Spring 2025 NHL Draft Rankings

Alexander Appleyard, Gray Matter, Ben Jordan, SpokedZ, Chris Ford, Josh Tessler, 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 Spring Rankings.

#1 – Michael Misa – C/LW – Saginaw

Michael Misa holds the same spot in our 2025 midterm rankings that he holds in OHL scoring: first. Through 63 games this season, Misa has registered 60 goals and 128 points for the Saginaw Spirit. When you leave the rink after watching Misa play, you’re guaranteed to have more questions about what he can’t do on the ice vs. what he can do. Misa thinks the game at an elite level. He reads the ice better than any other forward in this class, processing plays before they happen and staying a step ahead of the opposition. His processing speed matches his high pace of play, making him a uniquely special prospect. Much of the attention he’s been receiving this season is around his impressive goal-scoring ability. His wrist shot has a wicked release that generates impressive power under pressure. He can score from distance but is not afraid to battle in dirty areas in front of the net to poke pucks home. He has also been an incredible playmaker this season, driving play and creating offense for his teammates. He beats defenders one-on-one with stickhandling and drives to dangerous areas to create advantages for his teammates. (SpokedZ)

#2 – Matthew Schaefer – LHD – Erie

Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 OHL draft, has emerged as the top 2025 NHL prospect despite missing much of his draft year due to illness and injury. His dominant performances over the past year and a half—leading Canada White to U17 gold, excelling at the U18 Worlds, and standing out at the Hlinka tournament—have solidified his status. Even in limited OHL action, he was outstanding, impressing in every major event he played. Scouts see no flaws in his game. An elite skater and mature beyond his years, Schaefer’s mobility, puck-moving ability, and defensive awareness make him a high-end No. 1 or 2 defenseman. He dictates play in all zones, recovers effortlessly, and blends poise with playmaking upside. He’s competitive, reliable, and capable of controlling a game on both ends of the ice. With his skill set and leadership, he has all the tools to become a franchise cornerstone. (Chris Ford)

#3 – James Hagens – C – Boston College

While his offensive production has not been as elite as some anticipated after such a dominant tenure with the USNTDP, James Hagens has played very well in his first season at Boston College. He’s still a point-per-game player, registering 10 goals and 35 points in 35 games centering Gabe Perrault and Ryan Leonard. He was also deployed as Team USA’s No.1 center at the World Juniors in Ottawa where we won a gold medal. He led all American forwards in ice time and managed 9 points in 7 games, including a goal in the gold medal game vs. Finland. 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 elusive in open ice and nearly 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 is willing to put his nose in dirty areas and get to the net. He also has a strong defensive game that should allow him to stick as a center in the NHL. (SpokedZ)

#4 – Porter Martone – RW – Brampton

Martone, a top 2025 NHL prospect, has built an impressive résumé with his size, skill, and production. He scored 33 OHL goals pre-draft, captained Canada to U18 gold with 23 points in 14 games, and had a scorching start to his draft year, including an OT winner at the OHL Top Prospects Game. Though he played a limited role at the World Juniors, his overall game suggests NHL star potential as a skilled power forward, despite some concerns about his pace. Martone plays a physical, direct style with strong puck skills and a lethal shot. While past performances were inconsistent, he has dominated OHL games this year, showing the ability to take over offensively. At nearly 6-foot-3, he battles hard, finishes checks, and displays slick hands, deceptive shooting, and one-on-one skill. His skating mechanics and off-puck discipline need refinement, but his combination of size, power, and scoring touch makes him a highly coveted prospect with the potential to be an impact NHL forward. (Chris Ford)

#5 – Victor Eklund – LW – Djurgården

It’s possible that we’ve normalized it without realizing it, because let’s not forget that Eklund earned the right to be part of Sweden’s roster for the last World Juniors, which is impressive. But Victor Eklund’s season with Djurgårdens isn’t just going well, it’s putting his name statistically among other Swedish talents currently shining in the NHL. He has 32 points in 43 games, and it’s rare for a game to go by without him registering a shot on goal. He’s averaging 17.3 shots per 60 minutes, well above the league average, a number that speaks about an offensive-driven player. On top of that, his shot is quick, and he has a fast stick, both for executing shots and making unexpected passes. Eklund is a high-intensity, high-motor player with dynamic and elusive skating, capable of changing directions quickly. He has that outside-in shooting move that’s extremely difficult to defend. While he’s an offensively driven player, he never shies away from battling for possession, whether with his stick or body. This work rate makes him stand out in two key offensive metrics: his ability to recover and extend possession in the offensive zone. His motor and dynamism make him an offensive threat from anywhere on the ice, constantly moving to create defensive mistakes. In power-play situations, he’s not only a threat with his shot, but his movement forces defenders to always keep an eye on him. He can be effective in different roles, whether on the wings or in the bumper position, where his quick release helps him execute plays. The best part is that within this already impressive skill set, there’s still room for improvement. As we mentioned in the previous analysis, gaining strength to withstand physical contact and making a greater defensive contribution—though he has the instincts to track possession—are areas to add an improvement to an already really high-end player. You can have a gem if you can add more traits to an already impressive player. (Iván Ortiz)

#6 – Anton Frondell – C – Djurgården

When I wrote about Frondell for the preliminary rankings, I noted that I’d like to see more production from him and how it had been a tough start to the season for him. Since then, Frondell has been on fire over the last couple of months in HockeyAllsvenskan, bringing his production up to 25 points in 29 games. Recently, he has been utilizing his heavy shot more than ever, averaging nearly double the league average in shots per 60 and over triple the league average in slot shots per 60. Although he’s certainly able to pick his spots score goals and gets a ton of power behind his shots, it’s his lightning fast release and his ability to shoot for rebounds for teammates that makes that part of his toolkit pop out this most, and has allowed him to take huge strides in his production in recent months. Outside of establishing himself as a high end shooting threat in recent months, he’s also been an above average playmaker and an absolute menace on the forecheck. His ability to read routes when pressuring defenders in the offensive zone and his ability to protect the puck against men while he has possession has appeared nearly flawless in a lot of my viewings. He’s even improved his play on the rush recently, doing a much better job of timing his activations into open pockets of space on the ice and slowing down the pace of play when he enters the zone with the puck on his stick. Finally, I’ll note that even with all of these improvements in the offensive side of his game, he has still maintained all of the attention to details and compete in the defensive zone that have long been a staple of his game. I still view his skating as slightly below average, his puck skills as good but not great, and think that there’s at least some questions as to whether or not he’ll be a Center or winger at the NHL lever (I am a firm believer that he can play down the middle, although with his entire season being at LW I can see why some people might have reservations), but right now Frondell looks to be one of the best 200-foot prospects in the World. (Dan Haurin)

#7 – Cullen Potter – C/LW – Arizona State University

Cullen Potter is a well-rounded, competitive center who brings energy, pace, and responsible play in all three zones. He’s a strong skater with excellent crossover acceleration, which allows him to generate separation in transition and stay tight to attackers on the backcheck. Potter shows poise with the puck, making smart, simple plays under pressure and using his body positioning effectively to maintain control through traffic.

Offensively, he displays good vision and timing, consistently finding soft areas in the slot and supporting the puck well. His shot carries some sneaky power, and he’s capable of picking corners with quick releases, particularly when attacking off the rush. While his playmaking isn’t flashy, he moves the puck efficiently and supports possession with smart routes and strong puck protection. Defensively, Potter is highly engaged — active with his stick, willing to finish checks, and reliable in his coverage down low and off the rush.

