver, where he won numerous awards, including being named the NCHC Goaltender of the Year in 2022-23.
Chrona's Rise Through the Ranks
Chrona's journey started in Sweden, playing for the Nacka and AIK systems before making his way to North America. His talent and dedication were evident during his time at the University of Denver, where he captured back-to-back NCHC regular-season titles. Chrona was selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round (152nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft.
The Predators' Future
The Predators' acquisition of Edstrom, Chrona, and the first-round pick from Vegas gives them a significant boost in their quest for a successful future. With this move, the Predators now possess nine picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, including three in the first round, two in the second round, and one each in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds. This is the first time in franchise history that Nashville has owned three first-round picks in the same NHL Draft.
The Predators' commitment to building a strong future is evident in this trade. They have made a strategic decision to focus on young talent, setting the stage for potential success in the coming years. This move is likely to be a game-changer for the Predators, offering them a chance to reshape their roster and build a competitive team for the long term. The Predators have put themselves in a position to draft impactful players who can potentially become franchise cornerstones.
A Move for the Future
The trade that sent Edstrom to Nashville is a part of a larger picture. He was previously traded to San Jose in June 2024, just five months before being dealt again. His journey from Vegas to San Jose and now to Nashville shows that the NHL is a fluid environment where players can be moved quickly based on team needs and strategic decisions.
The Predators' recent activity in the draft market signifies their commitment to building a winning team. The acquisition of these picks, including the conditional first-round pick from Vegas, allows the Predators to acquire talented young players who can contribute to their success for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As the Predators enter the 2024-25 season, the addition of Edstrom, Chrona, and the future draft picks gives them a sense of optimism. The team's focus on the future, evident in these moves, will be crucial in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup Championship. The Predators will look to utilize these assets to build a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that they remain competitive for years to come.
With the addition of Edstrom and Chrona to their roster, the Predators now have a unique opportunity to build a formidable team. These young players, along with the potential for high draft picks, are key pieces in the Predators' puzzle as they aim for future success.
