Why Fedor Svechkov Has Earned a Permanent NHL Role with Predators

Recently, the Nashville Predators have, at least partially, turned the page on their hellish start to the 2024-25 season. They were recently on the second-longest win streak in the NHL with five straight victories before Saturday night's 6-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, and rookie forward Fedor Svechkov has played a big part in the recent success.

Svechkov, 21, has been called up from the AHL Milwaukee Admirals on two different occasions this season, and he appears to have finally made his mark on head coach Andrew Brunette and the rest of the Predators' staff.

And, while Svechkov still plays limited minutes, it is clear that he has a tight grip on an NHL roster spot for the foreseeable future. Even when Cole Smith returned from his injury, Svechkov remained in the lineup for Nashville.

Fellow youngster Luke Evangelista is the Predators' only injured forward at the moment, and Svechkov got the call ahead of veterans like Mark Jankowski, scratched for Nashville's 6-5 win over San Jose on Thursday night, and Kieffer Bellows.

For Saturday's loss to the Ducks, Brunette and the Predators excluded journeyman Vinnie Hinostroza from Saturday night's lineup in favor of seven defensemen, which paints a pretty clear picture of the hierarchy of the forward position at the moment.

Svechkov, a 2021 first-round pick, has made the most of his opportunity thus far and is starting to heat up, having potted a goal in three straight contests despite receiving fewer than 14 minutes in six of his last seven games.

And, goals and assists are not all there are to Svechkov's game. In fact, the reality is the exact opposite. Svechkov was drafted so high by the Predators thanks to his blend of skill, high-end hockey IQ, and defensive work rate. The hockey IQ, in particular, was on full display on Thursday night.

Receiving a pass from Brady Skjei at the right point on the power play, Svechkov pivoted and wheeled wide to his left, lining up a number of Sharks players like bowling pins and using the traffic to rifle an expertly placed shot into the top corner, leaving Yaroslav Askarov stunned.

And, in a season like this one, the Predators would certainly be happy to see their young guys serve as bright spots. For Svechkov, as is the standard for young players, it is now a matter of staying consistent on a nightly basis.

Visit The Hockey News Nashville Predators team site to stay updated on the latest Predators news, game day coverage, player features, podcasts, and more.