Anytime Ryker Lee got open space during Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] development camp, it was always a treat. The Predators' 2025 26th overall pick [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-select-forward-ryker-lee-with-26th-overall-pick-in-nhl-draft]was drafted for his hockey IQ and all-around offensive abilities. Lee is a player who can do a little bit of everything and has a flashiness that sets him apart. Lee got to flex his offensive skillset in shootouts in the 3-on-3 tournament [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/watch-highlights-from-nashville-predators-development-camp-3-on-3-tournament] and the Future Stars Game. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/3-takeaways-from-nashville-predators-future-stars-game] In his first opportunity, he stickhandled over a dozen times in front of goalie Lawton Zacher before beating him five-hole. In Saturday's game, Lee, again, started with a handful of stickhandles before pump-faking with his left leg and going bar down on goalie T.J. Semptimphelter. [https://x.com/jackgwilliams/status/1941530146923741655/video/1] The Predators aren't known to have the flashiest, most dynamic forwards in the league, opting instead for size and strength. However, could Lee change that in the future? He won't be in Nashville or Milwaukee this coming fall, headed to Michigan State. Lee played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-select-forward-ryker-lee-with-26th-overall-pick-in-nhl-draft]during the previous season with the Madison Capitols, scoring 68 points in 58 games. He led USHL rookies in scoring and finished fourth in the league overall, earning him USHL Rookie of the Year honors. Prior to that, he had 99 points in 57 games with Shattuck St. Mary's 18U prep team. Through his highlight reel, Lee isn't just doing all the scoring, but moves well on the ice all around. Whether it be on the transition, in the zone or finishing at the net, in the USHL, Lee has proven to be a force on all areas of the ice. One of the biggest concerns that comes with offensively dominant players in juniors or college transferring those skills to the NHL is their build. When playing against bigger and faster players, will they be able to maintain consistent play? At 6-feet, 185 pounds, Lee will likely need to put on a bit more muscle, but is at a good pro height. Being able to operate with his build, and scoring as much as he does, a little bit more development will take him a long way. With the NCAA quickly closing in as the top destination for NHL prospects, and the Big 10 being the top conference to play in, Lee is putting himself in a great position to be NHL-ready in the next few year Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5c2b6a89-f028-4f3e-b684-9504734509ef.jpeg] Gold team forward Ryker Lee (73) shoots during the Future Stars Game at the Ford Ice Center Bellevue in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, July 5, 2025. He isn't the only Predators prospect that'll be playing college hockey this fall, as 15 other players will join him. So where does he fit in the current Predators lineup? General manager Barry Trotz said [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/fixing-defense-was-focus-for-trotz-nashville-predators-in-free-agency] that to address the team's lack of depth at center, it'll need more help from the wings and defense. If Lee can transition his game to the pro level, that will help the effort. The first line with Jonathan Marchesssault at right wing isn't going to be tampered with. He was second in scoring last season with 56 points. On the right side, Luke Evangelista's future with the Predators is still TBD. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-extend-qualifying-offer-to-forward-luke-evangelista]He has yet to accept a qualifying offer from the Predators, and Trotz has mentioned before how much the team would like to keep him. If they can't resign him, that opens up a gap. Past Evangelista, out of the current wingers on the roster, none of them have more than 15 points. Nashville acquired Erik Haula [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/erik-haula-returns-to-nashville-as-predators-trade-jeremy-hanzel-draft-pick-to-devils] via trade and didn't go after any forwards in free agency. The Predators need scoring, and if Lee continues to develop at his current pace, he could be in the NHL sooner than expected.
