Alex Daugherty, Nashville TennesseanTue, December 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM UTC·4 min readUnfortunately, it appears it will be a while before the Nashville Predators are competing for a Stanley Cup.
For the second straight season, they are at the bottom of the NHL standings, and there's little evidence to suggest things will turn around. The offense is inept, the defense has made crucial mistakes and goaltending has been unable to save the day like it has in the past.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut while the present is dreary, the future looks bright.
The Predators have made six selections in the first round in the past three drafts combined. One of those, forward Matthew Wood, is already in Nashville and making immediate contributions — in 18 games this season, he has seven goals and four assists.
Here's a look at how the other five first-round picks are developing.
Brady Martin: No. 5 overall pick, 2025
On Oct. 22, Brady Martin was sent back to Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) after recording one assist with the Predators in three games.
Since being back in The Soo, Martin hasn't quite hit his stride. He has two goals and nine assists in 10 games playing as the team's No. 1 center. Though he did score a spectacular between-the-legs goal on Nov. 1, he is on a five-game pointless streak.
But Martin is still Nashville's top center prospect and tracks to be a top-six player in the NHL soon.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe earliest he can return to the NHL is the 2026-27 season. He is not allowed to play in the American Hockey League this season because of his age. However, a new rule is set to take effect next season that allows an NHL team one 19-year-old to play in the AHL. Martin could be a candidate for that spot if he doesn't make the Predators' roster out of camp.
Cameron Reid: No. 21 overall, 2025
Defenseman Cameron Reid suffered an injury in rookie camp, but that hasn't hurt his season in Kitchener (OHL). The Rangers' captain has six goals and 15 assists to lead all defensemen on the team.
The 6-foot, 174-pound, left-hander is a high-end skater with puck-carrying skills that should translate to the NHL level. His standout attributes are his skating ability and offensive instincts. Most scouts predict he'll develop into a play-driving offensive defenseman with shades of Colorado Avalanche's Devon Toews.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRyker Lee: No. 26 overall, 2025
Ryker Lee has had a fantastic start for Michigan State as a freshman. The 18-year-old has six goals and seven assists in 14 games, which ranks fourth on the Spartans.
Lee is a 6-1, 185-pound right wing with hints at being a next-level goal scorer. His shooting skills look NHL ready — quick release, deceptive timing, the ability to change shooting angles. Coming from the USHL, some wondered if his skating would adjust to collegiate hockey, but he has had few issues.
In a few years, we may view Lee as one of the Predators' best picks in 2025.
Egor Surin: No. 22 overall, 2024
No one is rising faster through the Predators' prospect rankings than Egor Surin. He has exploded for 13 goals and 11 assists in 33 games for Lokomotiv (KHL) in Russia, second on the team in points behind former Predators winger Alexander Radulov.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSurin's combination of high energy and skill seem to be just what the Predators need. They'll have to wait — he is signed with Lokomotiv through 2027, which means he won't be playing in North America until he's nearly 21 years old — but he will surely be worth it. The 6-2, 198-pound forward should be a regular top-six contributor when he gets here.
Tanner Molendyk: No. 24 overall pick, 2023
Tanner Molendyk made his professional debut with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) in October after four seasons in junior hockey. The 6-foot, 185-pound defenseman has one goal and five assists through 16 games for the Admirals.
Molendyk's debut with Milwaukee has been quiet, mostly because he's playing limited minutes. Given his usage as a bottom-four defenseman, six points is an impressive start. Predators general manager Barry Trotz has already suggested Molendyk could make his NHL debut this season, but that's likely to come later.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE FROM TROTZ: Predators' Barry Trotz 'needs more' from players as he backs his coach
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at [email protected]. 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: How Brady Martin, Nashville Predators' first-round picks are developing
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