While not the most dynamic player, Potter plays a translatable game built on pace, awareness, and compete. He projects as a middle-six NHL forward who can be trusted in key situations, and there’s a bit of Frank Nazar in the way he blends quickness, intelligence, and versatility. (Josh Tessler)

#8 – Jackson Smith – LHD – Tri-City (WHL)

Jackson Smith continues to impress as defenceman with size and great skating ability. He can move North/South and East/West with ease and shimmy by opposing players to create space to break out his team from the back end or add an extra threat to the offence. He can handle a lot of minutes and has received a lot of the tough assignments playing for Tri-City this season. Since I last wrote about Smith, he’s still capable of costly turnovers, and as the leading D-man on his team, it’s unfortunately glaring when it happens. But these are coachable for sure, and his improvement over the course of this year, paired with his dynamic and explosive skillset are the reason he’s the second best defender on our list and why we think he can be a very effective player in the modern game. (Tom Watson)

#9 – Carter Bear – C/LW – Everett

Although the 2nd half of his draft year saw a not insignificant decrease in his production and a brutal lacerated achilles injury marked the end of his year, there’s still no denying in my opinion that Carter Bear is one of the top forwards available in this year’s draft class. When discussing Bear’s upside, no conversation can start without talking about his compete and physical play. Bear is a player who plays with an extremely high motor, engaging in contact whenever he can and directing plays through the middle of the ice and at the net front whenever he can. Despite the fact that he’s not a particularly large player at 6’0, paired with footspeed that I’d only describe as average, you can always count on Bear to not only consistently apply pressure to the opposition on the forecheck, but to regularly win puck battles with ease and force mistakes. In terms of his offensive toolkit, his main draws are a quick and heavy release that he’s able to consistently pull off while in motion and while receiving the puck with awkward body positioning, and soft, quick hands that allow him to consistently finish plays around the net. His game lacks the element of dynamism and creativity that you’d find in a high end playmaker, but he generally understands positioning and timing well enough both on the rush and in the offensive zone that it doesn’t hamper his ability to contribute as a distributor both on the PowerPlay and at 5v5. Bear currently projects as a player who should not only be able to produce at the level of a top-6 forward in the NHL, but his style of play and high-end compete level will make him the sort of player any team would kill to have. (Dan Haurin)

#10 – Lynden Lakovic – F – Moose Jaw

Lakovic, a 6-foot-4 winger with impressive speed, combines strong puck protection, quick hands, and a scoring touch. He has improved his vision and playmaking but still needs to refine his scanning, off-puck awareness, and consistency in physical play. His ability to transition, protect the puck, and create offense makes him a clear top-nine NHL prospect with the right development. When engaged, Lakovic stands out with his skating, strength, and one-on-one skill. He was a standout at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge and was on a 13-game point streak before a fractured collarbone sidelined him in December. Projected as a mid-first-round pick, he has the tools to be a dynamic NHL forward. (Chris Ford)

#11 – Benjamin Kindel – C/RW – Calgary

Benjamin Kindel is a 5’10” center for the Calgary Hitmen who has remained one of the hottest scorers across the WHL all season long. 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, hanging onto pucks and drawing 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 an incredibly intriguing prospect as we get closer to the draft. (SpokedZ)

#12 – Roger McQueen – F – Brandon

With only one game played since our preliminary rankings were released and only eleven games played prior to that, there still remains many questions about the 6’5” centre from Surrey. However, in his first game back on March 14th – and first game played since December 12th – there were plenty of flashes of what McQueen could bring to the team that selects him in this year’s NHL draft.

He’s all over the ice and extremely noticeable, and it’s obvious how much skill and confidence this player possesses. On one particular power play this manifested into an almost lacrosse like sequence where McQueen sat on top of the umbrella or cycled up high and then immediately drives forward, towards the net, forcing one of two penalty killers to come out to meet him. Each time he did this on the power play he created space for other players and has the skill and the vision to dish the puck over to them for a great scoring chance.

He also has this incredible knack for always emerging from busy areas on the ice with the puck. You watch him call for passes with one or two bodies on him and yet he still has the stick speed and physicality to find the puck and give himself room. This part of his game is evident around the boards and in front of the net, causing all sorts of issues for the defending team.

His creativity and stick skills were also on display and he can utilise the space under a defence man’s stick and skates to get by them in tight and manoeuvre himself for a better shot.

His straight line speed isn’t all that impressive and sometimes he’ll slow up when entering the offensive zone when you wonder if a player of his size and skill should be looking to drive harder, and in this way I would say he’s not exactly a classic power forward. He is physical, however, sometimes he needs to pick his moments better, or work on his timing.

This is going to be a crucial stretch for McQueen as he’ll hope to remain healthy and put together consistent and productive performances to showcase his talents. That said, I think any team that’s willing to work with McQueen and give him time to develop properly, could get in return an exciting and dynamic. (Tom Watson)

#13 – Braeden Cootes – C – Seattle

One of the biggest risers on our list, jumping 13 spots into our top 15, Cootes continues to impress. More and more, we see the upside with him showcasing more offensive flair and even more of his very underrated shot, rated very highly by his CHL/USA Prospects Challenge teammates. The pace in his game is outstanding and he puts the effort in in all three zones. There could be some risk there, with his profile maybe not translating very well to the bottom 6 of many NHL teams, but with his tenacious style and the attention to detail he demonstrates with and without the puck, it’s becoming harder and harder to doubt him. These habits could really help in his transition to the NHL. We’re big fans. He simply has that dog in him very few players have to the same degree. (Thomas Gagné)

#14 – Caleb Desnoyers – C – Moncton

Desnoyers’ game really hasn’t changed too much from the beginning of the year, which makes his recent rise on draft boards everywhere a bit confusing to us, but there’s no denying his skillset. An adept passer and very smart offensive zone player who also initiates contacts and resists physical pressure remarkably well, Desnoyers fills most of the boxes when it comes to what NHL teams look for in a center. To us, him being sold as this two-way force doesn’t really track, as he’s often not as involved as he could be in defensive zone, and we also don’t think the skill level is at a top 10 level. A middle 6 center projection for Desnoyers is what to us feels the most reasonable. We find it unlikely that his style of play, which lacks a dynamic quality, totally translates at a number one center level in the best league in the world. His game would need to change. (Thomas Gagné)

#15 – Jake O’Brien – C – Brantford

Jake O’Brien is a reliable, well-rounded center who brings strong two-way presence and playmaking instincts to the ice. He blends size, reach, and poise to maintain possession through pressure, often using his length and tight puck control to navigate through traffic in the neutral zone or along the perimeter. His ability to slow the game down and wait for options to develop gives him value as a facilitator.

O’Brien consistently makes smart, quick reads — whether it’s threading a cross-ice zone exit feed, finding a teammate in stride to spring an odd-man rush, or delivering a well-timed touch pass in tight to open up space. His puck protection and composure under pressure stand out, and he’s shown flashes of creativity in distributing from behind the net or along the boards into high-danger areas. Offensively, he supports the slot well and can capitalize in close with a quick release, including a deceptive one-touch shot and good finish between the pads.

Defensively, O’Brien is positionally sound and uses his stick effectively to break up plays, especially when chasing down rushes or supporting his defensemen low in the zone. He may not be the flashiest player, but he plays a pro-style game that’s built on smart decisions, puck security, and responsible positioning. O’Brien projects as a middle-six NHL center who can contribute on both sides of the puck and elevate teammates with his heads-up play. (Josh Tessler)

#16 – Radim Mrtka – RHD – Seattle

Mrtka is a really effective puck-mover and possession driver on the back-end. Super skilled and mobile, and at 6’6”, the things he can do with the puck are pretty impressive. He reads the ice extremely well, makes smart, calculated and creative plays in all areas, with flashes of some really special stuff. With the puck, he does just about everything you’d want out of a modern defenceman.

His defending on the rush is excellent, he closes gaps very well, has good edgework that lends itself to strong lateral mobility, and he uses his reach effectively. His in-zone defending is a strength as well, his awareness and reading of plays is pretty high-end, but he does lean a bit too much on his reach at times, allowing plays to continue when he should’ve been able to close them out had he not relied purely on it. And I do still find that he lacks some quickness at times offensively, where he reads the play well and times his activation well, but is just a step behind where he needs to be. However, I think those issues are absolutely correctable, and with the high-end smarts, puck skills, and mobility, there’s a pretty great ceiling there for Mrtka. (Gray Matter)

#17 – Cameron Reid – LHD – Kitchener

Cameron Reid is a mobile, two-way defenseman who projects as a second-pairing option at the next level. He brings strong defensive instincts, with good gap control, active stickwork, and a willingness to step into shooting lanes or disrupt plays along the boards. Reid defends well below the goal line and along the perimeter, using his frame and timing to force attackers into low-danger areas.

With the puck, Reid flashes upside as a puck mover—capable of joining the cycle, executing clean passes off the wall, and supporting transition when space is available. He’s confident pinching up to keep plays alive in the offensive zone and can make quick reads into the slot. That said, his decision-making under pressure can be inconsistent. He tends to overuse D-to-D and chip passes when better options are available, and his puck security suffers when handling in tight areas or under sustained forecheck pressure.

Despite those inconsistencies, Reid has a strong foundation of tools—mobility, physicality, and transitional awareness—that should translate well at the pro level. With continued refinement in his puck management and decision-making, Reid profiles as a steady, second-pairing defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. (Josh Tessler)

#18 – Cameron Schmidt – RW – Vancouver

The crazy goal per game pace that Schmidt was on at the time of our preliminary rankings has slowed, but his production has remained consistent. I still love the bite and swagger he brings every night and he can really rip the puck.

