Alexander Appleyard, Gray Matter, Ben Jordan, SpokedZ, Chris Ford, Austin Garret, Iván Ortiz, Thomas Gagné, Tom Watson and Dan Haurin combined their draft rankings and put together the official Smaht Scouting 2025 NHL Draft Preliminary Rankings.
#1 – Michael Misa, C/LW, Saginaw
In a year containing a handful of contenders to go first overall, Michael Misa sits atop of our initial 2025 NHL Draft ranking. For the first time since entering the OHL with exceptional status as a 15-year-old, Saginaw has deployed Misa as their top-line center & primary source of offense. He has more than delivered thus far. Through 26 games, Misa leads the OHL both in points (52) and goals (27). Much of Misa’s production this season has come in transition and his ability to attack off the rush. He’s a high-end skater with NHL level edge work and top end speed. He’s able to make lots of skilled plays at breakneck pace, generating controlled zone entries with ease and linking up with teammates as he drives the slot. He also possesses a wicked release and is capable of scoring goals himself from all over the offensive zone. Though his offensive production pops off the page this season, he’s also a dedicated two-way forward. He backchecks and sticks with plays off the puck, and competes hard in all three zones. His combination of speed, skill, and details project him as a top NHL player and the top ranked prospect in our initial draft rankings this season. (SpokedZ)
#2 – James Hagens, C, Boston College
James Hagens is off to a strong start to his collegiate career at Boston College after two years as the best player at the NTDP. He’s second in team scoring with 4 goals and 19 points in 15 games. Hagens’ game is centered around his skating and playmaking abilities. He boasts ridiculous top speed and the puck seemingly just sticks to his blade as he carves through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone. He’s extremely elusive in open ice and near impossible to dispossess the puck from. In the offensive zone, Hagens is an elite playmaker who finds teammates with his vision through layers and awareness of spacing and timing. Though he may not be the biggest, he competes hard and has shown willingness to put his nose in dirty areas and an ability to get to the net. He also has a strong defensive game that should allow him to stick as a center in the NHL. (SpokedZ)
#3 – Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie
Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft and a top defensive prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, has consistently impressed both domestically and internationally. Despite a delayed start to his draft year due to mononucleosis, he has returned to form and profiles as a high-end NHL defenseman. Schaefer’s game stands out for his maturity, intelligence, and efficiency. Despite being nearly eligible for the 2026 draft, he plays with poise and decision-making well beyond his years. A dynamic two-way defenseman, he’s a high-end skater with smooth edges, balanced posture, and mobility in all directions. He’s adept at managing play, using his stick effectively to disrupt opponents, and transitioning play up the ice. With his combination of skill, mobility, and hockey IQ, Schaefer projects as a potential No. 1 defenseman and remains firmly in the conversation for the top tier of the 2025 draft class. (Chris Ford)
#4 – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton
Martone is an October-born prospect with extensive pre-draft experience, including standout performances at two U18 World Championships and in the OHL, where he scored 33 goals last season as the Steelheads’ second-leading scorer and captained Canada to gold. Martone’s game blends physicality, skill, and scoring ability. He’s a strong skater with a pro-level frame, excels at going to the net, finishes checks, and handles the puck smoothly for his size. His deceptive release, strong shot, and ability to make individual skill plays and execute low-to-high setups showcase his scoring potential. With his size, skating, and talent, Martone is poised to excel at the NHL level. He’s highly regarded by Hockey Canada and NHL scouts, with a strong chance of making Canada’s World Junior team as a draft-eligible player. (Chris Ford)
#5 – Ivan Ryabkin, C, Dynamo Moscow
Just six months ago the pivot from the banks of the Volga River was being considered as a potential #1 overall pick, up with the likes of Hagens and Misa in terms of those select few player who might one day be a franchise player. It is easy to see why. Last season, as a 16 year old in the MHL, Ryabkin put up 58 points in just 44 games to set the all-time league record in scoring for a 16 year old. Additionally, he obliterated the P/GP record that Nikita Kucherov managed (1.02) 15 years ago with an unbelievable 1.32 P/GP. However, his stock has fell enormously to start the season. He has managed just 1 goal in 24 games across the KHL, VHL and MHL and at times as looked disinterested and disengaged, a far cry from the player he looked before summer. Talent does not just dry up overnight though, and his MHL team have issues across the board. When he is on his game Ryabkin has almost everything you want in a player. A quick release, fantastic anticipation and IQ, creative passing, and a willingness to engage physically. Some ranking have him falling outside the top ten, but if he can get back on track? Then an NHL team may walk away from the draft laughing with a potential franchise 1C in their prospect pool, and as we all know such high level centers are the hardest thing to acquire in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)
#6 – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgården
