The 2025 NHL Draft class is built on projection. With no unanimous No. 1 and a tightly packed group of prospects through the first two rounds, this year’s draft is more about team identity, organizational need, and draft philosophy than ever before. From dynamic playmakers and towering defenders to athletic goaltenders and high-motor depth pieces, teams will have no shortage of options—just difficult decisions.
This mock draft is not a ranking of our favorite prospects or a reflection of who we would take. It’s a forecast of what NHL teams are most likely to do on draft day. Our team has considered roster construction, past drafting trends, prospect pool gaps, and behind-the-scenes rumblings to predict how the board might realistically unfold.
This project was a team effort, with contributions from the Smaht Scouting staff: Josh Tessler, SpokedZ, Thomas Gagné, Gray Matter, Austin Garret, Iván Ortiz, Tom Watson, Dan Haurin, and Alex Appleyard.
Let’s get to it.
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL) 6’2″, 183 lbs | 09/05/2007 | Hamilton, ON, Canada Scout: Josh
The Islanders covet structure, competitiveness, and reliability on the back end—qualities that Matthew Schaefer delivers in spades. He’s a poised, mobile defenseman who impacts every shift with high-end skating, sharp reads in transition, and a calm confidence reminiscent of Drew Doughty at his best. What makes Schaefer the right fit at first overall isn’t just his all-situations upside—it’s how seamlessly his game aligns with New York’s identity. He can anchor tough matchups, lead breakouts, and tilt the ice without sacrificing defensive integrity. For a franchise in need of a foundational presence on the blue line, Schaefer offers exactly that: a future top-pairing pillar who brings control, pace, and a competitive edge to every scenario.
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C/LW, Saginaw (OHL) 6’1″, 185 lbs | 02/16/2007 | Oakville, ON, Canada Scout: Josh
For a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild, Michael Misa offers the kind of all-around, dynamic forward the Sharks can build around. He’s a true dual-threat—agile, creative, and relentless on both sides of the puck. Misa’s offensive game blends high-end puck handling under pressure with sharp instincts in the offensive zone, making him a constant threat on the rush or in tight quarters. He supports the play well defensively, helps recover pucks deep in his own zone, and shows the speed and effort to transition quickly up ice. His ability to delay, pivot, and create lanes reflects a level of maturity rare for his age, and his one-touch finishing adds another layer of danger. There are shades of a young Tyler Seguin in how he processes and executes. For San Jose, Misa represents a smart, competitive forward with top-line upside and a motor built for the modern game.
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan) 6’0″, 196 lbs | 05/07/2007 | Trångsund, Sweden Scout: Thomas
The Blackhawks are building around a core of high-end skill and structure, and Anton Frondell brings the kind of responsible, poised two-way game that complements that foundation. He’s a mature, detail-oriented forward who excels in supporting play, managing transitions, and making smart, controlled decisions under pressure. While Frondell isn’t the flashiest player on the board, his blend of steady skating, strong off-puck reads, and puck distribution makes him a valuable piece in a lineup that needs dependable contributors behind the stars. With time, added assertiveness, and improved decisiveness in the offensive zone, Frondell projects as a middle-six center or wing who can be trusted in all situations. For a team like Chicago, that’s a critical building block.
4. Utah Mammoth – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA) 5’10”, 176 lbs | 11/03/2006 | Hauppauge, NY, USA Scout: Gray
I feel that this pick marks a pivotal point that could sway the next group of picks in a number of ways, and I could go any which way here. Personally I would take Hagens if he falls; and Hagens makes a lot of sense here as a highly skilled potential star piece to add to a young offensive core that’s in the making; but I could just as easily see Utah going for more size in a Porter Martone, or potentially seeing what they have in terms of their young forward group as having enough high-end skilled players, and go for a Brady Martin instead for example, whom they’ve been linked to recently. Utah has a lot of options here; it’s a tough call to predict, and I don’t feel remotely confident that Hagens is the direction they go, but I think it makes a lot of sense.
The Nashville Predators use their first of three picks in round one to take Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers. Nashville has drafted an abundance of forwards over the last few years, however given the gap between Schaefer and the next best D, drafting a forward here is a no brainer. In 2024, the Predators selected Yegor Surin & Teddy Stiga- two centers with decent upside. That being said, Desnoyers projects to be a legit top 6 center with size and skill and a motor we know Barry Trotz loves. Porter Martone, Jake O’Brien, and Brady Martin are other plausible options here.
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL) 6’3″, 196 lbs | 10/26/2006 | Peterborough, ON, Canada Scout: Alex
The Flyers have a glaring organisational need at C. However, if the first five picks of the draft fall this way Martone would be the clear BPA in terms of both upside and floor, and frankly the Broad Street club need to add top end talent more than anything else. Martone would immediately be the No. 1 prospect in the organisation and the second best young player after Michkov.
7. Boston Bruins – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL) 6’2″, 170 lbs | 06/16/2007 | Toronto, ON, Canada Scout: SpokedZ
The Boston Bruins have not picked inside the top 10 since selecting Dougie Hamilton ninth in 2011 and their lack of dynamic players in their prospect pool reflect that. Simply put, they need to swing for the fences on upside. Jake O’Brien, a 6’2” center out of Brantford in the OHL, provides that upside. Few, if any, players in this class are as creative as O’Brien. He’s a deceptive playmaker with high-end vision that breaks ankles at will. He has lots of physical runway left, and hopefully that will aid his skating and pace. His ridiculous passing and playmaking ability provide a pathway for him to become a top-six center in the NHL, and that is something the Boston Bruins desperately need. They also may consider a player like Brady Martin here given his style of play that we know Boston’s management loves.
Seattle is a team that has a fairly promising future up front already, having used every 1st round pick in franchise history up to this point on forwards. This year, they add a defenseman to the mix that can bring more size to their blueline than Dunn and Evans can, while playing a similar style of defense to what Ron Francis has coveted in the past.
While Victor Eklund would be a dream for me personally, if I’m the GM of Buffalo I am well aware that the fan base is sick of taking small forwards who aren’t panning out immediately to the NHL roster. The funny thing is, and I know they’re two completely different archetype of players with different skillsets, but I could pretty much copy and paste what I wrote about Dylan Cozens in 2019 for the Sabres regarding a preference that he play on the wing and defer in transition. I think Martin will be best served on the wing where he can use his physicality on the forecheck and isn’t asked to do things that are outside his skillset (transition the puck for entries) and it limits his biggest weakness which is his lateral mobility and pace of play. In the offensive zone this will allow him to get to slot and the inside of the ice off-puck, he has great vision when he has time to pre-scan, and has great hands to play in small area spaces. He gives the Sabres something in the prospect pool they don’t have at forward, and after the hit on Tage Thompson that saw no response from the NHL roster last year that the fanbase is still up in arms about (and sounds like Tage is still upset too after a recent interview), it will make my fans happy as well.
The Ducks love their solid middle-six players; I’ve no doubt Brady Martin is high on their list, but as he’s not available, McQueen feels like their next target. I’m not a big fan of McQueen nor a big believer in the upside, but NHL teams have shown a lot of interest in the player they think he could be, and he seems like very much Anaheim’s type if he makes it to 10. I would take Victor Eklund or Cullen Potter here, as I see them as much better upside bets.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan) 5’11”, 161 lbs | 10/03/2006 | Stockholm, Sweden Scout: Alex
The Penguins prospect pool needs help everywhere, and while C especially is the big need, with McQueen and O’Brien already gone it would take a real reach to solidify that spot here. Instead, taking the speedy, shifty, high skilled Eklund would mean going BPA. He would instantly be the Penguins top prospect and one of only a couple of players in the pipeline with clear top line upside.
If with their previous pick they can add an offensive talent, I wouldn’t see anything wrong with betting on one of the best defenders available in this draft class here. Smith needs time, but he has one of the highest upsides, raw offensive tools and the Pens can afford to let him develop.
13. Detroit Red Wings – Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL) 6’1″, 198 lbs | 09/21/2006 | Toronto, ON, Canada Scout: Thomas
Kashawn Aitcheson will assuredly be gone in that range of the draft and with the Red Wings recent strategy of shooting for players that might not have the highest ceiling in the first round of the draft and them going with forwards a lot lately in this range, Aitcheson would introduce some variety in their prospect pool. A punishing defensman with some interesting offensive tools, a player like Aitcheson could be an interesting fit with budding offensive defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika and even if that doesn’t work too well, you’d get one of the most entertaining bottom pairing defenseman in the league.
Maybe outside of their 2024 draft class, the Columbus Blue Jackets have bet on skill-first players in the first couple of rounds of the draft, with players like Gavin Brindley, Andrew Strathmann, William Whitelaw or even Denton Mateychuk. With Lakovic, the Blue Jackets would get one of the most skilled players in the draft. A deft puckhandler with top-tier one-on-one skill and creativity in the offensive zone, all while boasting an imposing 6ft4 frame. There are questions with Lakovic’s actual physicality level and how he uses that size, but that can be improved. Columbus admittedly have a lot of wingers already, but the potential value of a player like Lakovic and the prospect of him on a line with Adam Fantilli is just too tantalizing to pass up.
15. Vancouver Canucks – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL) 6’0″, 183 lbs | 02/09/2007 | Sherwood Park, AB, Canada Scout: Tom
The Canucks are reportedly shopping the 15th overall pick to find a top six forward who’s ready to make an impact now. Replacing Miller and Boeser in one short off-season seems unlikely, however, so in the meantime, they might as well go ahead and make the pick.
With Cootes, they’re getting a player who has the tools to become a top six forward, but also a player who will endear himself to the fanbase with his puck battling skills, defensive attributes and his offence.
We believe he has a chance to stick at centre, if all goes right for Cootes, but if not he can be a valuable winger for the Canucks.
I believe Montréal still views the right side as a primary point of weakness, and that they’d see Hensler as the best RD available after Mrtka is gone, so the connection is easy to make. Personally, I would take Cullen Potter here, as a high-skill high-pace play driver which I see as a bigger need for Montréal, and it’d be a no-brainer given the players available.
17. Montreal Canadiens – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL) 6’2″, 201 lbs | 09/22/2006 | Mississauga, ON, Canada Scout: Gray
I would still be surprised if Montréal ends up making both of these picks, but in the event that they do, I see Spence being the type of player they target. A big power forward with some room to grow, but likely not more than a good bottom-six piece. My choice would be Carter Bear, and it would again be pretty much a no-brainer.
18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey) – Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary (WHL) 5’10”, 176 lbs | 04/19/2007 | Coquitlam, BC, Canada Scout: Austin
Last year the Flames took a defenseman (Parekh) with their first round pick, and this year they address the other glaring hole in their prospect pool at center with Ben Kindel. Kindel was one of the best shot generators and playmakers in my entire dataset for North American forwards this past year. He has an amazing feel for the game and his vision to see passing lanes develop is among the best in the class. He’s on the smaller side and isn’t a top-end skater, but he’s able to move easily around the ice with pace and get inside of defenders without concern about his size/speed. He’s good at suffocating space defensively, but does not engage physically much and his size does come into play in board battles or getting off the wall against stronger defenders. With time, I think Kindel has one of the higher ceilings of the forwards in this class at producing points and being an offensive weapon.
19. St. Louis Blues – Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) 6’2″, 190 lbs | 10/03/2006 | Montréal, QC, Canada Scout: Josh
The St. Louis Blues have long valued structure, grit, and defensive responsibility—and Bill Zonnon fits that mold perfectly. He’s a mature, two-way forward who thrives in high-traffic areas, supports play with strong positioning, and brings a reliable presence in all three zones. Zonnon’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamentally sound. He makes smart, simple plays under pressure, kills rushes with intelligent stick work and positioning, and brings physicality along the boards. His ability to support breakouts, stabilize lines, and contribute on the penalty kill gives him a clear path to middle-six NHL utility. For a team like St. Louis, looking to reinforce its identity with dependable, pro-ready habits, Zonnon is a seamless fit.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota) – Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett (WHL) 6’0″, 176 lbs | 11/04/2006 | Winnipeg, MB, Canada Scout: Thomas
Being a top 15 talent, such a fall for Carter Bear is probably unlikely, but at this point would become unbelievable value for the Blue Jackets. Bear possesses one of the highest motors in the draft and positional flexibility, playing all 3 forward positions and playing at a high-level at all times. Columbus has valued those high-effort types recently and even if Bear’s offense doesn’t translate at a top 6 level, you’re getting a fantastic bottom 6 option who’ll annoy the hell out of your opponent.
With Sanderson and Chabot being anchors on the left side of Ottawa’s blue line and a fairly deep forward core already in place, Ottawa looks to add a long term piece on the right side of their defense corps. Fiddler is a bigger player who skates very well for his size and plays a fairly simple game, he could be a nice compliment to either of Ottawa’s top-2 pairings in the future.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado) – Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL) 5’10”, 183 lbs | 04/06/2007 | Macklin, SK, Canada Scout: Alex
With all the top centers off the board when pick No.6 rolled around? The Flyers solidify the positional need in their prospect pool, and they do so by picking up one of the smartest, most skilled and highest upside players who is likely available outside of the top 15. Size is really the only flaw with Reschny and he has a chance to be a good top six NHLer, with a chance to stick at C.
With their second pick of the first round, Nashville stays in the QMJHL and selects right wing Justin Carbonneau. Outside of the top 10, options become pretty limited in terms of players with future top of the lineup potential in this draft class. At 16, the Preds find a top of the lineup potential player in Carbonneau. This season, he has been a human highlight reel and very well may be the best puck handler of the entire class. He is a dazzling playmaker that matches skill with pace. He’ll need to continue improving his decision-making and willingness to use his teammates, however that should come with time and development.
24. Los Angeles Kings – Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University (NCAA) 6’2″, 183 lbs | 01/17/2007 | Oulu, Finland Scout: Iván
I think the Kings are entering this Draft with the need to add young talent on defense or look to strengthen the center position for the future. With that context, picking up Boumedienne would be very good news. Plus, the Kings have previously shown a willingness to bet on Swedish defensemen so that pick can make sense.
25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto) – Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA) 5’9″, 161 lbs | 01/10/2007 | Hortonville, WI, USA Scout: Thomas
The theme of recent Chicago Blackhawks have been speed, size be damned for the most part. Speedy players like Oliver Moore or John Mustard have been the focus. Fans and media have been theorizing they might get away from that slightly for potential roster fit reasons, but the best pure skater in the class, Cullen Potter here is just too good value to pass up and it’s somewhat likely to happen, the hawks brass valuing such players more than most teams in recent years. Having one of the highest ceilings of the draft period, regardless of where he might go, Potter was one of the premier players of a pretty good NCAA team as a first time draft eligible player and posting excellent results overall in that role, which is a very impressive feat. His style is projectable to the NHL even if he might want to iron out some bad habits, like not looking for teammates enough in some situations and being maybe a little too tunnel-focused, but his high-end offensive tools overall are more than worth the bet in that range of the draft.
The Predators use their final pick of the first round to take puck-moving, offensive defenseman Cameron Reid from the Kitchener Rangers. Reid may not be the biggest or most physical defenseman in the class, but he’s still a more than capable defender. He uses his awareness, mobility, and patience to keep attackers to the outside and shuts down passing lanes. His skating ability drives his breakout game well. He retrieves pucks, avoids forecheckers, and can transport up ice himself. Reid provides Nashville with a blend of play-driving and reliability from the back end that should translate quite well to the NHL with refinement.
27. Washington Capitals – Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State (NCAA) 6’2″, 207 lbs | 10/11/2006 | St. Louis, MO, USA Scout: Austin
Was really hoping that Blake Fiddler would drop to this range of the draft as a RHD in the prospect pool is a big need for the Capitals. So instead, why not go and get Tom Wilson a bash brother? Vansaghi played the least amount of minutes at 5v5 in my data set per game at 7.5 minutes. But, oh boy, were those impactful minutes. For my money he’s the best hitter in the draft as he catches players at time where he hits hard and separates them from the puck. He has a lot of skill for a guy who plays a power forward game and it showed especially when he got to play on the PP. He’s a good one touch passer but needs some more puck skill to really have that top 6 upside. A safe floor with a good ceiling and the possibility that he could have Tom Wilson pass him the torch eventually? Washington could do a lot worse.
28. Winnipeg Jets – Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL) 5’8″, 152 lbs | 01/19/2007 | Prince George, BC, Canada Scout: Tom
The Winnipeg Jets could probably use some left-handed defensemen, to shore up their prospect pool, however, as one of the teams very much in their window to win a cup, I believe they’ll look to trades and free agency to fix that position on their roster this summer.
With this in mind, it became hard to pass on Schmidt as a replacement for Ehlers. Schmidt is a speedy goal scorer who we think will become a great top-9 forward and complimentary piece for a team like Winnipeg. They have the brawn in their depth already, and Schmidt can add a scoring touch, while also giving the Jets some grit and edginess.
29. Carolina Hurricanes – Milton Gästrin, C/LW, MoDo (HockeyAllsvenskan) 6’1″, 183 lbs | 06/02/2007 | Örnsköldsvik, Sweden Scout: Gray
I see Cullen Potter as the player Carolina is targeting with this pick, but as he’s no longer available, I think Gästrin makes sense for them. A really effective two-way center with some skill who could potentially slot into a middle-six in Carolina; it’s a good bet to make for a contending team especially. Considering Carolina doesn’t have another pick until the late 3rd round, I’d probably take my chance on Alexander Zharovsky here; but he’s likely a longer-term project, and Gästrin is a solid pickup as well, with less risk.
30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas) – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Luleå (SHL) 6’3″, 185 lbs | 02/01/2007 | Adelaide, Australia / Sweden Scout: Josh
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak gives the Sharks a high-upside swing late in the first round—a north-south center with size, mobility, and transitional playmaking instincts. At 6’3″, he brings a valuable blend of reach and skating ability, attacking through the middle with pace and purpose. His best work comes off the rush, where he delays, distributes, and creates lanes with smart decisions under pressure. While his game still needs refining—particularly in terms of off-puck scanning, physical consistency, and defensive stick use—the tools are there to mold a middle-six contributor with second-line potential. For a San Jose team building toward a new core, Ihs-Wozniak offers a well-rounded skill set that, if developed properly, could yield a versatile, impactful forward who drives play in all three zones.
31. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton) – Ivan Ryabkin, C, Dynamo Moscow (MHL) 6’0″, 170 lbs | 04/25/2007 | Balakovo, Russia Scout: Alex
Three picks in the first round means a team can take some real risks with less concern. While he has sky high talent, make no mistake, Ryabkin is a risk who is on some teams do-not-draft lists. Perceived lack of professionalism, combined with inconsistency and rumors about poor combine interviews and showing up out of shape mean some question whether he will come close to reaching potential. But the Flyers love their Russian players and trust their room and staff to tame wild horses. If he matures? Ryabkin could be a steal and a top six C one day.
I might be one of Eric Nilson’s biggest fans. I thought he was Sweden’s second best forward in the u18s as he impacted just about every shift that I saw. He’s the one player in this draft that I’d love to have a conversation with about how he processes the game and at the speed he does. Rarely does he not make the optimal play and he’s able to get to second and third progressions and see where plays are going better than most in this draft. He has slippery skill and is an engine in transition as he’s able to use great pace and lateral mobility to get through the neutral zone. He makes great passes to scoring areas. He’s a player that will take longer to develop because of the lack of physical strength, and I want to see him become more productive as he progesses through the men’s leagues in Sweden, but he’s a player that has top 15 talent that fell the end of the first round.
33. San Jose Sharks – Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL) 6’4″, 183 lbs | 01/12/2007 | Sarnia, ON, Canada Scout: Josh
At 6’4″ with strong skating mechanics and a detail-oriented two-way game, Jack Nesbitt offers the Sharks a projectable center with bottom-six NHL upside. He plays a direct, hardworking style—relentlessly hunting pucks in the offensive zone, engaging physically, and funneling plays toward the net or to nearby support. While his foot speed and offensive ceiling are modest, Nesbitt compensates with smart positioning, a heavy stick, and flashes of skill under pressure. He’s rarely out of place defensively and uses his reach effectively to disrupt opposing possessions. For a team like San Jose that’s rebuilding from the ground up, Nesbitt adds valuable center depth and a high-floor, low-risk profile with potential to evolve into a reliable 3C or 4C at the NHL level.