He uses his speed to stretch the ice and push defending teams back, which opens more space for opportunities. To begin the year, he was the one mostly reaping the benefits, but with 23 assists since mid December, he’s proven he can dish the puck for his teammates to finish adding another dimension to his offensive game.

Although we love players who score all the time, most of the NHL’s most effective goal scorers are streaky and so it’s encouraging to see his production remain. This gives him the chance to project as a more effective top six winger, rather than a pure goal scoring middle six winger and that’s part of the reason he’s risen two spots in our rankings. (Tom Watson)

#19 – Justin Carbonneau – RW – Blainville-Boisbriand

If you were to rank this draft just on raw skill and pure fun factor Carbonneau would easily be a top 10 pick at the very least. At least once a game, Carbonneau will have a really eye-popping, high-end moment, but then he’ll disappear for long stretches at a time. This is not unlike a guy like Beckett Sennecke, drafted 3rd overall by the Ducks last year, and having an excellent 2024-25 season, so maybe we shouldn’t worry about it too much, but the QMJHL is an odd league and a player like Carbonneau gets away with a lot at this level he won’t be able to do making his way to the pro ranks. He often doesn’t offer proper support to his teammates, or use them enough for passing plays, even if that’s been improving as the year goes on. Still now, he attempts risky dangles in low-reward situations often and many times a game finds himself under a lot of pressure for no real practical reason. He doesn’t read the ice too well, but long term, and with the proper development, there could be a hell of a player there with his set of tools and unshakeable confidence. (Thomas Gagné)

#20 – Alexander Zharovsky – F – Ufa

Zharovsky this high might surprise people, but he’s shot up my list from the beginning of the year; every time I watch him, he finds his way higher on my board. He’s just so much fun, he’s dynamic and creative to a degree that I haven’t seen from many guys past this point in the draft. He brings quick-thinking and creative problem-solving under pressure, with a quick and fluid dynamic range of movement in his handling, impressive playmaking, and a dangerous shot release that he could stand to use more often; and those to me are at a higher level with him than some of the guys higher up on this list, and it’s a skillset I’m willing to bet on pretty high in this draft.

But of course, he’s not without his faults. For one, he’s not a great skater; he’s not awful, but he’s not the fastest guy in general, he lacks quickness and explosiveness, and is missing true separation ability with his skating. He stops moving his feet at inopportune times, and often doesn’t play with much pace, but I think the mental pace is there, and that the rest will follow. Secondly, his team plays in the Eastern Conference of the MHL, which is…not a good level of competition, to put it mildly. How well will he adapt to ramp-ups in speed and intensity that come with higher levels of play? That’s the big question. But I find that he does a very good job in transition and in the offensive zone of applying his skill practically and with purpose, and I do think that it’s translatable to higher levels. It’s a risk, and I certainly may have him too high, but I think the ceiling is super high with him. If he can improve his skating a bit, add some strength, and gain more consistent intensity, Zharovsky could be a special player. (Gray Matter)

#21 – Ivan Ryabkin – C – Muskegon

Ivan Ryabkin is probably one of the most polarising players in this draft. Before the season he was universally considered as potential top 5 pick, having dominated every age group in Russia since the age of 13 years old, breaking records set by the likes of Michkov and Kucherov along the way. However, a slow start in the MHL on a dysfunctional Dynamo Moscow team made prospect watchers put the microscope on him and pick apart his game. He has fared better in the USHL since crossing the Atlantic, with 19 points in 18 games trailing only Ryker Lee and the diminutive Ethan Wyttenbach for first time draft eligibles in terms of P/GP pace.

Despite this, numerous questions remain and more may have even come up. The talent is undeniable, with a great release, quick hands, creative passing and a real edge to his game, he is also a solid defensive player. The inconsistency he has though is frustrating, as are the lapses in judgement and concentration. There have also been murmurs about a lack of conditioning and a bad attitude. But looking at just his game on ice? The biggest growing concern since lacing up his skates on North American ice has been his agility and elusiveness. With less time and space to work with he has been frustrated often, and at times struggled to create separation. His straight-line speed is fine, but his edge-work needs improvement to reach his potential. Regardless of the red flags though? If Ryabkin makes it into the 20s he could be the steal of the draft down the line. (Alex Appleyard)

#22 – Bill Zonnon – LW – Rouyn-Noranda

Only an honorable mention on our first rankings, Zonnon now finds himself in our early 20s, a substantial rise. In our first write-up on him we mentioned he possibly lacked the scoring upside to be in our first round. There just wasn’t too many moments of playmaking skill or more advanced scoring instincts showcased at the time, but that’s changed. One of the leading QMJHL scorers, Zonnon has been able to incorporate a lot more skill in his overall game, carrying the puck more in transition and improving his passing effectiveness, working the puck towards the middle often and with a great rate of success. He went from one of the best late 1st round bets to be a long-time NHLer to that and more. The projectability in the way he’s been able to generate offense makes us think there may be legit middle 6 scoring upside and with him continuing to be that intense physical two-way player, you can bet on him becoming a fan favorite too. (Thomas Gagné)

#23 – Ryker Lee – F – Madison

Lee has put together a quality draft year in the USHL this season, leading the league in rookie scoring and sitting at 4th in the league in overall scoring. Offensive skill is the name of Lee’s game: he’s got a natural touch with the puck on his stick and consistently uses his hands to challenge and successfully defeat defenders 1-on-1. He has a distinctive dynamic element to his game, consistently manipulating defenders and opening up space for teammates and himself to create scoring chances. He’s also got a hard and accurate shot with a quick release that he’s willing to use both from out high and right around the crease in the offensive zone. He’s currently shooting nearly twice the USHL league average per 60, as well as generating nearly twice the xG/60. Lee’s biggest shortcomings in my eyes are his skating and play away from the puck. His skating is a bit on the choppier side, lacking fluidity in his crossovers and acceleration as well as depriving him of a top end speed you’d hope for in a top-6 NHL forward prospect. His defensive game is also a work in progress currently, he often finds himself missing assignments in the defensive zone with his team giving up more chances than not while he’s out there. Slated to head to Michigan State next season, he’ll have a big opportunity to continue to grow his game and develop into a top-6 NHL forward that his skillset has shown he can be. (Dan Haurin)

#24 – Blake Fiddler – RHD – Edmonton

Really not much has changed with Fiddler from the start of the year. He’s becoming more and more confident in his puck moving, attempting riskier passes and picking spots better, but his biggest strength remains his defensive game, especially on the rush, continuing to completely erase promising zone entries for the other team more often than not. A defenseman like Fiddler, who can move the puck effectively, skate and defend very well is incredibly valuable in today’s NHL, especially when they’re a right-handed shooter. A team will pick him in this range and be very happy with what they’re going to get. (Thomas Gagné)

#25 – Cole Reschny – F – Victoria

Reschny has put together a seriously impressive draft year as the leading scorer on one of the top teams in the WHL. Although outside of high end puck handling he lacks the sort of tools you’d hope to find in a top prospect, his hockey IQ really jumps at you every time you watch him play. Defensively, Reschny is consistently engaged in his defensive zone assignments and is more effective at winning possession and creating breakouts than one might think a player of his stature would be due to strong physical battle habits, quick and precise small-area puckhandling, and a strong awareness of where his wingers are at in any given situation. In transition, his is still able to achieve great results despite a lack of a high top skating speed due to his ability to draw defenders towards him and dish off very consistent and accurate passes to other lanes. On offense, his inability to be imposing in front of the net and lack of a particularly high-end shot make it so that he’s not a particularly prolific goal scorer, but his playmaking should be considered nothing short of high-end. Reschny is outstanding at reading the entirety of the ice, utilizing passing lanes that go the entirety of the width of the ice much more than the majority of players I’ve watched in this draft. He’s got great selection in his passing plays as well, always looking to hit players in high danger scoring areas as opposed to simpler plays to maintain possession when possible. Relative to our preliminary rankings, Reschny has fallen a bit due to some of our scouts having concerns about his overall pace of play and toolkit, but there’s still no denying that there’s a highly intelligent player who can really create offense there. (Dan Haurin)

#26 – Kurban Limatov – LHD – Dynamo Moscow

Limatov’s taken some steps since our first rankings in terms of playing a simpler game more often, yet he still finds himself lower on our list, due to other players outperforming, and my personal skepticism with him growing relative to some of the guys ahead of him. As ever, the good with Limatov is really, really good; he’s big and super mobile, and when he gets going with the puck on his stick, not many players are gonna stop him. He’ll activate from the blueline, grab the puck along the boards and spin around the first defender all in one motion, and try to cut to the middle to get a shot off; or rush end-to-end, blow through the neutral zone and rip a dangerous shot on goal; and when he does stuff like that, it’s awesome. But the rest of the time, it’s not so great.