Victor Eklund is currently one of the European players whose stock is rising the most, thanks to his strong performance in the Allsvenskan with Djurgardens, and he is in the conversation to be the first selected player from Europe. The brother of William Eklund is a player with an intense motor, capable of producing and processing high IQ plays at very high speed, moving smartly through the ice, and with a quick change of direction to create space and shoot — a skill he admired in his brother, as he’s said himself, allowing him to do quick turn in tight areas. He’s a high-volume shooter, averaging 18.1 shots per 60 minutes, and possesses a quick shot release. This makes him a threat in power-play situations, thanks to his shot and his ability to move effectively to create shooting opportunities. He knows how to use this turn to cut from the wing toward the center, and as he becomes more accurate with his shot from there, he’ll be an even greater threat. He is also a good rush initiator from his own zone-his advanced stats related to controlled entries are all above average, and knows how to position himself well behind the puck carrier to create quality offensive opportunities, and he is adding a playmaking component to his game. He knows how to use his body effectively and has no problem battling for position and getting into the gritty areas. However, if we need to point out something to improve for the future, I think he does need to gain strength to maintain stability and not get knocked away from the play, but he is still young so the physical aspect is something he will eventually develop. His solid performance in Allsvenskan and the progression he is showing in his game are very promising. If he maintains this level of production, he’ll be in the conversation for higher draft positions because he already plays with no fear among professional competition. (Iván Ortiz)
#7 – Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett
Carter Bear is the epitome of a player who you love to have on your team, and hate to have to play against. He is an absolute menace on the forecheck with a motor that never seems to stop, a compete level that is through the roof, and perhaps the best puck battling skills I’ve seen of any player in this class so far. His skillsets are hardly constrained to that of a pure grinder though: his quick and decisive playmaking, above average puck skills and knack for finding open areas of ice in the offensive zone make him a dangerous scoring threat as well. So far this season in the WHL, his point-per-game pace of 1.80 is second only to Connor Bedard in the last 25 years amongst draft eligible players. Given his profile, he’s a rare example of a guy who I’d consider a high-floor and high-ceiling player. (Dan Haurin)
#8 – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgården
Between beginning the year with a knee surgery that saw him miss a month of game action and his early-season production dipping relative to last season (specifically in the J20 Nationell), it’s hard to deny that it’s been a tough start to the season for Frondell. Having said that, he is still one of the top prospects in this year’s class, and easily one of the most complete forwards we’ve seen coming into the draft in the last handful of years. Frondell is a complete 200-foot player who has no discernable weaknesses in his toolkit and can play both down the middle and on the wing (he’s mostly played on the latter in my viewings this season, although I suspect that a team looking to draft him will probably do so in hopes of him continuing to develop at the former). Offensively, he is an inside driven player who more often then not looks to pass-first, although he’s certainly not afraid to shoot the puck and boasts a well above average shot as well. The most impressive part of Frondell as a player in my eyes however are his puck protection habits and small area game. He is extremely strong on his feet and consistently does a great job of not only putting his body between the opponent and the puck, but uses power in his edges to gain separation to either cut to the middle or move the puck to teammates on the cycle. He’s also very good at sorting out pucks in heavy traffic around the net and making smart, concise decisions with it, whether it be in the offensive zone or the defensive zone. Defensively, he always has his head on a swivel in the defensive zone and is supporting his defenseman as both an outlet option and an extra man in puck battles when needed. Although I’d like to see better production from a player ranked this highly in the draft and have concerns about no part of his toolkit being quite good enough for him to truly establish himself as a top-line player in the NHL, the completeness and hockey IQ of Frondell at such a young age are going to make him a very sought-after player on the draft floor. (Dan Haurin)
#9 – Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri-City (WHL)
A fast, mobile defenceman with size, Jackson Smith is a strong defender who can make clean breakouts and jump up into the offence to provide a real threat. His defensive stick ability is noticeable as he breaks up plays and allows his team to break out the other way quickly. He has great stamina and is relied upon a lot, often playing north of 24 minutes a night and north of 20 minutes a night even-strength. An aspect of his game he will need to work on is his decision making, especially under pressure, but you can see his steady improvement as defenceman more and more each game, making him one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. (Tom Watson)
#10 – Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State University
Potter has dynamic skating and play creativity that pops off the screen. Even against a powerhouse team like Michigan, Potter put the defense on their heels every time he touched the puck. Once he got a little space in the neutral zone he could fly through the zone and puck handle through the defense with somewhat ease. He took nearly a third of his team’s shot attempts at even strength with all of them coming from dangerous areas, sent 21% of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice, and was involved in 41% of his teams offensive transitions with a 71% success rate. He backchecks hard, and is tenacious as a smaller player in suffocating space and forcing turnovers. He has a wicked wrist shot, and attempts some of the more creative passing plays I’ve seen from this year’s draft class. He plays faster than he processes the game at the moment, and is prone to trying to do too much on his own instead of playing through his teammates. As a 17 year old who went to college a year early, he’s progessing well and earning significant even strength ice time and power play time. One of the few players I can ignore their size given his speed, skill, and tenacity as a two-way player. (Austin Garret)
#11 – Cole Reschny, F, Victoria