34. Chicago Blackhawks – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL) 6’4″, 181 lbs | 11/27/2006 | North Vancouver, BC, Canada Scout: Thomas
Chicago already has a few decent goalie prospects, like Adam Gajan and Drew Commesso as well as an already established young goalie in Spencer Knight, which they got back in the Seth Jones trade, so I could see the argument for another position here, but the value is just too great here for Ravensbergen. It’s already a bit unlikely he completely falls off the first round and with goalies being a bit voodoo sometimes, there really isn’t a reason not to draft him if you’re Chicago. Tall, athletic and skilled, Ravensbergen has all the hallmarks of a future NHL starter.
35. Nashville Predators – Henry Brzustewicz, RHD, London (OHL) 6’2″, 194 lbs | 02/09/2007 | Washington, MI, USA Scout: SpokedZ
Realistically, the Predators selecting Brzustewicz right after Reid here may be somewhat redundant. Brzustewicz is a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman with size and defensive ability. He is a high-activity defenseman with well-rounded tools across the board. I think he’s more willing to use his tools and creativity and take on more risk than Reid does, so the possibility of adding both to the prospect pool could be intriguing if I’m Nashville.
36. Philadelphia Flyers – Alexander Zharovsky, C/W, Ufa (MHL) 6’1″, 163 lbs | 02/22/2007 | Klin, Russia Scout: Alex
The Flyers were a prominent feature at Gold Star’s camp, one of the few teams to send a full delegation. The star of the show there? Zharovsky. While the NHL still suffers from an at times illogical “Red Scare”, the Flyers are happy to take Russian players and don’t see the risk other teams do. If the Klin native is available in the early second he could be a home-run type pick. His talent level on paper is arguably top 15 in the entire draft. The franchise have somewhat of a traffic jam on wing right now, but the fact Zharovsky will only be available from summer 2027 might actually be appealing as well given the Flyers pool make-up.
The Capitals biggest gap in their prospect pool comes at the backend where, after Cole Hutson, it’s a hodgepodge of low-upside defensemen who may one day play in the NHL. While there are certainly more projectable defensemen available for them to pick here, I have them swinging for the fences in the same vein they did with Cole Hutson last year. Wang has size, length, and is a high-end skater. The jump to the OHL proved he was still far too raw to be seen as a first round talent, but the development plan he’s laid out for himself gives me hope that in 3-5 years he could one day be the homerun that the Capitals are hoping for. His mental processing of the game needs a lot of work, but there are tools here that warrant using their extra pick in the second round to take the swing.
38. Seattle Kraken – Kurban Limatov, LHD, Dynamo Moscow (MHL) 6’4″, 187 lbs | 03/20/2007 | Moskva, Russia Scout: Dan
The Kraken use the top of this draft to double down on improving their future blue line, this time adding a left shot defenseman in Limatov. Although Limatov had his ups and downs this year, he has shown above average puck moving abilities and tools. If he can improve some of his puck management and decision making, this could pay off great for Seattle.
The draft board hasn’t been kind to the Sabres in this mock draft. There are certainly talented forwards left to take, but I’m going to address the enigma of the Sabres prospect pool at goaltender with my #1 rated goalie in the 2025 draft. Levi and UPL are going to duke it out for the starter’s net this year, but it is a make-or-break year for the Sabres goaltending duo to see if either of them can stick as a 1a goalie. Andreyanov will get an extended timeline in Russia to develop and hopefully in 3-5 years make his way across the pond to compete for the net.
40. Philadelphia Flyers (via Anaheim) – Semyon Frolov, G, Spartak Moscow(MHL) 6’3, 203 lbs | 01/17/2007 | Togliatti, Russia Scout: Alex
The Flyers have goalies coming, but have a real issue in net right now and seemingly want as many lottery tickets as possible in the draft. Frolov has the size and athleticism to be a high end goalie one day, even if he needs some polish before he gets there. With the run on goalies having already started, the Flyers will likely be involved in taking one of the first few goalie names off the board.
41. Montreal Canadiens (via Pittsburgh) – William Horcoff, C, USNTDP 6’4″, 181 lbs | 01/23/2007 | Birmingham, MI, USA Scout: Gray
One of the things the Canadiens and much of their fanbase feel they are lacking is size in the forward group, and I think they try to tackle that here. There are a few very big boy options for that with this pick; Horcoff, Nestrasil, Prokhorov, West, to name a few; and I could see Montréal going for any one of them, but I think they’ll lean towards the physicality of Horcoff. They will have probably seen a good amount of Horcoff this season, playing for the University of Michigan with Michael Hage, and as a physical player who will go to the dirty areas and make something happen, I think that’s what Montréal is looking for. I wouldn’t do it, I’d wanna swing for more upside; a Michal Svrcek, L.J. Mooney or Ryker Lee, or one of the other big boys I mentioned if you want size; but if a big, physical bottom-six guy is what they’re looking for, Horcoff is a fine option.
42. New York Islanders – Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon (USHL) 6’5″, 187 lbs | 04/06/2007 | Praha, Czechia Scout: Josh
Vaclav Nestrasil brings the kind of size, physicality, and net-front presence the Islanders have historically valued in their forward group. A true power forward, Nestrasil thrives in tight areas—disrupting plays with an active stick in the defensive zone and creating chaos around the crease offensively. He’s hard to move, willing to battle along the boards, and shows flashes of offensive creativity with interior passes and quick redirections in front of goal. While his puck control and shot release need refinement, and he can force plays under pressure, his north-south style and commitment to moving pucks up ice fit well in a bottom-six energy role. For the Islanders, Nestrasil adds size, grit, and a development path as a heavy, disruptive winger who plays with edge and structure.
43. New York Rangers (via Utah/Colorado) – Cole McKinney, C, USNTDP 6’0″, 190 lbs | 03/16/2007 | Chicago, IL, USA/Canada Scout: Iván
The Rangers also need to add the kind of players who can become part of a rotation in the future with some middle-six upside, and I think McKinney fits that profile—defensively responsible player who contributes across the board, and has the potential to be a really useful asset. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he can be a reliable player for the future
44. Detroit Red Wings – William Moore, C, USNTDP 6’2″, 161 lbs | 03/24/2007 | Mississauga, ON, Canada Scout: Thomas
William Moore had first round pedigree coming into this year, but questions arose has he progressed through his draft year. While he was one of the better USNTDP players he just didn’t showcase very much advanced skills or a certain dimension that could turn him into a play driver at the NHL level, adopting more of a careful playstyle, letting the play come to him. The offensive tools are all fine, but none elite. His best attributes puckhandling, even under pressure, and his ability to process the game at a high level. Worth the shot here for Detroit.
45. Anaheim Ducks (via Columbus/Philadelphia) – Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL) 6’0″, 181 lbs | 11/08/2006 | Wilmette, IL, USA Scout: Alex
With centers flying off the board just before this pick, a run on goalies having already taken place, and the top second round defensemen gone? BPA is the way for the Ducks here. Ryker Lee has some skating issues that might hold him back, but the Ducks are a team that don’t worry too much about skating and believe they have the staff and structure in place to fix and issues in those areas. At 45 a player whose talent is befitting of the first round is hard to pass up.
46. Utah Mammoth – Daniil Prokhorov, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL) 6’6″, 209 lbs | 04/27/2007 | Krasnodar, Russia Scout: Gray
Utah in recent years has demonstrated their love for both big boys and Russian players, so who better here than the giant Daniil Prokhorov. Especially considering they went smaller with their first pick, they’re looking to make up their size quota here. I think Prokhorov is a good bet to make if he’s available at this point though; huge with tons of skill and a lot of runway to improve into a potential steal down the line. I would again probably go for Svrcek or Mooney here, or maybe Medvedev as a goalie option; but I think Prokhorov is a good choice.
47. Vancouver Canucks – L.J. Mooney, RW, USNTDP 5’6″, 146 lbs | 03/08/2007 | West Mifflin, PA, USA Scout: Tom
Mooney is another forward that plays a smart, cerebral game. Players who can read the game well, and have a high hockey IQ should be prioritised by the Canucks this draft, to build a prospect pipeline of players who can potentially have chemistry with Quinn Hughes.
Although undersized, Mooney can leverage his centre of gravity well, and can still attack effectively against larger defensive players. He can also pull off skilled plays in all areas of the offensive zone, and has proven time and again that he’s defensively responsible.
He has the upside of become a great addition for the Canucks.
48. Philadelphia Flyers (via Calgary) – Carter Amico, RHD, USNTDP 6’5″, 205 lbs | 03/15/2007 | Westbrook, ME, USA Scout: Alex
Given the way the board fell, the Flyers first six picks all ended up being forwards, not by design, but chance. With their final pick in the second round if the draft fell this way it would be shocking if they didn’t take a defenseman or a goalie. While the franchise has not seemed to care too much about size upfront, they have very much vocalized that size and skating on the back-end are priorities. At 6’6 with a smooth stride Amico fits the bill, and my feeling is the Flyers will prioritise defensemen over additional goalie prospects if it comes down to it. They will also likely be able to get a good goalie prospect with their third rounder if they so wish.
49. Montreal Canadiens – Maxim Agafonov, RHD, Ufa (MHL) 6’2″, 198 lbs | 04/10/2007 | Moskva, Russia Scout: Gray
Here the Habs throw another dart at the board on right defence. I don’t mind Agafonov; I think this is early considering the names that are still on the board, but Montréal has shown time and again that they’re not afraid to reach to get their guy. A physically sound, stable defensive guy on the right side with limited upside; I could easily see him being a player Montréal has their eye on. As always, I’d probably look towards a higher upside guy like Michal Svrcek or Adam Benák, or Quinn Beauchesne if you want a stable RD with some offensive upside, who can move the puck well.
50. New Jersey Devils – Jack Murtagh, C/LW, USNTDP 6’0″, 185 lbs | 08/22/2007 | East Greenbush, NY, USA Scout: Dan
With this pick, the Devils leave a tad bit of upside on the board to add a player who has a good shot at being a very useful bottom-six forward one day. Murtagh plays a very hard north-south game with solid physicality and a decent shot. For a team that is looking to contend in the immediate future, Murtagh could factor in as a high energy role player sooner rather than later if all breaks right.
51. Boston Bruins (via St. Louis) – Max Psenicka, RHD, Portland (WHL) 6’5″, 185 lbs | 01/18/2007 | Praha, Czechia Scout: SpokedZ
The Boston Bruins kick off their second round with one of the draft’s biggest second-half risers, 6’4” right-shot defenseman Max Psenicka. After starting the season in Czechia, Psenicka made his move to the WHL and joined the Portland Winterhawks in January. This was a fantastic decision, as he adapted to the WHL instantly and was quickly thrust into Portland’s top 4. Psenicka plays a high-octane, high pace game and is more than willing to use his size and physicality against opponents. That being said, he is not just a bruiser. He is a highly intelligent stopper and a solid rush defender. He has high-end vision and is a breakout machine who certainly does not lack puck skills. If he can continue to tap into his offensive game consistently, he has the potential to be a minute munching top four defenseman in the NHL.
I’ll be honest, I really couldn’t help myself with this pick for Minnesota. Mason West has one of the most unique profiles we’ve seen from a draft prospect in a long time. He’s a 6’6” forward pivot who, until recently, was teetering back and forth between playing college football or hockey. After returning to Edina High School for his senior year of football, he’ll be heading to the USHL for the remainder of the year and then to Michigan State to play college hockey. West boasts a unique blend of size, mobility, and tools and has flashes of high-end skill. He’s a long term project prospect, but his foundational attributes make for a player with almost limitless upside. With only one pick in the first three rounds of this draft, the Wild may opt for less risk & a shorter development runway, but I would have a hard time not swinging for the fences on Mason West here.
53. San Jose Sharks (via Ottawa) – Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL) 6’0″, 179 lbs | 05/22/2007 | Mississauga, ON, Canada Scout: Josh
With Jack Ivankovic, the Sharks land one of the most athletic and technically intriguing goaltenders in the draft. He’s explosive laterally, tracks pucks well through traffic, and owns one of the most reliable gloves in his class. Despite being undersized by modern NHL standards, his ability to read plays, reset quickly, and stay composed under pressure gives him legitimate starter potential. Ivankovic plays with confidence and flair—sometimes venturing a bit too aggressively—but his quick-twitch recovery and refined puck-tracking often bail him out. For a San Jose team looking to stock the pipeline with upside and skill, Ivankovic is a high-reward swing at a premium position.
54. Calgary Flames (via Colorado/Washington) – Sean Barnhill, RHD, USHL 6’5″, 214 lbs | 01/08/2007 | Scottsdale, AZ, USA Scout: Austin
Barnhill adds some grit as a RHD to the Calgary defensive prospect pool. The lengthy USHL defenseman does a great job patrolling the blue line and initiating contact to separate players from the puck. He has a good first pass in controlled exits and played well under duress in puck retrievals. Not much of an offensive standout, but will provide good bottom four minutes eventually in the NHL
55. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) – Theo Stockselius, F, Djurgården (J20 Nationell) 6’2″, 181 lbs | 07/24/2007 | Norrtälje, Sweden Scout: SpokedZ
The Predators use pick #55 on Theo Stockselius from Djurgardens IF. In an organization that oozes NHL Draft prospects, Stockselius went quite under the radar despite posting impressive results basically all season. He’s a 6’2” forward who boasts intelligence and skill. He’s a crafty playmaker whos vision stands out in basically every viewing. If he can improve his skating and pace, he certainly has middle-six scoring upside. He also has positional versatility, so it’s not out of the question for him to play higher in an NHL lineup as well.
56. Tampa Bay Lightning – Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines (USHL) 6’0″, 183 lbs | 01/03/2007 | Fairfield, CA, USA Scout: Iván
The Lightning may have different needs, but with this potential scenario, I think Kevan is a solid option to add offensive talent for the future, instead of going with another player who might fill a more urgent positional need, but doesn’t offer the same talent ceiling. This choice could pay off long-term.
57. Seattle Kraken – Eddie Genborg, F, Linköping (J20 Nationell) 6’2″, 185 lbs | 04/20/2007 | Trollhättan, Sweden Scout: Dan
After using their first two picks in this draft to help bolster their defensive pool, they use their 2nd pick of the second round to help diversify the talent they have in their offensive pool. Genborg brings a blend of physicality, a high end motor, and sneaky offensive tools that give him a real chance to be a role player in Seattle’s middle six in the future.
58. Vegas Golden Knights – Charlie Trethewey, RHD, USNTDP 6’1″, 190 lbs | 08/02/2007 | Ellicott City, MD, USA Scout: Iván
Vegas usually uses its picks as trade assets, so it seems like a good idea to target players who could increase their value or, if they stick in the organization, help address positional needs. Trethewey looks like a solid bet in that regard, especially in a draft class that thins out on defense as it goes on and he was once considered a top prospect for this promotion.
59. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jacob Rombach, LHD, Lincoln (USHL) 6’6″, 209 lbs | 01/01/2007 | Blaine, MN Scout: Alex
The run on big defensemen was expected to start in the second round, and very much did. Wang, Barnhill, Amico, Limatov and Psenicka have all gone off the board, and Rombach is the last of the potential “unicorns” remaining. There is a chance he ends up the best of the bunch with better puck-skills than most of his peers. The Penguins have targetted players who are big and physical on their blue-line in recent drafts, and the Minnesota product fits that bill too.
I think Anaheim looks to strengthen their goalie pipeline here, which likely puts it between Medvedev and Pradel and I could see either way. I would lean Medvedev, but in the end I see them giving the edge to size and going with the big 6’5” Pradel.
61. Boston Bruins – Alexei Medvedev, G, London (OHL) 6’1″, 165 lbs | 09/10/2007 | St. Petersburg, Russia Scout: SpokedZ
The Boston Bruins should strongly consider goaltending options with their second pick in round 2. There are rumours swirling about suggesting the run on goaltenders may start early. If Medvedev is available for the Bruins at 61, he would be their best option. Medvedev is a smart, athletic goaltender who is a strong and explosive skater. He’s positionally sound, and is very difficult to beat. The Bruins have some decent goaltending prospects in their system, however it’s never a bad idea to add another. Medvedev made his move to North America earlier than most Russians, and that should give him a leg up especially at the goaltending position.
62. Chicago Blackhawks – Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops (WHL) 6’2″, 198 lbs | 04/18/2007 | Calgary, AB, Canada Scout: Thomas
Behm is one of the sneaky most spectacular players in the draft. His ability to cut inside, weave through traffic, to find teammates as well as finding ways to use his above-average shot is great. Chicago here gets a big upside swing with a low floor, as questions remain concerning his defensive game and overall pace of play. If he hits though, watch out.
63. New Jersey Devils – Arvid Drott, RW, Djurgården (J20 Nationell) 6’1″, 187 lbs | 08/11/2007 | Stockholm, Sweden Scout: Dan
The Devils use their second pick of the draft to take a swing on another player who can help boost the Devils depth on the wing. Drott is a high hockey IQ player who is seemingly always in the right place and the right time, supporting teammates and winning puck battles consistently. With his hockey sense and sneaky higher end shot, he has the chance to progress even further in the future into being a middle-six goal scorer if given a bigger opportunity and all breaking right.
64. Toronto Maple Leafs – Matthew Gard, C, Red Deer (WHL) 6’4″, 192 lbs | 04/07/2007 | Winnipeg, MB, Canada Scout: Dan
After losing Minten in a trade with Boston back at this year’s trade deadline, the Leafs look to add another bigger Center into their pipeline. Gard skates quite well for his size and showed flashes of higher end ability on a poor offensive team Red Deer last season. With improved consistency, he has the chance to carve his way to a bottom-six Center role in the NHL.
Michael Misa remains our top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. In 65 games this season, Misa registered 62 goals and 134 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. Misa appears to be the most NHL-ready player in this draft class. (SpokedZ)
#2 – Matthew Schaefer – LHD – Erie
Schaefer is considered the most special talent in the 2025 NHL Draft class, standing out as one of the only true game-breaking player available. Despite a shortened season due to mononucleosis and a broken collarbone at the World Juniors, he managed to dominate nearly every opportunity he had, both domestically and internationally. His performances include captaining Canada to gold at the U17s, excelling as an underager at U18 Worlds, and leading the team again at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup — all while playing big minutes and making a clear impact. Scouts have praised his ability to log heavy minutes, create highlight-reel plays, and control the pace of the game from the blue line, even in limited appearances for Erie in the OHL.
What truly elevates Schaefer’s projection is his elite skating — widely regarded as the best among defensemen in his class. He’s fluid, explosive, and mobile in all directions, with exceptional glide, balance, and edge work, allowing him to transport the puck, recover defensively, and influence play across all three zones. He combines that physical toolkit with strong hockey IQ, maturity, and poise, rarely making poor decisions with the puck and showing the ability to lead by example. While he can occasionally overskate gaps or get beat one-on-one, his recovery is effortless, and his defensive stick work and positioning remain sharp. All signs point to Schaefer developing into a top-pair, possibly No. 1 defenseman who can anchor a blue line for years to come. (Chris Ford)
#3 – James Hagens – C – Boston College
While his offensive production was not as elite as some anticipated after such a dominant tenure with the USNTDP, James Hagens played very well in his first season at Boston College. He was still a point-per-game player, registering 11 goals and 37 points in 37 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 entered his draft year with an impressive résumé, having already established himself as a top OHL scorer, international gold medalist, and leader for Team Canada at multiple U18 tournaments. His strong start to the season, including a game-winning goal at the OHL Top Prospects Game, only added to the buzz, and he finished the year with 98 points in 57 games. Martone plays a modern power-forward game, combining size, physicality, and scoring touch — regularly driving the net, finishing checks, and showcasing advanced puck skills for a player his size. He has a deceptive shot, strong hands, and the ability to make plays from below the goal line or in transition, making him a threat both as a shooter and playmaker.
