With the 58th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, held in Los Angeles, the Nashville Predators selected goaltender Jack Ivankovic from the Brampton Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Ivankovic was considered one of the top goalie prospects in the draft class.
Ivankovic, born on May 22, 2007, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is an 18-year-old goaltender who stands at 5-foot-11 (though some sources list him as 6'0") and weighs 179 pounds. He catches with his left hand. Despite being considered undersized for a modern goalie, Ivankovic's athleticism, competitiveness, and technical skills have made him a highly touted prospect.
Prior to being drafted, Ivankovic played for the Brampton Steelheads in the OHL. During the 2023-24 season, his rookie year, he played 25 games with a 14–5–4 record, a 2.72 goals-against average (GAA), and a .915 save percentage. He won the F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy for best rookie GAA in the OHL and was named to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team. In the 2024-25 season, he posted a 25-12-5 record with a 3.05 GAA and a .903 save percentage in 43 games.
Internationally, Ivankovic has represented Canada on multiple occasions. He won gold medals at the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World U18 Championships. In the 2025 tournament, he was named the tournament's best goalie, posting a 6-0-0 record with a 1.05 GAA and a .961 save percentage, including a shutout in the gold medal game against Sweden. Ivankovic was also selected to Canada's 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships team, where he appeared in one game.
Several scouts and analysts have praised Ivankovic's abilities. Al Jensen of NHL Central Scouting noted Ivankovic's competitiveness, skill, and poise, stating that he "plays bigger than some of the 6-foot-2 goalies because of the way he plays". Craig Button of TSN ranked Ivankovic as the No. 12 prospect in the draft, while other prominent scouts had him ranked outside the top 40.
Ivankovic is committed to playing college hockey at the University of Michigan starting in the 2026-27 season. He is joining a top NCAA program where he will face strong competition and have access to উন্নত weight training. He is expected to work with goalie coach Kevin Reiter, who has worked with NHL goalies like Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger.
The Nashville Predators' decision to draft Ivankovic addresses their need for goaltending prospects after trading Yaroslav Askarov. With Juuse Saros as the current starter and Justus Annunen as the backup, the Predators have time to develop Ivankovic. Some see Ivankovic as a potential future replacement for Saros. Ivankovic has expressed admiration for Saros, as well as Jake Oettinger, and has tried to incorporate elements of their games into his own.
Despite concerns about his height, Ivankovic has proven that he can overcome this perceived disadvantage with his skill and athleticism. Some scouts believe he may still grow, as his father was a late bloomer who eventually reached 6-foot-4. Ivankovic's selection by the Predators reflects the team's belief in his potential to become a successful NHL goaltender.
