Three Predators' Prospects Participating In World Junior Summer Showcase
Three Nashville prospects will join teams Finland and Sweden at the World Junior Summer Showcase.
Three Predators' Prospects Participating In World Junior Summer ShowcaseIt is the dog days of the hockey offseason, but three Predators' prospects are gearing up to take the ice at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Michigan. Nashville's 2023 17th overall pick Felix Nilsson and 68th overall pick Jesse Kiiskinen and 2022 84th overall pick Kasper Kulonummi will take the ice for their respective teams in Michigan beginning the weekend.
Forward Felix Nilsson will represent Sweden at the Summer Showcase. Nilsson most recently played on the J20 Rögle BK team where he scored 19 goals and 41 points in the regular season. The Stockholm native impressed Nashville's scouting and front office staff so much that they traded the 47th and 147th picks to move up four spots to ensure they got Nilsson in the second round.
Nilsson is probably best known for his stick handling and playmaking abilities. He is an offensive threat, but the best part of his game may be reading the ice and making the smart pass. Nilsson will join seven other 2023 draftees representing Sweden at the showcase.
The Predators will have two prospects playing for Team Finland. Forward Jesse Kiiskinen was drafted by Nashville 68th overall in June. The 6-foot Finn, known for his high energy style of play, was proud to be drafted by the Predators. Kiiskinen's relentless energy and physical forechecking caught the eyes of Nashville's scouts and he was a standout for Team Finland at the U18 World Junior Championships where he scored three goals and five points in five games.
Team Finland will also be represented by 2022 Predators draftee Kasper Kulonummi. The 19-year-old defenseman was drafted in the 3rd round and played last season with Tappara U20. In his 36 games he scored 11 goals ad 43 points and made 12 playoff appearances in which he scored one goal and twelve points.
These three Predators' prospects will compete with their respective teams beginning Saturday and running through August 4. Finland and Sweden will be joined in the tournament by two U.S.A teams - Team Blue and Team White. The game schedule can be found here and the games are available to watch on usahockeytv.com.