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Nashville Predators picks Rounds 5-7

Nashville Predators picks Rounds 5-7

ashton-remax_NEWRound 5: Tomas Vomacka | G

HT: 6-3 | WT: 185

Team: Corpus Christi (NAHL)

Vomacka stats

Vomacka — much like Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray — likes to play low to the ice. He is a predominant butterfly goalie with a wide stance. Vomacka does not give up many rebounds and he is great at controlling the puck. He possesses great reflexes and makes some spectacular saves. His use of the poke check is very underrated and he is not afraid to get aggressive with oncoming skaters. He is very athletic and has great movement in the crease.

Due to his low crouch, he is susceptible to getting beat by high shots. Vomacka has shown the tendency to get rattled when scored on early and lets in some bad goals from time to time. His confidence and focus need to improve to stick in the NHL.

ships n tripsWhat they’re saying about Vomacka:

“The 6-foot-3 Czech is about the most animated goalie we’ve ever seen, frequently skating out of his crease and celebrating with a fist pump after making a key save, and often looking to pump up his teammates with displays of emotion. But there’s also plenty to like about his actual game. He’s got the long, lean, flexible build of a goalie, and he certainly plays with passion, never giving up on a play and flashing fast pads and good footwork around the crease.” – Kyle Woodlief, USA Today

“I believe his natural athletic ability is second to none as a young goalie. For a young European a goalie to come over and make a seamless transition in his NHL draft year has been remarkable. He’s exceeded all my expectations not just on the ice but also off the ice. UConn is getting a very good goalie, but as talented as his is on the ice, he is an even better person off the ice.” – Brad Flynn, Corpus Christi IceRays head coach

“Didn’t give up too many second shots. showed good anticipation and good balance in both the stand-up and butterfly positions. moves well from side to side. he sees the puck well through traffic. a very talented player. He shows potential to improve a player to watch as he develops.” – Gene Zyla, ISS Scout

There is little video on Vomacka. But he does have play No. 2 in the following video:

Round 6: Pavel Koltygin | C

HT: 6-0 | WT: 189 | Shoots: Left

Team: Drummondville (QMJHL)

Koltygin stats

Koltygin has been described by many scouts as a hot-and-cold player. He can be absolutely dominant on one shift, then get torched on the next. He does have a pro shot that should translate well to the NHL and the kid can score. He does have good vision and a high hockey IQ.

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He possesses good speed and offensive awareness, however many question his effort at times.  He could stand to be more physical and really assert himself defensively.

What they’re saying about Koltygin:

“This player still has to be more consistent in his game. On some shifts, he is easy to see and on others you have to look for him. He is a good skater with speed and has a second gear. He will pay the price to get to the net. He is strong on the puck on the wall and sees the ice well and he is a good passer.” – Bob Johnson, ISS Scout

Round 7: Jacob Paquette | D

HT: 6-2 | WT: 204 | Shoots: Left 

Team: Kingston (OHL)

Paquette stats

Paquette is a defense-first defenseman. He has good size and uses it to his advantage when taking on opposing skaters. He is light on his feet and has surprisingly good speed for his size. He is the prototypical stay-at-home defenseman. His strengths lie in his shot blocking and physicality.

He does log a lot of minutes, so his stamina could use some work. He will never blow anyone away with his offensive ability. He can work on his passing to be a better well-rounded player.

What they’re saying about Paquette:

“He’s a big defenceman who protects his blue line. He’s difficult to beat one-on-one off the rush using his smarts, active stick, positioning and ability to close gaps quickly, not to mention a ‘have no fear’ mentality to the physical game. And he can eat up big minutes. He plays calm under pressure and is very good when the opposition is on the forecheck.” – Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers

“Good range and mobility. He brings a healthy dose of size, strength and physicality. Missed the Ivan Hlinka due to injury.” – Jeff Marek, Sportsnet

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