2025-26 Nashville Predators Top Prospects

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Brady Martin has quickly become one of the most important pieces of Nashville’s future. Selected fifth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Martin earned his draft position through a combination of skill, competitiveness, and a relentless two-way game. He plays a hard-driving style that NHL coaches love, constantly pressuring opponents, winning puck battles, and creating offense through effort as much as talent.

Yegor Surin has become one of the most exciting prospects in the Predators system following a breakout season in Russia. Drafted in the first round in 2024, Surin combines skill, speed, and an edge that makes him difficult to play against. His offensive game took a major step forward in the KHL, where he demonstrated improved confidence carrying the puck and creating offense against professional competition.

Tanner Molendyk – His skating is the defining feature of his game, allowing him to effortlessly lead rushes, recover defensively, and control play in transition. Molendyk is highly effective moving the puck and can create offense through his mobility and vision. Defensively, he has made significant progress over the last two seasons, becoming more reliable in his positioning and physical engagement.

Reid Schaefer – At his best, he uses his size, strength, and skating to overwhelm defenders and create offense around the net. Injuries have slowed portions of his development, but when healthy he has shown the ability to score goals, play physically, and contribute in multiple situations. His shot is a legitimate weapon, particularly from the circles and around the slot. The biggest question is whether he can consistently play with the pace required for a top-six role.

Ryker Lee – He is a highly skilled winger with excellent puck skills, creativity, and scoring touch. His ability to create offense in tight spaces and make plays at full speed has become increasingly impressive as he has faced stronger competition. Lee’s offensive instincts are arguably his greatest strength, and he consistently finds ways to generate scoring chances.

2025 Nashville Predators Draft Picks

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