While Martone’s game took a leap this year and he looked dominant in several viewings, some concerns remain about his skating and consistency. His pace can lag, his stride needs refinement, and he can sometimes lose positioning or discipline off the puck. Still, his combination of size, strength, skill, and finishing ability makes him highly attractive to NHL teams, especially those looking for size and scoring on the wing. Though not as dynamic as some peers, his high hockey IQ and offensive instincts suggest he can become a productive NHL power forward if he continues to develop his skating and off-puck play.
#5 – Victor Eklund – LW – Djurgården
Djurgarden will offer him the opportunity next season to test himself in the SHL, where he can continue to showcase his strong performance among professionals, just as he has done this year succesfully. Eklund is a dynamic player with a constantly running motor, always on the move, always active, which makes him a very difficult player to track, and he also creates a lot of uncertainty among opponents. He’s a good skater with an excellent change of direction, and he knows how to use his center of gravity to protect the puck or make himself tough to stop. Offensively, he has a great outside-in move and a quick release on his shot. That uncertainty he generates with his body movement also makes him a valuable weapon on the power play, where he can use it to create passing lanes or take advantage of his quick shot. Eklund is also a player who doesn’t shy away from contact along the boards and uses his body effectively to maintain possession. He has no problem going directly at opponents and playing a physical style. The current questions revolve around whether he’ll be able to translate his direct playing style at the SHL level given his current physical frame. However, I believe this body adaptation will be part of his development process, and he’s already shown that his physical profile doesn’t prevent him from playing and thriving in a physically demanding style of hockey. He’s had a season that gives plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the ceiling of his production. (Iván Ortiz)
#6 – Anton Frondell – C – Djurgården
In our opinion, there may not be a player in this entire class who had a stronger second half to their draft year than Anton Frondell. His HockeyAllsvenskan season ended with historic results, with his 0.86 PPG pace putting him at the second most productive draft year out of that league of all time behind Elias Pettersson and ahead of William Nylander and David Pastrnak. Additionally, a large portion of his production in that league came at 5v5, with his 2.8 5v5 P/60 being higher than a lot of other top prospects in this class such as Lakovic, O’Brien, Carbonneau, Cootes and McQueen produced in their respective CHL leagues this past season. Breaking down his game: Frondell is a hyper-detail oriented player who seldom makes mistakes, makes a lot of small area plays to elevate teammates, and can give his team an advantage offensively with debatably the best shot in the entire class. He isn’t the most dynamic offensive talent, which leads to some questions as to whether or not he’ll be able to drive play on his line at the NHL level, but he does enough thing exceptionally well that he still projects as a top of the lineup talent in our eyes. His ability to successfully pressure and retrieve pucks on the forecheck at a high-end level, his best in the class ability to maintain puck possession on the cycle in the offensive zone, and consistently high motor that he uses to help set up teammates to make up plays are all skillsets that should allow him to help make already great top of the lineup players even better. Lastly, in terms of addressing his underwhelming U18 Worlds performance: we are of the opinion that it was a small enough sample size and there were enough variables at play that it isn’t something we’re ready to hold particularly strongly against him. Having said that, given that those games were some of the only performances that we’ve seen of him down the middle in recent memory paired with some questions about his transition game, that tournament does raise at least some additional questions as to wether or not he is a C or W in the NHL. Regardless, his upside remains the same in our eyes, which is a high-end 200-foot forward who can score a lot of goals. (Dan Haurin)
#7 – Cullen Potter – LW – Arizona State University
Cullen Potter is a well-rounded, high-motor center who played for Arizona State University this past season and represented the United States at the U18 World Championship, where he produced at a point-per-game pace. He brings energy, pace, and responsibility in all three zones, built around high-end speed, smart positioning, and relentless effort.
Off the puck, Potter is an energizer bunny — always moving, quick to reposition, and consistently engaged. His powerful stride and well-timed crossovers allow him to find soft ice, close space, and maintain tight gaps defensively. He’s effective in the low slot, boxing out with physicality, and has a knack for blindsiding attackers who aren’t scanning, often forcing turnovers by skating through sticks and bodies instead of just reaching in. He can barrel in to disrupt plays and nullify breakouts with force.
With the puck, Potter plays with poise and intelligence. He has strong handling skills that allow him to create space under pressure, especially through the middle of the ice. He’s capable of making sharp long-range zone exits, and in the offensive zone, he’ll work the cycle, attack the wing, and deliver passes into the slot — sometimes from the perimeter, sometimes driving deeper in. His shot carries sneaky power, and while his playmaking isn’t flashy, he keeps possession moving with purpose and supports teammates with timely routes.
Defensively, he’s highly engaged and trustworthy, using physicality, awareness, and an active stick to stay in lanes and win puck battles. Potter’s game is built on compete, skating, and smart reads, projecting him as a versatile, reliable middle-six NHL forward. There’s a bit of Frank Nazar in how he blends quickness, awareness, and nonstop motor. (Josh Tessler)
#8 – Lynden Lakovic – F – Moose Jaw
Lakovic is a 6-foot-4 winger known for his impressive skating ability, combining speed, power, and fluidity in a frame that makes him a strong presence in transition and along the boards. He has quick hands, a strong mid-range shot, and the puck skills to beat defenders one-on-one, making him a legitimate offensive threat when he’s engaged. His play improved this season as he became more confident in using his linemates, protecting the puck off the wall, and driving possession in the offensive zone. Before suffering a fractured collarbone midseason, he was on a 13-game point streak and remained productive after returning to a rebuilding Moose Jaw team. He was also a standout at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge and is widely projected as a mid-first-round pick.
However, Lakovic’s game still has areas that need refinement. Scouts are mixed on his playmaking vision and off-puck awareness, and while he has the tools to be a power forward, his physicality and compete level remain inconsistent. He often plays too much on the perimeter and doesn’t always make full use of his size to dominate inside areas. Additionally, he faced a 17-game suspension during his rookie year for an off-ice conduct issue, though no criminal wrongdoing was found. Despite these concerns, his athleticism, scoring ability, and top-six upside make him a high-ceiling prospect with clear NHL potential if he continues to develop his game and compete level. (Chris Ford)
#9 – Carter Bear – C/LW – Everett
Although a brutal lacerated achillies injury ended his season prematurely shortly after our midterm rankings went out (side note: he appears to be recovering from said injury well ahead of schedule, which is fantastic to hear), the combination of playstyle and upside keep Bear firmly cemented inside of our final top-10. Bear is one of the most physical forwards in this entire class, constantly engaging with his body when there’s a puck battle to be won and getting into the house when the puck is in the offensive zone. He’s not just applying physicality to discomfort the opposition either: he uses all of the minor tips and tricks you’d hope to see a player use in these situations such as quick stick lifts, using his edges to get under opponents, and consistently smart route taking to make it so that he is constantly able to win said battles and make effective plays. He’s more of a goal scorer than a playmaker in my eyes, with a fast release that he’s able to regularly get off both in motion and with difficult passes headed his way without sacrificing power. He lacks the sort of dynamic vision and skills you might hope for in a typical top line winger, but he’s smart enough with his decision making both on the rush and in the cycle that he can still set up linemates for high danger chances when the opportunity is there. Players who can provide a physical edge in their game while being able to produce are a rare and highly sought after commodity in the NHL, and Carter Bear projects to be exactly that at the next level. (Dan Haurin)
#10 – Benjamin Kindel – RW – Calgary
Benjamin Kindel is a 5’10” center who has been a true revelation for the Calgary Hitmen. Kindel led all draft-eligible players out of the WHL this season with 99 points (35G/64A), and he did most of his damage at even strength. Kindel is a smart, versatile forward who is a constant factor in all three zones and across all situations. Calgary relies on him to be a major contributor at even strength, on the powerplay, and on the penalty kill. He’s a quick, elusive player whose meticulous two-way approach to the game makes his offensive production even more impressive. He has a high-end 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. His small stature may require him to move from center to wing at the pro level, but his IQ and versatile skillset shouldn’t diminish his overall impact. (SpokedZ)
#11 – Caleb Desnoyers – C – Moncton
Desnoyers’ extremely strong postseason for the Moncton Wildcats makes him jump 3 spots from our previous rankings. It’s getting harder and harder to justify being more doubtful on him, but his game and ultimately his projection remains rather unchanged from what we’ve always thought about him. In the offensive zone, there really isn’t much to dislike. Desnoyers is an instinctive playmaker with fantastic passing skill and the ability to resist physical pressure remarkably well. There are questions that remain with the translatability of that skill to the next level, where there will be a lot less space and where Desnoyers will probably be shouldered with a much heavier workload. His situation in the QMJHL is extremely favorable too, playing on an overall great team, a Memorial Cup contender, and often being paired with Juraj Pekarcik and Julius Sumpf, two strong forecheckers with good off-puck offensive instincts. This is important to keep in mind when evaluating his projection. To us, it remains easier to see Desnoyers be part of a strong possession-minded line who’ll contribute offensively to a decent, but not top-line level, which reflects his final placement in our rankings. (Thomas Gagné)
#12 – Jake O’Brien – C – Brantford
Jake O’Brien is a reliable, well-rounded center who brings a strong two-way presence and high-end playmaking instincts. He blends size, reach, and poise to maintain possession under pressure, using his length and tight puck control to navigate through traffic in the neutral zone or along the perimeter. O’Brien stands out for his ability to slow the game down, assess his options, and wait for the right opportunity instead of forcing plays — especially in the offensive zone where a mistimed pass could kill a scoring chance.
A pass-first playmaker by nature, O’Brien shows strong vision and patience, consistently making smart reads to set up his teammates — whether it’s a cross-ice zone exit feed, a slip pass from behind the net, or a touch pass into the slot. That said, he recognizes when the shot has to come from him. If defenders take away his options, he’ll take it upon himself to make something happen. His shot from range carries weight and accuracy, aided by a smooth release and effective weight transfer.
Defensively, he’s positionally sound and supports play low in the zone, using an active stick to disrupt rushes and regain possession. He may not be the flashiest player, but he plays a mature, pro-style game built on timing, vision, and responsibility. With continued development, O’Brien projects as a middle-six — and potentially top-six — NHL center who can impact the game at both ends and elevate teammates with his poised, heads-up play. (Josh Tessler)
#13 – Jackson Smith – LHD – Tri-City (WHL)
Jackson Smith finishes his season as part of a dominant Canada U18s team and his WHL season with 13 goals and 57 points over 73 games showing a strong season while being used in all situations on a fairly middling Tri-City Americans roster. However, as much as his usage gave him plenty of time to showcase his incredible dynamism in his skating, and his playmaking ability and physicality, it also served to expose Smith’s flaws, namely his cavalier style of play which often led to glaring mistakes and costly turnovers.
It’s still no question though that Smith is supremely talented and has all the physical tools that a modern defenceman in the NHL requires, it’ll just take time to for whoever drafts him to work on his focus and attention to detail. That said, sometimes it’s better to tame a stallion than to whip a donkey. (Tom Watson)
#14 – Braeden Cootes – C – Seattle
We’ve been higher on Cootes than most since the beginning of the year and with his performance at the U18 World Championships, playing for team Canada, in a much more favorable environment than with his club team, where he exploded for 12 points in 7 games, there really isn’t a reason to move him from this range. A fast, intense and dynamic offensive player, Cootes represents a rare high-upside option outside the obvious top few players of the draft. While it certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea to try him at center (he has the defensive chops to potentially impress coaches in that aspect), Cootes most likely position at the NHL level will be on the wing, where his puck-battle winning skills and flashy arsenal of offensive tools will be able to shine more and where his smaller frame will be a bit less of a factor. With his versatility and the presence of a B-game, Cootes has the traits, like a high pace of play and defensive ability, necessary to be a positive presence in an NHL team’s bottom 6 if the offensive game doesn’t translate as well as we think it could. (Thomas Gagné)
#15 – Cole Reschny – F – Victoria
The longer we’ve watched Cole Reschny in his draft year, the more we’ve became convinced that the primary concerns most people seem to have regarding his projectability won’t be an issue for him. It’s pretty atypical for a forward who is small in stature and not a great skater to find success at the NHL level, but Reschny has shown time and time again that he has a high enough hockey IQ to overcome these limitations. Where some people might look at him and see a player who lacks the separating speed to properly give him the space to make plays against tighter competition, we simply see a player who is able to constantly make difficult passes and set up high danger chances while under intense pressure from the opposition (if anything, we believe this style to be more projectable than players at lower levels who are able to utilize speed and space to their advantage more consistently). Although his tape speaks for itself, his numbers can back him up just as well if needed. Reschny was easily one of the most impressive players in all of the CHL playoffs this season, scoring over 2 points a game and dominating over all 200 feet of the ice. Once his team was eliminated from the WHL playoffs, he immediately stepped into the U18 World championships and made his presence known, playing over 20 minutes in multiple games while scoring at over a point a game and helping to lead Canada to a Gold medal. There may not be many top of the lineup NHL players with Reschny’s profile, but we think he has the skills and the smarts to overcome the odds and be a real impact top six forward in the NHL. (Dan Haurin)
#16 – Bill Zonnon – LW – Rouyn-Noranda
The more and more we get to see this class of players play, for most of them, the more and more we somewhat doubt their game and it’s transferability at the NHL level. This has been far from the case with Zonnon though, where with every viewing, you can envision more and more the role he could eventually play for an NHL team. A fast, physical and consistently involved player in all facets of the game, Zonnon has since the beginning of the scouting process been identified as a potential great bottom 6 option, but he continually flashed more and more of what could be a true play-driving offensive game, always very quickly identifying the next play in the offensive zone and often creating plays himself, on the rush, as well as in cycle offense, being one of the best of the draft class at funnelling pucks from the boards to dangerous areas. It’s unlikely, but there’s a world out there where Zonnon becomes an elite complimentary power forward option that could play up to a team’s first or second line, next to more naturally talented, offensively skilled players. In this class, there are very few players you can afford being that optimistic with and Zonnon, to us, is one of them. (Thomas Gagné)
#17 – Cameron Reid – LHD – Kitchener
Cameron Reid is a mobile, two-way defenseman who projects as a steady second-pairing option at the next level. He’s constantly in motion, adjusting his positioning seamlessly—whether shifting from the low slot to the corner to defend a chip-in or closing quickly along the boards to disrupt possession. He brings a tenacious, puck-hungry presence, frequently whacking at stick blades to force breakups and deny time and space.
Defensively, Reid is engaged and assertive. He maintains solid gap control, defends well below the goal line, and uses his frame and timing to steer attackers into low-danger areas. His active stick and physical edge make him a tough matchup in puck battles along the perimeter.
With the puck, Reid flashes transition potential. He supports the rush when lanes open up, joins the cycle in the offensive zone, and keeps plays alive with timely pinches. He can make clean passes off the wall and quick reads into the slot. That said, under pressure, his decision-making can falter—occasionally defaulting to low-percentage D-to-D or chip plays, and struggling with puck security in tight spaces or under a hard forecheck.
Still, Reid’s foundation of mobility, physicality, and defensive awareness makes him an intriguing prospect. With continued refinement in puck management and poise, he has the tools to develop into a reliable two-zone contributor at the pro level. (Josh Tessler)
#18 – 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, with the high-end smarts, puck skills, and mobility, there’s a pretty great ceiling there for Mrtka, as a smart defence-first guy who moves the puck well and facilitates play really effectively in all areas. (Gray Matter)
Carbonneau is a rare player in that 10-20 range of the draft who you could say there’s a decent chance he can’t find a long-term spot in an NHL lineup at all. His game, as things stand, has a lot of issues when it comes to potentially translating to the NHL. Carbonneau plays a rather individual style of game, looking to often take on a lot of pressure himself and creating scoring chances for himself rather than looking for the best play available, often involving teammates. That leads to entire games where he’s essentially a non-factor, because if he can’t get going that way, he can’t impact the game in any other way with consistency. Carbonneau remains a palatable option in this range of the draft, because the skill level is really high and his best moments and games are comparable with those of the truly elite players of this draft. With his shot, puck handling quality and confidence to try high-end plays, the boom potential is enormous. (Thomas Gagné)
#20 – Roger McQueen – F – Brandon
McQueen falls to 20 in our final rankings as he only manages to string together 12 appearances in March and April after a serious back injury that kept him out for most of the season, and then another injury that stopped him playing in the final games for the Brandon Wheat Kings.
I’m still optimistic about McQueen due to his size and skillset, however, we lack tangible evidence over a large sample size of what McQueen could bring to the NHL, compared to the prospects ahead of him on this list, which makes him one of the riskier picks in this draft. Pair that too with McQueen being older for his draft class, a lot of key development time has been lost and will need to be made up, especially to improve his skating, where he needs to be quicker off the mark.
That said, he still has perhaps the highest upside of anyone outside of the top four, and his stick skills and offensive instincts are truly dazzling and his ability to dangle in tight makes it likely that they translate to the tighter-checking NHL level. If he can add some serious bulk to his already large frame in the next couple of years, gain a step or two from the dot, then he has a real chance to be successful at the NHL level.
Again, it’s a risk, but one worth taking at 20. (Tom Watson)
#21 – Alexander Zharovsky – C/W – Ufa
It’s good to see Zharovsky getting more love towards the end of the year; I’ve been a big fan of his for a while, and I remain pretty high on him. He’s electrifyingly skilled, and I think on draft day, he pretty quickly becomes one of the most dynamic and creative players left on the board. 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.
That said, there are reasons for concern. The skating is an issue: he’s not the fastest guy, and he lacks quickness and explosiveness, which is a particular problem given his playstyle of welcoming pressure, considering that he will have a hard time separating from it at higher levels, and even already does at times. And adding to that, he’s lacking strength; he loses puck battles he should win, tries to shield off pressure but just doesn’t have the strength; and adding strength could help out his feet too. As well, 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. Though he did get into some KHL playoff games at the end of the year, and played relatively well, which eased some of my concerns in that respect.
But I see Zharovsky as a long-term project. He has the mentality of a superstar forward, and that’s an extremely enticing quality. Imagine where he could be five years down the road; given time to work on his skating, to work on his strength, to nurture his skill and creativity and just become more and more dangerous; that’s what you’re drafting him for. It’s a risk to put him this high, and the road may be long, but the ceiling is so exciting, and he’s just so much fun to watch, that it’s hard for me to put him much lower. (Gray Matter)
#22 – Logan Hensler – RHD – University of Wisconsin
Despite not having played a single additional game since our midterm rankings, the more we go back and watch Hensler and evaluate his game the more we’re becoming convinced of him as a legitimate first round prospect. Relative to the other defenders in this class, Hensler is arguably the second best skating defender in the whole class behind Schaefer. Although in the past we’ve talked about how he’s seemingly been more reserved to activate on the rush and carry the puck in transition, the more we watch the more we’re convinced this is more of a systemic issue than a player-based issue this past season. Given how effective he is at closing in on defenders on the rush and his above average puck skills, we think that in a different environment Henlser will have the ability to be a much more effective offensive player. In regards to his in-zone offensive upside, Hensler projects as a player capable of playing in key offensive zone situations due to his ability to get pucks to the net quickly when walking the blue line, and his vision to activate down low properly during extended periods of possession in the offensive zone. There’s still a good amount of work to be done in his own end if he’s ever going to be trusted with difficult defensive minutes, and we’re not sure that the hockey sense is high enough for him to ever be a truly high end offensive defenseman, but there’s enough to like here to easily envision a future top-4 NHL defenseman in him. (Dan Haurin)
#23 – Shane Vansaghi – RW – Michigan State University
There are shades of Miles Wood in Shane Vansaghi’s game — a physically mature, high-motor winger who plays with pace and purpose. Vansaghi thrives on the forecheck, consistently using his size, strength, and tenacity to pressure defenders, finish checks, and win battles along the boards. He brings a relentless, grinding presence to every shift, often disrupting puck movement and setting the physical tone early.
He keeps things simple and effective, playing a straight-line, north-south style. Vansaghi chips pucks to space, supports the cycle, and stays engaged below the goal line, helping his team maintain offensive zone time. Defensively, he’s alert and responsible, frequently shoulder-checking to track threats and offering strong wall support on breakouts.