In terms of pure impact on a hockey game when he’s on the ice, Reschny’s one of my favorite players in this class. He generates shot attempts on his own stick, facilitates for his teammates, suffocates space defensively, and is always in support offensively/defensively as a center. He is second in the entire dataset in the number of passes going to scoring areas and sends a ridiculous 38% of all his passes to scoring areas, and he isn’t a low volume passer who only passes in the offensive zone. He’s the only player to be sitting over a 60% offensive transition involvement rate two games into his dataset. He’s a smart, detailed player with quick processing decisions and who is driving results without a top-tier cast of linemates. He doesn’t pop off the screen with pace or skill, but focus in on him for a game and you’ll see all the little things he does to drive positive results for Victoria. Love the way this kid plays hockey. (Austin Garret)
#12 – Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw
Lakovic is a 6-foot-4 winger with an impressive blend of speed, puck-handling skills, and scoring touch. His ability to protect the puck, get off the wall, and integrate his linemates into plays has shown noticeable improvement. While his scanning, off-puck play, decision-making, and consistency in physicality remain areas for growth, his transition play and offensive-zone puck protection stand out. With proper coaching, he projects as a reliable top-six forward in the NHL. In the CHL vs. USNTDP series, Lakovic showcased his ability to dominate opponents with his physical presence and skill. He imposed his will in transition and along the boards, creating opportunities and demonstrating his capacity to influence the game at a high level. (Chris Ford)
#13 – Roger McQueen, F, Brandon
One of the most interesting forwards eligible in the upcoming draft, especially with all the time missed due to injury, the 6’5” centre for the Wheat Kings, on paper, has tools to make you salivate. Watch his highlight reels and marvel at his ability to deke defencemen and spin them around, doing it all in tight to his body, despite his massive frame; look at his elite instinct to get to goal-scoring positions undetected; and of course, he can use his enormous frame and size to play physically. That said, the big question is whether he can put all of his tools together and do it on a consistent basis. He can sometimes play a desperate game, chasing the puck too much or throwing his body around hopelessly, while being a step behind the play. He can also try to pull off shots or passes while not getting properly set in time to make them amount to anything. It all begs the question of whether he can reach his ceiling of a dominant, big-bodied 1st line centre who produces a highlight reel play on a nightly basis, or an underwhelming 30-40 point player who will shine against easier teams but become noticeable in all the wrong ways against stronger NHL competition. (Tom Watson)
#14 – Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener
Reid is one of the best skaters on the backend in this draft class. His high IQ and poise allow him to handle the puck in space, and get to open ice which leads to minimal mistake making. His skating ability allows him to set really nice gaps, and force puck carriers to chip and chase or dump the puck in. Not only a stud on the backend, Reid is sitting just shy of a point a game for Kitchener on the season. (Ben Jordan)
#15 – Radim Mrtka, RHD, Trinec
Mrtka is a smart and highly effective defensive player. He tracks play extremely well; reads rushes extremely well; and does just about everything you’d want defensively. He uses his long reach to his advantage very well, and while his skating isn’t high-end, it’s more than serviceable; he can still generate enough speed with his long legs to stick to players on defensive rushes, and move laterally well enough to close gaps efficiently; there’s definitely room to improve there, but he moves pretty well for his size. And his physical game is strong as well: he doesn’t lose physical battles often; he closes gaps well and bodies opponents off the puck effectively and without taking himself out of position; his whole defensive profile paints a promising picture. The offensive side is more of a question mark. He’s undeniably skilled, and at 6’6”, the things he can do with the puck are pretty impressive; and on top of that, the high-end smarts and reading of play that he brings absolutely translate to the offensive zone and offensive transitions. He’s a very smart, dependable puck-mover in the offensive zone; makes quick effective plays to maintain possession for his team; and while he tends to play a more reserved game, he’s not afraid to play a give-and-go, activate into the play, or even pull the puck through a guy’s legs if the moment calls for it. He’s just very good at recognising what the present situation calls for, and he’s a really efficient player as a result. That said, I do think that his skating could limit his offensive game in the NHL; I’ve found that on activations he’s often just a step behind where he needs to be because he lacks the quickness to get there, and overall I think he may struggle to find time and space offensively with his limitations. With Mrtka, I think that at the least, you’re getting a dependable defensive player who can facilitate play efficiently at the offensive blue line. But there’s plenty of skill and smarts there for him to work with as well, to potentially grow into a more dangerous offensive player. (Gray Matter)
#16 – Kurban Limatov, LHD, Dynamo Moscow
You can make a hell of a highlight reel out of the things Limatov can do offensively. He loves picking the puck up in his own zone and going for a skate, blowing through the neutral zone and creating a smooth controlled entry, and he has the skill and mobility to do it consistently and effectively, and I do think that will translate to the pro level. He’ll do something awesome like step down from the blueline, dangle a defender and send a pass across to an open teammate; or rush end-to-end, cut through three guys to the middle and rip a dangerous shot on goal; looking highly confident offensively, and then he’ll just…stop. And then 20 minutes later, he’ll do something awesome again. The things Limatov can do at his best could be top 10 in the draft, and he does it all as a 6’4” defenceman, but that time in between is the key piece. That palpable offensive confidence that appears in flashes seems to just vanish. He’ll make ill-advised passes that result in turnovers; fail to recognise better plays available to him; run himself into danger without a plan; and while he does a solid job of sticking to his defensive checks in general, he’s often overly aggressive and takes himself out of position—especially when faced with quicker opponents—and doesn’t leverage his frame as much as he could to kill plays more efficiently. The tools in terms of offensive skill, physicality, and mobility are definitely there, and there are flashes of putting it all together, but he’ll likely need to be reined in a bit: learn to play a more stable defensive game, and think ahead to make smarter offensive decisions. If he can improve in those aspects, I think there’s definitely at least a role for him as a solid puck-mover in the NHL, with the potential of a larger offensive impact if he can find more consistency and increase the frequency of those high-end flashes. (Gray Matter)
