The Nashville Predators are looking to add to an already impressive prospect pool in the upcoming draft.
We are a little under two weeks away from the 2026 NHL Draft, a monumental day for many franchises. Ranked among the league's best prospect pools, the Predators yearn for as much talent as they can get.
Arguably their best run at drafting happened in 2025, where they had a franchise-record three first round picks. They selected a handful of promising rookies in the later rounds, topping it off with seven total players.
Let's take a look and see how these soon-to-be stars for the Predators held up in their first season following the draft.
No. 5 Brady Martin
Brady Martin was best player the Predators drafted in 2025. It was the first time the team had drafted in the top five since 2013, where they picked defenseman Seth Jones (No. 4). He played 57 games with the Soo Greyhounds prior to getting drafted, scoring 33 goals and 72 points. The center had an impressive outing at the World Juniors, tallying three goals and 11 points in seven games.
This season, Martin played three games with Nashville, registering his first career point. He returned to Soo, where he would suffer an injury and be limited to 24 games, putting up eight goals and 24 points. He continued the point-per-game performance in the postseason with 10 points. The 19-year-old also played six games as the WJC, where he would split eight points evenly. Following the end of the OHL season, he joined the Milwaukee Admirals in the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring a goal.
No. 21 Cameron Reid
Cameron Reid was considered a steal for the Predators, as he was expected to go much higher draft night. Scoring 54 points in 67 games with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL last season, Reid could comfortably be called the future of Nashville's blueline since putting on its jersey. Since then, he's done nothing but continue to impress scouts.
He played 57 games with the Rangers, serving as their captain. Reid registered 56 goals, consisting of a career-high 15 goals and 41 assists. Not willing to stop there, he guided his team to an OHL championship to send his team to the Memorial Cup. After a hard-fought battle, Reid and Kitchener ultimately walked away with the CHL title. He tallied 14 points in 18 games, one of the highest in the tournament. He'll join the University of Michigan in the fall.
No. 26 Ryker Lee
Much like Reid, Ryker Lee was also considered a huge grab by the Predators. An explosive player, Lee caught the interest of fans instantly. He scored 31 goals and 68 points in 58 games with the Madison Capitals in the USHL. He was named to the USHL All-Rookie Team and First All-Star Team, taking home Rookie of the Year.
He joined Michigan State University for the 2025-26 season and man did he perform. The jump from junior to collegiate hockey is one of the hardest, and Lee made it look easy, scoring 15 goals and 30 points in 35 games. In the World Juniors, he had two goals and three points in five games. He was also named to USA's Men's Ice Hockey World Championship roster but didn't play a game. Still, his performance in his draft +1 season is one of the best among his 2025 Predators draftees.
No. 35 Jacob Rombach
If Reid was the offensive defenseman of the draft for Nashville, Jacob Rombach was the defensive defenseman. Standing at 6-foot-6, 209 lbs., Rombach will be the go-to physical guy in the Preds future lineup. Last season he had three goals and 18 points with the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. This season he joined University of Minnesota where he would score one goal and four points in 36 games.
No. 58 Jack Ivankovic
Jack Ivankovic was the only goalie drafted by the Predators in 2025, but honestly the best choice they could've made at that position. His 5-foot-11 frame allows him to quickly slide to stop pucks, something taller goalies struggle to do. In his draft year, he had a .903 SV% and 3.05 GAA in the OHL. After transitioning to the NCAA, he instantly flourished, registering a .921 SV% and 2.15 GAA with University of Michigan.
No. 122 Alex Huang
Alex Huang was yet another defenseman selected by the Predators. He excelled at the junior level, scoring 40 points in 64 QMJHL games. Huang took a huge step this season, scoring 70 points in two less games. In the postseason, he put up 19 points, helping the Chicoutimi Saguenéens win the league title and earn a spot in the Memorial Cup.
No. 163 Daniel Nieminen
The final pick of the draft, Trotz didn't miss with his selection. Daniel Nieminen is renowned for his skating abilities, The puck-moving defenseman had four goals and 11 points in 39 games with the Pelicans in Liiga. We saw him improve, scoring six more points the following season in 47 games, maintaining a positive +/-.
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