His decision-making all over the ice is questionable at times: making ill-advised passes that result in turnovers; failing to recognise better plays; and running himself into trouble without a plan B. And on top of that, his defensive game is just not very effective right now. He consistently lets players pass way too easily on defensive entries; fails to box out passing options in front of the net; is often overly aggressive and takes himself out of position or just gets caught flat-footed—especially when faced with quicker opponents—and he doesn’t use his body as effectively as he could, and just loses battles that a guy like him should win; and all of these are pretty concerning, especially considering he’s playing in the MHL. The tools are there with Limatov, the talent is undeniable, but hockey is more than that, and he needs to figure out the rest; but man, if he can, he could be something special. (Gray Matter)

#27 – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak – F – Luleå

The month of March has brought a bit more presence from Ihs-Wozniak in the SHL with Luleå, although still with limited time on ice, and he has only managed to register one assist against Örebro. However, the impressions when watching him, even in a limited capacity in SHL, remain pretty similar. He is a player with a lot of offensive talent, one of the most gifted in this draft class, I’d say. With the puck on his stick, he can create a lot of offense, and sees plays that most players wouldn’t see. In fact, his assist came from a quick change of direction, recognizing the opponent’s pressure, followed by a beautiful no-look pass while he moved the pressure to the other side. He has a strong shot, and when he has possession, he creates uncertainty, making it seem like he could generate something in any way possible. He has that ability to manipulate the defense to make the right pass or the shot. However, in situations without the puck, he loses that visibility and mostly tends to navigate around the ice. And it is that sense of one-dimensionality what I believe is holding back his future projection. In fact, he is one of the players with the widest draft range on my lists, between those who believe in the high-end talent that once made him a potential top pick and those who have more doubts about his impact in other areas and not solely on offensive creativity. But in terms of pure offensive talent, he is a very top-skilled one, with the creative touch and the IQ to create from scratch. (Iván Ortiz)

#28 – Shane Vansaghi – RW – Michigan State

Shane Vansaghi is a physically mature, high-motor winger who plays a direct, hard-nosed game and projects as a middle-six forward at the NHL level. He thrives on the forecheck, using his size and strength to pressure defenders, finish checks, and win battles along the boards. Vansaghi brings a relentless, grinding presence to every shift, constantly disrupting puck movement and setting the tone physically.

He keeps his game simple and effective—chipping pucks to teammates in support, driving play north-south, and maintaining pressure in the offensive zone. His awareness in the defensive zone is strong as well, frequently scanning with shoulder checks and staying engaged along the walls to support breakouts and defensive coverage.

While his offensive upside may be limited, Vansaghi’s style is highly translatable. He excels in puck retrieval, supports play well, and has already shown his game holds up at the NCAA level. His combination of size, work ethic, and forechecking ability gives him the foundation to become a reliable, pace-driving middle-six winger who can be trusted in a variety of situations. (Josh Tessler)

#29 – Malcolm Spence – LW – Erie

Spence will most likely be picked earlier than 29 come June. He checks a lot of boxes for NHL teams: physical, intense, plays with an edge and can beat goaltenders from distance. We have doubts though. Spence doesn’t shoot enough though especially from dangerous areas, and he simply isn’t a play driver. Even on a bottom 6, in the future, he’ll need a puck-carrying center to play with to be effective. He’s a decent passer and fine in his own zone even if the effort comes and goes, but players like him in the OHL rarely evolve into players with top 6 NHL production. The motor isn’t high enough and there simply isn’t anything he’s that great at. It’s hard to pinpoint something that’ll make him stand out at the NHL level. If he can improve his pace of play and change his game to become more of a head down wrecking ball with some skill, there may be a great third or maybe second liner here, but players rarely change their style of play so much before reaching the NHL and he hasn’t really improved that much from last year either, so with his current limitations, it’s tough to really see what could justify an early teens placement, even though we still like him a decent bit as late first or early second round option. (Thomas Gagné)

#30 – Sascha Boumedienne – LHD – Boston University

Boumedienne is a player whose stock has probably taken a hit over the season. Going into the year many projected him as a player who would go inside the top 20, while now? It seems a toss-up as to whether he will go in the first or second round. This season he made the step up to play College Hockey with Boston University, and while he has more than held his own playing around 18 minutes a night, his lack of top-end offensive skill and clunky edge-work have meant many NHL scouts have real doubts about his ability to be a difference maker at the highest level one day. Additionally, he has struggled with consistency, albeit his game has got better over the season. However, in terms of the positives he is a smooth passer, with solid straight-line speed, good size, solid defensive chops and a tenacious playing style. Furthermore, he is still growing into his frame, and throw several of the defensemen who will likely be drafted ahead of him into College Hockey? They would likely do worse than the young Swede has. Expect a jump in his production next season too when he gets some PP time for the Terriers, as this year he has rarely seen ice in man-up situations, and he excelled there in the USHL. He is an interesting player in a draft that is weak in terms of defensemen. If everything goes well you might get a good second pairing defenseman, and his floor is high enough to say that he should at worst play games in the NHL one day. (Alex Appleyard)

#31 – Logan Hensler – RHD – University of Wisconsin

Although Hensler has dropped a bit more on this list since our preliminary rankings, I’ve found myself more impressed with some of his recent showings than I was when I watched him earlier in the season. When he started his season with University of Wisconsin, I watched a player who was far more reserved in their willingness to jump up on the rush and activate in the offensive zone. He’s an above average shooter and skater who can create offense through shooting pucks through traffic and creating space for teammates by pinching with offensive zone possession. On the defensive side of his game, Hensler excels at defending the rush by consistently taking away the middle of the ice and using an active stick to prevent controlled zone entries regularly. His mobility and quick puck moving skills also make him very effect at retrievals and moving the puck out of the defensive zone. The in-zone defense side of his game still remains a work in progress however, as he’s not a particularly physically imposing player for someone with his frame, and he tends to lose assignments a bit too often. Overall, he has a well above average toolkit compared to the majority of defensive prospects in this class and does enough things well enough that I see a potential middle or bottom pairing defenseman at the NHL level, but a lack of any true high end traits and concerns regarding his hockey IQ stop him from being a truly great prospect in my eyes. (Dan Haurin)

#32 – Benjamin Kevan – F – Des Moines

Kevan structures his entire game around high speed and high pace. The Des Moines forward has had a decent year in the USHL this season, scoring at a nearly identical rate to his D-1 season (although his shooting % has taken quite the unlucky hit this year, which plays a factor in his production not increasing). Kevan regularly utilizes his fast straight line skating and strong puck skill battles to win pucks on the forecheck and make quick dishes to teammates. He’s got soft hands that allows him to make quick, accurate passes in tight spaces and a fast release that allows him to finish plays on the rush and the offensive zone. I don’t necessarily see any particularly dynamic elements in his game and he gives up a bit too much for my liking on the defensive side of his game, but there’s enough to like there for me to see him as a potential top-9 NHL forward one day. (Dan Haurin)

#33 – Adam Benák – C – Youngstown

Benak is a player who has been on the radar for the 2025 draft for a long time now due to impressive international performances and solid production in every league he’s played in. He plays with a particularly impressive motor, constantly moving his feet and engaging with the opposition when they have possession of the puck. He’s also a very smart player, able to sneakily find soft areas in the opposition’s defensive zone coverage and capitalize on chances with a quick, accurate release and above average puck skills. The elephant in the room with any discussion regarding Benak has always been his size, given his 5’7/160lbs stature. In his particular case, it visibily has a negative impact on him when he’s on the ice. At the USHL level, he’s clearly struggled in a number of my viewings to win puck battles along the boards and has had a hard time jockeying for position in some of the harder areas of the ice both in the offensive and defensive zone. He’s pretty quick on his feet, but he doesn’t have that level of high end speed needed to help him consistently separate from defenders the way you’d hope a play with these physical struggles will be able to. Overall, there’s definitely a player in there with the potential to be a top-9 producer at the NHL level if he can improve his physical play, but that’s a big if. (Dan Haurin)

#34 – Michal Svrcek – C – Brynäs

Svrcek was a guy who caught my eye last year, and he’s just gotten better as this season’s gone on. He brings speed and intensity in spades, in all areas of the game. His off-puck routes are smart and effective, he’s a great pesky forechecker, and sure he’s on the smaller side, but he’s got enough speed, smarts and skill to make up for it, and he’s been showcasing that very well against men at the SHL level. He does a great job of finding open ice in the offensive zone to be an option, and as soon as there’s a loose puck, he’s all over it with so much speed generated in his first steps that few players beat him on retrievals, even with a significant headstart. Svrcek is a turnover machine, he’s always battling with full intensity and being a nightmare for the opposition in all three zones, and if he can add some strength, I see little reason to doubt that he’ll be able to do the same in the NHL. (Gray Matter)

#35 – L.J. Mooney – F – USNTDP

L.J. Mooney is a skilled, high-paced forward whose game thrives on tempo and intelligent puck movement. Though he’s been deployed at center for a USNTDP squad lacking in playmaking depth, Mooney projects more comfortably as a wing at the NHL level. His limited reach can be a challenge when trying to disrupt possession or stick lift from behind, but he compensates with excellent crossover speed and lateral agility, particularly in transition, where he can weave through lanes and create space.

