With their second pick in the first round, the Nashville Predators set their sights on a young player with tremendous hockey sense.

With the 24 pick in the 2023 NHL draft, the Nashville Predators select … Calum Ritchie, center, of the Oshawa Generals. 

Why pick him? Cal Ritchie has that high "hockey sense" quality that make him a strong pick in the late first round for Nashville. He has above average puck handling skills, can score off the rush, and create scoring chances for teammates - something that will be important in the years ahead as the Predators focus on getting faster and more aggressive offensively.

That's not to say that Ritchie can't play a physical game. The 6'2" 18 year old is able to win puck battle and forecheck using his strength and size as well. In his 2022-2023 season with the Oshawa Generals, Ritchie scored 24 goals and 59 points.

There were ups and downs in his second year with the Generals, but he finished the season with a point per game average. He also played with Team Canada at the World Junior Classic and netted three goals and nine points in seven games.

What are the scouts saying? "He's a great skater," one scout reports. "He's creative, he's smart, he's skilled, and he makes plays."

Many evaluations note that Ritchie has a unique combination of skill set and size that could develop into a top six NHL center.

What else is on the agenda? With a draft that is deep with talent, there will still be plenty of exciting picks for the Predators at 24. If Barry Trotz and David Poile don't make a trade with pick 24, they will not be specifically targeting a forward or defenseman. Their draft strategy has been and will continue to be picking the best player available. Potential names at 24 could include another big forward prospect Samuel Honzek or defenseman Tom Willander.