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James Hagens, Matthew Schaefer (The Hockey Writers)

Ryker Lee – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Stefano Rubino | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 6:09 PM ET

Ryker Lee

2024-25 Team: Madison Capitals (USHL)
Date of Birth: Nov. 08, 2006
Place of Birth: Wilmette, IL, USA
Ht: 6-foot-0 Wt: 181 pounds
Shoots: R
Position: Forward
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

Ryker Lee, a 6-foot, 180-pound forward, is averaging over a point per game and is in a fierce competition with Ethan Wyttenbach for the United States Hockey League (USHL) rookie scoring title. Lee has recorded 19 goals and 42 points through 34 games, putting him just three points behind Wyttenbach. He has accumulated seven points in his last four games (four goals and three assists). His 42 points currently rank eighth among all USHL players, and the Michigan State commit has been particularly effective on the power play. Lee has been a consistent point producer this season, recording a point in 23 of his 34 games. He has also achieved 12 multi-point games, including a hat trick on Jan. 17 and a four-goal game on Nov. 15.

Lee’s most valuable skill is his powerful shot, which includes an explosive wrist shot and a booming one-timer, both known for their remarkable accuracy. He expertly uses a curl-and-drag wrist shot to maneuver around opponents’ sticks and avoid checks, often utilizing his competitors as screens. Off the puck, he demonstrates a high hockey IQ by positioning himself where the play is headed, allowing him to find good spots to unleash his shots. While his playmaking is often viewed as a secondary skill, he deserves more recognition for the advantages his precise passing brings to the game.

His puck skills are well above average. He features a variety of deceptive one-on-one moves, including dekes and fakes, that allow him to fool defenders and navigate through traffic. He frequently uses these moves to cut inside or rush the crease, displaying a dynamic ability to split the defense or make opponents look foolish in tight spaces.

His excellent puck protection complements these talents. He expertly maintains control outside his opponent’s reach while pushing through checks. His stocky build and strength make it difficult for opponents to knock him off the puck. Lee is also a physical player with some power. He isn’t afraid to drop a shoulder to drive toward the middle or the net, and he has no problem scoring in less glamorous ways.

Unfortunately, Lee’s mobility is only average at best. While his top speed is decent, he requires a long runway to reach it. There is work to be done on the mechanics of his stride, which appears stiff and choppy, and his agility also seems lacking. To worsen this issue, he plays at a slower pace than he should. Most of the shortcomings in his game stem from his poor skating; if he improves this aspect and learns to play with a faster pace, he could become a significant asset.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Ryker Lee – NHL Draft Projection

He demonstrates solid positioning in his zone but struggles to apply the necessary pressure to be disruptive on the ice. Unfortunately, his effort and engagement are often inconsistent. His lack of motor and effort can be evident across various aspects of his game. He is still quite raw and will require more development time than some other players. Luckily, he will receive that opportunity at Michigan State, where he is committed for the 2025-26 season. Expect to see him selected in the late second or early third round of the 2025 Draft.

Quotables

“Few players in the draft can match up to Lee’s highlight reel. He constantly exposes defenders with a myriad of solutions: spin passes, feints, tape-to-tape saucer passes, there seems to be no limit to what Lee can imagine.” – Dobber Prospects

“Ryker Lee is just fun. With the puck on his stick he’s able to make high-end plays, but without the finishing execution that will take his game to another level.” – Smaht Scouting

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

The offense is there, as is his IQ to make the plays and the shot to finish. With some years to develop his speed and skating further, he can be a beast offensively. His size is a significant factor compared to the rest of the NHL, but an easy comparison is Alex Debrincat. If he follows the same path, he can easily be a 25-30 goal scorer while utilizing his size and skill to the best of his ability.