Mooney demonstrates high-end vision, regularly attempting difficult passes into the slot and along the half-wall. He’s also capable of threading tight seams, including a smart backhand feed from below the red line and saucer passes into dangerous areas. Off the puck, he’s responsible in his own zone—willing to block shots, cover for pinching defensemen, and apply pressure at the point. His puck security in high-traffic areas stands out, and he isn’t shy about using his upper body strength to gain inside leverage on bigger opponents.

While undersized, he reads pressure well and makes quick, decisive plays under duress. His shot selection includes effective use of delays from the perimeter, and he’s been credited with both primary and secondary assists from smart reads and quick puck movement. If Mooney continues to adjust well against higher levels of defensive pressure, there’s a chance he could stick at center. His upside may resemble a Tyler Johnson-type—skilled, competitive, and effective despite size limitations. (Josh Tessler)

#36 – Tomas Pobezal – C – Nitra

It is rare for draft eligible players to be able to hold their own in a pro league, and this year Tomas Pobezal has done more than that. On a stacked Nitra team he has established himself as a good 3C at just 18 years old. Now, the Slovak Extraliga is not what it once was, and frankly is roughly ECHL level at the present time. Furthermore, Pobezal is a player who does not have many outstanding traits. Yes, his IQ is good, his hands can create chances, he is a terror in the high danger areas, and he works hard all over the ice, but he is undersized, with average skating, a decent shot and “fine” passing. However, what he is doing vs men is notable, and means he should get serious consideration from teams in the first half of the second round. He may well be able to play AHL next season and have a positive impact, and players with such high floors are relatively rare outside the first round of an NHL draft. Upside wise? If everything went perfectly, he likely tops out as a complimentary middle-six winger, somewhere in the 45-point range with good two-way play. More likely he ends up a tweener who is a top European pro. But such a profile is a good one to take a bet on in the second round. (Alex Appleyard)

#37 – Kashawn Aitcheson – LHD – Barrie

Kashawn Aitcheson is a physically assertive, north-south defenseman who projects as a reliable second-pairing player at the NHL level. He thrives on physical engagement and brings a competitive edge to every shift, using his size and strength to close gaps, disrupt plays along the boards, and tie up attackers at net front. Aitcheson defends with purpose and isn’t shy about stepping into opponents in open ice or leaning on them below the goal line.

Offensively, he keeps things straightforward but effective. He’s a capable puck-mover who can execute clean zone exits and maintain pressure in the offensive zone. You’ll often see him pinch down to support a teammate in the corner, gain possession, and quickly redistribute to an open man in the slot—demonstrating solid awareness and decision-making in tight areas. While he’s not a dynamic offensive threat, he places pucks into high-traffic areas to create second-chance opportunities and shows the poise to delay or chip pucks into space when under pressure.

His skating allows him to recover when caught deep or out of position, and though there’s still room to grow in his reads and puck decisions under sustained forechecking pressure, he’s shown notable improvement in managing high-speed scenarios in his own end.

With his physical presence, defensive reliability, and improving puck management, Aitcheson brings a style that should translate well to the pro level. He projects as a dependable, hard-minutes defenseman who can bring energy, structure, and a bit of bite to a second or third NHL pairing. (Josh Tessler)

#38 – Eric Nilson – C – Djurgården

The son of Marcus Nilson, who played 521 games in the NHL, has yet to carve out a spot in Djurgårdens’ Allsvenskan lineup, which is no easy feat given the team’s abundance of young top-tier talent. However, his current form and style of play is making him win more followers for the future, and making him one of the rising names in recent months. He’s a well-rounded player with a mature game. Versatile and equally effective in both power-play and penalty-kill situations, he’s responsible, possesses elusive skating, isn’t afraid to battle in the tough areas in front of the net, and has a high hockey IQ when it comes to positioning, actions and movement on the ice. Players like him are always highly valued because, above all, teams may seek those players who stand out a little bit more in every aspect of the game, and Nilson fits that profile. It is true that we still have to see what he can offer at a professional level, but he has the maturity in his game to make it a natural transition. (Iván Ortiz)

#39 – 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. 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)

#40 – Pyotr Andreyanov – G – CSKA Moscow

Pyotr Andreyanov is a poised, athletic goaltender with strong technical foundations and a calm presence in the crease. He tracks pucks exceptionally well, even through traffic and screens, and rarely looks rattled when facing sustained pressure. His lateral mobility stands out—he moves efficiently post-to-post and recovers quickly, allowing him to stay square and composed during broken plays.

Andreyanov’s rebound control is generally solid, limiting second-chance opportunities, and he displays a confident glove, particularly on low- and mid-danger shots. His use of the RVH is consistent when sealing off sharp-angle threats, though there’s room to refine when and how he employs it to avoid exposing small gaps. While his positioning is typically strong, occasional lapses in stance or timing on lateral pushes can leave him vulnerable, especially on quick plays around the net.

Overall, Andreyanov blends structure, athleticism, and mental focus in a way that makes him a compelling goaltending prospect. With continued development in his post play and consistency on quick-twitch reads, he projects as a potential starter with long-term upside. (Josh Tessler)

#41 – 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 keep him ranked early in our second round. (SpokedZ)

#42 – Milton Gästrin – C/LW – MoDo

Milton Gastrin is a player who will no doubt attract many NHL teams late in the first round this summer. Serving as captain for this Swedish age group, he always stands out at international events while centering Sweden’s top line. He even registered an eight-point game vs. Switzerland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. Gastrin is a two-way, natural center with solid tools across the board and high a IQ. He has good size, solid enough skating, and a relentless compete level. He isn’t necessarily a dynamic offensive player, but he does have decent skill and a natural shot and release. He also makes plays and creates offense around the net and has an advanced understanding of space and timing. That being said, it’s the translatability of his game that will attract NHL teams to him. He competes for loose pucks and wins battles in dirty areas of the ice. He offers a responsible and reliable game and is remarkably consistent. While there are questions about his upside, it’s reasonable to project him as a middle-six center who can provide complementary offense in the NHL. (SpokedZ)

#43 – Eddie Genborg – F – Linköping

He’s the player from this draft class that I’m most interested in seeing how he develops for the future. Nowadays, it’s not easy to find young players who embrace this intense, physical style of play, going to the less glamorous areas of the ice to make an impact, literally speaking, as he loves to finish hits. Genborg’s motor is always ready for it. He was putting up solid numbers, but the jump to the SHL has been a different story in terms of numbers. Since scoring against Timrå on January 18th—both of his SHL goals have come against the same team—he’s gone 14 games and 11 shots on goal without recording a single point. This raised questions about whether he has enough offensive ability to provide that extra in the NHL, beyond the energy and intensity expected from a bottom-liner. It also leads to some doubts about whether a player of this profile is enough to justify a late first-round selection. I do think he has the ability to generate offense, because we saw that he is capable of producing, but from his comfort zones: cleaning up rebounds, winning positioning in the slot thanks to his physicality, and supporting the offense from behind. Otherwise, he remains that player who jumps into the forecheck from the very first, always finishes his hits, battles his way to the net, attracts opponents, and holds up physically to dish the puck off to a teammate. I see a really solid profile to build on for the future. Worst scenario, you have a bottom-six forward who brings energy and physicality to wear down opponents. But I think there’s also a foundation to develop him into an interesting complementary piece, someone who does the physical work and supports more skilled linemates in the offensive zone. (Iván Ortiz)

#44 – Alexei Medvedev – G – London

Alexei Medvedev is an athletic, technically sound goaltender who plays with calmness, control, and a consistently refined approach in the crease. His rebound management is among the best in this class, regularly directing pucks to low-danger areas and limiting second-chance opportunities. He shows excellent mobility—particularly east-west—and resets quickly, allowing him to stay composed and square through lateral movement and multi-shot sequences.

