Analyzing every Nashville Predators selection in 2022 NHL draft

The Nashville Predators took the stage for their first of six picks in the 2022 NHL entry draft Thursday night, grabbing Joakim Kemell with the No. 17 pick.

Nashville made five selections in Rounds 2-7 on Friday, electing to trade their No. 122 pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2023.

Here's a look at who the Predators selected in the draft:

RELATED: Why Nashville Predators believe Joakim Kemell could be steal of 2022 NHL Draft

GRADE: Grading the Nashville Predators pick of Joakim Kemell at No. 17 overall in 2022 NHL Draft

RW Joakim Kemell, JYP Jyväskylä (Finland)

The pick: Round 1 (17th overall)

The stats: In 12 games as the alternate captain of the U-18 Finnish national team in 2022, the 18-year-old scored 12 goals and added three assists. In his rookie season with JYP Jyväskylä, Kemell registered 23 points (15 goals, 8 assists) in 39 games.

The skinny: At 5-foot-11, Kemell was one of the smaller forwards in the draft. He makes up for a lack of size with playmaking ability and a strong midrange shot. The Predators think he could have been the steal of the draft, as he was projected to go as high as the top 10. His scoring ability could be a welcome addition for the Predators, who struggled to find the net at some key points in the season, including being outscored 21-9 in the first round of this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

C Adam Ingram, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The pick: Round 3 (82nd)

The stats: Ingram scored 26 goals and added 29 assists (55 points) in 54 USHL regular season appearances. He added one goal across two playoff games this season, reaching a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Team. While playing minors, he led the Winnipeg Triple-A league in goals (32), assists (32) and points (64) in 2018-19, being named the league's forward of the year.

The skinny: Ingram opted for the NCAA hockey route and is committed to St. Cloud State for next season. He spent this season improving his skating abilities, focusing on speed and acceleration. Ingram's accuracy on both slap shots and wristers is one of his biggest offensive strengths, though his skating is still a work in progress. A few years playing NCAA hockey will give him more time to develop.

D Kasper Kulonummi, Jokerit U-20 (Finland)

The pick: Round 3 (84th)

The stats: NHL Network's 85th overall prospect, Kulonummi averaged 0.725 points per game as a defender this season. He was an assistant captain for the Finland U-18 team (as was Preds first-round pick Joakim Kemell), racking up 18 points in 21 games of international play. He totaled 29 points in 40 games for Jokerit SM-sarja U-20 this season as well.

The skinny: Kulonummi is known most for his intelligence and decision-making ability on the ice. The defender's awareness is one of his biggest assets, putting himself in good position both in the defensive zone and in transition. Kulonummi is far from a flashy player, instead displaying a more subdued and responsible game. Combine his hockey IQ with quick skating and long strides, and Kulonummi is tough to slow down. He's a largely defensive-minded player, which means his offensive production lags behind his defensive skill.

RW Cole O'Hara, Tri-City Storm (USHL)

The pick: Round 4 (114th)

The stats: O'Hara finished the 2021-22 USHL season with 73 points (25 goals, 48 assists) in 58 games. He added tw more goals and six assists across five playoff contests. He's committed to attend UMass-Amherst next season to play NCAA hockey.

The skinny: Standing at 6 feet and 190 pounds, O'Hara is a quick and elusive forward. He formerly played for the North York Rangers in the OHL, where he built a strong hockey IQ and a great work ethic, according to Rangers coach Geoff Schomogyi.

D Graham Sward, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

The pick: Round 5 (146th)

The stats: Sward registered 43 points (10 goals, 33 assists) in 57 games with the Spokane Chiefs during the 2021-22 regular season. He added one goal during a three-game playoff stint. At 6-2 and 181 pounds, Sward is tall and lean, making him a physical presence in the defensive zone with his long reach.

The skinny: Sward's height gives him long strides and quick acceleration in transition. He's not the strongest defender, but he makes up for a lack of physical ability with skillful puck handling. He's quick to get the puck out of dangerous spot, making accurate passes and protecting the puck when pressured.

C Ben Strinden, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

The pick: Round 7 (210th)

The stats: Strinden finished the 2021-22 USHL season with 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) in 61 regular season games for Muskegon. He added another three goals and four assists in a USHL semifinal campaign. Strinden signed his letter of intent to play NCAA hockey next season at North Dakota.

The skinny: Strinden was a relative unknown for the last three years. He was first eligible for the NHL draft in 2020, but he didn't know that at the time. By 2021, after his first season of USHL play, the draft was on his radar, but not many teams had an eye on him. His breakout 2021-22 season with Muskegon helped make his case for selection this year. Strinden clocks in at 6-1 and 185 pounds and is a prolific scorer, but his real strength lies in playmaking on assists.

Emma Healy is a sports reporting intern for The Tennessean. Contact her at ehealy@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_EmmaHealy_.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators 2022 NHL Draft picks: Live results, analysis and updates