Ryker Lee: 7 Fast Facts About the Viral Star Everyone’s Googling Right Now

NASHVILLE— With the 26th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft the Nashville Predators invested in speed and upside, selecting right-shot winger Ryker Lee, the USHL’s reigning Rookie of the Year who erupted for 68 points in 58 games with the Madison Capitols last season. Built for today’s transition-heavy NHL, the 6-foot, 170-pound Illinois native consistently torched defenders off the rush, finishing top-five league-wide in even-strength primary points and drawing praise from scouts for a motor that “never drops below full throttle.” He pairs a bursty first step with slick edge work, enabling deceptive cut-backs that create shooting lanes from the circles—an element Nashville’s prospect pool has lacked since Filip Forsberg’s arrival. Background and rapid rise • 2024-25: Debuted in Madison and immediately slotted onto the Capitols’ top line, averaging 1.17 points per game. • January 2025: Won gold with Team USA at the IIHF U18s, posting seven points in six contests. • April 2025: Became the first Capitols player to claim USHL Rookie of the Year honors since the club re-located in 2014. • June 2025: Climbed into most public draft boards’ first round after a standout NHL Combine in Buffalo, ranking top-10 among forwards in both the pro-agility and VO2 tests. Why the Predators pounced General manager Barry Trotz cited Lee’s “relentless north-south game and inside-drive mentality” as perfect complements to Nashville’s young core of Luke Evangelista and Matthew Wood. Internal analytics also identified Lee’s 63 percent controlled-zone-entry rate—best among USHL draft-eligibles—as a key differentiator. While some clubs were wary of his lighter frame, Predators director of player development Scott Nichol noted that Lee has already added 11 pounds of muscle since September and owns “elite dedication in the gym.” What the experts say • Daily Faceoff scouting director Steven Ellis called Lee “a top-line ceiling play: if the shot continues to pop, you’re looking at a 30-goal threat; if not, you still have a middle-six puck-retrieval demon.” • NHL Central Scouting slotted him 18th among North American skaters after labeling his hockey sense “high-end” and comparing his spatial awareness to Kyle Connor’s. Next steps Lee will honor his commitment to Michigan State this fall, where Spartans head coach Adam Nightingale plans to deploy him on the right side of celebrated playmaker Artyom Levshinov. One or two collegiate seasons should provide the strength and defensive reps needed before he pushes for a roster spot in Smashville—potentially in 2027 when the Predators’ competitive window deepens. Key takeaways for fans and fantasy managers • Projected arrival: 2027-28. • Upside: Top-six winger who can drive play in transition and kill penalties. • Watch list: Shot volume and power-play usage at Michigan State will be early indicators of NHL scoring potential. Ryker Lee has spent the past 12 months rocketing up draft boards; Friday night in Los Angeles his ascent culminated in a first-round handshake. If his developmental curve stays true, the Predators may have unearthed the next homegrown star to electrify Bridgestone Arena.