Predators sign Hiroki Gojsic to three-year, entry-level contract

On Monday, Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz announced the team has signed forward Hiroki Gojsic to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The value of the deal has not been announced.

The 18-year-old was taken by the Predators in the third round, 94th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. Gojsic made his preseason debut with Nashville in their 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

Gojsic has been having a good training camp so far and was one of the better players during the NHL Rookie Showcase that concluded last week, scoring two goals and four points in three games, tied for the second-most points in the tournament.

The Langley, British Columbia native is heading into his second season with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League. After winning the BCHL championship with the Penticton Vees in 2023, Gojsic had some struggles adjusting to the WHL early on last year, but had a strong finish, scoring 21 goals and 50 points in 68 games, placing him fifth on the team in rookie scoring. Overall, he ended up eighth in the WHL in points by a rookie. Gojsic also registered five assists in the team’s 11 playoff games.

There is a lot of upside to Gojsic’s game. Listed at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, he has the size to become an excellent power forward, using his strength to drive to the net. He has a pretty good wrist shot off the wing and has no problem laying the body on opposing defenders. According to Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis, there is room to grow with Gojsic’s skating and hockey IQ. Still, the base is there for him to develop into an excellent prospect in the Predators’ organization.