Don't Miss
Home / Franchise Notes / MEET THE NEWEST PREDATORS: Taylor Aronson…

MEET THE NEWEST PREDATORS: Taylor Aronson…

The Nashville Predators kept the California-theme going by selecting defenseman Taylor Aronson with the 78th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

This years draft is being held in Los Angeles for the first time ever and Aronson was born and raised in nearby Placentia. When his name was called, he became the third Californian drafted this year and joins Nashville 2007 first round pick Jonathan Blum as the only native Californians in the Predators’ organization.

“I hope he helps me out in whatever way he can when I get to camp,” Aronson said about Blum.

Aronson tallied 30 points in his rookie season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League and looks to be a key blueliner for them for the next few seasons.

Nashville didn’t exactly need another defenseman but, as is typical with most teams at this point in the draft, they had certain guys they really liked and, when they took the best available player from that list when it came time to make a selection.

From the few moments I got to talk with him, Aronson seemed absolutely elated to be wearing a Predators sweater. He was smiling from ear to ear and was just enjoying the moment.

“I can take the puck up and I can stay back. I limit turnovers and can make crisp passes,” Aronson said about what he brings to the table.

He’s had some pretty elite company to make those crisp passes to. His Portland teammates Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter both were selected in the top five last night. If both of those guys are returned to the Winterhawks as expected, the WHL better be prepared for an exciting and dangerous team coming out of Oregon.

So, the Predators have now drafted a forward and a defenseman in this years draft so far. General Manager David Poile said yesterday that he’d “really like to acquire a second round pick” but, obviously it wasn’t in the cards. Nashville’s next choice is the sixth pick in the fifth round, which they acquired from Tampa Bay at last years draft when the Preds sent them their fifth round pick.

—

For a video of Aronson’s first press conference as a Nashville Predator, check out Preds On The Glass’ video here.

—

OTHER INSTALLMENTS OF MEET THE NEWEST PREDATORS
1st ROUND PICK AUSTIN WATSON
3rd ROUND PICK TAYLOR ARONSON
6th ROUND PICK ANTHONY BITETTO

—

HEADLINE PHOTO CREDIT: the Portland Winterhawks
INSET PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy K. Gover // section303.com