Medvedev tracks the puck well through traffic, seals off the lower net with precision, and stays collected in high-pressure situations. He combines efficient movement with strong posture, rarely breaking structure even during scrambles around the crease. His puckhandling is another positive element, showing awareness and confidence when aiding in zone exits.

What makes Medvedev especially intriguing is that he’s just five days away from being eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. Given his age, the polish in his game is notable. He brings a mature, well-rounded toolkit that offers both a high floor and long-term upside. With continued physical development and experience, Medvedev has the potential to grow into a legitimate NHL starter. (Josh Tessler)

#45 – Jack Ivankovic – G – Brampton

Jack Ivankovic is an athletic, competitive goaltender with one of the best gloves in this draft class. His explosiveness and speed in the crease allow him to cover ground quickly, and he shows strong lateral mobility when moving through his butterfly. Ivankovic tracks the puck well and displays excellent rebound control—particularly off his blocker and glove—often steering pucks safely into low-danger areas.

His glove hand is a standout tool, capable of robbing shooters on medium-danger chances and reacting quickly to cross-zone puck movement. He consistently displays strong positioning off the rush and is quick to reset after initial saves, even in high-traffic situations. He’s also poised in scramble scenarios and regularly makes tough saves on second-chance efforts, especially on the penalty kill.

That said, Ivankovic can occasionally overextend himself when playing aggressively, drifting too far out of the crease and exposing gaps underneath the blocker or near the posts. While his athleticism often makes up for those slight positional missteps, tightening up his angles and depth control will be key at the next level.

Despite some defensive lapses in front of him at the OHL level, Ivankovic has consistently stood tall. With his high-end athleticism, elite glove, and sharp competitive instincts, he projects as a high-upside goaltender with long-term NHL starter potential if he continues to refine his technical game. (Josh Tessler)

#46 – Anthony Allain-Samaké – LHD – Sioux City

One of my own personal favorites to watch this season, Samaké presents an interesting profile. Would it be crazy to say a USHL rookie who didn’t score a goal all season possesses one of the highest offensive ceiling from the defenseman position in this year’s draft class? You could choose to see that as a testament on the quality of the class, but Samaké remains an incredibly fun player to watch. A daring player on the offensive blue line, Samaké will use body feints and misdirection to open lanes and exploit them. He joins the rush all the time, which is a positive trait, but it also causes him to get exposed a bit too often and he sometimes gets lost defensively as well. He isn’t filled out at all either, losing his balance and physical battles too frequently, but on the long term, if he can continue to develop physically while maintaining his confidence in the offensive zone and working on his defensive game, the player you could find yourself getting could assuredly make an NHL team better and probably even play on the power-play. (Thomas Gagné)

#47 – Jack Murtagh – C/LW – USNTDP

Murtagh has been an underrated prospect, quietly keeping pace with more well-known NTDP forwards like William Moore and Conrad Fondrk. Though he missed some early-season games due to injury, he has consistently stood out, showing a strong presence and driving play for a weaker 2007-born forward group. He excelled at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, taking control of the ice with confidence. Primarily a left winger but also capable at center, he’s one of the younger players in the draft with a late August birthday. A strong skater and athlete, Murtagh pushes the pace with power and speed, attacking defenders head-on. His deceptive release and effective one-timer make him a scoring threat, and he competes hard, carrying pucks through traffic and absorbing contact well. With his pro-ready qualities, he’s a bit of a sleeper—likely a late first- or second-round pick, though the NTDP may not produce a first-rounder this year. (Chris Ford)

#48 – Topias Hynninen – C – Jukurit

We were big fans of Hynninen last year, and it was surprising to see him go completely undrafted, after spending his draft year in Liiga without looking out of place at all. This year, he’s gotten a bit quicker, and he has some of what he was missing in his draft year: production; so we hope that it’ll be different this time around. High energy, high pace, aggressive play in all facets of the game, a good off-puck support game, a solid underutilised shot, with sneaky good finishing and playmaking potential that he has yet to fully unlock; there’s a lot to like with Hynninen. I don’t see a super high ceiling with him, but the intensity he brings on both sides of the puck alone could make him a valuable player in the NHL, and if he can find that extra gear on offence that I think he has, then that’s a good bonus. (Gray Matter)

#49 – Jamiro Reber – F – HV71

Jamiro Reber should have been drafted late on in the 2024 NHL draft, and his 5’10 frame was probably the only reason he was overlooked. With plus skating, a motor that never fails, an instinctive understanding of how to create space through the neutral zone, and the ability to push the pace of play and make defensemen stand off him? He has the tools to make an impact in the NHL one day. This season he has shown versus men in the SHL that his size is irrelevant, as he has given opponents fits at times with his tenacious play style, play-driving ability, and sneaky skill. Now, the big question mark is how much offensive upside does he have? He has plus vision and nice passing, as well as a decent shot, but he can walk himself into corners with no way out inside the opponents blue-line, and also seem to lose some degree of the decisiveness he shows with the puck when coming up ice. His upside at the NHL level is likely “Just” a third liner. Furthermore, his future certainly lies at wing. But given where he will likely go in the draft at the second time of asking? Such an outcome would be great value for a teams money. At worst he should be a good AHLer, and if things fall well for him going forward? He has a chance to one day be an energetic 3rd line winger who flashes skill. (Alex Appleyard)

#50 – Cole McKinney – C – USNTDP

Cole McKinney is a high-paced, puck-driving center whose game thrives on speed, creativity, and determination. His explosive stride and sharp crossovers make him a constant transition threat, and he often takes the initiative in pushing play up ice. McKinney plays with a daring edge—he’s willing to take on defensive pressure head-on, even skating into tight coverage to try and make something happen. While that risk can lead to turnovers, it also reflects his confidence and willingness to shoulder offensive responsibility.

With the puck on his stick, McKinney shows strong problem-solving skills, often improvising to extend plays. He’s capable of smart bail-out passes under pressure and isn’t afraid to use the boards or manipulate space to buy time for his linemates. In the offensive zone, he’s usually the one driving possession—moving laterally along the blue line, probing for lanes, and drawing defenders in to open up options elsewhere. Off the puck, he supports well, regularly heading to the backdoor and making himself available as a passing outlet near the net.

Defensively, McKinney is engaged and alert. He shoulder-checks on the backcheck, looks to disrupt plays with stick lifts when trailing the rush, and supports along the boards. His awareness and competitiveness shine in all three zones, and though his game can still benefit from added refinement in decision-making, there’s a strong foundation of pace and hockey sense. McKinney projects as a 3C at the NHL level with potential to elevate his line through his energy, transition skill, and puck-driving mentality. (Josh Tessler)

#51 – Melvin Novotny – F – Leksand

Melvin Novotny is a player who I think is flying a bit under-the-radar for everybody, because he might not have that eye-catching factor in many aspects of his game that others have. However, he is a player who knows how to move well on the ice, understands the game at a high level, and when needed, can turn on the speed and showcase his puck-handling skills to make an impact. He is the type of player who can be used in multiple line configurations where he can perform accordingly. He has good vision and the ability to make key passes. If you’re joining him on the rush, he can deliver the puck at just the right moment, and that quick-processing ability could be highly valued. Defensively, he has an active stick, using stick-lifts when necessary, and he knows how to use his body when the situation calls for it. He also has the hands to control the puck in traffic. Adding more goal-scoring threat to his shot would be a major boost to his development, as some of his current attempts are more about getting the puck on net rather than shooting with a true scoring intent. But he is a good player, who understands what is happening and he can deliver accordingly. (Iván Ortiz)

#52 – Gustav Hillström – C – Brynäs

Gustav Hillstrom is another Swedish forward in this draft class who possesses many intriguing qualities without having that one elite trait as a separator. He’s a big, two-way center who skates well enough and has good defensive and physical habits. Offensively, he profiles more as a play connector than a play driver, but he does possess enough skill and ability to chip in some complementary offense. He also reads play quite well and has a good understanding of timing and positioning. Overall, Hillstrom plays a very translatable game that should serve him well as a solid bottom-six forward at the next level long term. (SpokedZ)

#53 – Brady Martin – C – Sault Ste. Marie

Brady Martin projects as a dependable 3C at the NHL level, offering flashes of smart playmaking and strong puck protection, particularly when moving in straight lines. He’s comfortable threading passes through tight windows—often slipping pucks under sticks into the slot—and shows good puck security when handling pressure head-on through the neutral zone. His reach allows him to create turnovers along the boards and disrupt opposing possessions in the offensive zone.

