In Saturday's second round, the player was Swiss defenseman Roman Josi, whom the Predators picked after leaping from the 46th overall pick to 38th — surrendering the Nos. 46 and 76 picks to Phoenix.It was a reasonable price to pay considering Nashville scouts had Josi listed as a middle first-round talent, Predators General Manager David Poile said.
"We felt that after the top four defensemen taken in the draft, he was right there with the next group," Poile said. "So we thought it was worthwhile to move up, getting quality over quantity.''
The NHL's Central Scouting service had him sixth among European skaters, but the International Scouting Service had him 92nd.
The Hockey News listed him as the 49th-best draft prospect overall, but called him a "wild card'' who had been rated higher by some teams.
"He's a big kid and the Swiss national team coach said he's a very intelligent young player,'' Poile said. "He needs to get stronger, but he's another skilled defenseman and that's our M.O. in the new NHL.''
Preds deal for Day 2 picks | www.tennessean.com | The Tennessean
06-22-2008, 07:55 AM
Linear Mode