#17 – Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary
Benjamin Kindel is a 5’10” center who leads the Calgary Hitmen in scoring with 42 points in 26 games this season. After somewhat of a slower start to his season, he’s become one of the hottest scorers across the WHL. Much of that production has come at even strength, as well. Kindel is a smart, versatile forward who is always in the right position and a constant factor in all three zones and all situations. He has an impressive small area game, as he likes to hang onto pucks and draw pressure before finding teammates with precision through tight lines. Kindel also possesses an impressive wrister release that he’s able to unleash incredibly quickly. He’s shown much more willingness to use it this season, and it’s resulted in a huge uptick in goalscoring. Kindel’s increased production combined with his versatility in all situations make him another name to watch as a potential draft riser as the season continues. (SpokedZ)
#18 – Melvin Novotny, F, Leksand
Melvin Novotny is part of the earlier group of Swedish players who gained attention after standing out in TV-Pucken. While he may be flying a bit under the radar compared to others, he is nicely developing into a solid player. Novotny demonstrates a strong understanding of the game, with solid puck-moving skills and a capacity to contribute across all areas of the team’s play. He has a good ability to use his body effectively to protect the puck possession. I currently see him as a player who can be deployed in multiple line configurations, which works greatly in his favor. He has the ability to set up plays, make passes to more offensive teammates, brings a bit of grit, uses his stick well to pressure opposing defensemen on breakouts, and his ability to protect, the body use and puck distribution makes him highly valuable in power-play situations. There are still areas to work on, such as managing his intensity better to ensure it doesn’t backfire -although this may be seen as a good attribute for some teams, and seeking more favorable positional situations before attempting bad-angle shots that goalies can easily close off. However, we’re talking about a very versatile profile that fits well into multiple game configurations. (Iván Ortiz)
#19 – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton
Caleb Desnoyers is one of the safest bets to play some sort of role down the middle for the team that drafts him come June. He’s one of the most physical and intense players in the draft, which was especially showcased at the CHL-USA prospects challenge. From the opening draw, Desnoyers looked to always punish the opponent and finish his checks. That’s regular in his game at the QMJHL level too. Offensively, Desnoyers is a playmaker first. He’s frequently able to find open passing lanes in the offensive zone using the threat of his shot. It’s quality demands that attention. The Moncton Wildcat’s powerplay revolves around him and relies on him to find plays to execute in the offensive zone. Desnoyers could look to carry the puck down the middle in transition more. He tends to delegate responsibility in that area of the game which limits his potential as an all-around force. The biggest question with Desnoyers is the upside. The role he plays for the Wildcats, being the focal point of the offense is not likely to be his role at the NHL level. The skill level, especially when it comes to handling the puck, is inconsistent and while his playmaking is good, it’s not the elite trait that would be needed to be able to cement him as a true top of the line prospect in the NHL draft. (Thomas Gagné)
#20 – Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver
Often anytime there’s a shorter prospect with grit and swagger in his game, the Brad Marchand comparison is made. That said, if it’s a fair comparison for anyone, it’s fair for Cameron Schmidt. At 5’8”, Schmidt is a dynamic skater, weaving all over the neutral zone and causing chaos for defencemen when attacking. He has excellent hands and vision, executing the tougher passes or taking on a man 1-on-1 to generate offence. He can play fast, and he can play the slow down style and demonstrate his poise, maximising the ways he can hurt teams and put pucks in the net. Which leads me to the most exciting part of his game – his goal scoring ability. As of writing this, Schmidt is just below a goal per game in the WHL, and he can seemingly score from anywhere. He has a wicked release from the slot, but he also attacks the net front and can pick up greasy goals and rebounds. He’ll need to get heavier to be effective in the NHL but he has enough confidence, grit and styles of attack to suggest that he can be a problem for any defence. (Tom Watson)
#21 – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Luleå
He’s been one of the players from Europe whose Draft stock has dropped the most compared to initial expectations. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak had a quiet start in J20 Nationell, with just 3 assists in his first 5 games, though he has since picked up the pace and is now averaging over a point per game. However, he still hasn’t quite forced his way into the SHL rotation, but he managed to score in his first SHL game of the season. We’re talking about a very talented offensive player with skill, excellent wrist shot and capable of manipulating opposing defensive structures and setting up the decisive pass. He has the ability to handle the puck in traffic, collapse defenses with drives through the center ice, and take quick shots in tight areas. He has a very good wrist shot, loading it quickly and adding both speed and accuracy. In power-play situations, he has a very good shot from the left side of the offensive zone and his ability to manipulate plays through passing, both from the side and from behind the net, is excellent for these situations. However, there’s some concern that he might end up being a “one-dimensional” player, lacking some burst or explosiveness, although in odd-man rushes or when gaining the opponent’s back, he has an extra gear that allows him to support the puck carrier, and not being the most engaged in the physical play. This is why I think other players have moved ahead of him, as they have shown the ability to add that “two-way element” to their game, which is highly sought nowadays. However, in an ideal setup with players who can handle the physical battle, Ihs-Wozniak is an undeniable offensive talent with the vision to spot offensive situations where others might not see them. (Iván Ortiz)
