At just 19 years old, Jack Ivankovic has already carved out a notable presence in the Nashville Predators prospect pipeline, earning recognition as a leader and seasoned performer among his peers.
Selected 58th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Ivankovic posted a 25‑8‑1 record with a .921 save percentage during his freshman campaign at the University of Michigan, a performance that helped him secure two gold medals at the Under‑18 World Championships in 2024 and 2025.
After suffering an ankle injury in January 2026 that sidelined him for six to eight weeks, he made a rapid return, skating back into action just four weeks later in a Duel in the D matchup against Michigan State, where he guided Michigan to Big Ten and NCAA Regional titles before falling in the National Semifinals.
International Exposure and Leadership
His international résumé includes a stint as a practice goaltender at the IIHF World Championship, where he shared a dressing room with NHL veterans Sidney Crosby and Ryan O’Reilly, and earned a spot on Team Canada’s roster for the May 2026 tournament.
Beyond the ice, Ivankovic has emphasized the cultivation of habits off the rink, a philosophy that has resonated within Predators Development Camp, where he mentors newcomers such as Brady Martin, Ryker Lee, Jacob Rombach and Cameron Reid, fostering a competitive environment that includes a personal vow not to let Ryker Lee score on him in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, Ivankovic aims to contribute to the growth of the Predators organization and hopes to earn a spot in the NHL alongside his draft‑class peers within the next few years, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to refine his game and leadership.