Rookie Defenseman Ufko Scores Stunning First NHL Goal for Predators

22-year-old prospect dazzles with highlight-reel tally against Kraken

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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In a 3-2 game against the Seattle Kraken, Nashville Predators rookie defenseman Ryan Ufko scored an incredible first NHL goal, dancing around defenders and deking the goaltender to put his team ahead late in the second period.

Why it matters

Ufko's impressive debut comes at a crucial time for the Predators, who recently traded away veteran defenseman Nick Blankenburg. The young prospect is expected to play a significant role on the blue line down the stretch as Nashville pushes for a playoff spot.

The details

With the game tied 2-2 in the second period, Ufko stole the puck from Jonathan Marchessault near the blue line, then weaved through two defenders before deking Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord to score the go-ahead goal. The 22-year-old's highlight-reel tally was his first NHL point, coming just over a month after he made his league debut on April 14, 2025.

  • Ufko scored the go-ahead goal with six minutes left in the second period.
  • Ufko made his NHL debut on April 14, 2025.

The players

Ryan Ufko

A 22-year-old rookie defenseman for the Nashville Predators, Ufko was a fourth-round pick in 2021 and has been the top blueliner for the team's AHL affiliate in Milwaukee this season.

Nick Blankenburg

A veteran defenseman who was recently traded by the Predators to the Colorado Avalanche, opening up a significant role for the young Ufko on Nashville's blue line.

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What they’re saying

“That's Ufko's first NHL goal and his second NHL point, assisting on Filip Forsberg's power play goal against Boston on March 5.”

— Alex Daugherty, Predators beat writer (The Tennessean)

What’s next

With Nick Blankenburg traded to Colorado, Ufko is expected to play a significant role on the blue line for Nashville down the stretch as they push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Ryan Ufko's stunning first NHL goal showcases the young defenseman's immense skill and potential, providing a glimpse of the bright future ahead for the Predators as they integrate their top prospect into a more prominent role on the blue line.