While his offensive ceiling may not be high-end, he’s shown flashes of secondary scoring ability and a willingness to get to the dirty areas. His game already translates well to the NCAA level, and his combination of size, work ethic, and forechecking instincts gives him a strong foundation to carve out a role as a pace-driving, middle-six NHL winger who can be trusted in high-intensity, matchup-heavy situations. (Josh Tessler)
#24 – Blake Fiddler – RHD – Edmonton
If Fiddler’s high-end defensive game at the WHL level translates at a high-end level in the NHL, that will mean we probably should’ve ranked him higher. A strong skater with probably the best overall defensive skillset and current defensive ability of the draft class, Fiddler’s game will make him a player in high demand come draft time. There probably isn’t a single NHL team out there who doesn’t need a 6ft4 right-shot defenseman with potentially significantly above-average defensive acumen. With Fiddler’s gap control, stick-work and ability to quickly and seamlessly transition between skating postures, always staying in phase with attackers, it’s relatively reasonable to think he could become a stabilizing defensive presence on a team’s bottom 4. He’s also developed and improved his first pass and overall breakout poise a decent amount during the year, hinting at more potential as a puck mover. It’s difficult to judge what’s the full extent of Fiddler’s potential and how seamlessly his transition will be to the NHL level. In recent years, defense-first archetypes, like fellow former Oil King Kaiden Guhle, have struggled with that adaptation out the gate, before eventually settling into a role. We’re hopeful Fiddler can a similar role on an NHL team someday. (Thomas Gagné)
#25 – Ivan Ryabkin – C – Muskegon
From the age of 13 years old the man from the banks of the Volga River has been on track to be a future star. He broke records set by Kucherov, Michkov and Demidov. He put his name firmly in the hat for being taken #1 overall and backed that up… until this season that is. This season has been a serious disappointment for Ryabkin. He started poorly in Russia, looking half the player he did last season, struggling to score, and frankly seeming disinterested at times. Over Christmas he looked for a change of scenery, and bolted across the pond for Muskegon in the USHL. Since his move to America he performed far better on ice. 46 points in 41 games in the lowest scoring junior league in North America is nothing to sniff at. Neither is being the 1C on a team that proved to be the best in the USHL this season, raising the Clark Cup a few weeks ago. At times Ryabkin looked unstoppable, for example his five-point game in the USHL semi-finals against Dubuque. However, his draft stock has not rebounded. Why? Despite scoring points, driving play, and showing to be one of the most skilled junior players in North America? Ryabkin still has his issues. He is extremely inconsistent. At times he seems to have little interest in playing a 200-ft game despite on paper being a good defensive player. His discipline is spotty to say the least. And despite the skill and grit he is not super dynamic. However, every team dreams of a hard to play against 1C with an edge who can shoot, pass, cycle a puck and play solid defense. If Ryabkin is there in the 20s? The team that takes a chance on him might end up with a home-run pick. (Alex Appleyard)
#26 – Sascha Boumedienne – LHD – Boston University
Up until a few weeks ago Boumedienne looked likely to go on the second day of the draft. After a fantastic USHL season at age 16 that meant many touted him as a potential top fifteen pick? The Swedish blue-liner entered the NCAA early with the Boston University Terriers last Autumn. To begin it seemed that might have been the wrong decision. He found himself mainly on the bottom pair to start the season, with no power-play time and his game under the microscope. Playing at a level which is a clear jump up from junior hockey his offensive game did not transfer, his small area skating looked in need of work, and from game-to-game he struggled consistency wise. However, as the season went on Boumedienne seemed to figure out how to put his skills to work best in College Hockey, and over the final few weeks of the season was a go-to defenseman for one of the premier programmes in the US, playing 25 minutes a night, and having obviously worked on some of his more glaring flaws over the year. Then came the u-18 WJC. The well-rounded blue-liner looked on a mission to prove the naysayers wrong. 14 points in just seven games was the most for a defenseman in the tournament’s history. His small-area skating did not look to have any issues against his peers either. Now? Boumedienne will almost certainly go inside the first round. The question is simply where. While his absolute upside may still be questioned, Boumedienne seems a safe bet to be a solid NHLer, and if things go well, maybe he can be a #2-3 defenseman. (Alex Appleyard)
#27 – Michal Svrcek – C – Brynäs
Svrcek jumps into our first round, and has jumped quite significantly on my own board. He caught my eye last year, and the more I watch him, the more I’m convinced of the offensive talent he possesses. He’s small, sure, but the skill and playmaking are really great and underrated with him, and the motor and speed that he brings could be the best in this class.
He’s absolutely relentless on the forecheck, on the backcheck, and in most any situation. His off-puck routes are smart and effective, 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. And he’s been showcasing all of this very well against men at the SHL level, which is a hell of a feat for a draft year player, especially one whom most don’t have ranked in their top two rounds. I see a decent floor there with Svrcek with the intensity that he brings, and I think I underrated his ceiling previously; the offensive skill and playmaking are really promising as well, Svrcek is one of the most exciting players at this point in the draft, and I’d argue much earlier than this. (Gray Matter)
#28 – Brady Martin – C – Sault Ste. Marie
Brady Martin projects as a true 3C at the NHL level—responsible, poised, and capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. He plays a straight-line, control-oriented game, protecting the puck well through the neutral zone and showing the ability to make smart, low-risk plays under pressure. Martin can thread passes into tight seams, especially off the rush, and uses his reach effectively to disrupt plays along the boards and sustain offensive zone pressure.
While his vision and puck protection are assets, he can be prone to overhandling the puck at the offensive blue line, occasionally drawing unnecessary pressure and leading to turnovers. He would benefit from making quicker decisions in those moments—favoring simpler chip-and-chase plays to maintain possession. His pace and lateral quickness are also limiting factors, particularly when pressured or tasked with covering ground defensively.
Martin isn’t a dynamic scorer, and his shot selection often involves forcing pucks through traffic without clear lanes. However, he can still chip in offensively through smart support play and timely distributions.
Defensively, Martin brings strong positional awareness and uses his size and reach to close space, though his recovery speed can sometimes leave him trailing the play in transition. When engaged, he shows the tools to be a reliable matchup option and penalty killer.
If he can add another gear to his skating and improve his pace under pressure, there’s potential for him to move up the lineup. As is, Martin fits the mold of a dependable third-line center—think Lars Eller—with the ability to elevate his role situationally. (Josh Tessler)
#29 – Cameron Schmidt – RW – Vancouver
With 40 goals, 78 points in 61 games played with the Vancouver Giants this year, 29th overall seems about right for the undersized winger. I’m a fan of Schmidt’s ability to rip the puck, his skating speed, especially when transitioning up the ice, and his playmaking ability, that helped his points production remain consistent even after his goal scoring pace fell off a bit during the season.
His height will always be a knock on him but one element of his game I really enjoy is his grit and cockiness. He drives the net hard, shoves players back when he’s shoved and has no problem yapping at the opposing team in scrums. I also look at his nine points in 5 playoff games this year and see a player who’s not dominant, but who will show up in big games, and I think at the end of the first round, teams should be looking for players like Schmidt who bring speed, skill and a potential edge to fill the middle of their line-ups and it’s much more cost effective to draft them than to go out looking for them in free agency. (Tom Watson)
#30 – Ryker Lee – F – Madison
Lee is one of the most skilled players outside of the very top tier of players in this draft class. His playingmaking oozes dynamicism, with Lee constantly using slick stickhandles and fake pivots with his hips to manipulate defenders and open up lanes to get pucks to teammmates. His skating isn’t the best with a bit of a short stride and a lack of agility on his edges, but he moves well enough in the offensive zone and has good enough hands to make space for himself on the rush. His defensive game remains a bit of a weak spot, with him missing coverages in most of my viewings and not being particularly effective at winning puck battles along the walls. That latter issue speaks to another concern some share with Lee, which is his ineffectiveness on the forecheck and at sustaining possesion in the offensive zone. There’s certainly a chance for this to improve over time however, with improved strength and conditioning plus additional development of his technical ability along the walls, it’s easy to envision the potential room for growth in these areas. Given that the skill level is very high here paired with the fact that he’s headed to a strong program at Michigan State University to play next season, Lee remains a 1st rounder in our eyes. (Dan Haurin)
#31 – Malcolm Spence – LW – Erie
Our evaluation of Spence’s game remains unchanged from our last rankings. After a very strong first few games in the OHL playoffs, scoring 6 points in his first 4 games, Spence then was kept off the scoresheet for 4 straight games before scoring a goal and an assist in the last game of his season in a losing effort. A strong, physical winger with some goalscoring pop, Spence just didn’t really improve that much from last year. The safe projection is one of a complimentary player on a team’s bottom 6, with the potential to become a middle 6 option if his game rounds up enough. Right now, he’s a bit of a one-dimensional shooter with flashes of very strong forechecking, but Spence doesn’t have the highest motor for a player of this style and has problems facilitating for teammates. If his pace and pace of play improves, he could become a fan-favorite, hard-working and endearing player who could provide valuable depth offense. His style of play will make an NHL team draft him higher than that though, probably based on the perception that his style of play would be particularly effective in the playoffs. (Thomas Gagné)
#32 – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak – F – Luleå
That he has been rewarded with a bit of SHL playing time this season may be a sign that there’s confidence in his ability to produce at this level for upcoming seasons. However, I believe his presence at this level will depend on the commitment and the intensity he shows when the puck isn’t in his possession. We’re fully aware that with the puck on his stick, he’s among the top ones of the promotion. Let’s not forget he was originally considered the top prospect out of Sweden for this class, so the pure and raw talent is there. He has an effective shot, and he knows when he needs to use the power and when the accuracy. He also can manipulate the opposing defense to generate danger; he does a really good job with the body to create separation and attacking lines. He sees the play where others can’t, and that is a trait that cannot be trained. But he might end up as a one-dimensional player, lacking that extra burst of speed, and showing a tendency to disengage, or rather, to go unnoticed. And that could work against him not only based on Draft. He is one of the players with the widest draft range on my list. Between those who still believe in the high-end talent that once made him a potential top pick and can see a good line combination where Ihs-Wozniak can thrive, and those who have more doubts about his impact on other areas of the game. (Iván Ortiz)
#33 – L.J. Mooney – RW – 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.
#34 – 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)
#35 – Kurban Limatov – LHD – Dynamo Moscow
Oh Kurban Limatov, I still don’t know what to do with this guy; he continues to slip, now out of our first round. 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)
#36 – Adam Benák – C – Youngstown
Of every player I’ve personally viewed in this year’s draft class, there isn’t anybody else whose made my opinion of them as a player sway as wildly from a game-to-game basis as Adam Benak. When Benak is playing at his best (specifically, his international viewings have been by far the best I’ve seen him play), he looks like an offensive weapon who can be a top of the lineup NHL producer. His dynamic vision and higher end puck skills thrive when he has time and space to create, showing an ability to regularly manipulate defenders and thread beautiful passes to teammates for high danger chances. He’s also an above average shooter, showing an ability to consistently sneak behind coverage and get a quick release off. The elephant in the room always has been and will remain his size, with Benak sitting at a well below NHL average 5’7 frame. The size concern doesn’t just exist in theory either; when playing in the USHL this past season it very clearly reared it’s head as a significant disadvantage for him. In league play, Benak would often get dominated in puck battles, and against better competition would struggle to get to the dirty areas around the goal in any capacity. More aggresive defenders would also seemingly close gaps against him on the rush and in transition in general much easier than they would others in my viewings of him in the USHL this past season. Any team taking Benak is going to need to have a strong game plan for helping him overcome his issues with physical play that are a result of his size, or else he likely will have a hard time even sticking as an AHL player. If a team is willing to put in the work and he’s able to grow though? The offensive payout could be significant. (Dan Haurin)
#37 – Arvid Drott – RW – Djurgården
There might not be a single player in this draft who I’ve seen make so few mistakes combined with showing flashes of upside quite like Arvid Drott this past season. An above average sized winger, Drott shows a high end understanding of how to create advantages for his teammates every time he steps on the ice. He always has his feet moving and works to assist teammates in puck battles, put himself in position as a passing option that most players his age wouldn’t think to put themselves in, set moving picks for linemates who are carrying the puck, and basically any other minor advantage you could imagine a player creating for their team. Although the majority of his toolkit is average in my viewings, his shot does stand out with his quick release and ability to get enough power to beat Goalie’s clean. Despite being a more detail oriented style of player, I’ve seen Drott show signs of higher dynamic upside in most of the viewings I’ve had of him. When getting the puck in higher danger areas, Drott shows a willingness to attempt to manipulate defenders and Goaltenders before making a decision with the puck, making him more successful in the opportunities he does get than a lot of other wingers I’ve seen in this class. My biggest criticism of Drott up to this point would simply be that he isn’t the most puck dominant player out there, but I suspect a decent amount of that is a result of playing on a loaded Djurgarden team and getting limited minutes with Sweden at the U18 event. Everything I’ve seen from Drott up to this point tells me he has a very good shot at being an effective middle-six winger in the NHL one day. (Dan Haurin)
#38 – 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)
#39 – 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)
#40 – Nathan Behm – LW – Kamloops
One of the prospects that I thought improved upon my initial viewings to become a projectable NHL prospect; Behm combines a strong north/south game with good skill and intensity that could project to the middle of the lineup if he continues to develop. Hes still working on his edgework and is oftentimes finding himself off-balance and can’t make two hard cuts without stumbling or falling down, but his ability to make an inital move when entering the zone compared to earlier in the year has greatly improved his offensive transition game and thus making him a more productive player in the offensive zone. He has a nice shot from medium distance and is a player who looks to move the puck to dangerous areas of the ice in the offensive zone in a passenger zone. While he was one of the lowest volume passers in my dataset, when he was given the chance to create plays he was highly effective in transition (81% success rate) and started to hit 4-5 shot attempts at even strength to close out the year. I like his upward climb throughout the season and expect growth in his D+2 that would make him a valuable second round pick. (Austin Garret)
#41 – Benjamin Kevan – F – Des Moines
After a somewhat underwhelming end to his USHL season and U18 performance, Kevan slides out of our first round here. Kevan is a player with above average speed and pace who is constantly looking to get the puck on his stick. He is constantly imposing himself on the forecheck, forcing defenders to have to make quick decisions and often creating turnovers. With the puck on his stick, I’ve found him to be much more of a playmaker than a goal scorer, with his first looks usually being to find teammates right around the net front area. On the rush, I’ve found he’s comfortable being the primary puck carrier, although his questionable defensive positioning and route taking means that against higher competition he can struggle to get the puck in the first place, leading to him taking suboptimal paths and defaulting to being a net crasher. He will need to learn to think the game better if he wants to have a career in the NHL, but there are enough tools and puck skills there to make me believe there could be a middle six forward there if he puts it all together. (Dan Haurin)
#42 – 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)
#43 – Anthony Allain-Samaké – LHD – Sioux City
Allain-Samaké is an extremely long way away from being really anything worth an NHL look, to the point where it’s somewhat surprising to us that he’s going to college after only one season in the USHL where he didn’t score a single goal. Our optimism regarding him is based on his flashes and what he’s shown in his best games. As one of the youngest players in the draft class, the defenseman has struggled with consistency in a sizeable role in his first USHL season, where some games he got dominated physically and couldn’t really keep up, but in other games, while it remained somewhat difficult for him defensively, he shown so much upside offensively, being a deceptive player on the offensive blue line and creatively and projectably finding passing and shooting lanes, providing offense. The UCONN commit is still very much mistake prone and not yet filled into his frame at all though. His NHL ETA is probably further in the future than many of the other players in this range of the draft and there’s a decent chance he isn’t an NHLer at all, but we like the swing a lot. He could become a top 4 defenseman who could work his way onto a powerplay unit as well if enough things go right with his development. (Thomas Gagné)
#44 – 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)
#45 – Eric Nilson – C – Djurgården
Nilson is a well-rounded player playing a mature game, the ones you always want in your daily basis lineup to have consistency. Versatile and equally effective in both power-play and penalty-kill situations, he’s responsible, and possesses elusive skating with constant movement, circling to find the right place. He isn’t afraid to battle in the tough areas in front of the net, play with the stick, and has a high hockey IQ when it comes to positioning, actions and movement on the ice. Players like him are always well 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. As happens with many players of his profile, the question is whether he’ll remain a guy who’s just a bit above average in many areas but not a standout in any one of them, or if he can become a player capable of taking on a leading role of the line and be the leading presence during key moments of the game, beyond just being the well-rounded, reliable presence you always have next to you. (Iván Ortiz)
#46 – 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)
#47 – Harry Nansi – C – Owen Sound
Nansi probably has the most statistically uncommon profile of any player in this range of the draft. Production has been hard to come by for him in a depth role in the OHL this season, but being one the youngest players of the draft class, with the flashes of brilliance he’s shown, he still represents a reasonable bet in this range. A decent skater for his size, Nansi’s appeal mostly stems from his moments of brilliance with the puck on his stick mostly on the playmaking side. Always very active in every zone, if Nansi ever makes it, it’ll be in a depth role, where he’ll endear himself to his team and its fans with his relentless style and occasional offensive pop, without ever looking too lost in his own zone either. A very easy player to enjoy watching, even though you’d like him to be a bit more effective physically for a player of this size. (Thomas Gagné)
#48 – Quinn Beauchesne – RHD – Guelph
Beauchesne has been one of the steadiest and most consistent defensemen of this draft class. Rarely spectacular, Beauchesne shines with his handling of pressure, always managing to get rid of the first forechecker before finding a teammate. His first pass, to breakout of his own zone is also among the best of the draft class, always moving the puck very smartly. There isn’t much there in terms of creative offense generation in the offensive zone, but with the way he can move laterally and the poise he displays on the offensive blue line can be impressive in flashes. The upside likely isn’t very high, with there not being too much of a special dimension to his game, something that a coach will throw him over the boards for, but his well-roundedness and puck management skills could be enough to land him on an NHL roster someday. (Thomas Gagné)
#49 – Eddie Genborg – F – Linköping
I must admit that he’s one of my favorite players in this class, and my evaluation of him might currently be a bit higher than the existing consensus around Genborg, but I believe that he is an intriguing talent. He’s a physical player with a high intensity forechecking; he goes after possession from the very first second and has no problem using his body to win puck battles along the boards or to establish position in front of the net, either to pick up loose pucks or to create space for his teammates’ shots. He just wants to hit everything, and I can see a lot of scenarios where fans and coaches will love to have that. Genborg’s motor is always ready for it. He’s a player who knows how to use his tools effectively when attacking. He drives through the middle, whether to create space or gain positioning in dangerous areas. He will not blow you away with his skilled hands, but he knows what he is capable of and exploits it. Doubts arise because his offensive ceiling may be somewhat limited, and perhaps that doesn’t justify selecting him higher in the draft, where teams typically look for more dynamic profiles with greater upside or more complete offensive skill sets. But I genuinely believe that Genborg, when you understand how he produces and the role he can fill in a lineup, has a place. Because that kind of physical edge is always needed. He could be a great complement to energy lines, or alongside more offensive-minded linemates to relieve them of the physical workload. It’s now official that he won’t be returning to Linköping next year, so it’ll be interesting to see what path he chooses and how he develops moving forward. (Iván Ortiz)
#50 – 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)
#51 – Jack Ivankovic – G – Brampton
Jack Ivankovic is an athletic, competitive goaltender with one of the best gloves in this draft class. Committed to the University of Michigan, Ivankovic brings high-end quickness and explosiveness in the crease, allowing him to cover ground rapidly and move fluidly through his butterfly. He tracks pucks well and shows excellent rebound control—especially off his glove and blocker—often steering pucks into low-danger areas.
His glove hand is a standout tool, capable of robbing shooters clean on medium-danger chances and reacting instantly to cross-slot puck movement. Ivankovic holds strong positioning off the rush and is quick to reset after initial saves, even in scrambles and high-traffic situations. His poise on second-chance efforts—particularly on the penalty kill—reflects his competitive edge and body control.
At times, he plays a bit too aggressively, overextending beyond his crease and leaving space near the posts or under the blocker. While his athleticism often covers for these misreads, refining his angle discipline and depth management will be crucial at the college level and beyond.
