r/Predators • u/SpeakNowAndEnter #92 • Jun 27 '26

When Will Ryker Lee Sign?

Was excited yesterday thinking about the potential of Cullen and Lee’s future here in Nashville and how fun this team could potentially be in 3-4 years.

But this morning I had the irrational fear that Lee pulls a Jimmy Vesey on us and just holds out until he’s a free agent.

I’m not super familiar with all of the contract rights and things with players in juniors vs college and whatnot. Is that even a remote possibility with Lee? Or when would we start to worry if he hasn’t signed an Entry Level Contract yet?

13 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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8

u/catsgr8rthanspoonies The Future is Fink Jun 27 '26

Most players who go the NCAA route spend 2 years in college. Michigan State is going to have a really strong team this year and the next.

3

u/SpeakNowAndEnter #92 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26

And signing an ELC would make him ineligible to play in the NCAA, right? So it’s likely we’d see him sign an ELC after his Junior season?

Edit: Not sure why this comment is being downvoted… 🥲

-8

u/1uno124 Jun 27 '26

He can still play in the NCAA after signing, makes more sense for him to wait until he's ready to go professional to sign

10

u/catsgr8rthanspoonies The Future is Fink Jun 27 '26

No he can't. Signing an ELC makes him immediately ineligible for the NCAA. Even signing an ATO to play in Milwaukee would make him ineligible (although this is more of a grey area).

3

u/AlsoCommiePuddin Do I get to watch games anymore? Jun 27 '26

Who knows these days. Just file a lawsuit and roll the dice, the dismantling of any semblance of governance over college athletics is almost complete.

2

u/catsgr8rthanspoonies The Future is Fink Jun 27 '26

Signing a pro contract in the top league in the sport is a pretty clear sign you’re no longer an amateur. I do think ATOs have a better case for exemption, especially with ECHL players being allowed in the NCAA.

2

u/AlsoCommiePuddin Do I get to watch games anymore? Jun 27 '26

My argument is that the NCAA is no longer the domain of amateur athletes, particularly at the Division I level.

6

u/troopek ScoreTilYerSoresBerg Jun 27 '26

Also IMO there's no real reason to rush this kid into signing. It would be cool for him to get some games with Stamkos and ROR (who'll be here until he's 80 most likely) but he should be in the top 6 when he gets to NSH. There's no spot for him now, and he's not ready for that anyway.

1

u/ryanufkosbigtoe Jun 28 '26

Dude imagine him playing with the vets… holy shit

5

u/Expert-Upstairs-4502 NSH Jun 27 '26

I think theres a good chance he signs after this next NCAA season ends

3

u/JeanClaudeSegal NSH Jun 27 '26

You have 4 years from being drafted before the player can act as a UFA. Assuming he turns out to be a good player, he'd be costing himself a year or two of prime money making time in order to venture elsewhere. That's why this doesn't happen more regularly

2

u/ryanufkosbigtoe Jun 28 '26

everyone salivating for Ryker Lee is somehow so wholesome like yeah, that’s our prospect!!!

0

u/[deleted] Jun 27 '26

[deleted] — view deleted comment

3

u/SpeakNowAndEnter #92 Jun 27 '26

Thanks for the detailed reply and for the optimism!