NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Predators added both a top prospect and an NHL-ready forward during a busy Friday at the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Predators selected left winger Wyatt Cullen with the No. 10 overall pick, bringing a full-circle moment for the Cullen family. Wyatt's father, Matt Cullen, played for Nashville from 2013-15, and Wyatt wore a Predators jersey as a child while accompanying his father before a game at Bridgestone Arena.
"It feels unbelievable," Wyatt Cullen said. "Being selected by Nashville, having my dad play there all the way back, it's super special, and that's something I'll never forget."
Matt Cullen said the family's connection to Nashville made the selection even more meaningful.
"Nashville was always a special place for us," he said. "We had some awesome years there and built some really close bonds with people, and now to see him get the opportunity to play there... I know he's in a great place."
Cullen recorded 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 40 games with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program U-18 team this past season. He also led the United States with nine points at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team.
The 17-year-old is committed to play at the University of Minnesota next season before continuing his path toward the NHL. He is expected to participate in the Predators' Development Camp, which begins Sunday.
The Predators also acquired forward Adam Edstrom from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Massimo Rizzo and a fifth-round pick (148th overall) in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The 25-year-old Edstrom appeared in 35 games for the Rangers during the 2025-26 season, recording five points (three goals, two assists). The 6-foot-7, 232-pound forward has played 97 career NHL games, all with New York, totaling 10 goals and 16 points.
Originally selected by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Edstrom also has 17 points in 43 American Hockey League games and previously won the Champions Hockey League with Rögle BK during the 2021-22 season.