Even behind inconsistent defensive support in the OHL, Ivankovic has consistently delivered. With elite reflexes, sharp technical habits, and a calm-but-battling presence in the crease, he profiles as a high-upside goaltender with legitimate long-term NHL starter potential. (Josh Tessler)
#52 – Jack Nesbitt – C – Windsor
It’s not very difficult at all to envision Jack Nesbitt developing into a bottom-six NHL Center later on in his career. The immediate appeal to him when watching him play is his combination of size and skating. Nesbitt stands in at 6’4 with quality skating mechanics and more quickness in his turns and crossovers than you typically see in a player his size (although his foot speed is a bit lacking). Offensively, Nesbitt plays a pretty straight forward game. He is constantly looking to get involved in puck battles and hunts to retrieve every puck he can in the offensive zone, directing every puck he can get either to a teammate nearby or directly to the net. He’s got a quality shot and much better hands than you might expect, occasionally pulling off high skill passes while under pressure. He’s also a quite defensively responsible player, seldom to never finding himself out of position in the defensive zone and using his long reach to poke pucks out of reach of the opposition. His lack of foot speed, mediocre production and lack of dynamic offensive elements in his game mean it’s hard to imagine him playing in a top-6 NHL role in the future, but there’s enough to like there to easily envision him as a future 3C or 4C. (Dan Haurin)
#53 – 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)
#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 – Sean Barnhill – RHD – Dubuque
Barnhill is very much flying under the radar as a dark horse option for any team looking for a defensive stopper at the right-shot defenseman position. Towering at 6ft5 and already pretty filled in at 205 pounds, Barnhill has some of the best combination of tools to potentially excel in a defensive role for an NHL team someday. A very strong skater for his size, to us, Barnhill is worth a look well before players like Jacob Rombach or Mace’o Phillips, two other towering defenseman lacking production playing in the United-States, because Barnhill already displays pro habits, better puck management skills and doesn’t get beat nearly as easily as those other two players. Barnhill stays in phase with his opponents well, often reads the play adequately, before making simple pressure-relieving plays. They’re not the same player, but it’s hard not to be reminded of Mason Lohrei, another sizeable defensman who was passed over entirely as a first-time eligible player, not really having the look of a draftable player at first glance before being picked up by the Bruins as a 19-year-old in the second round. Like with Lohrei, the production doesn’t jump out at you, but if Barnhill can continue to round-out his game, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing to say that he could become something similar. It would be unfair to expect it though. (Thomas Gagné)
#56 – Bruno Osmanis – RW – Björklöven
Considering that the Latvian youngster spent half of the season playing against men in the Hockey Allsvenskan, the Swedish second tier? He is somewhat under the radar in terms of the NHL draft. He has not been ranked top 50 in virtually any major draft list. His name is also rarely mentioned amongst draft sleepers. However, if Osmanis falls into the third round? Whichever NHL team takes him may be getting themselves a steal. Why is that? Well, from his play vs men Osmanis has already established that one day he may have the ability to do a good job in an NHL middle six. Seven points across 30 games in the regular season and play-offs may not seem like anything special, however, when context is applied you start to see what type of impact Osmanis made. Across those 30 games he only once played more than 10 minutes of ice time. Only in 13 of those games did he play more than five minutes. Yet despite getting irregular shifts? He still managed to create opportunities. His game is built around a high-IQ, plus hands, and a high motor. He is also a sneaky good passer who can really skate, and does not neglect his responsibilities in his own zone. Osmanis is also still physically underdeveloped, and in turn may have more room than some other prospects to grow going forward. Furthermore, at the u-20 level he produced at a similar or better rate than players such as Eddie Genborg, Eric Nilson, Milton Gästrin and Arvid Drott, despite being on an inferior, lower scoring team than they were. If you squint hard enough? Maybe Osmanis can be a complimentary middle six NHL winger in a few years. If a team can draft such a profile in the late second round? That is a good pick. (Alex Appleyard)
#57 – 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)
#58 – 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)
#59 – Charlie Cerrato – C – Penn State University
A double over-ager heading into this years draft, Cerrato made a huge statement in his rookie NCAA season this year as the second leading scorer on one of the top teams in the league. Cerrato plays a very high tempo game, constantly moving his feet and looking to attack this opposition. His straight line speed is among the fastest I’ve seen from draft eligible players this season, utilizing his skating to put pressure on the opposition and forcing them to make mistakes with the puck. Additionally, his style of play makes him particularly effective both on the rush as a primary puck carrier in transition, as well as on the penalty kill. He does tend to struggle with puck management more than you’d ideally like to see though, often turning pucks over when trying to beat defenders 1-on-1 and while trying to force plays in the offensive zone. Although I think his very north-south style lends itself more to the wing at the next level, he has played a good amount of Center in the past, and his ability to move well in transition means he could be an option at either position at the next level. Given that he’s a bit further along in his development curve than a lot of other players around this spot in the draft, Cerrato could be a great option for a team looking for a prospect who could potentially play professionally sooner rather than later. (Dan Haurin)
#60 – Leo Sundqvist – F – Brynäs
Sundqvist is a player I’ve been interested in for a while, and he’s flown under the radar as the third in a trio of draft eligibles playing up in the SHL for Brynäs this year. I’m surprised though that he seems to have gone so unnoticed, when he seems to pop out of the screen every time I watch that team. He’s small, but I don’t think it matters too much; he’s fast, relentless, an excellent finisher, with an underrated physical side to him. He’s a really effective forechecker, and defensively responsible; his game is a simple but effective one, and he’s everything I’m looking for in a bottom-six player, with some upside to be more if things go really well. (Gray Matter)
#61 – Ludvig Johnson – LHD – Zug
Make no mistake. Ludvig Johnson should have been drafted last year. Even though the Swiss u-20 league is not the best scouted league on earth in terms of the NHL? Johnson was the best first time draft eligible defenseman at that level. It was certainly worth taking a shot on a player like him in the middle rounds. This summer Johnson has ensured that NHL teams simply cannot pass over him again. Over the season he showed himself as a good pro defenseman already, in the National League, which is certainly one of the best five professional leagues on earth. What is more? Johnson arguably outplayed Leon Muggli on the same team, Muggli was a second round pick last summer, and had a solid season himself. What is more? Johnson has a great skill-set for the modern NHL. He is a plus skater, has a great IQ, passes a puck very well, and can defend a blue-line. At times he can make mistakes trying to push play and make things happen, but he is not simply a riverboat gambler. Johnson has an active stick, good defensive positioning and for his frame and age is good on the boards. Given the tools at his disposal? If things go well in his development he might be able to become an NHL #4 one day. (Alex Appleyard)
#62 – 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)
#63 – Joshua Ravensbergen – G – Prince George
A full-right goaltender with intriguing size and flashes of positional discipline, Joshua Ravensbergen shows promise but remains a work in progress. His glove hand is generally reliable on low and medium danger shots, and when squared up, he’s capable of controlled rebounds that steer pucks to safe areas. He displays decent lateral movement and can be quick and nimble in the butterfly, particularly when reacting to high-danger puck movement.
However, Ravensbergen’s overall quickness and tracking consistency raise concerns. He struggles to seal the blocker side, often getting beat high, especially off the rush or on cross-crease plays. His ability to cover the top of the net while in the butterfly is inconsistent, and he tends to leave space on the far side when transitioning laterally. On several occasions, he was late reacting to shots through traffic or redirect attempts at net front, and goals against have stemmed from both rebound control issues and difficulty reading developing plays.
There are glimpses of tactical awareness—such as stance adjustments to bait shooters and solid post integration—but his timing and glove/blocker deployment need refinement. Ravensbergen’s range and size give him a foundational toolkit, but improved reaction speed, positioning under pressure, and puck tracking will be key to unlocking his potential. (Josh Tessler)
#64 – Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen – LHD – University of Michigan
One of the biggest things I look for in a defenseman when projecting them to the NHL is how well they are able to make simple passes under pressure, especially in situations when a defenseman is trying to exit the zone. Rheaume-Mullen is the best defender in this class at completing passes doing so at an 83% success rate and is far-and-away the best player, outside of Schaefer, at doing so to generate a zone exit. I will admit his feet don’t move as fast as I’d like on a backwards gap control to dictate opposing players or pressure them into turnovers, nor is his offensive game agile enough at the blue line to be dangerous as an offensive threat. However, when it comes to making the right play, I can always count on Rheaume-Mullen to do so. With the departures of Ethan Edwards and Jacob Truscott, Rheaume-Mullen could see a bigger share of the power play time and with that his stock could/should rise going into his D+2. (Austin Garret)
#65 – Tomas Pobezal – C – Nitra
It is quite rare for a draft eligible player to excel in a pro league. When they do? They are often nailed on first round picks. However, in Pobezal’s case? He might still be available in the early third round in late June. Why is that? Well, firstly the Slovak pivot is undersized at 5’10. Secondly, the Slovak Extraliga is not what it once was, and is now roughly ECHL level. Finally, despite playing well in all three zones against men… Pobezal does not really have many stand-out tools. In turn? Many think he will ultimately be a “tweener”, a very good AHL or Euro league player who is not offensively gifted enough for an NHL top six, but not defensively strong enough or physical enough for a bottom six. This may well transpire. However, with the NHL shifting increasingly away from defined top sixes, and moving towards at least a top nine, and some teams trying to roll four lines without true “role-players” but guys who can score, drive play, and contribute even without being a defensive stalwart or UFC fighter on skates? There is more chance that Pobezal can one day carve out an NHL role. At the highest level he will kick out to wing. His stand-out trait is his IQ, and he is very good in the high-danger areas around the crease and in the slot. If he can get faster and bulk up a bit? There is potential for him to be a middle sixer winger in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)
#66 – Matthew Gard – F – Red Deer
In a class where the level of uncertainty is overall very high, even with players widely considered to be first round talents, Gard is likely to be seen as a safer bet than many other options who may have higher upside. The Red Deer Rebel forward boasts an impressive 6ft4 frame and skates really well for that size. The production may seem rather unimpressive, but he played on a poor offensive team, second worst in the WHL in terms of goals scored. His ability to read the ice and see the best option is a weakness as things stand, but he still displayed some moments of individual brilliance, cutting through defenses, looking like a force out there with a rather unique blend of size, puck handling skill and skating ability. Being more consistent and leveraging his tools more often will be the next steps for Gard. Right now, he’s scheduled to play in Red Deer again next year, which will be once again rather challenging. If he can establish himself as the true leader of this team and a more consistent offensive play driver, a role on a bottom 6 of an NHL lineup is possible. (Thomas Gagné)
#67 – William Horcoff – C – USNTDP
William Horcoff took a major leap in the middle of his draft year when he went from playing with the USNDPT to playing for the University of Michigan in the NCAA. After he made the jump, his P/GP actually went up despite making the leap to a harder level of competition, scoring over .5 P/GP in his 18 game NCAA stint. Horcoff is a big, north-south style player who moves quite well for his size. He doesn’t have a ton of dynamic offensive elements to his game and could stand to be a better finisher off the rush, but he still boasts some quick hands and a willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice in the offensive zone, which should project well to a bottom-six role at the NHL level. Adding to that bottom six projection, in my viewings Horcoff was constantly engaged defensively with sound positioning in his own zone, and was consistently finishing his hits and getting involved as the F1 on the forecheck. Although he isn’t exactly what I’d call a high upside pick, Horcoff could be a nice addition to any prospect pool that’s lacking size and physicality. (Dan Haurin)
#68 – Melvin Novotny – F – Leksand
His recent performances with Sweden, during the time he was on the ice, since he wasn’t among the most used one, somewhat reinforce my position on Novotny. I think he’s a good player who may be flying under the radar for many people because he doesn’t have those flashy, eye-catching skills, but he understands the game. And players who understand the game always win over me, because I find that to be a rare and valuable trait. He strikes me as a smart player, someone who knows how to move well on the ice and maintain awareness of everything happening around him. He uses his body and stick effectively to extend plays and has good instincts both for attacking and passing. He has that ability to make the pass at the exact moment that can put you in a strong offensive position, especially when he receives the puck along the boards on the wing. In terms of skating, maybe his lateral transitions aren’t very fluid, and he lacks that extra burst of speed and explosiveness, but he makes up for it with his excellent spatial awareness. I’d like to see him, in the next steps of his development, get more involved in building plays from the back and be more present offensively. Still, I believe he has the potential to become a solid rotational player, the kind you often find in the middle rounds of the draft. (Iván Ortiz)
#69 – Max Westergard – LW – Frölunda
It is somewhat shocking to me that Westergård has had so little attention over the season so far. Now, that has changed slightly since the WJC-18, where the Finnish speedster stood out as his teams best player, but it is still expected that the man from Tampere will go in the third round at best. But when you watch him play? It is hard not to get excited about what he could be if his development goes well. Westergård plays the game fast and hard. Despite being somewhat undersized he never gives up on a play, is happy to mix it up, and can be a real pest. His forechecking is relentless, he can PK, and for a winger his defensive game is solid. In terms of his offensive game? Despite being 165lbs soaking wet the young Finn plays like a power-forward, but he also has some skill, and can make some beautiful passes and beat players with his hands. He impressed in the SHL play-offs, and at very worst should be “capable” of an NHL cup-of-coffee one day. Did I mention that Westergård is one of the youngest players in this draft, and were he two weeks younger would be 2026 eligible? If he does fall to the third round he could be the type of player that in a few years teams are kicking themselves for passing on. Given his age and physical immaturity, maybe, just maybe he can blossom into a complimentary NHL second liner one day, and with his grit and tenacity, he is certainly not top six or bust. (Alex Appleyard)
#70 – Jack Murtagh – C/LW – USNTDP
On a very underwhelming edition of the USNTDP, Murtagh has an argument to be the first player to hear his name called from that team on draft day. His simple north-south game and high work rate coupled with an above average shot will make him a palatable option for many NHL teams. Murtagh remains a somewhat frustrating player to watch, due to often not reading the ice too well and forcing play too much, seemingly always trying the first thing that’s on his mind, often the simplest play, rather than the best play. In college, learning to use his teammate better will be paramount to his success. Eventually, while he could become a middle 6 NHL scorer with some physicality, there remains a rather large possibility his game doesn’t translate well to the NHL at all. (Thomas Gagné)
#71 – Filip Ekberg – LW – Ottawa
Ekberg’s profile is one that projects pretty simple and yet has a lot of variance to it. His off-puck game and his shot were always a strength of his throughout the season. In the u18s he was given even more opportunity than in the OHL and it became evident how dangerous of a mid-range scorer he could be if you gave him space. However, his skill in transition and pace of play always placed him as a passenger in the OHL and in the u18s. He is not a player that will drive play through the neutral zone. If his pace of play can pick up, then he could end up exceeding his current draft stock. However, I would draft Ekberg right now as a potential middle six passenger who can score and make one-touch passes and see how he develops over the course of the next two seasons. (Austin Garret)
#72 – Petteri Rimpinen – G – Kiekko-Espoo
Rimpinen is another overager who should have been take last year. In fact, to me it was perplexing no team could spare even a seventh-round pick on the Finnish netminder. Afterall, this is a goalie who since he was 14 years old has looked firmly on track for an NHL future. He has always played a level up for his age. He has been the Finnish junior national team starter since u-16 level. .920 sv% for him has been nothing special his whole career, that is just routine. And last year? Rimpinen was arguably the best goalie in the Finnish second tier, Mestis, at 17 years old. The only reason he was not drafted? He is only 6’0. This year though NHL teams surely cannot ignore him again. He put up .933 sv% in the World Juniors back at Christmas, winning goalie of the tournament. But more impressively? He won a starters job in Liiga, putting up .912 sv% over 40 games, and then excelled in the play-offs too with .920 sv%. He was in contention for the best goalie in Liiga THIS season at 18 years old. So how has he done this despite his diminutive stature? He is fast. His positioning is fantastic. His awareness is elite. His technique is high-end already. Small goalies scare NHL teams, but surely every team is regretting not using a late round pick on the Finn last summer. This time out? They won’t make the same mistake again. Rimpinen should be one of the first few goalies off the board, and has real potential to be an NHLer in the near future. (Alex Appleyard)
#73 – Tanner Lam – RW – Kitchener
Tanner Lam is among the most exciting players in this draft class. His skill and what he attempts is jaw dropping, and his success rate in games when he was on was among the best in the class in terms of driving play, creating chances, and being a dual threat in the offensive zone. There were some games where his skill couldn’t break through and he turned the puck over more than I’d like and with his smaller size he lacks high-end pace to project to the NHL. However, I will always bet on players with this much skill and ones that can games that track better than almost anyone in this class. A true sleeper pick in this draft; if Lam hits he could be among the leaders of “best value draft pick” in this class. (Austin Garret)
#74 – Vaclav Nestrasil – RW – Muskegon
Nestrasil skates very well in a north/south game for a player of his size at 6’5. He combines this with very good puck skill when he has at his full pace to weave through the neutral zone to create rush opportunities. He’s best when he’s given space to create offensive chances and when he’s defending going at an opposing player. Nestrasil struggles in the small area game though. His edgework, especially his Gretzky turns, are clunky and he loses too much speed and it takes too much effort for him to pivot back in the opposite direction. He doesn’t stick handle well when forced to pull the puck in and prefers to stay wide, using his length to protect the puck instead of his feet to gain advantages over opposing defenders. He has a long ways to go with his off-puck game in the offensive and defensive zone. He is rarely in a supportive position and instead is thinking more about what will be the most opportune situation if a play breaks down, often times finding himself behind the play defensively or not being an outlet for a teammate who has possession. A lot of tools to work with, but he has a long developmental path to becoming a positive player in the offensive/defensive zone as a professional player. (Austin Garret)
#75 – Henry Brzustewicz – RHD – London
Brzustewicz has a lot of traits as an offensive leaning defenseman that I like. He’s quick to find space off the puck in the offensive zone to move up to take his shot. He shows decent puck skill to be able to dance by an opposing defender at the blue line to move up into the offensive zone and creat odd-man advantages, and is very smart in his exit passes. However, he finds himself out of position too often in the defensive zone and misreads offensive players coming at him at transition too often that his offensive instincts are too often negated by his negative defensive plays. If he’s able to drive players more to the outside on the rush as well as be harder on the puck in the defensive zone then he’ll be worth the second round pick that a team will eventually use on him. (Austin Garret)
#76 – Anthony Cristoforo – RHD – Windsor
Cristoforo is a player who I am quite suprised wasn’t selected during his draft eligible season last year. This season saw him take a significant step forward over his last two seasons, seeing him take the leap as the number one defenseman on one of the top teams in the OHL. He’s an above average skater who uses his feet to regularly close gaps quickly when defending on the rush and activating up in the play with his team in transition offensively. He can get a decent amount of power behind his shots and doesn’t look out of place pulling the trigger on Windsor’s top PowerPlay unit, but most of his production offensively comes from moving pucks up ice in transition and pulling coverage away from teammates and making slick passes in the offensive zone. Defensively, his positioning is okay for the most part, but I’ve found he can struggle to escape forechecking pressure a little bit too easily and struggles to use his body to kill plays in the defensive zone. I think Cristoforo has enough tools and hockey sense to slot into an NHL lineup as a replacement level player one day. (Dan Haurin)
#77 – Jamiro Reber – C/W – HV71
Again, Reber is another player who every single NHL team passed on last season. Why? Size is part of the answer. The speedy, high-intensity center is only 5’10. However, despite being solid in the J20 last season Reber did not blow the doors off offensively, Furthermore, he disappointed in international play, being a passenger at both the WJC-18 and WJC-20. The talent shined at times, but was not consistent enough to make an NHL team take a gamble on him, albeit one probably should have even without hindsight. This time he won’t be left out in the cold. This season the Swiss youngster made the jump to the SHL level and impressed in a league that is roughly AHL equivalent. His game is built around his skating and creativity. He is a plus passer. He sees the ice extremely well. Reber can also PK and is certainly not a top-six or bust type player. Now, he is more likely to be a winger at the highest level, especially as he is poor on the dot (under 40% this season), and definitely needs to get stronger, and while his heart and details is good in terms of defense? Right now he is not a plus defensive player in pro hockey. However, it is easy to see Reber rounding out into an energetic and versatile third line NHLer down the line, one who could be ready to play in a few short years. (Alex Appleyard)
