The Nashville Predators capped off a busy first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft by selecting Ryker Lee from the Madison Capitols (USHL) with the 26th overall pick. The draft was held at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday night. This move followed the Predators' earlier selections of Brady Martin (No. 5 overall) and Cameron Reid (No. 21 overall), making for a notable haul of prospects.
Lee, born on November 8, 2006, is an 18-year-old American right winger standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 191 pounds. He is known for his offensive capabilities and playmaking skills.
During the 2024-25 season with the Madison Capitols, Lee showcased his offensive talent by scoring 31 goals and assisting on 37 others, totaling 68 points in 58 games. His performance placed him fourth on the team in both goals and points. In the USHL, he led all draft-year prospects in scoring. He also added 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 playoff games. Before being drafted, Lee was named USHL Rookie of the Year.
Prospect analysts see potential in Lee. Steven Ellis, a Daily Faceoff prospect analyst, had Lee going 29th overall. According to Ellis, Lee "has been one of the best players in the USHL this season, using his quick hands and excellent hockey IQ in the offensive zone to win so many battles". Ellis noted that Lee grew five inches this year, which is extremely notable.
Despite not being the biggest player, Lee demonstrates a willingness to engage physically and retrieve pucks along the boards. This trait adds to his play-driving potential. While some have noted that Lee's skating could improve, his knack for creating scoring chances makes him an intriguing prospect.
Looking ahead, Lee is committed to playing college hockey at Michigan State University in the 2025-26 season. Playing in the Big Ten Conference will provide him with a more challenging environment to further develop his skills. The Predators' selection of Lee adds another promising piece to their prospect pool, and he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the team in the future.
