The Nashville Predators made a strategic move in the fifth round of the draft, opting to select center Philip Hemmyr at No. 138 overall, while trading away their No. 160 pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2028 fifth-round selection. This decision reflects a calculated approach, focusing on future potential and immediate needs.
Philip Hemmyr, a promising 19-year-old talent, has been honing his skills with IF Björklöven since 2021. In his latest season with the U20 Nationell club, Hemmyr showcased his offensive prowess, netting 19 goals and racking up 44 points over 27 games.
His contributions extended to the senior team in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-tier league, where he played 36 games, scoring six goals and totaling 12 points. His efforts were instrumental in his team clinching the league championship and securing a promotion to the prestigious SHL.
Hemmyr's game is characterized by his keen hockey sense and versatility. As a strong two-way forward, he's known for his reliability both with and without the puck.
His ability to read the game allows him to exploit offensive opportunities and shore up defensive gaps. Although primarily a center, Hemmyr's adaptability as a winger makes him a valuable asset for the Predators.
His skill set is not limited to even-strength play; he also excels in special teams, contributing significantly to both power play and penalty kill units.
Looking ahead, Hemmyr is projected to slot into a bottom-six forward role for Nashville, with the potential to evolve into a middle-six fixture. The Predators' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Chris MacFarland, has emphasized playmaking as a draft theme, and Hemmyr fits this mold perfectly. With time and development, he could very well become a hidden gem for the team.
The Predators have a rich history of successful Swedish players, including the likes of Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm, and Viktor Arvidsson. Adding Hemmyr to this roster of Swedish talent continues a tradition that has served Nashville well, promising exciting prospects for the future.
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Predators Just Made Another Forward Move Fans Will Want To See
Nashvilles front office keeps working the forward market, and the latest move adds another piece to a group that has already seen plenty of turnover. President of hockey operations MacFarland has been active in recent weeks, bringing in Ross Colton, Jack Drury and Adam Edstrom while also extending Drury, a clear sign the Predators are still shaping the roster around more than just one move at a time.
The newest addition comes with some term attached, too, which gives Nashville a little more than a rental-style look as it keeps sorting out its mix up front. The cost was a third-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft, but the real question now is how this latest swing fits with the rest of the clubs plans, especially as the Predators continue to pile up changes and try to decide which pieces are part of the long view. [Read more 🡒]