#78 – Vojtech Cihar – LW – Karlovy Vary
Vojtech Cihar is a 6’1” winger who played his entire draft season in Czechia’s top pro league with HC Energie Karlovy Vary. While he didn’t post eye-popping offensive production (4G/5A), he made himself an effective player at even strength and a threat in the bumper position on the powerplay. Cihar is a responsible, two-way forward with good speed and can be utilized in any situation. Offensively, he’s quick and crafty with the puck and can find linemates in dangerous positions. He also has a quick release and has no issue playing through contact. He is a hard worker with good instincts on both sides of the puck and is a real handful on the forecheck. When used higher in the lineup with Czechia at international events, he flashes higher-end offense and puck skills. His IQ and pro experience at such a young age bode well for his development. He projects to be a very useful middle-six forward in the NHL. (SpokedZ)
#79 – Carter Amico – RHD – USNTDP
Amico played very little this season, only appearing in 17 total contexts, amassing 5 points, all assists. His game suggests more offense though, at least in rush situations, where he’s shown an ability to deal with pressure both with his feet and his passing ability. The defensive game is somewhat of a work in progress, as he got beat in front of the net many times this season and seemed to struggle with simpler plays and concepts, sometimes looking like there may be a concern with concentration in the defensive end. Compared to previous years’ big, physical, defensive minded defenders hailing from the USNTDP like E.J Emery, Amico is the one who’s actual defensive impact and potential is the most debatable, but especially compared to Emery, Amico has a certain poise under pressure and better overall skating fluidity. This suggests actual potential as more than just a stay-at-home defenseman. With the right development, he could become a middle-pair two-way defenseman. His game though will need a lot of development to get there, as his game lacks refinement, especially when it comes to generating good looks offensively on a consistent basis. (Thomas Gagné)
#80 – Lasse Boelius – LHD – Ässät
Boelius is our top rated player coming out of Finland this year, and the only Finnish player we have cracking our top-100 this season. Boelius is a talented defenseman who looked like one of the better players in Assat U20 this past season and was Finland’s clear best defender at U18s this year. Earlier in the season, he even had a cup of coffee in Liiga, where although he didn’t really stand out in any way, he didn’t look out of place at all in my eyes. He plays a simple game built around moving pucks quickly and accurately, but still has some higher end puck skills to make plays in the offesnive zone and escape pressure creatively in the defensive zone. When he’s playing at his best, it’s easy to envision an everyday puck moving NHL defenseman in his game who can be trusted playing with higher end offensive players. The two biggest flaws I see in Boelius’ game right now are his skating and his puck management. His skating is below average, with him lacking the foot speed to be effective in retrievals and getting beat in miscellaneous puck races a bit too often. On the puck management side, although I appreciate seeing a young player trying to make net positive plays as often as they can with the puck on their stick, he turns the puck over a bit too often and lacks care a little too much in the defensive zone. Boelius is going to be a development project to a decent extent for whichever team lands him, but the upside is there for him to potentially be a middle pairing defenseman one day if everything breaks right. (Dan Haurin)
#81 – Lev Katzin – C – Guelph
Recently named to the OHL’s all rookie team and putting up over a point per game on one of the weaker teams in the league in Guelph, Lev Katzin has strongly pushed himself into consideration to be a mid round selection in this year’s draft. Katzin is able to impact the game offensively with soft hands around the net, tight puckhandles that allow him to beat defender’s 1-on-1, and a quick, accurate shot. Although his 5’8 frame will stop him from every being a physically imposing player and I’ve seen him get knocked around a bit more than you’d like when considering the value of a smaller player, he doesn’t appear to back away from getting to the dirty areas of the ice and puts in a strong effort whenever he’s involved. If he’s able to get a little bit stronger and work with developmental staff to find ways to compensate for the size difference, I can see a path to him being a future bottom-six NHL forward able to play on a more meat and potatoes style line. (Dan Haurin)
#82 – Haoxi Wang – LHD – Oshawa
One of the biggest wildcards of this draft, the idea of a Wang type player in your lineup would excite anyone. As a 6ft6 defenseman, his skating ability is unbelievable, comparable to top 15 draft pick Anton Silayev from last year’s draft. Making the transition from the OJHL to the OHL midseason, after it was revealed CHL players will now be able to go to college, the Boston University commit struggled to produce. Despite that, his underlying numbers are rather strong, albeit in a great environment on a very competitive Oshawa Generals team. Wang though is still extremely raw, often struggling under pressure and not finding his footing in some games leading to him getting exposed. As he climbs up the ranks, if the game ever gets slower for him and he manages to improve his poise while retaining that willingness that he has to experiment and try more complex plays like give-and-go’s and the offensive blue line, he could become a special player. (Thomas Gagné)
#83 – Dmitri Isayev – LW – Yekaterinburg
Offensively speaking, the talented teen from Togliati is certainly one of the higher-end players who will go outside the top 50 in this summers draft. Isayev is blessed with fantastic hands, a quick and accurate release, and is equally dangerous both in transition and on the cycle. Furthermore, he is a plus skater, leaning more on his exceptional agility that solid speed to create a difference, but nevertheless winning footraces and carving past defensemen on a regular basis. Add in to the equation the fact that he plays the game at a high pace, in an intense manner, and is good at getting to the net while never shying away from contact? Well, there is a lot to be excited about for a player who will probably be available in the fourth, fifth or even sixth round. But why is he set to fall so far? He is just 5’9 is the simple answer, 5’9 and under 150lbs. Nevertheless, could Isayev be the next undersized, sleeper Russian pick to end up a top six NHLer? The odds are probably against him, but if an NHL team is swinging on upside he is a nice bet to take. He was over point-per-game this year on an Avto Yekaterinburg team that played a very conservative game, and can create something out of nothing. Roll a six development wise? Maybe he can become a second liner in the worlds best league down the line. More likely he becomes a good KHL/AHL level scorer, but value wise such a pick is a good one as you get into the third round. (Alex Appleyard)
#84 – Alexander Pershakov – RW – Novosibirsk
This season there was not one single first time draft eligible Russian prospect who outscored Pershakov on a per game basis. 1.15 P/GP is hard to top given the leagues low-scoring nature. Furthermore, no other first time draft eligible played close to as many KHL games as the Siberian winger managed, 22 in total, including seven games in the play-offs. Now yes, he played over 10 minutes only two times, and there were certainly moments where he looked out of place at that level, however, he grew as the year went on and his coach trusted him enough to give him shifts in close play-off games where the results mattered. So why is he not higher on draft boards? Simply put, he is not dynamic, despite being a solid skater, neither is he the type of player who will be a gamebreaker offensively down the line. He is utilitarian in playing style. Pershakov always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and used his skill-set well to create chances, mainly getting into weak areas of ice to unleash his plus shot. But aside from that nothing stands out offensively, his passing and hands are simply “fine”. Defensively though he is strong for his age, and a high-end penalty-killer. The physical tools, IQ, and ability to understand the finer details of the game mean that maybe he can one-day become a solid NHL third liner, even if more likely than not he carves out a career in a KHL middle six. (Alex Appleyard)
#85 – Kristian Epperson – LW – Saginaw
Epperson made the most of his time as Michael Misa’s linemate this year with Saginaw. He was a driver of transition who would look quickly to find Misa in the offensive zone to run the offense. He has quick twitch skill, able to manuever himself in a phone booth to get out of pressure to make a pass, and is great at reading and scanning plays to know what his options are so that his passes and plays are done quickly and proactively. In the time I saw him away from Misa he struggled a lot more than with Misa, and he lacks the abiltity to solve defensive structures through his teammates that he demonstrates with Misa. However, if he is allowed to be a puck mover and a passenger in the offensive zone, then I think he could thrive in his tranistion to the NCAA and eventually to the professional leagues. (Austin Garret)
#86 – Viggo Nordlund – F – Skellefteå
Viggo Nordlund is a 5’9” play-driving winger who boasts tons of skill and playmaking upside. In 40 regular-season games for Skelleftea’s J20 squad this season, he registered 24 goals and 49 points. In 6 playoff games, he scored 6 goals and 12 points. His strong play at the junior level earned him a call-up to Skelleftea’s SHL team for 15 regular-season games and 7 playoff games. Nordlund is a highly skilled puck carrier who can embarrass defenders with a variety of handles and tricks. He is a masterful rush creator, keeping defenders on their toes as he darts up ice. He has top-end speed, but also can control and shift pace to manipulate opponents. He’s willing to try to make plays and passes that most other players are not. He also has a dangerous shot he’s unafraid to use in the offensive zone. The big question with Nordlund is about translatability. While he’s incredibly fun to watch with the puck on his stick and stands out in just about every viewing, he has far too many moments where he coughs up the puck looking off teammates in favor of low-percentage individual skill plays. The lack of size and defensive strengths will likely scare some NHL teams away, as well. That being said, the upside he shows, thanks to his skating, play-driving, and ability to manipulate, is too intriguing to ignore. (SpokedZ)
#87 – Semyon Frolov – G – Togliatti
Almost every draft it seems like teams take Russian goalies in the third round onwards who within a few seasons? Are finding their way to the NHL. Quite frankly over the last ten to fifteen years? It is hard to argue against Russia being THE best nation on earth in terms of goalie development. Afterall, they have arguably four of the best 10 goalies in the NHL right now, as well as some of the best young goalie prospects around the league. Can the young Spartak Moscow goalie be the next in the long line of Russian netminders to be a draft day steal? While his peers Andreyanov and Medvedev are better goalies right now than the Togliatti native is, Frolov has one thing over both of them. Size. While both his compatriots stand at around 6’1? Frolov fits far more with what many NHL front-offices believe to be the type of frame a goalie needs to excel at the highest level. He is 6’3, moves well, and is technically sound. While he does not flash the high-end saves on a regular basis that his two peers do, he rarely lets in a bad goal, with only a handful all season that have crept past him from beyond the circles. He does, however, at times not fully seal the post in close, and his lack of true top-end athleticism might limit his upside to simply a “good” NHL back-up. (Alex Appleyard)
#88 – Alex Huang – RHD – Chicoutimi
Alex Huang is a quietly effective right-shot defenseman whose game is built on structure, mobility, and smart puck movement. Defensively, he maintains strong positioning, uses his stick actively to take away space, and consistently funnels attackers into low-danger areas. He’s quick off his edges and reads play development well—whether it’s stepping up in the neutral zone to force dump-ins or tying up attackers near the blue line to deny clean zone entries. His work behind the goal line and at net front is composed, and he isn’t afraid to leave his coverage to block shots when the opportunity is close and calculated.
In transition, Huang is composed and deliberate. He doesn’t overcomplicate puck movement, often hitting tight passing lanes or using the boards to advance play with precision. He shows vision and poise under pressure, drawing forecheckers in before slipping passes wide or underneath the triangle to initiate the breakout. His distribution from deep in the zone is quick and accurate, and he’s comfortable threading passes through narrow seams to spring teammates in the neutral zone.
Huang projects as a potential third-pairing defenseman with puck-moving upside. He may not flash dynamic offense or overpower with physicality, but his blend of hockey IQ, defensive detail, and efficient puck play makes him a reliable depth option who can support transition and suppress threats. (Josh Tessler)
#89 – Theo Stockselius – F – Djurgården
Theo Stockselius is a player who has been flying under this season. He’s a late-July birthday in a Djurgardens program that seems to produce NHL prospects on the daily. Despite that, he managed to be one of the most productive draft-eligible players in the J20 this season. He’s a good-sized center with a high motor and drive to his game that make him an impactful player up and down the lineup. He boasts high-end skill with inside-attacking habits that allow him to drive play at the J20 level. Stockselius also brings defensive value, too. He is strong along the wall, wins battles down low, and disrupts shot attempts with his stick. His biggest limitation will be skating. He’s not the most explosive or agile mover, but he’s able to think around that limitation. The well-rounded tools and pro makeup should attract plenty of NHL teams early on day 2. (SpokedZ)
#90 – Maxim Agafonov – RHD – Ufa
The stand-out Russian blue-liner in this draft is certainly Dynamo Moscow’s Kurban Limatov… after him, the handful of other draftable young Russian defensemen have had relatively few press columns. However, the other Muscovite blue-liner who has a chance to go top 100 is Maxim Agafonov. Last summer he was traded from the CSKA Moscow system, and landed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, almost 1000 miles east of his home-town. The season that ensued was certainly one that kept his name in NHL draft discussions. 14 points in 35 MHL games might not seem anything special, but bear in mind no first time draft eligible put up over 0.5 P/GP on defense this year in the low scoring league. Furthermore, Agafonov played pretty well in a third pairing role vs men in Russia’s second tier – the VHL – when called upon, icing for 12 games this season at a league that is roughly ECHL equivalent. He has good size, moves pretty well – especially in a straight line – and has a mean streak. Agafonov has also always been a go-to PKer for the national team, and often wears a letter on his jersey. His upside is limited by the fact his hands can let him down, and he struggles with the puck on his stick when not given space to move it up ice, partially due to his hands, and partially due to not having high-end vision. However, his physical playing style, athleticism, and ability to maintain a good gap without losing his aggression at the blue-line means he may be able to carve out a career as a bottom pairing NHLer with time and development. (Alex Appleyard)
#91 – Nathan Quinn – C – Québec
Despite decent production, with 46 points in 54 games, the underlying offensive numbers with Quinn aren’t great, playing 20 minutes a night on a bottom 5 QMJHL team, he’s not generating a ton of scoring chances and that’s also reflects on tape. There’s a lot to like and admire about how Quinn plays though. As one of the youngest players of the draft class, his ability to transport the puck and carry it from the defensive zone to a dangerous offensive position is solid. He’s also one of the best defensive forwards in the draft in our estimation, often being well-positioned and disrupting play. Some coaches will not be open to the idea of an undersized player with only bottom 6 upside, but if the right team picks him and knows how to develop and deploy him, he could become a useful player. (Thomas Gagné)
#92 – William Moore – C – USNTDP
Will Moore was saved by his u18 performance on a line with Cullen Potter in my eyes. Before the u18s, Moore struggled mightily to perform in a puck driving role on the NTDP and needed players like LJ Mooney to drive the offensive possession in order to generate anything. He was fine throughout the season as a one-touch playmaker and is a very good off-puck player given his ability to read plays in both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice. In the u18s I thought he showed a great ability to find space and facilitate play in the offensive zone with Cullen Potter that he warrants a top 3 round pick. However, I don’t think you can depend on Moore to drive transition nor facilitate dangerous chances with inferior linemates. (Austin Garret)
#93 – Artyom Shchuchinov – LHD – Cherepovets
Shchuchinov hails from Nizhny Tagil. This small town right on the boundary of Europe and Asia was at the heart of Russian industrialisation, but its most famous ever product? The T-34 tank. Shchuchinov is not dissimilar to this WW2 icon himself. Not the biggest. Not the strongest. Not the most firepower. But ultimately? Extremely effective despite this, providing versatility, punching above his weight and in the process being extremely effective despite his youth in the world’s second-best league. Last year he went undrafted despite being a full-time KHLer at 17 years old, albeit mainly as a #7 defenseman. This year he found himself surplus to requirements on eventual Gagarin Cup finalists Traktor Chelyabinsk, firstly being sent to the VHL, then moved to Severstal Cherepovets. But his move over New Year brought forth a new confidence in Shchuchinov. Serverstal trusted him with second pairing minutes, and he rewarded them for it. Nine points in just 17 games was an incredible return in a low scoring league for a 19 year old, and while more than half came on the power-play he showed enough to make you think an NHL future might be possible. Now, he simply has to get bigger and stronger, but aside from that he has the makings of a player who might be able to slot in as a #4-5 and run a PP2 if the stars align. He is shifty and agile, a transition demon, who passes a puck with poise and accuracy, and has a sneaky good release. While he can lose his gap at times, he has good anticipation and generally strong DZ positioning. More likely than not? Shchuchinov is simply a good KHL/AHL level defenseman in the future, but there is a pathway to him having an NHL role if things go well. (Alex Appleyard)
#94 – Cooper Simpson – F – Tri-City (USHL)
Cooper Simpson transitioned late in the year to the USHL after a storied career in the Minnesota high school hockey ranks. Simpson has above average pace and puck skill, but the transition to the USHL led him to simplify his game a bit to be more linear in his approach to the offensive zone. He has a nasty wrist shot that he can beat goalies from distance with, and has above average puck skill to be able to carry the puck himself into those areas as well. Some of his high school habits followed him to the USHL though, specifically looking to score himself more than playing through his teammates. He’s going to have to play through his teammates as he develops in order to make it to the professional ranks, but the skill and skating are there. (Austin Garret)
#95 – Reese Hamilton – LHD – Calgary
Reese Hamilton is a steady, defense-first blueliner who plays a conservative, calculated game in his own zone. His positioning is sound, and he consistently uses an active stick to take away space at the defensive zone blue line and shut down lanes to the slot. He’s not shy about engaging physically, delivering timely hip checks along the boards before attackers can reach the perimeter. Hamilton does well reading play developments and taking away both low-danger shooting lanes and inside passing options.
With the puck, he keeps things simple. His outlet passes from deep in the zone are clean and timely, often opting for D-to-D looks or boardside distribution under pressure. He shows awareness in tight areas and isn’t afraid to use narrow lanes when available, particularly when close enough to recover in case of a turnover. At the offensive blue line, he won’t force a play—preferring to regroup if options close off.
However, Hamilton’s skating needs refinement. He occasionally loses his footing when transitioning or rounding the net, and there’s room for improvement in his crossover usage—particularly when pressured, as he struggles to accelerate without them. He also needs to play the puck farther out in front of him when attempting to skate away from stick pressure.
Projecting as a potential 5/6 defenseman at the NHL level, Hamilton offers reliable defensive zone coverage and composed puck decisions, with development in his skating mechanics likely to determine how much further he can elevate his game. (Josh Tessler)
#96 – Luka Radivojevic – RHD – Örebro
The son of 400 game NHL forward Branko, of Coyotes, Flyers and Wild fame, Luka has just as much talent as his father had. However, he lacks one thing in comparison. Size. While his father was 6’2 and 210lbs, Luka stands at just 5’10 and under 170. Were Luka blessed with the same size as his Dad he would be a surefire top 50 pick and a lock for an NHL career. Despite his size, Radivojevic does not fit the stereotype of most undersized defensemen. His game is well-rounded, with a plus IQ being the foundation of his game, that he builds on with crisp passing, great vision, and impressive hands for a blue-liner. He is not overly “showy” but evades pressure extremely well and can dangle when needed. For his size he plays well in the small areas of ice, and is good defensively from a purely technical standpoint when it comes to gap and stick-work, and also plays an intense brand of hockey, even though he is overwhelmed by bigger forwards at times. His skating when up to speed can be impressive, but maybe the biggest thing he has to improve to make it in the NHL is his first step. My guess is that this should come with age and strength, as his agility is good, and his stride sound technically. His play-driving ability is already elite in junior hockey though despite these drawbacks. Radivojevic might never see a game in the NHL, but he should be a very good professional defenseman in the AHL or Europe. And if things break nicely, a team may well get a #4 defenseman who can play PP and PK with a mid-round pick this summer. (Alex Appleyard)
#97 – Everett Baldwin – RHD – St. George’s School (Prep / Rhode Island)
One of the top New England-born players in the 2025 draft class, Providence College commit Everett Baldwin has bounced between St. George’s, the USHL, and the NTDP this season without missing a step. His game holds up across levels thanks to his combination of physicality, mobility, and smart puck movement. Baldwin brings sound defensive positioning and an active stick, regularly closing space in the neutral zone and along the perimeter. He finishes his checks, delivers timely shoulder contact in open ice, and steps up to kill rushes with hip checks when opportunities present themselves.
With the puck, Baldwin is composed and calculated. He leans on D-to-D and boardside passing to escape pressure, but he’s also shown the ability to pivot away from forecheckers, use the wall, and jump into the rush when lanes open. He manipulates defenders at the point, and his shot selection often targets sticks in the slot for redirection opportunities. He earned a primary assist on a point-to-slot connection and has even flashed deceptive handling—slowing the pace to bait pressure before attacking space wide and driving the net.
