2026-27 Nashville Predators Top Prospects

David Satriano
NHL.com
Aug. 16th, 2026
Steven Ellis
Daily Faceoff
July 28th, 2026
McKeen’s Hockey
May 11th, 2026
Scott Wheeler
The Athletic
Apr. 5th, 2026
1 Brady Martin (F) Wyatt Cullen (LW) Brady Martin (C) Brady Martin (C)
2 Wyatt Cullen (F) Brady Martin (C) Yegor Surin (C) Ryker Lee (LW)
3 Tanner Molendyk (D) Ryker Lee (LW) Tanner Molendyk (LHD) Yegor Surin (C)
4 Cameron Reid (D) Yegor Surin (C/LW) Reid Schaefer (LW) Matthew Wood (RW)
5 Egor Surin (F) Cameron Reid (LHD) Cameron Reid (LHD) Tanner Molendyk (LHD)
6 Tommy Bleyl (RHD) Ryker Lee (LW) Cameron Reid (LHD)
7 Tanner Molendyk (LHD) Jack Ivankovic (G) Jack Ivankovic (G)
8 Felix Nilsson (C) Ryan Ufko (RHD) Ryan Ufko (RHD)
9 Jack Ivankovic (G) David Edstrom (C) Fedor Svechkov (C)
10 Ryan Ufko (RHD) Joakim Kemell (RW) Zachary L’Heureux (LW)

 

** 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.

Wyatt Cullen is a highly intelligent, skilled winger whose game is built around excellent skating, vision, puck handling and playmaking ability. He processes the game quickly, consistently scans for passing options and uses strong agility and edgework to create space in tight areas, making him especially effective at driving possession and setting up scoring opportunities. Cullen recorded 45 points in 40 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2025–26 and led the United States with nine points in five games at the U18 World Championship before Nashville selected him 10th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.

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.

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.

2026 Nashville Predators Draft Picks

Round No. Player Pos. Team Ht. Wt.
1 10 Wyatt Cullen LW USNTDP U18 6′ 1″ 183
1 31 Tommy Bleyl RHD Moncton (QMJHL) 5’11” 170
3 70 Dmitri Borichiev G Lokomotiv (MHL) 6′ 2″ 188
4 106 Jakub Floris D Lukko Jr (FIN Jr) 6′ 3″ 194
4 118 Justin Graf LW Cedar Rapids (USHL) 6′ 1″ 174
5 138 Philip Hemmyr LW Bjorkloven (SWE 2) 6′ 1″ 170
6 179 Benjamin Cossette Ayotte D Val-D’Or (QMJHL) 6′ 1″ 185
7 202 Charlie Puglisi C Winchendon HS (MA) 6′ 0″ 162

 

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2026-27 Critical Dates

Sept. 19: Preseason games begin.
Sept. 29: Regular Season Opening Night (FLA at CAR)
Oct. 13: All 32 teams play
Oct. 25: NHL Heritage Classic (MTL vs. WPG) Nov. & 14: NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Finland (CAR and SEA)
Dec. 18 & 20: NHL Global Series in Germany (OTT and CHI)
Dec. 31: NHL Winter Classic (COL vs. UTA)