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Predators Grab Cullen 10th, Trade Up for Bleyl

6/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Nashville Predators selected Wyatt Cullen 10th and Tommy Bleyl 31st overall at the June 2026 NHL Draft.
They traded 42nd and 57th picks to the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire the 31st pick.
Cullen, 17, posted 45 points in 40 games for the NTDP and was ranked 13th North American skater.
Bleyl, 18, from New York, posted 81 points in 63 games, led the QMJHL in assists and committed to Michigan State.

History

Historical Context

When the NHL granted Nashville its expansion franchise in 1997, the Predators used a trade with San Jose to secure the second-overall pick in the 1998 draft, selecting forward David Legwand, who helped the team post 71 points in its inaugural season. Decades later, Nashville traded two picks to the Carolina Hurricanes for the 31st overall slot in 2024, continuing its tradition of strategic drafting.

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Story summary

The Nashville Predators selected Wyatt Cullen 10th and Tommy Bleyl 31st overall at the June 2026 NHL Draft.
They traded 42nd and 57th picks to the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire the 31st pick.
Cullen, 17, posted 45 points in 40 games for the NTDP and was ranked 13th North American skater.
Bleyl, 18, from New York, posted 81 points in 63 games, led the QMJHL in assists and committed to Michigan State.

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