Ryker Lee was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft at 26th overall via the pick acquired in the trade involving Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks in August of 2024.
The World Junior Summer Showcase is happening now in Minnesota and Lee has been stealing the spotlight for Team USA, scoring a point in every game he has played in.
Outstanding pass from Ryker Lee to Cullen Potter, who makes it 2-1. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/RpdYff0115
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) July 30, 2025
Lee has been playing on the second line for Team USA, with fellow Predators prospect Teddy Stiga playing on the top line with James Hagens at center.
Ryker Lee joins Brady Martin and Cameron Reid for a trio of outstanding 1st-round picks by Nashville Predators and it's already showing on the ice
Lee joins what is becoming a loaded and highly-respected prospect pool around the NHL for the Nashville Predators. As the NHL club enters a transition year and still tied up in some long-term veteran contracts, the front office has pledged that the guard is shifting more towards the youth in the pipeline.
Steven Ellis, scout writer for Daily Faceoff, ranks Lee No.6 in Nashville's top-10 prospects. In fact, all three of Nashville's first-round picks from this past draft are in the top-10. Martin is at the top spot, and 21st-overall pick Cameron Reid ranks No.4 in Ellis' top-10 Nashville prospects.
""Lee was 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. He kicked off the World Junior Summer Showcase in style, playing some excellent hockey in a leading role early on for USA.""Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
Lee brings a feisty offensive game to the ice. He needs to bulk up in the physicality department, but he more than makes up for it with his unique offensive skills and ability to create scoring chances. He has shown that off at the World Junior Summer Showcase for sure.
What I really like about Lee's game at such an early stage in his hockey development is he makes his linemates better around him. He doesn't just have to score the flashy goal, he can also be the set-up guy as he has showcased this summer.
This is a prospect that we have to patiently wait for. There is more development to be had at age 18. Lee will be 19 in November as he'll be playing collegiately for Michigan State University in 2025-26.
The Predators went through a long period of time where they weren't landing blue chip prospects in consecutive drafts. For instance, the 2022 draft features Joakim Kemell and then no other prospects that appear to have NHL futures. In 2021, they Predators took Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux in the first round. They have since graduated to the NHL and have crucial prove-it years coming up in 2025-26.
As for Lee, I love his game. He fills a void in the Predators prospect pool of a pure offensive talent that has plenty of time to develop and eventually become a top-six winger for the Predators. A long ways to go, probably at least two more seasons, before we see Lee make his NHL debut.
Lee played his first full season in the USHL last season and was one of the best offensive players in that league. He tallied 31 goals and 37 assists in 58 games. His recent growth spurt has shot his stock up among scouts, and the reason why at 26th overall Trotz couldn't resist selecting this player that oozes raw offensive skill.
Last season wasn't fun in the slightest for the Predators, and it feels like we're near rock bottom as a franchise heading into 2025-26. All we can hold onto right now is the prospect pool is stacked with talent and scouts are starting to take notice.