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The Nashville Predators have continued their aggressive rebuild, announcing the acquisition of defenseman Ryan Graves and defensive prospects Drew Fortescue and Beau Akey in exchange for veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and the 52nd overall selection in the 2026 DCHL Draft.

The move comes just days after General Manager Neil Burkholder acquired van Riemsdyk from Washington, demonstrating the organization's willingness to maximize value and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen the organization's long-term outlook.

"We're always looking to improve the future of this franchise," Burkholder said. "Trevor was an excellent addition and a true professional, but when the opportunity arose to add Ryan Graves along with two young defensemen we believe can be important pieces of our future, it was a move we felt we had to make."

Graves, 31, brings size, experience, and a reliable defensive presence to Nashville's NHL roster. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, the veteran has played more than 500 NHL games and is expected to provide leadership while helping mentor the organization's growing collection of young defensemen.

The biggest takeaway from the trade, however, is the addition of two highly regarded defensive prospects.

Fortescue is a dependable, two-way defenseman known for his hockey IQ, strong positioning, and ability to play in all situations. His steady defensive game and leadership qualities have made him one of the more respected young blueliners in his development path, and Nashville believes he projects as a reliable top-four defenseman at the professional level.

Akey, a 21-year-old right-shot defenseman, brings a different element to the organization. An excellent skater with strong puck-moving ability and offensive instincts, Akey has continued to develop in the American Hockey League and possesses the upside to become an impactful NHL defenseman. His mobility and offensive potential complement Fortescue's defensive reliability, giving Nashville two prospects with very different, but highly valuable skill sets.

While moving the 52nd overall pick represented the price of acquiring the trio, the Predators remain one of the league's best-positioned organizations entering the draft. Nashville still owns four first-round selections (2, 12, 13, and 14) along with eight second-round picks, providing tremendous flexibility to continue building through the draft.

The transaction also reflects the organization's patient rebuilding strategy. Rather than focusing solely on the present, Nashville continues to convert veteran assets into younger players who fit the club's long-term competitive window.

With the additions of Fortescue and Akey joining an already impressive defensive pipeline that includes Mikhail Gulyayev, Theo Lindstein, Logan Hensler, and other promising prospects, the Predators have significantly strengthened the foundation of their blue line for years to come.

The rebuild continues, and with every calculated move, Nashville is assembling a deeper, younger, and more dynamic organization built to compete for the long haulThe Nashville Predators have continued their aggressive rebuild, announcing the acquisition of defenseman Ryan Graves and defensive prospects Drew Fortescue and Beau Akey in exchange for veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and the 52nd overall selection in the 2026 DCHL Draft.