#22 – Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton
In June, Blake Fiddler will probably hear his name called at least a few picks above where we have him at this moment. He has everything NHL teams value in a defenseman of his style, and he plays a premium position on the right side of the defense. Fiddler is a strong skater with great size, good on his pivots and a very effective defender. On the rush is where he shines the most. Always keeps the optimal defense between himself and the rusher and breaks up a high volume of plays with his stick. There isn’t a doubt that Fiddler has the physical advantage over his competition at the CHL level, but it also projects as being above average at the NHL level so it shouldn’t be a knock against him. In transition, Fiddler mostly makes the play that’s in front of him, only rarely identifying secondary options, but he’s shown this year that he’s not opposed to experimentation, sometime using deceptiveness, faking a pass before accelerating and carrying the puck out of the defensive zone himself or attempting a higher reward pass. Offensively, he occasionally joins the rush and activates in the offensive zone, but you’re not drafting Fiddler for his play in the offensive zone. It’s not likely to ever be a strength for him. (Thomas Gagné)
#23 – Logan Hensler, RHD, University of Wisconsin
On the surface, there’s a whole lot to like about Logan Hensler as a prospect. He’s a big RHD defensemen who is a well above average skater, which allows very effective at carrying the puck in transition, jumping up into the rush, and killing plays preemptively in the neutral zone. On the offensive side of his game, he’s able to use his feet to beat pressure at the blue line and drive towards the net at 5-on-5 play, and on the PowerPlay he is a deceptive puck mover who does a good job of opening space for teammates and finding shooting lanes to get pucks through. Looking at the numbers: his D-1 production with the US National Team sat at 0.52 PPG, making him comparable to Jake Sanderson and Adam Fox at the same age. Currently, he is only sitting at 5 assists on the season in the NCAA so far, although I think it’s worth pointing out that playing on a rather weak Wisconsin team hasn’t done him any favors in that regard. On the defensive side, he’s been off to a pretty solid start to his college career with an xGA/60 of 1.5. My biggest criticisms of Hensler at this point are his inconsistent play and a lack of an identity. I think with his toolkit he has the potential to be much more offensively productive and to take another step on the defensive side of his game, but he’ll need to learn to cut down on mental errors and to be more engaged on a nightly basis in order to take the next step. (Dan Haurin)
#24 – Conrad Fondrk, C, USNTDP
When he’s on his game, Conrad Fondrk is an incredibly fun player to watch. He’s a highly skilled and dangerous player with the puck on his stick. He possesses a heavy shot capable of beating goaltenders from distance and a speed/skill combination that he can use to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He’s strong on his skates and is able to protect pucks and drive to the blue paint. He’s also shown good defensive instincts off the puck and potential to be a solid two-way center as he continues to develop. There are questions about consistency and competitiveness at times, however we believe in the talent level and upside enough to put him in our preliminary first round rankings. (SpokedZ)
#25 – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford
O’Brien is another one of these smart, skilled forwards coming out of North America this year. His small area skill allows him to navigate tight situations and, even with a low pace of play, he is extremely successful at offensive zone entries/exits with an 82% success rate and involved in 43% of his lines transitions as well. He has the puck on his stick a lot for Brantford and he dictates a lot of the offensive zone chances at even strength through his skill and passing ability. He completes 72% of his passes with 23% of them going to scoring areas, and given his role as facilitator as well, he impresses with his vision and ability to drive play and scoring opportunities. He is a bit of a low volume shooter, and I think another step in his pace will improve his ability to get the puck to scoring areas on his own stick to get more shot volume. He’s a player that, if the skating improves, there’s a lot to work with given his mental processing of the game and his skill level. (Austin Garret)
#26 – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle
Cootes possesses one of the best combinations of elusiveness and skill in the draft, especially among the players who will probably be late first round picks in the NHL draft at the earliest. His production at first glance might not scream first round pick, but Cootes plays on arguably the worst team in the WHL and when Cootes is on the ice for them, they still generally outshoot their opposition which speaks to how important he is for them. Cootes plays the game fast and always puts a good effort in especially along the boards and in defensive situations. He battles very hard and most of the time he exits battles with his team being in control of the puck by his doing, even when battling stronger and bigger defenseman. Cootes has the ability as a center to carry and work the puck through the middle of ice in transition too. His vision is great in those spots, knowing when he has to carry or when to dish it out. He could stand to be a more consistent threat in the offensive zone though. The NHL team that elects to pick him stands to get one of the most well-rounded players available in this year’s draft without sacrificing upside. (Thomas Gagné)
#27 – Arvid Drott, RW, Djurgården