However, Martin’s game lacks consistent pace and agility. He can struggle to pivot or shake defenders when facing lateral pressure, which leads to some untimely turnovers, especially near the offensive blue line. His shot selection under pressure is a work in progress, as he often fires into traffic from low-danger areas without finding a clean lane. While he’s capable of chipping in secondary offense through smart support play and puck movement, he’s not a primary creator or dynamic finisher at this stage.

Defensively, Martin’s reads are generally sound, but his activation and foot speed can lag behind the play, occasionally leaving him chasing in transition. When he’s dialed in, he can disrupt entries with timely stick work and leverage his size and reach to close space.

While the pace and polish still need to come along, Martin’s blend of vision, north-south control, and positional awareness give him the tools to grow into a reliable bottom-six NHL center with 3C upside. (Josh Tessler)

#54 – Luca Romano – C – Kitchener

Luca Romano is a smart, detail-oriented forward who projects as a 3C at the NHL level, bringing a steady presence with flashes of creativity and strong puck distribution. His skating mechanics are solid—he blends powerful crossovers with a strong stride to close gaps and win races to pucks, even when trailing the play. Romano does well to protect the puck with his body, using his shoulder to push off pressure and extend plays below the goal line or along the wall.

Offensively, he thrives when the game is in motion. He looks for give-and-go opportunities off the rush and makes smart passes once he draws defenders in, showing good touch when distributing along the boards or finding teammates in stride for zone exits. While he isn’t a high-volume shooter, he shows patience, often waiting to deliver passes until the target is in an optimal shooting lane. That said, his shot selection can still use work—he tends to fire from low-percentage areas when no other options are available and sometimes forces pucks into traffic.

Romano’s scanning habits are still developing. There are moments where he overlooks better-positioned teammates or misjudges pressure, leading to turnovers or disrupted plays. Defensively, he supports well down low and provides value in transition with smart puck movement, but his reads need continued refinement to elevate his impact.

Overall, Romano brings a reliable, support-style game that complements more dynamic linemates. With continued development in awareness and decision-making, he has the toolkit to carve out a role as a responsible, playmaking third-line center at the NHL level. (Josh Tessler)

#55 – Harry Nansi – C – Owen Sound

Nansi only averages about 14 minutes of ice time per game in the OHL this season on a not so great team and only has 7 goals in 63 games as a forward, so it might look hard to justify actually spending a second rounder on such a player, but in this draft class we don’t think it would be that crazy. Nansi brings a lot to the table. He is a very effective forechecker with really good touch and instincts in the offensive zone, he moves the puck from non-dangerous areas to dangerous areas often and at a high rate of success and never quits on a play. In the defensive zone, he’s always involved and often finds himself being the catalyst to zone exits, exhibiting good defensive habits and a very active playstyle. The pace at which he plays the game is great as well and could translate to higher levels of play. At 6ft3 and 179 pounds, Nansi tries to be physical, there’s a willingness there, but is far from effective as things stand, often bouncing off players he tries to hit and losing his balance way too easily. He’ll need a lot of development, a lot more ice-time and game reps to become what he could become, but with enough time, Nansi could grow into a fun NHL bottom 6er with some playmaking offense, defensive acumen and physicality. (Thomas Gagné)

#56 – Mason Moe – F – Madison

Moe’s played center in every game I’ve watched, centering a line in Madison with Ryker Lee, and they’ve been a fun duo to watch all year. Moe doesn’t have the pace and flashy skill that Lee brings, but he’s a smart, effective 200-foot contributor, still with some offensive pop. He brings a power game, with a strong upper-body and solid protection mechanics; a wicked shot; and moments of impressive passing and playmaking. Without the puck, he’s smart positionally, and plans his routes efficiently with a strong sense of anticipation and timing, which makes him a valuable support player and gives him a strong defensive foundation. There’s a lot to like with Moe; the pace and intensity could be improved for sure, but the rest of the picture is pretty good. The ceiling is questionable, but I think there’s enough there to be a solid contributor, especially if paired with other smart skilled players. (Gray Matter)

#57 – Daniil Prokhorov – RW – Dynamo St. Petersburg

Prokhorov is gigantic, really skilled and slick, with a quick and dangerous release on his shot, and he moves pretty well for a guy who’s listed at 6’5”. He has a really enticing and exciting toolbox to work with, but it’s not quite there yet. The passing, playmaking, and intensity need to come a ways, and he’s physical as you might expect, but I find he tends to use his physicality in unproductive ways too often: taking runs at guys without much care for actually getting the puck, and not leveraging his frame to shield off pressure as much as he could. So he has a ways to go, but there’s a ton of runway with him for him to grow and improve, and the combination of skill, size, and finishing ability is a good foundation to build off of. (Gray Matter)

#58 – Dmitri Isayev – LW – Yekaterinburg

If Dmitri Isayev were over 6’0? NHL teams would be lining up to draft him in the second round. This season he has managed to put up over P/GP in the MHL on a deep, defensive Avto Yekaterinburg side that play structured, conservative hockey. Furthermore, he has done that through mainly EV scoring, with 17 of his 21 goals at EV, and 31 of his 44 points. Now, yes, he is 5’9 and probably 150lbs soaking wet… however, when you examine what he “can” do? Then maybe, just maybe with physical development he can blossom into a legitimate skilled NHL winger. His hands are high-end, his skating exciting – without true burner speed but fantastic agility – and he thinks the game quickly and plays it just as fast. Despite his diminutive frame he is the type of player who plays bigger than he is. Eager on the fore-check, never scared to go to the net, he plays with an intensity that you always want to see from a smaller player. Furthermore, he has a fantastic release that can beat goalies clean from all over the ice. Isayev is also impressive at finding space on the cycle and manages to evade coverage regularly to get into danger areas unmarked. He is also a dangerous player in transition. He may well be a boom-or-bust type pick. If it works out? There is a chance he ends up a 2nd line NHL winger. If not? He will be a career middle-six KHLer. However, if he falls past the second round very few players will have higher upside. (Alex Appleyard)

#59 – Haoxi Wang – LHD – Oshawa

An absolute physical monster, Haoxi Wang becoming a legit NHL draft prospect who could very well be drafted in the first round is probably one of the most unique stories of the amateur scouting world in the past several years. The Beijing-born defenseman is 6’6 tall and skates like the wind. Not just in a straight line too, his pivots are clean, his balance is right, and he can use his edges to open angles, work give-and-go’s and activate from the blue line in the offensive zone, which he liked to do a lot in the OJHL and sometimes in the OHL too. The transition has been impressive between the two leagues for Wang. At first, he seemed a bit overwhelmed by the pace of play, but slowly he’s been getting more comfortable and despite the lack of production, the underlying numbers paint the picture that he’s been a very effective player for the Oshawa Generals. A long-term project that will need an NHL team actively supporting him in his development, due to how raw he still is, Wang could become an absolute outlier of a hockey player with his size, skating and willingness to play an offensive game. (Thomas Gagné)

#60 – Quinn Beauchesne – RHD – Guelph

Beauchesne isn’t really ranked on many draft boards, but there’s a lot to like with him . The number 84 ranked North American player by NHL Central Scouting, Beauchesne was still good enough in his dy-1 to play a depth role on the Hlinka-Gretzky team in 2024, where was rather reliable. In his draft year now, playing for the Guelph Storm, Beauchesne’s defensive game, especially on puck retrievals and deep in his zone has stood out. In those situations, Beauchesne always looks behind him before moving the puck, quickly and accurately relieving a lot of pressure. The skill level is underrated as well. I’ve seen him attempt a Michigan goal this year, which is anecdotal, but Beauchesne rarely fumbles the puck and overall has a great grasp of the game and knows where the puck should go. In the future, Beauchesne could find himself in a depth role in the NHL. He plays solid, reliable hockey and doesn’t really have a discernable weakness. The upside isn’t very high, as he doesn’t bring anything particularly special as things stand, but there will be worse players drafted in this range of the draft. (Thomas Gagné)

