This year's edition of the Nashville Predators prospect camp raised hope for fans after an unfulfilling 2024-25 season. After selecting 5th overall in the draft, Nashville has some quality young pieces to help shape the franchise. Smashville's future is looking bright, but when can we expect the lights to turn on in the 615?
There isn't much we can do other than wait and hope that Trotz can manage the prospects correctly. We can already see that he still hasn't learned his lesson as he still has yet to resign young winger Luke Evangelista. If Trotz can maintain a healthy supply of homegrown talent, Nashville could potentially see a lot more success later down the line. Let's just say hypothetically Trotz does get better at prospect housekeeping, when would we see them? Let's explore Nashville's prospects based on how ready they are for the NHL ice.
For reference, I am classifying a prospect as someone who has played less than 15 games in the NHL and is under 25-years-old. With this, players like Fedor Svechkov, Adam Wilsby, and Spencer Stastney are not counted under this.
10. Jack Ivankovic, 18, ETA: 4 Years
Selecting Jack Ivankovic in the late second round was seen as a steal in the draft this year. Ivankovic was ranked 2nd among goaltenders in his draft class so Nashville managed to snag him before anyone else could. When it comes to his expected arrival to Bridgestone, it's going to take a good bit.
Goalies tend to take a while to develop, especially if they are coming from leagues such as the CHL. Yaroslav Askarov was different because he was already playing against NHL talent in the KHL. Ivankovic's motivation to play for his favorite team could provide a boost to his growth, we shall see.
NHL Projection: 1B or Skilled Backup Goalie
9. Cameron Reid, 18, ETA: 3-4 Years
As mentioned, North American talent takes a bit to develop if they aren't already elite. In Reid's case, while he isn't elite, he definitely is talented. His 54 points in 67 games in the OHL proved to Nashville that he can be a future offensive RHD to fuel the forwards. I expect Reid to play a year or two in juniors before transferring to Milwaukee.
In terms of when we should expect to see him with Nashville, you won't be seeing him for a few years. He may be an NHL call-up, but he won't get starter minutes until year 3 or 4. When he does arrive, he'll for sure be the guy we need on the right side.
NHL Projection: Solid Top 4 RHD, Powerplay Blueliner
8. Ryker Lee, 18, ETA: 3-4 Years
Ryker Lee is a skilled scoring winger with high upside. His selection went under the radar by many in the first round. Lee put up 68 points (31g, 37a) in 58 games in the USHL, finishing 4th in shots taken. DobberProspects projects him to have 1st line potential in his prime, a promising sign for Nashville. Lee might take a few years to compete with NHL talent.
What makes him different from someone like Reid is that forwards tend to adapt better since they're not given as many minutes as defenseman. As a winger, Lee would be given the ingredients to succeed with pieces like Svechkov and other names in this list. He takes the shots with accuracy; all he needs is a playmaker.
NHL Projection: Top 6 Winger, Powerplay Scorer
7. David Edstrom, 20, ETA: 3 Years
David Edstrom played 4 games with the Admirals in the playoffs, failing to record a single point. He'll play his first full season in the AHL this year and is projected to be a big contributor. The chances of getting called up to the big leagues is pretty high, considering the uncertainty at the center position. Keeping said spot will be difficult however, especially with more important pieces like Brady Martin and Svechkov competing for the opening night roster. Give Edstrom a couple years in the AHL and he'll be Nashville's go-to middle-6 centerman.
NHL Projection: Middle 6 Center, Skilled Two-Way Forward
6. Ryan Ufko, 22, ETA: 2 Years
He's already made an NHL appearance, a singular one at that. Ryan Ufko is another guy that will be needed on the defense's right side in the future. He put up solid numbers in Milwaukee—30 points in 72 games this season. He'll probably see more NHL time this season, but he'll definitely not be a certified starter. The reason why I say 2 years is because he looked kinda of lost on the ice in his NHL debut. If he is given more time with the Admirals, he could develop further and potentially be a linemate for Tanner Molendyk in the future.
NHL Projection: Top 4 RHD, Go-To Special Teams Defender