Nashville Predators Develop Young Talent

The Nashville Predators are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 38-34 record, on a L2 streak, and are focusing on developing their young talent through their development camp.

What is development camp?

Development camp provides NHL training simulation for draftees, with on-ice instruction from NHL coaches.

The camp, which began June 28, features 37 draftees and camp invitees working through drills at the Centennial Sportsplex locker room.

How does college hockey impact the camp?

College hockey's renaissance in the NHL has led to an increase in rivalries at the development camp, with players like Jack Ivankovic and Ryker Lee bringing their college rivalries to the ice.

Ivankovic, Michigan's starting goaltender and Predators' 2025 second-round pick, said "We do not like the (Michigan) State guys."

What do the players think about the camp?

Ryker Lee, a Michigan State forward and the Predators' 2025 first-round pick, acknowledged the rivalry, saying "It's funny seeing (Ivankovic), I didn’t score on him (in college) this year."

The players are excited to work together and compete with each other, with Ivankovic adding "I’m super excited to be on the ice with them and compete with them."

The development camp culminates in the Future Stars game at Ford Ice Center Bellevue on July 3.

The Nashville Predators have 12 recently drafted prospects playing college hockey this season, including Cameron Reid and Jack Ivankovic at Michigan.

These players will have the opportunity to develop their game in a different way, with Reid saying "Just an opportunity to go to college and develop my game in a different way.