NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Nashville Predators took former Father Gabriel Richard student 18-year-old Austin Watson as the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.

General Manager David Poile said in a news release the organization was 'really happy' to get the 6-foot-3, 185-pound forward.

Poile called him a "Predator-type player" with leadership qualities.

With the Ontario Hockey League's Peterborough Petes Watson scored 20 points in 10 games.

The Ann Arbor native helped the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2010 Under-18 World Championships, posting 3 points in seven games.

Rounds 2-7 of the Entry Draft continue Saturday with the Predators holding five more selections in the third, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.