Drott is one of those players that’s very difficult to find any notable flaws in, and very easy to envision playing in a top-9 NHL role in the future. He is a very competitive player who is engaged at all 200-feet of the ice and makes an impact in all 3 zones. When he doesn’t have the puck on his stick, he is constantly looking for ways to support his teammates, whether it be aggressively jumping into puck battles, hustling to provide an additional outlet for them to move the puck, or setting moving picks to open up space for teammates while they have the puck on their sticks. He’s also a bigger body who does a good job at winning puck battles and gaining possession as the F1 on the forecheck. There’s more to Drott’s game than the finer details though: he’s a powerful skater who is able to beat defenders one-on-one to the outside, and an excellent shooter who rips the puck a whole lot. So far this season, he is averaging 12.5 slot shots per 60 minutes of on ice time, over 3 times as much as the average player in the J20 Nationell this season. Overall, the completeness of his game gives him a very high floor to work with, and he’s able to become a more puck dominant player over the next couple of years and continue to develop his playmaking, I think there’s a possible path to him becoming a top-6 NHL forward in the future. (Dan Haurin)
#28 – Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops
A dynamic, skilled forward who plays with a lot of confidence and playmaking ability. He uses his vision on the attack to make high-level plays, often deceiving defencemen with no-look passes and fakes. He also can shoot with precision, beating goalies clean, and his skating and edgework allow him to drive through the neutral zone with speed and circle around the offensive zone with the puck, drawing opposing players out of position and creating the space he wants to set-up scoring chances. At his best, he can take over shifts and drive play, making him extremely noticeable on the ice and difficult to contain. Hopefully he can learn to do this more consistently and build upon his tools to become a real threat every single game. That said, in the tighter checking, chippier games, Behm also shows his adeptness with his skill and tenacity to win board battles in all three zones and play a grittier style when the fancier plays aren’t there. He’s also great at jumping on the point men when he’s defending in his own zone and he’s willing to block shots and dig in with his teammates on tougher nights. (Tom Watson)
#29 – Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University
The young Swedish blue-liner is one of the prospects in the coming draft with the largest range of opinion in relation to his likely ability at the NHL level, and in turn where he will go in the draft. There are those who consider him a cusp top 10 prospect, and then others who believe he should fall out of the first round. Why such a vast difference in opinion? Well, in terms of the positives the son of ex-NHLer Josef already proved himself too good for the USHL at just 16, and this season is playing 20+ minutes a night at BU, one of the best programmes in the NCAA. He is a crisp and creative passer who handles the puck well and has a better offensive game than his 3 points in 15 NCAA games so far would indicate – mainly as he has not seen much PP time. Boumedienne also has a great motor and snarl to his game, and when on his game is strong defensively. So what are the downsides? His skating has some warts to begin, while smooth in stride his edges and pivots can be clunky, which can cause issues for him defending a rush or at the blue-line. He can also let one mistake snowball and needs to be more consistent. As a result, it is likely if he rounds out his game and skating his upside is a #2-3 in the NHL, if not? More likely a #4-5. (Alex Appleyard)
#30 – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie
Most draft rankings have the Mississauga product as a cusp top 10 pick, so why is he so low in ours? When our scouts were discussing his game it came down to two things. Firstly, Spence is arguably a more “complimentary” player even at the junior level. He can finish plays, support transition, create space off the puck… but he is not really “the man” on his line who drives play and makes things happen. Secondly, his game can be described as – in some ways – being a jack of all trades but master of none. His shot is great, but not elite, and his skill-set is not really as “dynamic” as most players who turn into star level NHLers. He is a solid skater but not a burner. The technical side of his passing is above average but rarely flashes. His hands are functional, but rarely does he really dazzle. He is a good defensive winger without being elite. He plays a power forward style and works his ass off, but without being overly physical. Therefore, the consensus was amongst Smaht’s scouts that Spence is more likely to be a middle-six, versatile forward that coaches love than a first line talent you want with an early first rounder, especially with him being one of the older players in the draft. However, Spence does just have “some of that dog in him”, and could become a valuable two-way top-six winger. (Alex Appleyard)
#31 – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand
Watching Carbonneau play, it’s difficult to not sometimes feel at least a little frustrated. The raw puckhandling skill coupled with his significantly above-average shooting ability makes him a consistent threat in the QMJHL, but as it stands, he doesn’t leverage his tools the best he could, mostly due to his inability to consistently find what is the right play offensively. Digging into his draft year minus one tape, Carbonneau shot from low danger way too frequently and every time he carried the puck to the offensive blue line, he looked to dangle the defender in front of him rather than looking for a pass or establishing offensive zone time with a chip. It’s not as bad as it was, but it remains a bit of a problem. Apart from that, Carbonneau is also a strong skater and likes to throw his body around although not always in a particularly functional manner. Carbonneau has the upside to become a good point-getter in the NHL, but for that to happen, he’ll need to improve in a few key areas, the one sticking out the most is knowing how to use his teammates and play a pro game. (Thomas Gagné)
#32 – Adam Benák, C, Youngstown