There’s still room to improve his acceleration mechanics, particularly in transitioning from crossovers to north-south strides, where he can lose balance or momentum. At times, he plays a little too safe under pressure, opting for the easy outlet instead of challenging coverage with his feet or hands.
Baldwin projects as a steady two-way blueliner with physical edge, intelligent puck management, and the skating base to build on at the NCAA level. With continued development at Providence, he could evolve into a dependable bottom-pairing NHL defenseman with penalty kill and transition value. (Josh Tessler)
#98 – Mason West – F – Fargo
I was in the USA Hlinka development camp rinks this past summer texting a bunch of my NCAA and scouting friends frantically trying find out why Mason West wasn’t on anyones preseason scouting lists. He’s big, fluid, and despite the cleare rawness of his game, is a smart student of the game. Mistakes he would make in one game during the Hlinka game would be instantly rectified during my next viewing. This trend continued throughout the season and eventually into the USHL. He’s not the greatest skater nor does he have high-end skill, but what he does have is an ability to adapt to the game and then use his strengths to make an impact. Almost every game I watched of his this season he was best in the third period. If he ends up choosing hockey over going to the NCAA for football, I think there’s a long runway for just how good he can be as a hockey player. (Austin Garret)
#99 – Magomed Sharakanov – LHD – Dynamo Moscow
Hockey is all about entertainment. And if you want entertainment from the blue-line? Look no further than the Dagestani dangler. Imagine a prime Shayne Gostisbehere. Then add on 2 inches and 25lbs, and that is roughly how Sharakanov plays the game. As a late 2004 birthday, this is his third, and final, chance to be drafted to the NHL. When you look at his track record so far it is baffling why he has not been taken already. Almost 0.75 P/GP in the MHL in his draft year, a great season in the VHL last year, and now? At just 20 years old he was top 30 in KHL blue-line scoring this season, outproducing a host of ex-NHLers 5-10 years his senior, with his exploits putting him 7th all-time in terms of production from the blue-line in the KHL at under 21 years old. The way he scores those points can make you drop your jaw at times. How often have you seen a defenseman go up ice and score a Michigan? Go end-to-end and snipe top-corner? Sharakanov has done both just this season in the KHL. He has fantastic hands, a great shot, and can pull off some incredible passes. He also has good speed in a straight line and is not scared to mix it up. What is more, he is a good penalty-killer. The talented defenseman can, however, be an adventure defensively. While he is agile and able to close down opponents quickly, he can be too aggressive and lose position, furthermore he is reactionary instead of anticipatory, and there is a worry than at an even higher level that will be exposed more. His defensive work has improved over the year though, even though he will never be a stalwart. If Sharakanov makes it into the mid-rounds he could be a great value pick. He has work to do, and some coaches will hate how he plays. But the talent is undeniable, and if he lands in a franchise who know how to develop defensemen? Then a team might end up developing an exciting NHL #4 blue-liner within a year or two. (Alex Appleyard)
#100 – Matěj Pekař – C/W – Seattle
A high-energy, north-south winger with a gritty edge, Matěj Pekař plays a hard-nosed, straight-line game that makes him a constant thorn in the side of opponents. Drawing comparisons to Ryan Lomberg, Pekař is a physical forechecker who throws his weight around, delivers heavy hits, and thrives in puck battles below the goal line. When he’s not engaging physically, he plays a tight-checking game in the neutral zone—staying glued to his assignment and using his speed to close quickly on trailing plays, often forcing dump-ins.
Pekař’s game isn’t just about grit. He shows smart situational awareness with the puck—distributing cleanly off the rush, making strong reads out of the defensive zone, and working the half-wall to create chances. He’s capable of handling pressure, using crossovers to navigate traps and using the boards to redirect pucks into space. In transition, he’s aggressive, driving play from deep in the zone and looking to attack. In one notable sequence, he broke through a 2-on-1 trap, entered the offensive zone, and buried a medium danger goal from the outer hashmarks.
While he occasionally tries to do a little too much with the puck—such as a failed windmill attempt in traffic—his effort level, physicality, and puck sense make him an effective depth forward who can chip in offensively and create chaos on every shift.
Pekař projects as a bottom-six energy winger who can kill plays on the forecheck, drive the pace in transition, and bring a physical identity to his line. (Josh Tessler)
The 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship is set to begin, offering a premier stage to evaluate top draft-eligible prospects from around the globe. This post takes a closer look at each participating nation, highlighting key players, positional strengths, and overall team outlooks. From perennial powerhouses like Canada and Sweden to rising programs like Slovakia and Germany, each team brings a unique mix of talent and storylines into the tournament.
It’s important to note that rosters are still subject to change, especially as players become newly available for international duty following the conclusion of their CHL seasons. With last-minute additions and late roster moves potentially impacting lineups, flexibility will be key for coaching staffs across the board.
Let’s dive into what to expect—starting with one of the most well-rounded rosters in the field: Sweden.
Sweden
Sweden is entering the tournament as arguably the favorites to come out on top of Group B this year. Although their defense corps contains a couple of interesting draft eligible players and their Goaltending situation is solid enough with Love Harenstam likely taking the reigns as the starter, it’s their forward corps that looks like it has the potential to really put them over the top in this tournament.
On defense, the group is led by draft eligible players Karl Annborn, Malte Vass, Oliwer Sjostrom, and most notably Sascha Boumedienne. Annborn and Vass project to play more steadying roles for this group, likely to eat more difficult defensive minutes throughout the tournament and bring some physicality that’s highly coveted in tournament players. Sjostrom and Boumedienne will likely project to play more of a two-way role in their significant minutes, with the later likely assuming the role of Sweden’s 1D and top PowerPlay QB.
Sweden’s offense is going to be what makes or breaks their success in this tournament. Although there are some questions as to his availability due to their ongoing participation in the HockeyAllsvenskan playoffs, Anton Frondell has arguably had the strongest 2nd half of any draft eligible player in this year’s draft class and will bring a high-end 200 foot game to Sweden’s lineup. Players like Gastrin, Ihs-Wozniak, Novotny and Nilson have all been productive forwards at the J20 level and should all factor in as offensive contributors throughout the lineup, while players like Genborg and Drott should bring a quality energy and physical element to the lineup. Sweden also has some serious 2026 draft eligible talent joining the roster in this tournament in Viggo Bjork and Ivar Stenberg, both of which have put together historic seasons in the J20 Nationell this past season.
Sweden opens up their tournament on April 23rd against Switzerland, followed by games against Germany, the United States and Czechia to finish out regulation play. (Dan Haurin)
Finland
Finland has the opportunity in this tournament to change and improve the general perception that currently exists about this generation of players. They will face almost the same countries in the group stage as last year, except that this year they’ll find Canada as the top seed instead of the United States. However, they’ll once again go up against Slovakia, Latvia, and Norway. The goal will be to improve on the fifth-place finish from last year and at the very least make it past the quarterfinals, which proved challenging last year since Sweden ended up third in Group B.
On defense, as is typical for them, they have good puck-movers and solid players in all three zones, such as Lasse Boelius and Jesper Kotajärvi, two of the top prospects coming out of Finland for the upcoming Draft. Personally, I’m interested to see how Samu Alalauri handles this challenge and what we can expect from him in this tournament, as he’s one of Finland’s most promising prospects for the 2026 Draft. There’s also Juho Piiparinen, and we should keep an eye on the offensive contributions of defenseman Vertti Svensk, who has the ability to make some very interesting rush plays. Handling the physical situations will be the main challenge for this group of defenders. Goaltender Patrik Kerkola, who was for a time the youngest goalie to start in Liiga, will also be looking to get back on track in this tournament after a season where the numbers haven’t been in his favor, but it is a goalie who showed composure handling a high volume of work.
Offensively, Max Westergård can be a key player for Finland, as he is currently in good form at Frölunda. His direct playing style will surely be a big asset. In a team that doesn’t particularly stand out physically and may struggle in that area, Atte Joki’s size and energy will surely be key, as he brings more physical strength and intensity up front. Eetu Orpana can be another important player in that area, and he is very reliable in all zones. I’m also curious to see what role Aapo Katavisto will take on; he’s always intense and disruptive when forechecking. Speaking about offensive production, Finland can also rely on players who can easily produce up front, such as Jere Somervuori, who was once considered one of the top Finnish names for the upcoming Draft, or Matias Vanhanen, who has performed well in recent games and is currently one of the top scorers in U20 SM-Sarja.
I believe this is a slightly underrated team, mostly because they don’t have high-profile names on the draft boards. Still, they have players who know how to adapt and perform within a team system, are solid in every position, and should be motivated to improve how people currently view them. The first game against Slovakia will be a great test to see where Finland stands in this tournament. (Iván Ortiz)
United States
Team USA enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a deep, versatile roster built around pace, skill, and structure. While the NTDP U18 squad has had its share of ups and downs this season, key contributors like Cole McKinney, William Moore, Jack Murtagh, and LJ Mooney—each a 2025 NHL Draft prospect—headline the American attack. McKinney brings speed and control in transition, while Mooney’s blend of puck protection, east-west mobility, and smart reads gives him value at both ends of the ice. Moore provides the Americans with a solid power forward who defends the interior well and offers clean outlet options for his defensemen below the goal line.
Murtagh adds a steady, two-way presence down the middle. He defends well through the center lane, shows physicality below the dots, and moves the puck efficiently when under pressure. While he’s not a primary driver in transition, his details and competitiveness make him a valuable piece in a depth role.
The roster also features strong reinforcements from outside the NTDP. Cullen Potter (Arizona State) adds a reliable two-way presence with speed and vision on the rush. Benjamin Kevan (Des Moines) thrives in open-ice play, Blake Fiddler (Edmonton) brings a stabilizing presence on the back end, Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) offers pace and excellent distribution from the point, and William Horcoff (Michigan) provides solid defensive center depth further down the lineup.
In net, the Americans are likely to rotate their goaltenders early in the tournament, but Patrick Quinlan may emerge as the number-one option. He’s seen more usage than Harrison Boettinger and Joseph Slavick over the past few months and could be leaned on in key matchups.
Notably, the Americans have included several high-upside 2008-born players—Sammy Nelson and Casey Mutryn (younger brother of Teddy, who is also on the team)—adding an extra layer of skill and long-term intrigue to the group.
Blending veterans, emerging talent, and depth across all positions, this U.S. squad has the makeup to be one of the more well-rounded teams in the tournament—and a serious threat for a podium finish. (Josh Tessler)
Canada
Note: The CHL playoff are currently underway and could have a significant impact on the players available to Canada during this tournament after this article is published.
After winning the Gold medal in last year’s U18 tournament, Canada is coming into this year’s tournament with a significantly weaker roster. With lots of the high end talent they had on last year’s squad either graduating out of eligibility or currently being held out due to the CHL playoffs, they’re going to need a lot of players to step up big time if they want to repeat their Gold medal performance.
On offense, they currently have Braeden Cootes and Brady Martin projected to take on their top-six Center roles. Both players showed high compete levels and solid 200-foot play at the CHL level this year, which should prove to be an annoying matchup for other teams to deal with. On the wing, Cameron Schmidt and Ryan Roobroeck are expected to be the main drivers, with each coming off of 40 goal campaigns in their respective CHL seasons. Outside of their top players, two forwards to keep an eye on throughout this tournament are Ethan Czata and Lev Katzin. Czata has performed admirably down the middle for the Niagra IceDogs this season and has seen his draft stock significantly rise throughout the season. Katzin scored at over a point-per-game pace for the Guelph Storm this past season, but has seemingly been overlooked on many draft boards due to his small stature at 5’8.
Looking at their defense: all eyes are on Jackson Smith heading into this tournament. A potential top-10 pick in this year’s draft, Smith is a fantastic skater who ate big minutes in the WHL this season, put up very good micro-results all across the board, and put up a respectable 54 points. He projects to be Canada’s 1D at this tournament and has the potential to separate himself as the 2nd best defense prospect in this class behind Schaefer. Outside of Smith, Alex Huang and Quinn Beauschene are two names to watch closely throughout the tournament. Huang is a well above average skater who should provide some secondary offense on the backend behind Smith, while Beauschene has put up quality defensive results on Guelph throughout his draft year and should provide some much needed stability on the backend for Canada.
Canada opens up their tournament on April 24th vs Slovakia, followed by tilts against Latvia, Finland and Norway to end the regulation round. (Dan Haurin)
Switzerland
Switzerland enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a competitive group built on structure, work ethic, and timely execution. While this roster may not measure up to the pure skill level of some of the tournament’s top contenders, they have the tools to put up a decent fight and make life difficult for opponents.
Leading the way is Jonah Neuenschwander, a 2027 NHL Draft prospect with National League experience. Expected to return to center—a position he’s played throughout junior—Neuenschwander brings a complete 200-foot game and has shown he can create under pressure.
Jeremiah Mundy, a Canadian-Swiss dual national, adds power-forward presence with strength along the wall, interior drive, and a dangerous shot from range. Florian Schenk gives the Swiss solid center depth, returning from a stint in the QMJHL to post 18 points in 15 U20 games. He brings structure, a strong forecheck, and the ability to deliver quick feeds to the inside.
On the blue line, Gus Van der Kaaij offers a steady defensive presence. Fresh off a stint in the National League and ranked 98th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting, he’ll be key to limiting high-danger chances.
In goal, Switzerland is expected to lean on a Matia Nico Birchler–Jovin Trachsel tandem, both capable of giving them a chance to stay in close, low-scoring games. (Josh Tessler)
Germany
We have somewhat grown accustomed to Germany coming to the WJC-18 with a few legitimate, draftable, NHL prospects in tow, and this year is no different. In fact, the 2007 German age group is one of the more impressive years the Central European nation has developed in recent times. Now, there is no Stützle, no Draisaitl, nor a Peterka or Reichel. What is impressive is more the depth of their team.
Goalie is probably their weakest position. Lukas Stuhrmann should be the starter, but as things stand he is nothing more than a solid junior goalie over in Europe.
On defense the group is led by righty puck-mover Carlos Händel, who was Halifax Mooseheads #2 blue-liner this season. Expect the man from Erlangen to be taken somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round on draft day. Behind Carlos Händel, Fabio Kose is the stand-out, a big, rangy puck-mover who can score goals and plays with an edge. Kose has a chance to be drafted into the NHL in the later rounds. Behind them the group gets thin quickly. Max Bleicher is a bottom pair OHL defenseman, and Moritz Warnecke – 2026 draft eligible – has some talent.
Up front the teams depth becomes apparent. David Lewandowski is the most notable name, a player who a year ago many considered could be a top 50 pick. His transition to the WHL, however, has not been easy, and Germany’s likely 1C at the tournament. His skating is his biggest weakness, and it means he will likely be a mid-round pick this summer. LW Dustin Willhöft, however, is probably more talented than Lewandowski, but his 5’7 frame means if he is drafted it will be very late. Additionally, the Griva twins – Gustavs and Rihards – are talented players who have a chance to go in the 5th-7th round of the draft. Fabio Kose’s twin Timo is also big and physical, with a pro-type game who could go very late. 6’4 Maxim Schäfer has a similar profile and NHL teams have been looking into him. There is also Elias Schneider, who is a wonderful goal-scorer and potential late round pick. Mateu Späth and Sebastian Zwickl also have pro experience, albeit are unlikely to be drafted. Maybe the most exciting player on the roster though? 2009 born, 2027 draft eligible Max Penkin. Penkin is a potential first round pick in 2027 and the best German prospect since the Stützle, Reichel, Peterka trio in 2020. Now, he is closer to Peterka and Reichel, but still a good prospect.
Germany open their tournament on the 24th vs Czechia. They will have a chance to get to the quarter-finals, as on paper they have a deeper team than their Swiss neighbours. But their success will depend on how their depth defenders and goalies hold up. They have had multiple games this season where they have put up 4 or 5 goals and still lost. (Alex Appleyard)
Czechia
The Czechs are virtually always competitive, even with the big boys, and this year should be no different. The team is littered with potential NHL players, not just for the 2025 draft, but also 2026 and 2027.
In net they have three goalies who all have a chance to be drafted. All have pro size and international experience. Portland Winterhawks Ondřej Štěbeták is the likely starter, however, Portland are still playing in the WHL play-offs, and if he joins it is likely a day or two late. However, 2026 draft prospect Tobias Trejbal has finished the season strongly and just committed to UMass. Michal Oršulák is likely the third goalie and the least talented of the trio, however he still appears at #9 in CSS Euro goalie rankings.
The teams defense is headlined by potential top 10 pick Radim Mrtka. The behemoth blue-liner is the clear standout on the back-end. Štěpán Černý is probably the second most “talented” blue-liner from the 2025 draft eligibles on the team, and will help run the PP. However, at 5’9 and listed at under 140lbs? NHL teams might pass on him even in the seventh round. Vladimir Dravecký will also play a big role, despite not being eligible until 2026, and has the potential to be a top 30 pick next summer. Max Pšenička is another Portland Winterhawk who will likely be drafted in the mid-rounds as a smooth-skating, stay-home defenseman. Tomáš Malínek and Tomas Mikel are draft eligible too, but likely wont be taken. The diminutive 15 year old Lukáš Kachlíř is an exciting one for the future, and if he has a growth spurt will be a high pick in the 2027 draft.
Up front the team’s star forward also lacks size. Adam Benák of the Youngstown Phantoms might be a first round pick in June if he were a few inches taller, but despite his height expect him to impress in Texas – if he arrives that is, as right now he is still in the USHL play-offs. His “Left-hand man” is Tomáš Poletín, a player who has a knack for scoring and is likely to go in the top 100 on draft day. The left-wing heavy line-up also possesses Vojtěch Čihař and David Rozsíval, who both might be taken inside the third round too and have pro-type games. The hulking Šimon Katolický and exciting Adam Novotný are also players to watch up-front, albeit for the early rounds of the 2026 draft. Vít Záhejský might get drafted very late this summer, but always shows better at international level. David Krčál, Matouš Kucharčík, Vít Macek, Matěj Mikeš, Dominik Pavlík and Matej Pekar all have a chance to be drafted late on as well, albeit maybe only 50% of those six go before the end of the seventh.
They open their tournament on the 23rd against the USA, before facing Germany less than 24 hours later. As usual, the Czechs go into the tournament as the fifth best team. They have not medalled in the tournament in over 10 years, since 2014 when they got silver on a team inspiring by Jakub Vrána, David Pastrňák and Pavel Zacha, but as always, they are capable of an upset. (Alex Appleyard)
Latvia
Latvia enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a structured and experienced group, returning five players from their World Junior squad: Daniels Serkins, Roberts Naudins, Olivers Murnieks, Martins Klaucans, and Krisjanis Sarts. The core of this team has seen meaningful international competition and will be leaned on heavily throughout the tournament.
Olivers Murnieks, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect, has been a standout in the USHL with Sioux City. He’s poised and creative with the puck, delivering well-timed playmaking both off the rush and the cycle. His puck handling, vision, and defensive reliability make him one of Latvia’s most important forwards.
Karlis Flugins, an undersized winger at 5’8″, has spent much of the season in a depth role with Flint but could be poised for more opportunity here. He brings solid speed, transitions the puck well, and has the tools to contribute when given space.
On the blue line, Alberts Smits provides a steady, physical presence. With Liiga experience under his belt, he’s reliable in his own end, uses the boards efficiently to exit the zone, and possesses a heavy shot from range that can generate offense from the point.
Latvia won’t overwhelm opponents with flash, but their structure, returning experience, and a few key play-drivers give them a chance to compete every night. (Josh Tessler)
Norway
This tournament is an excellent opportunity for Norway to continue showcasing the talent it is increasingly producing, and also we’ll see a few players who already have experience with the last national U20 team. That said, we want to see a bit more from them, so this tournament could be a great opportunity to prove they truly deserve the recognition. It’s also a great opportunity to take another step forward, considering that last year they stayed thanks to Elias Straume Vatne’s final shootout goal during the Relegation Round.