#61 – Gavin Cornforth – RW – Dubuque

Cornforth is a guy that’s flown under the radar a bit this year. Small, but really skilled and creative with the puck, with an impressive wrist shot on him too. He forechecks well, makes decisions quickly under pressure, and has good vision when it comes to spotting small passing lanes, and he can thread passes through them quickly and consistently. He’s not a particularly explosive skater, which—combined with the lack of size and physical tools—holds him back from being a play driver, but as a complementary skilled winger as the third piece of a line, who forechecks well, supports play well in transition, and can creatively connect plays together in the offensive zone, I could absolutely see a role for him down the road. (Gray Matter)

#62 – Max Westergård – LW – Frölunda

In my estimation the lightning-fast Finnish winger has been slightly over-looked this season. Yes, he is undersized, yes, he plays a supporting role on a stacked Frölunda J20 team… but for me there are really not many downsides to his game. He is a volume shooter who is a fantastic play-driver, mainly due to being smart player who is always engaged, and willing to go the extra mile to make something happen for his team. Defensemen seem to hate playing against him. He always makes a beeline for the net, his stick-work is exhausting to go against, and the way he plays the game… well… some would describe him as a pest or a bit of a rat. His skating is above average, and he uses it extremely well through the neutral zone with or without the puck, furthermore, while he does make some silly mistakes in the defensive zone he projects to be at worst average defensively at the pro level and can kill penalties if asked to. Westergård also has some skill, with quick hands, creative passing, and a quick, deceptive release he can get off from anywhere. While he certainly needs to develop physically, he is one of the youngest players in the draft as an early September birthday. He is the kind of player who if he slides into the mid-rounds like he is projected to? Likely makes a lot of teams look silly this time next year. His absolute upside is probably a complimentary middle-six winger, but given his playing style he is certainly not top-six or bust. (Alex Appleyard)

#63 – Ludvig Johnson – LHD – Zug

The Swiss National League is one of the top five leagues on earth. It is a place very few teenagers are capable of playing, even legitimate prospects. Therefore, what Ludvig Johnson has done this year makes him stand out. Since the NHL lock-out in 2004-05 only a handful of defensemen have managed to play a full-time, top six role in the NL by the eve of their 19th birthday. That list is pretty exclusive. Roman Josi, Janis Moser, Jonas Siegenthaler, Raphael Díaz, Tim Berni, David Reinbacher, Leon Muggli and Lukas Stoop. The first five made the NHL, Reinbacher and Muggli are good prospects, and, well, Stoop is the odd man out. Johnson added his name to the list this season with 10 points in 31 games over the year, outproducing Muggli on the same team and turning heads from all over Europe. He has done that with virtually no power-play time either. It gets more impressive when you examine his underlying numbers. Yes, he played a sheltered role in his 15 minutes a night, but he was top five on the team in xGF, with almost 57%. How did he manage this? His game is built around his skating, and while not a true top-end burner he is incredibly agile. Additionally, he has a creative hockey mind and beautiful passing. He pushes play and makes opponents make mistakes. Johnson also has a strong defensive stick and is strong on the puck, and on the boards for his size. Johnson should have been drafted last year. But this year? The NHL cannot overlook him. If his development goes well, he has a real chance to be a second pairing defenseman in the not so distant future. (Alex Appleyard)

#64 – Alexander Pershakov – RW – Novosibirsk

This year Pershakov has been the top-scoring first-time draft eligible in the MHL. 38 points in 33 games is serious production for a player in the top Russian junior league, even if he is playing in the weaker Eastern Conference. However, his team – Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk – were a mediocre offensive team, and his line had to do all the heavy lifting. Yes, he played second fiddle to the talented Yegor Klimovich, but regardless he managed to stand out. Most of his production came at even strength, and his well-rounded game meant a promotion to the KHL, where he has played almost exclusively in a limited role, since early February. Now, the downside to Pershakov? He very rarely wows you when you watch him. He has a habit of being in the right place, at the right time, all the time, and pops up to create plays out of nowhere. His shot is a plus point, as is his offensive zone intelligence, but his skating is average, his passing just functional, and his hands nice but unexceptional. However, he has held his own physically and defensively in his limited KHL ice-time, and understands where to be at all times, in every zone. Pershakov is also a very good penalty-killer. He might not be the most exciting player, and he likely goes in the late rounds, but he seems likely to carve out a pro career, albeit most likely as a middle-six KHLer… however, if things go well he may be able to become a solid NHL third liner. (Alex Appleyard)

Honorable Mentions

Artyom Shchuchinov (LHD, Cherepovets), Viggo Nordlund (F, Skellefteå), Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen (LHD, University of Michigan), Shamar Moses (RW, North Bay), Zeb Lindgren (LHD, Skellefteå), Jordan Gavin (C/LW, Tri-City / WHL), Carter Amico (RHD, USNTDP), Nathan Behm (LW, Kamloops), Reese Hamilton (LHD, Calgary) and Leo Sundqvist (F, Brynäs)

The Rankings

Rank	Player	Position	Team
1	Michael Misa	C/LW	Saginaw
2	Matthew Schaefer	LHD	Erie
3	James Hagens	C	Boston College
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton
5	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgården
6	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgården
7	Cullen Potter	LW	Arizona State University
8	Jackson Smith	LHD	Tri-City (WHL)
9	Carter Bear	C/LW	Everett
10	Lynden Lakovic	F	Moose Jaw
11	Benjamin Kindel	RW	Calgary
12	Roger McQueen	F	Brandon
13	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle
14	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton
15	Jake O’Brien	C	Brantford
16	Radim Mrtka	RHD	Seattle
17	Cameron Reid	LHD	Kitchener
18	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver
19	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand
20	Alexander Zharovsky	C/W	Ufa
21	Ivan Ryabkin	C	Muskegon
22	Bill Zonnon	LW	Rouyn-Noranda
23	Ryker Lee	F	Madison
24	Blake Fiddler	RHD	Edmonton
25	Cole Reschny	F	Victoria
26	Kurban Limatov	LHD	Dynamo Moscow
27	Jakob Ihs-Wozniak	F	Luleå
28	Shane Vansaghi	RW	Michigan State University
29	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie
30	Sascha Boumedienne	LHD	Boston University
31	Logan Hensler	RHD	University of Wisconsin
32	Benjamin Kevan	F	Des Moines
33	Adam Benák	C	Youngstown
34	Michal Svrcek	C	Brynäs
35	L.J. Mooney	RW	USNTDP
36	Tomas Pobezal	C	Nitra
37	Kashawn Aitcheson	LHD	Barrie
38	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgården
39	Arvid Drott	RW	Djurgården
40	Pyotr Andreyanov	G	CSKA Moscow
41	Conrad Fondrk	C	USNTDP
42	Milton Gästrin	C/LW	MoDo
43	Eddie Genborg	F	Linköping
44	Alexei Medvedev	G	London
45	Jack Ivankovic	G	Brampton
46	Anthony Allain-Samaké	LHD	Sioux City
47	Jack Murtagh	C/LW	USNTDP
48	Topias Hynninen	C	Jukurit
49	Jamiro Reber	C/W	HV71
50	Cole McKinney	C	USNTDP
51	Melvin Novotny	F	Leksand
52	Gustav Hillström	C	Brynäs
53	Brady Martin	C	Sault Ste. Marie
54	Luca Romano	C	Kitchener
55	Harry Nansi	C	Owen Sound Attack
56	Mason Moe	F	Madison
57	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	Dynamo St. Petersburg
58	Dmitri Isayev	LW	Yekaterinburg
59	Haoxi Wang	LHD	Oshawa Generals
60	Quinn Beauchesne	D	Guelph
61	Gavin Cornforth	RW	Dubuque
62	Max Westergard	LW	Frölunda
63	Ludvig Johnson	LHD	Zug
64	Alexander Pershakov	RW	Dynamo St. Petersburg
HM	Artyom Shchuchinov	LHD	Cherepovets
HM	Viggo Nordlund	RHD	Skellefteå
HM	Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen	LHD	University of Michigan
HM	Shamar Moses	RW	North Bay Battalion
HM	Zeb Lindgren	LHD	Skellefteå
HM	Jordan Gavin	C/LW	Tri-City (WHL)
HM	Carter Amico	RHD	USNTDP
HM	Nathan Behm	LW	Kamloops
HM	Reese Hamilton	LHD	Calgary
HM	Leo Sundqvist	F	Brynäs