In their final mock draft for NHL.com, esteemed colleagues Mike Morreale and Adam Kimelman had him going No. 9 to the Buffalo Sabres. Some of Brady’s family and friends figured he could go as high as No. 6 to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Predators had other ideas.

Brady Martin, the Nashville Predators' No. 5 overall pick, was not at the NHL draft in Los Angeles. After being selected, he explained his decision.

No. 5 overall pick Brady Martin likely will define the quality of the Predators' 2025 draft class. Here are our grades for all 7 players.