Benák has been very good in the two games I tracked and through notes of a third game. He’s average 6 shots a game with 50% of them coming from scoring areas, is a facilitator with his passing while sending 32% of his passes to scoring areas, involved in 47% of his lines offensive transitions at a 90% success rate. If he were 5’11 we’d be talking about him as a lottery selection, however his size is a problem for him in the USHL. He’s getting hammered away from the net, and losing a lot of board battles given his dimunitive frame. He has time to gain strength, but his ability to get himself to the scoring areas as he transitions out of junior hockey will determine whether or not he can sustain a scoring role in a North American men’s league. He has the skill, mental processing, and defensive engagement that I’d bet on him. How early in the draft an NHL team may take that swing might depend on who’s available when they’re on the clock. (Austin Garret)
HM – Tomas Pobezal, C, Nitra
Most draft outlets have the Slovak center either unranked or going in the second round. If it was just up to me? He would have made the Smaht top 32, and even going into the season I would have had him in that range. His performances at the WJC-18 and Hlinka last season were impressive, and he also showed decently in over 50 games vs men in the Slovak professional leagues. Now, yes, he is one of the oldest players in this draft, having missed the 2024 cut-off by just a couple of days, however, what he is doing this season in the Slovak Extraliga is nothing short of exceptional. 12 goals and 17 points in 25 games, 0.68 P/GP. In the last 30 years? Only Marian Hossa, Ladislav Nagy, Marian Gaborik and Jiri Bicek had better scoring rates while u-19. All four made the NHL. His game is built around a high IQ, good two-way play, a great motor and plus hands. He is also dangerous around the net. His offensive upside is limited, however, by an average shot, average skating, and simply “solid” passing. However, he is playing on a Nitra team with a handful of ex-AHLers as well as Brett Ritchie, who was a 2nd round pick and played over 400 NHL games. If someone put a gun to my head and asked who is the more valuable player right now? I would take Pobezal over Ritchie. If things go well? He could be a good second line NHLer, even if he likely kicks out to wing. If his development stagnates? He will likely be a top-end AHLer who might carve a bottom six-NHL role out. Safe, with some upside. Such a profile could be a steal in the late very first round. (Alex Appleyard)
HM – Luca Romano, C, Kitchener
Luca Romano is a player that has all the tools to be a riser in this year’s draft, but he’s gotta put it together first. He plays at a great pace, is defensively responsible, and has above average skill. He is best when he gets a bit of space to generate speed and is on the rush with the puck on his stick, weaving through the offensive blue line and then hitting a teammate for a scoring chance. He’s a wiry center with a lof of muscle to gain to help muscle his way through physical contact and to win more battles along the boards. The data isn’t favorable to Romano at this point as the game I tracked his line was getting hemmed in the zone by much better competition, but as the year goes on I can see him start to put together a microstatistical profile that could see him in the first round. (Austin Garret)
HM – Jack Murtagh, C/LW, USNTDP
Murtagh, a late-August-born forward and one of the younger players in his draft class, has emerged as a standout despite lacking the early name recognition of some of his NTDP teammates. A versatile player capable of excelling at both left wing and center, he combines athleticism, strong skating, and a high-tempo game. His NHL-caliber release is deceptive and effective, and he constantly plays with purpose, demonstrating skill and competitiveness in key moments. Though injuries sidelined him early this year, he’s impressed in every viewing and could be a sleeper pick in this draft class. In the CHL vs. USNTDP series, Murtagh shone despite an underwhelming team performance. He showcased his ability to push the pace, make impactful plays, and score in critical situations, further solidifying his reputation as a high-potential prospect with pro-level qualities. (Chris Ford)
HM – Lasse Boelius, LHD, Ässät
Boelius is a player who fits the “jack-of-all trades, master of none” description perfectly, and has put together a quietly strong draft year playing on both Assat U20 and a brief stint with their Liiga club. At the U20 level, he’s been averaging over 23 minutes of ice-time a night so far this season while playing on both the Power Play and the Penalty kill. He’s an above average puck mover who moves the puck well in transition, and is able to consistently and effectively get the puck to his teammates in the offensive zone. Defensively, he shows strong positional habits both on the rush and in the defensive zone, and is very efficient with recovering puck retrievals and making quick, smart passes once he gets it. I’d like to see him become a bit more aggressive in terms of killing plays in the neutral zone and would perhaps like to see him find ways to become more of a scoring threat overall offensively, but he’s a very complete player for his age and is someone who I could easily see playing in an NHL lineup one day at his current development trajectory. (Dan Haurin)
HM – Mason Moe, F, Madison
Moe’s game revolves around a strong sense of anticipation and timing: he knows where the puck’s going to end up and when; maintains awareness of where his teammates are at all times; knows where to attack to create the best advantage for his team, both on and off the puck; it’s clear that Moe just has a feel for the game in a way that not a ton of players do. And he uses all of that to plan efficient off-puck routes, and he ends up with the puck on his stick the majority of the time—and with the puck, he’s a dangerous player. But Moe is more than just a smart player, he’s pretty skilled: he can dangle guys 1-on-1; his puck protection mechanics are refined, utilising his strong upper-body, it’s difficult to take him off the puck; he’s a fluid skater; and he’s a very dangerous passer, as well as shooter. He does just about everything well, and tends to make the best play available to him, rarely opting for low-percentage plays, and still creating tons of dangerous chances. There’s really not much to complain about in his game. The biggest concern I have is a lack of pace and intensity at times, especially on the backcheck and the defensive zone. But I’m not too worried about those either; his awareness and overall smart play makes them less of an issue, and gives him a strong defensive foundation to build off of; but still, it would be nice to see some more intensity from him in those areas. The ceiling is questionable, but I see him as a guy who could play up and down your lineup, in most situations. He can play an effective offensive role when paired with other smart skilled players, or a more reserved game while still chipping in some offence. All that to say: he good; he’s high on my list, and I’ll be surprised if he isn’t ranked for us next time around. (Gray Matter)
