The Nashville Predators began their 2025 NHL Draft class by selecting forward Brady Martin at No. 5 overall, a surprise pick to some, but a guy that general manager Barry Trotz feels was a “passion pick” for his organization.
The Predators also added defenseman Cameron Reid at No. 21 and forward Ryker Lee at No. 26, rounding out a three-man first-round class that helps fortify Nashville’s prospect pool.
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Here’s all seven picks by the Predators in the 2025 NHL Draft, which took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 27-28.
Round 1 (No. 5 overall) – Brady Martin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL)
Martin just completed his second season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), scoring 33 goals and 39 assists in 57 games. Their top center and assistant captain totaled 43 goals and 57 assists in 109 OHL games, adding six points in 16 playoff games.
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A 6-foot, 178-pound right-handed skater, Martin is known for his incredible physical play from the center position. He projects as a top six center, though may be a second line center as his ceiling.
Round 1 (No. 21 overall) – Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)
The Predators traded up to get Reid, who scored 14 goals and had 40 assists in 67 games with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). A 6-0, 174-pound, two-way defenseman is a left-handed skater with puck-carrying skills that should translate to the NHL level. His standout attributes are his skating ability and offensive instincts.
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cameron Reid is selected as the 21st overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Round 1 (No. 26 overall) – Ryker Lee (Madison Capitols, USHL)
Lee had a breakout season with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League (USHL), scoring 31 goals and 37 assists in 58 games. The 6-1, 187-pound, right-handed skater is a skilled winger with excellent puck-handling and scoring ability. He’s a project, but could end up being a top-six goal-scorer.
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ryker Lee is selected as the 26th overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Round 2 (No. 35 overall) – Jacob Rombach (Lincoln Stars, USHL)
Rombach just finished his second season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and is committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2025-26 school year. A 6-6, 209-pound, left-handed defenseman, Rombach had three goals and 15 assists for the Stars last season. Rombach’s standout attributes are his size and defensive feel for the game.
Round 2 (No. 58 overall) – Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)
The Predators said they would draft a goaltender and they did, taking Jack Ivankovic, a 6-0, 179-pound goalie for the Brampton Steelheads. He matches what Nashville likes in their goalies of late: undersized, mobile, and smart. Many scouts think he could be a steal as a second-rounder. He’s committed to Michigan for the 2025-26 school year.
BRANTFORD, CANADA – JANUARY 15: Jack Ivankovic of the Brampton Steelheads makes a save against Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit during the game between the OHL East and OHL West conferences during the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game at Brantford & District Civic Centre on January 15, 2025 in Brantford, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
The Predators traded the No. 55 overall pick to Vegas in exchange for picks No. 58 and 122.
Round 4 (No. 122 overall) – Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL)
A right-handed defenseman, Huang scored seven goals and 33 assists in 64 games with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL). He’s an excellent skater from the back line, but probably needs to bulk up to make an impact at the NHL level. Mobility is his standout attribute. Headed to Harvard for the 2026-27 season.
Round 6 (No. 163 overall) – Daniel Nieminen (Pelicans, Liiga)
Daniel Nieminen, 19, scored four goals and seven assists in 39 games for the Pelicans in Finland’s top league las season. A 6-0, 187-pound, left-handed defenseman, Nieminen is an outstanding skater, similar to Huang. He could breakout for the Pelicans in 2025-26 and develop into a nice puck-moving defenseman down the road.
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Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who did the Predators take in the 2025 NHL Draft? Recap of Rounds 1-7