NHL Mock Draft 2013: Aleksander Barkov selected by Nashville Predators

With the No. 4 pick in SB Nation’s 2013 NHL Mock Draft, our Nashville Predators delegation at On the Forecheck selects...

Here’s how OtF explains the pick:

When you put it all together, Barkov represents Nashville’s best hope to enjoy the kind of home-grown star quality forward that fans have long wished for. He boasts a wonderful combination of size & skill, and is already delivering on some of that promise in Finland’s top pro league. With the Predators, he could theoretically step right into the NHL lineup (getting protected minutes behind Mike Fisher, David Legwand andPaul Gaustad) or spend a season in Milwaukee acclimating himself to the smaller North American rink.

Check in with On the Forecheck for more on Barkov and the Predators. The Carolina Hurricanes, via our friends at Canes Country, are on the clock.

Keep up with the full 2013 SB Nation NHL Mock Draft on this page.