HM – Eddie Genborg, F, Linköping
Eddie Genborg is one of the players that I’m surprised isn’t getting more attention, because he checks all the boxes that teams look for in a player today. I think the term “swiss-army knife” fits him perfectly, as he’s intense, does not avoid the physical game, he is smart on the forecheck, yet skilled enough to contribute offensively, and he’s gaining valuable experience in the SHL, where he already provided his first goal against Timrå in the most Genborg way—supporting the battle for puck possession along the boards, physically shaking off his defender and positioning himself in front of the net for the easy tip-in goal, as he’s an excellent scorer from the slot, where he has converted the majority of his goals this season—15 of his 23 goals have come from the inner slot area. With the limited time he gets on ice, he showcased his style of play. In just 40 seconds against Växjö, he started the shift with a hit behind the net, and then spent the entire shift defending the front net like a defensive defenseman. In a little over 20 seconds against Leksands, right after the initial faceoff, he immediately jumped into the forecheck to recover the puck. Genborg has shown he can perform on a top line, providing offense while taking on the physical workload to free up more offensive-minded teammates, as well as excelling on a more intense, high-pressure checking line. I find him a truly intriguing player because it’s not common for young players to embrace this style of play so early, and he’s already showing offensive qualities to build on. Perhaps not the flashiest, but he knows how to earn his spot and impact the game in positive ways. (Iván Ortiz)
HM – Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda
Zonnon is this year’s edition of the big and physically developed polyvalent forward with a high floor, but questionable upside that pretty much always gets picked in the late first or early second round in the NHL draft. Two years ago, that was David Edstrom, last year it was Cole Beaudoin, this year there’s a good chance it’ll be Bill Zonnon. Intensity and physicality are the name of the game with Zonnon. QMJHL defenders really struggle to handle Zonnon along the boards and on the forecheck and he has the pace in his game to be a solid transition player, but his upside is likely limited. You can sometimes see him pull the puck around a defender and be an effective playmaker with some deceptiveness in his game, but these moments are few and far between. There may be something there as a playmaking center, but he’s not likely to be much more than a bottom six player which would still be a good pick in the late first or early second round range. (Thomas Gagné)
HM – Reese Hamilton, LHD, Regina
It’s been a tough go of it recently for the young defenceman since being traded from the sturdy Calgary Hitmen to the struggling Regina Pats, but once the dust settles, there’s a great opportunity for Reese Hamilton to emerge as a leading defender on his new team. Although he will need to bulk up to better compete in front of his own net and along the boards, Hamilton has a smooth stride and nice hands that gives his game a nice fluidity. He can carry the puck from the D-zone to O-zone and jump into the rush, making him an effective offensive asset. You can tell by watching him that he’s aware of some of his deficiencies and he sometimes plays a cautious game, favouring good positioning and gap control over jumping in on the pinch and engaging in battles along the boards in the neutral zone. I think he’s a project, and will need the time to prove himself further, however it’ll be interesting to watch him progress over the rest of the season without the safety of being in Carter Yakemchuk’s shadow. (Tom Watson)
HM – Cole McKinney, C, USNTDP
McKinney is a dynamic offensive player that has shown off all sorts of tools. His skating stride is a bit choppy and short, but he still has great speed that allows him to make moves at his top speed. He’s able to beat defenders one on one, and has really good zone entry numbers that ultimately lead to more scoring chances. At times I feel that McKinney sees the game at a level that is so advanced from his teammates, that plays actually die on their stick. As McKinney advances his career and plays with stronger players, I actually expect his game to take off. (Ben Jordan)
The Rankings
| Rank | Player | Position | Team |
| 1 | Michael Misa | C/LW | Saginaw |
| 2 | James Hagens | C | Boston College |
| 3 | Matthew Schaefer | LHD | Erie |
| 4 | Porter Martone | RW | Brampton |
| 5 | Ivan Ryabkin | C | Dynamo Moscow |
| 6 | Victor Eklund | LW | Djurgården |
| 7 | Carter Bear | C/LW | Everett |
| 8 | Anton Frondell | C | Djurgården |
| 9 | Jackson Smith | LHD | Tri-City (WHL) |
| 10 | Cullen Potter | LW | Arizona State University |
| 11 | Cole Reschny | F | Victoria |
| 12 | Lynden Lakovic | F | Moose Jaw |
| 13 | Roger McQueen | F | Brandon |
| 14 | Cameron Reid | LHD | Kitchener |
| 15 | Radim Mrtka | RHD | Trinec |
| 16 | Kurban Limatov | LHD | Dynamo Moscow |
| 17 | Benjamin Kindel | RW | Calgary |
| 18 | Melvin Novotny | F | Leksand |
| 19 | Caleb Desnoyers | C | Moncton |
| 20 | Cameron Schmidt | RW | Vancouver |
| 21 | Jakob Ihs-Wozniak | F | Luleå |
| 22 | Blake Fiddler | RHD | Edmonton |
| 23 | Logan Hensler | RHD | USNTDP |
| 24 | Conrad Fondrk | C | USNTDP |
| 25 | Jake O’Brien | C | Brantford |
| 26 | Braeden Cootes | C | Seattle |
| 27 | Arvid Drott | RW | Djurgården |
| 28 | Nathan Behm | LW | Kamloops |
| 29 | Sascha Boumedienne | LHD | Boston University |
| 30 | Malcolm Spence | LW | Erie |
| 31 | Justin Carbonneau | RW | Blainville-Boisbriand |
| 32 | Adam Benák | C | Youngstown |
| HM | Tomas Pobezal | C | Nitra |
| HM | Luca Romano | C | Kitchener |
| HM | Jack Murtagh | C/LW | USNTDP |
| HM | Lasse Boelius | LHD | Ässät |
| HM | Mason Moe | F | Madison |
| HM | Eddie Genborg | F | Linköping |
| HM | Bill Zonnon | LW | Rouyn-Noranda |
| HM | Reese Hamilton | LHD | Calgary |
| HM | Cole McKinney | C | USNTDP |