Predators select Ryker Lee No. 26 overall in 2025 NHL Draft

The Nashville Predators have selected right winger Ryker Lee with the 26th overall selection of the 2025 NHL Draft at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday night.

Lee was projected to be selected 36th overall on average across all of the main draft rankings, going as high as 23rd and as low as 67th. He was also ranked 28th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis projected him to go in the higher end at 29th overall.

Ellis had this to say about Schmidt in his most recent draft rankings:

“Lee grew five inches this year, which is extremely notable. 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. He’s not big and can be pushed around a bit too much at times, but he doesn’t let it get to him and is quite competitive. I hope to see him become quicker once he heads to college – if he could just use his footwork to win more puck races, he’d be even more effective.”

Lee spent the entirety of his 2024-25 season in the United States Hockey League with the Madison Capitols, where he had 31 goals and 37 assists for 68 points in 58 games played. His performance had him fourth on the Capitols in goals and points, as well as seventh in assists, as Madison went on to finish third in the Eastern Conference with a 39-17-6 record.

Lee also had three goals and three assists for six points in six games with the Capitols in the playoffs. His performance in the postseason was tied for the team lead in points with Mason Moe, who is also eligible for the 2025 Draft. The Capitols were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Lee has committed to Michigan State University for the 2025-26 season.

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