Chosen with the fifth overall pick in the NHL Draft in June, Brady Martin was always going to to play a big part in the Nashville Predators’ future.

The only question coming into training camp was when that future would begin on the NHL level.

The answer? Immediately.

Martin, the team’s highest drafted player since 2013, on Monday earned a spot on the opening night roster of the Predators, who will begin the 2025-26 season Thursday at Bridgestone Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 18-year-old Martin is skating into rare air, as one of very few Nashville draft picks to begin the season on the NHL level when still eligible to play junior hockey.

Others who’ve done the same include forward Scott Hartnell (2000 first-round pick), forward Scottie Upshall (2002 first-round pick) a

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