Here's who starred at Predators development camp, Future Stars game, including Ryker Lee
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Here's who starred at Predators development camp, Future Stars game, including Ryker Lee
Developmental Camp prospect forward Ryker Lee takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Alex Daugherty, Nashville Tennessean·The Tennessean
·
4 min read
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Nashville Predatorsdevelopment camp wrapped on July 3, with Team Navy beating Team Gold 2-1 in the Future Stars game.
Wyatt Cullen, thePredators' top pick in the2026 NHL Draft, scored the go-ahead goal for Navy in the second half, assisted by Ryker Lee. Though the result of the exhibition doesn't matter, it punctuated a week of on-ice instruction aimed at helping Nashville's top prospects learn what it takes to make it in the NHL.
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"I'm just soaking it all in this week," Cullen said after the exhibition at Ford Ice Center Bellevue. "I'm super excited to play here eventually. Now I'll just go year by-year and see how each year goes."
Developmental Camp prospect forward Gavin Lindberg takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward and 1st round draft pick Wyatt Cullen takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin, left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin, left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Viktor Norringer participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect defender Alex Huang celebrates his goal with defender and 4th round draft pick Jakub Floris, right, and forward Aiden Fink (18) as they participate in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Philip Hemmyr participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward and 1st round draft pick Wyatt Cullen, seccond from left, is congratulated by goaltender Teagan Kendrick (37) and others after scoring while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Ryker Lee takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Teddy Stiga participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect goaltender Jack Ivankovic defends the net while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Aiden Fink, second from left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospectdefender and 4th round draft pick Jakub Floris, right, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game with defender Owen Keefe (72) at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect forward Teddy Stiga participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect goaltender and third round draft pick Dmitri Borichev defends against forward Erik Pahlsson while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
The Nashville Predators mascot Gnash gets a high five from Michael Hale, 10, during a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
Developmental Camp prospect defender Daniel Nieminen participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Gavin Lindberg takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Gavin Lindberg takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward and 1st round draft pick Wyatt Cullen takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin, left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin, left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Viktor Norringer participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect defender Alex Huang celebrates his goal with defender and 4th round draft pick Jakub Floris, right, and forward Aiden Fink (18) as they participate in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Philip Hemmyr participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward and 1st round draft pick Wyatt Cullen, seccond from left, is congratulated by goaltender Teagan Kendrick (37) and others after scoring while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Ryker Lee takes part in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Teddy Stiga participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Brady Martin participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect goaltender Jack Ivankovic defends the net while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Aiden Fink, second from left, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospectdefender and 4th round draft pick Jakub Floris, right, participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game with defender Owen Keefe (72) at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect forward Teddy Stiga participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect goaltender and third round draft pick Dmitri Borichev defends against forward Erik Pahlsson while participating in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
The Nashville Predators mascot Gnash gets a high five from Michael Hale, 10, during a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
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Best photos from Nashville Predators Future Stars game
Developmental Camp prospect defender Daniel Nieminen participates in a Nashville Predators' Future Stars hockey game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(John Amis, John Amis/For The Tennessean)
With development camp over, the 37 camp participants will head their separate ways — some willprepare for their collegiate seasons, while others will head back to junior hockey or their European clubs.
Along with Cullen, here's everyone who stood out this week at development camp.
Ryker Lee
If there was an MVP award for development camp, Lee would win it. In the 3-on-3 tournament he scored at least five goals, then in the Future Stars game he had an assist and a shootout goal.
But Lee showed this week he isn't just a goal scorer. He battles for pucks as hard as anyone — and is starting to win most of those battles.
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"Something (the coaches) harped on a lot was getting pucks back, winning puck battles," Lee said after the exhibition. "For the rest of this summer, that's something I'm going to work on a lot."
ThePredatorsmight have a legitimate star in Lee. The 2025 first-round pick will head back to Michigan State this year, but one more year in college might do it. You' could see him in Nashville by 2027.
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators as owner Bill Haslam listens during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predator President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland speaks during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators as CEO Sean Henry and owner Bill Haslam listen during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predator President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland speaks during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators Philip Forsberg and Nick Hague listen to Chris MacFarland speak after he was introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chris MacFarland shakes hands with CEO Sean Henry as owner Bill Haslam presents him with jersey while being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators as owner Bill Haslam listens during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators as owner Bill Haslam listens during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Nashville Predator President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland speaks during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators as CEO Sean Henry and owner Bill Haslam listen during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Chris MacFarland speaks after being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Nashville Predator President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland speaks during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Nashville Predators Philip Forsberg and Nick Hague listen to Chris MacFarland speak after he was introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Chris MacFarland, new Nashville Predators general manager, introduced
Chris MacFarland shakes hands with CEO Sean Henry as owner Bill Haslam presents him with jersey while being introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators during a news conference at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Egor Surin
On the first day, Egor Surin boldly claimed he was the strongest player in camp. But that's not arrogance, it's just truth. Surin, 19, spent the last two years in the KHL playing against grown men. An already physical forward when he was drafted in 2024, he's bulked up, making him even more intimidating.
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Surin dominated as a top line forward in the exhibition, using his size and strength to hold off defenders, creating space for linemates Lee and Cullen. He also scored in the shootout, showing off his hands and beating Russian counterpart Dimitri Borichev.
Surin will now head back to Russia for one more season with Lokomotiv. Like Lee, one more year should be enough for him.
Brady Martin
Martin, the Predators' top pick in 2025, looks as physical as ever. He's also grown in his ability to protect the puck in the offensive zone, extending possession and then finding an open wing.
In the exhibition, Martin centered a line withAiden Fink, a 2023 seventh-round pick, and Dylan Edwards, a non-roster camp invitee. He skated the puck up the ice with confidence, slipping passes at the right moments and always providing support. His game is in a good place right now.
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If Martin doesn't make the team out of camp like last year, he can start the season with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals. The league recently changed the rule allowing teams to roster one 19-year-old in the AHL. Wherever he starts, it seems clear Martin's junior hockey days are over.
Other prospects who shined this week include forwards Ben Strinden, Teddy Stiga and defensemen Viggo Gustafsson, Cameron Reid.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. He never uses artificial intelligence when developing or drafting stories. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter,@alexdaugherty1.Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page@tennessean_preds.
