Predators Trade Up to Acquire Defenseman Tommy Bleyl
The Predators made a trade to acquire the 31st overall pick and select an exciting defensive prospect in Bleyl.
The Nashville Predators traded their two second round picks (42 and 57) late in the draft on Friday to acquire the 31st overall pick from the Carolina Hurricanes. With that pick, the Predators selected defenseman Tommy Bleyl.
It was a dream come true for 18-year-old Bleyl.
“The draft’s been a dream of mine, getting drafted in the first round especially,” Bleyl said after being selected by Nashville Friday evening.
He shared the moment with his family whom he credited with helping him achieve the goal.
“My whole family’s here [at the draft], and they’re so proud of me. I know I can thank them so much for everything,” Bleyl said.
“There’s some emotions going on. I’m sure later tonight they’ll be even more.”
Bleyl played in the QMJHL for the Moncton Wildcats this season and showed off an impressive offensive skill set from a blue liner. In 63 games played, Bleyl recorded 13 goals, 68 assists, and 81 points in the regular season. The Schenectady, NY native scored six goals and 28 points in the Wildcats’ 21 postseason games as well.
Bleyl was named the QMJHL Defenceman of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year after the season ended.
His skill set attracted the attention of Nashville’s scouting department early.
“It’s the speed. It’s also the agility, and this capability probably even more so than just the flat speed,” Jeff Kealty, Predators Assistant GM and Director of Scouting said of Bleyl.
“He’s a really talented but efficient player.”
“The highlights that you see is just him carrying the pick up the ice and dodging checkers as he carries the puck up the ice,” Kealty added.
Bleyl was a player who was a specific topic of discussion especially in the days leading up to draft night.
“He’s a guy that…we talked about a lot from a strategic standpoint,” Kealty said.
“I can promise you, he’s a guy we had earmarked. If we could do something like this, we’d be really excited.”
Bleyl will head to Nashville for Development Camp that begins on Sunday. He will return to Moncton to play in the QMJHL, and in the fall of 2027 he will attend Michigan State University.
Rounds two through seven of the 2026 NHL Draft continue on Saturday.