Norway’s biggest names are up front, with the first offensive line—based on previous games—featuring Niklas Aaram-Olsen and Mikkel Eriksen. Eriksen brings a strong creative spark, offensive talent and IQ that Aaram-Olsen, one of the most anticipated players in the tournament, can definitely take advantage of with skill. Keep an eye as well on Tinus Luc Koblar, whose size and playing style make him a very solid option for this offensive top-six. The first line has also included Linus Loob Trygg, who comes from a hockey family and currently plays for Färjestad—where his uncle Håkan Loob ended his career after a stint in the NHL. Norway has some talent developing in Sweden, like Casper Kjølmoen and Romeo Sørensen, the latter being another offensive player to watch based on his recent performances. It’ll be interesting to see if more names emerge within this offensive group, although everything points to Norway’s bottom-six being more focused on work and grind.
On defense, it’ll be interesting to watch Marius Määttänen, who stands at just 5’7”, but is expected to play on the top pairing alongside Andreas Pettersen, a larger defenseman. The blue line might be where Norway is a bit thinner, so a strong showing from goaltender Felix Timraz-Westin will be key. He’s a big goalie with solid numbers in Sweden’s J18 league.
Norway might be underestimated by other teams, seen as more beatable—but that could work in their favor. This squad is out to prove that they’re not just getting attention because of the growing interest in other nations’ prospects, but because they truly have what it takes to pass the challenge. (Iván Ortiz)
Slovakia
For years Slovakia faced a dearth of young talent, but in the last few years reforms at the domestic and international level have helped lead to the talent pipeline opening for business again, with the 2022 and 2023 drafts yielding multiple first round Slovaks for the first time since 2005.
This year, Slovakia have solid netminding. Tri-City Storm’s Michal Pradel will be the starter. Look for him to be drafted in the mid-rounds in two months. Back-up Patrik Brezani is workmanlike, and while he likely won’t be drafted will probably carve out a good pro career. Third goalie Samuel Hrenak is 2026 draft eligible and has the talent to go top 100 if he kicks on.
Their blue-line has suffered in the last year with their top young player – Vladimir Dravecký – switching allegiance to Czechia, however, their group still has some talent. The headline act is Luka Radivojevič of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Despite being 5’10 he has a real chance to go in the late second round this year. Matus Lisy is another one to watch for the 2025 draft, and is a good bet to go in the mid-late rounds. Patryk Zubek has talent, but is raw, and an NHL team might take a chance on him and his upside. Big righty Patrik Rusznyak also might play his way into a late round pick with a good tournament. Meanwhile, Adam Goljer is one to watch for 2026, and Filip Kovalcik is a 16 year old, 2027 eligible blue-liner who will get some ice-time.
Up-front they have a deep forward group, with a nice combination of talent and two-way ability. The forwards are headlined by potential second round pick Michal Svrcek and top 100 prospect Ján Chovan, both of whom lit it up at the Hlinka. Andreas Straka of the Québec Remparts and Alex Misiak of the Waterloo Blackhawks are also likely 2025 draft picks on the roster who will help insulate Svrcek and Chovan. Jakub Dubravik and Samuel Murin are also a potential late round sleeper picks, already showing well vs men in the Slovak 2nd tier, and impressing internationally this year. Slovakia will rely on a lot of 2026 draft forwards too, with Tobias Tomík and Adam Nemec especially standing out as potential high picks next summer. The talented 16 year old Boston College commit – Timothy Kazda – who plays for the Chicago Steel – is also one to watch for the future.
They should finish third in their group, behind Canada and Finland, and have a chance to therefore reach the semi-finals again with one good game. They kick off their tournament vs Finland on the 23rd. (Alex Appleyard)
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)
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)
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)
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)
On Sunday, December 1st the Smaht Scouting team will get together for our first ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft. We’ll rank an initial 32 players with a scattering of about 5-10ish honorable mentions as well.
As a North American crossover scout, my focus for the past 4+ months have been players who are playing in North America. This next week I’ll do a quick run through of who our European/Global scouts have put forward as top 32 candidates just so I have an idea of the player and what I see from them through a (much) smaller sample size than the North American players.
Before I post my own list; I do think it’s important to put out a few disclaimers. Firstly, I have my own biases when I evaluate a player. I will rank forwards who are effective transition players and who can create plays that lead to scoring chances. I put a larger emphasis on offensive ability and microstats for defensemen followed by their defensive ability. My rationale is pretty simple: I view the draft as an opportunity to land players that are harder to acquire through a trade or would cost a fortune in free agency (when you’re paying for their post-prime years). Some of the players I have ranked lower I, personally, would bet that they’ll play more NHL games than some that are ranked higher. However, it’s a risk/reward type of analysis and projecting to these players that formulates my philosophy when I’m drafting.
Secondly, if players come out of the Smaht ranking in a much different order: I won’t be upset. We have a diverse set of thought processes and opinions within the team that I am not expecting a group-think mentality on a lot of these players.
Lastly, when I ran numbers last year for drafts after 2009 I found that the average number of players from a draft to play 200 NHL games was a bit over 2 players per team. Obviously, teams who had multiple first round picks did better than teams who had 3-4 selections and all of them in the mid-late rounds. However, you’re going to miss some of the swings you make in a draft. That’s an obvious conclusion. My question to NHL teams and anyone in this business of scouting would be: what were swinging for when you selected the player? Missing on a fringe player or missing on a player you thought that, if everything broke right, would be a steal in that range? My philosophy lands in the latter part of the question.
Without further adieu, where I’m at going into next weekend.
Five General Thoughts About the Five Tiers
The 2025 North American class is extremely top heavy.
It’s been fun going through the first four names on this list and debating the order they should be in for me. My first post talked about who could unseat James Hagens, but I’ll be honest and say that I thought Hagens had the #1 spot locked up even prior to him playing a game for Boston College. My opinion has changed over the last month.
It’s not so much that Hagens has disappointed, but rather the leap that Misa made from last year to this year as well as the tantalizing prospect that a team with two centers could have in landing one of the best power forwards to come out in a draft class in awhile with Porter Martone.
I landed on Misa sitting at number one at this point for a couple reasons. The first being that his move to his natural position of center has unlocked a puck-dominant, two-way threat offensively that both shows up in casual viewings and through data analysis. He drives both shot generation in scoring areas on his own stick as well as is one the best in my data set in setting up scoring chances for others. Hagens has impressed as well, but his play creation isn’t nearly as consistent as Misa (partly because Gabe Perreault has taken the lead on his line for this) and his neutral zone transition game hasn’t been as strong as Misa’s even accounting for the difference in competition levels. Martone isn’t nearly as involved in transition nor as puck dominant as the other two, but his style of game for a team that does not need a play-driving pivot could easily see him become the number one pick in this draft.
Schaefer is rounding into form after his bout of mononucleosis to start the year, and as the year progresses could see himself supplant himself as an option over the other three given an NHL’s team’s need.
If you like fun, then the second tier is for you.
I probably have Cole Reschny a lot higher than my peers. I believe the main reason will be the average pace in his north/south game and he doesn’t make up for it with lateral agility or shiftniness. However, in terms of pure impact on a hockey game when he’s on the ice, he’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 isn’t a low volume passer. 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. Love the way this kid plays hockey.
Lynden Lakovic might be the smoothest skater in this draft class when you factor in his size. Players that are 6’4 aren’t supposed move like he does. He also possesses a puck handling ability of a much smaller player, able to play in tight spaces without having to lean on his size as the only way to shield the puck. He’s highly efficient and involved in offensive transitions and gets to dirty areas to get his shot off. He has some developmental growth in his offensive zone playmaking, and if that develops he could be a giant steal come the first round of the NHL Draft.
I don’t know what else Carter Bear has to do during his draft season to get ranked inside the top 8 through consolidated rankings. His point production pops off the sheet, but he’s not just a passenger on Julius Miettinen’s line. He’s fleet of foot and has above average puck skill. He creates on his own and isn’t just a middle or end-of-chain type of producer. He’s secondary in transition, but his involvement is still impressive and his effectiveness as well. He’s tenacious as a defender as a winger. He should climb up rankings lists as the year goes on.
Jackson Smith and Cullen Potter are two players I’ve talked at length about. Putting Potter’s age into consideration for the NCAA and then watching him dictate so much has been impressive. Smith continues to be one of the most electrifying offensive defenders in North America.
The Green Tier of potential
The Ben Kindel ranking and the Roger McQueen ranking are the two I am trusting my process with and hoping I don’t get made a fool of to start the year. Kindel just hasn’t had a bad game yet, and has been getting better every time I see him play. Similar to Reschny, a player that is highly involved and thinks the game very well and quickly as a pivot. His offensive transition success percentage isn’t where I’d like it to be, and it does give me pause given that his skill doesn’t pop off the screen, but everything else screams a mid-first round talent at this time.
Roger McQueen, before he got injured, just never gave me the viewing that I wanted from a player who is touted to be a top pick in this year’s draft. He had just 3 shots at even strength through two games, is one of the least involved players in transition, and neither completed passes or gained the offensive zone at a rate that I could rank higher than this. He flashes high-end skill from time-to-time, but I’d label him a developmental project at the moment. How much you believe you can squeeze that potential out of him will drive your opinion of where to take him in the draft.
Cameron Reid might be the best transition defender I’ve seen in North America, and with a bit more aggressive activation at even strength could challenge to be a top 12 pick in this year’s draft. Jake O’Brien falls into the Reschny/Kindel archetype offensively but plays at a much lower pace, and his defensive game still has a ways to go to be able to play center at the NHL level.
The Purple Tier of massive swings.
I’ll run through these quickly.
Logan Hensler shows promise as a carry-out, offensive transition defender who has four way skating ability. His passing decisions have been erratic to start the year, and he’s been conservative in his activation strategies from the blue line. There’s flashes of really good offensive tools, but still a lot of meat on the bone of what I’d like to see to jump him up the rankings.
Cam Schmidt is an amazing skater who is always looking to put the puck in the back in the net. He has deception in his rush lane differentiation, however his passing metrics have been sub-par and he could stand to balance out his shooting with more play creation in the offensive zone.
Nathan Behm is a power forward who flashes higher-end skill that could possibly play second fiddle on a line. He was more of a facilitator and transition passer in my first viewing and then ramped up the shot generation in the scoring areas in the second game. If he can develop more skill in his offensive zone entries he could be a truly dynamic forward.
Adam Benak funnels his entire passing game to scoring areas and isn’t afraid to go off the puck to the scoring areas as well. He gets out-muscled way too often on the boards and is easy to push off the puck. Give him a couple years to build up strength and he could really take off in the North American game.
The player on the NTDP that I think stands the most to gain from the NTDP/CHL series is Fondrk. He’s shown high-level play creation and skill, if he’s able to stand out in the CHL series this week I think he could cement himself with Mooney as the NTDP forwards who drive play for the rest of the season.
Ryker Lee is a transition king. Always a player when watching Madison I have to rewind after a “Who was that?!” moment and it’s usually Lee. He’s a bit erratic in his offensive zone game where he can force passes or skate himself into precarious situations, but the skill/skating is there.
Braeden Cootes is a player I’ve always traditionally liked. He’s a great skater with a motor who involves himself defensively and is a plus player in transition. He has been more of a playmaker for others than he is at creating shot opportunities for himself.
Mason Moe is a fluid pivot. Very good defensively and is so good at burying chances and making small area passes that create shots. The skill pops and the metrics are there, but there needs to be more involvement for him to cement himself into the first round.
Cornforth is undersized and this ranking is a bit of a stretch, but he has a 20% shot share, 20% of his passes go to the scoring areas and he is a transition monster with a 57% involvement rate with a 90% success rate. I wish he was a tad faster given his smaller frame, but he has all the makings of an undersized winger who will make an impact in the future.
Justin Carbonneau is a player that my eyes might like more than my brain does. His one-on-one skill and ability to hammer shots from scoring areas sticks in your brain. However, the data behind his game is less than ideal. Completing just 62% of his passes and a 60% success rate in transition through two games is not ideal. The skill is there, but the rest of his game has to round out to justify the ranking.
The Honorable Mentions
There are a lot of names that are appearing much higher in consolidated rankings in this tier. It’s not that I don’t like the player, but rather the players above them have outplayed and/or have a longer potential runway than I see with some of these players.
DRM and Boudmedienne are different players with the same flaw: they just don’t project to be offensive defensemen in the NHL, nor are they stalwarts in the defensive zone. Both are great puck movers, and DRM might be the smartest player with the puck and off-puck defender in the class, but not players I’d take with my first pick.
Brady Martin is raw. Generates a lot of shots, flashes some great skill from time-to-time, but also is a turnover machine at the offensive blue line and struggles to create plays.
Malcolm Spence is going to be an NHLer. How high his potential will be will be determined by how much better he gets at processing the game faster to make passes and/or adding another gear to his north/south speed.
I love LJ Mooney. I just don’t think LJ Mooney knows he’s 5’6 and plays a very reckless game. He has above average skill, but at that size, I want him to blow the doors down with skill if I’m taking him any higher than the second round.
Desnoyers is an ideal second round pick to me. Great off the puck in the offensive zone at getting into spaces to get his shot off, great passenger in transition who compliments a highly talented forward, and facilitates play in the offensive zone but without creating dangerous scoring chances for his teammates. There’s room for improvement in his game, but the skill level isn’t high enough for me to justify putting him in the first.
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. The data isn’t there for him yet, but I could see him flying up my board as the year goes on.
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The USNTDP has been a juggernaut as of late in producing highly talented, first round caliber prospects. The last two years we’ve seen 8 alumni of the program get drafted in the first round, with countless others being drafted throughout the draft.
Coming into the 2025 season I expected it to be a down year for the NTDP. They lost Cullen Potter to the NCAA instead of returning for the u18 season, and the depth of scoring on the team never wowed me when watching the u17s play last season. Couple that with the early season injury to L.J. Mooney and it’s been an interesting year getting to know the NTDP players.
I recently watched two games of the NTDP against Michigan and Harvard, and tracked one game each for the players below.
Conrad Fondrk, C, NTDP
Fondrk was the player that popped off the screen the most during both games, and his data was also the most favorable of the NTDP forwards. He’s a bit small and slender at 5’11 and 174 pounds, but he showed a willingness to try creative plays and blended skill and mental processing that was above the others on the team. He’s quick to turn out of pressure, he’s masterful in transition, and moves pucks to scoring areas with relative ease.
My only complaint when watching Fondrk offensively was that he was not given the puck more in transition. The NTDP utilized the wings a lot for their zone exits and the lack of puck touches hurt his line in maintaining possession. Defensively, he’s smart in positioning and active in passing lanes. However, his lack of physical development allowed him to get pushed around a bit along the boards.
He’s the only NTDP player I have firmly in my first round right now, and I think he has a very high offensive ceiling. If he is given a more offensive winger on his line in the future I think the points would begin to stack up for him as they transition into international and USHL play.
Charlie Tretheway, RHD, NTDP
Tretheway is the player that I have the hardest time pinning down exactly where I see his projection. His game is offensive leaning, and he made some serious defensive mistakes, but his offensive game isn’t efficient at this time and makes me question whether it will project to the NHL. He’s highly involved in trying to break the puck out of the zone, but he does so with erratic consistency. He can make a great outlet stretch pass and follow it up with a poor carry out attempt. His offensive skill set doesn’t possess much lateral agility to move players on the offensive blue line to dive deeper into the zone, but when he moves up into open space he does have a powerful snap shot he can get through the layers of the defense.
Tretheway is of the new-age, shoot first offensive defensemen. He didn’t register a dangerous pass in either game, but he looks actively to try to get his shot off. Defensively he has mobility to be an above average defender, but was caught out of position or misplaying a zone transition that led to more controlled possession time for the opposition than what was expected when he first engaged in the play.
There’s potential in the 6’1, right shot defender, but to categorically say that he will play on a power play or that he will develop into a defensively responsible top 4 defender, remains to be confirmed in my viewings.
L.J. Mooney, C/W, NTDP
Mooney is very small at 5’6 and 146 pounds, but plays like no one ever told him he might be too small to play the game he plays. He’s relentless when he touches the ice, suffocating space defensively, not afraid to play physically, and going to areas of the ice his size would tell you he has no business being there. I had to go back to his first USHL games before he was injured to watch his game, and it was an entertaining experience to say the least.
He’s a plus skater who has creativity to his game, but not necessarily the high-end skill that I’d expect from a player of his size. Similar to Fondrk, I wish he was given the puck more in transition because he was the player on his line who could manipulate defenders to keep possession through the neutral zone, but he was not as effective as Fondrk at offensive zone entries. Perhaps the biggest concern was that he wasn’t afraid to play in the dirty areas of the ice, but he didn’t register a shot there in the game I tracked.
There’s a lot of details to his game on both sides of the puck that I really like, but he didn’t blow down the doors after tracking him. To me, he’s a fun second round swing a team can make assuming he is able to recover from the injury he sustained.
Jack Murtagh, W, NTDP
Murtagh is a rollercoaster ride. On one hand, he had two amazing runs for shots in the offensive zone that were highlight reel level good. He has a great shot and is able to get it off against very good competition, and he was a productive transition player with the puck on his stick.
On the other hand, Murtagh doesn’t engage very much defensively and had the worst Corsi by far on the NTDP through the tracking data, and his passing decisions were very rushed and off target with him completing less than 50% of his total passes.
I like the skill and the offensive zone game, but there are a lot of details that need to be cleaned up between his defensive game and engagement, and his inability to process passing plays quick enough to maintain possession through his playmaking.
Will Moore, LW, NTDP
Moore on the power play is a weapon. He’s able to utilize the space he’s given to cause havoc with his shot and passing ability. Moore at even strength struggled to replicate the skill he showed when he was given space to create. He didn’t register a shot at even strength, was a low volume passer who completed just over 50% of his passes with only 11% going to dangerous areas of the ice, and was only 65% successful on his offensive transitions.
As an offensive leaning winger, there were a lot of holes to his game that I couldn’t view him as nothing more than a developmental project I’d take in the second round and hope that he is able to mature into the player I think he could be. He needs another step in his north/south speed, and needs to add more dynamic playmaking if he’s ever going to drive or play passenger on an offensive leaning line.
Random Thoughts
I watched two games of Ben Kindel and came away pretty impressed, especially after tracking the second game. He’s another one of these players in the 2025 draft whose skill doesn’t catch your eye, but is extremely smart and efficient in the way he plays hockey that drives results. He’s one of the tops in the dataset in terms of dangerous shots attempted per 60, and 29% of his passes go to dangerous areas of the ice. He’s very defensively responsible as well. I have him in my mid-first round right now, which I think may surprise people.
I love watching Caleb Desnoyers play for Team Canada, but watching him in the QMJHL has been a bit of a let down. He’s producing points, but in my viewings he’s shooting a lot from low danger areas and facilitating play in the offensive zone without driving scoring chances. He’s a smart player who flashes some skill, but if he’s going to end up in my first round he’s going to have to drive more high quality offensive chances.
I think Brady Martin has some skills that I really like, but also has a very long developmental runway to become the player I would take in the first round. He’s a prolific shooter with a little over half of his shots coming from dangerous areas of the ice. He’s an average playmaker in his passing game, but in my viewings, his puck skill is below average and that is hurting his offensive game. He struggled mightily at offensive zone entries and turns the puck over a ton. He’s not great at creating plays using his own skill in the offensive zone, and he plays at just an average pace. I see the potential, but also I see a lot of risk depending on how early you want to take him.
The player I liked the most compared to my expectations going into the game is Luca Romano. He’s a wiry center at Kitchener, but I love the pace he plays at and I think he has an above average playmaking ability and thinks the game very well while playing at his highest pace. There’s size and physical limitations to his game at the moment, but he’s a player that I could see sneaking into my first round by the mid-term rankings.
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I love to scout players, but it also comes with an absolute love of college hockey. On the weekends you will find me with my computer scouting players with a college hockey game on the TV in the background at all times. From the fan atmosphere (my trip to Yost last year is still the top hockey game experience I’ve ever had), the pace and flow of the game, to the rivalries that have developed: there’s no greater hockey experience outside your favorite team winning a playoff game.
I took a look at the six draft eligible players in the NCAA the past two weeks. Tracking one game each and flipping around to catch bits and pieces of the rest of their games the past two weekends. There are some early thoughts.
James Hagens, C, Boston College
What I liked: I thought Hagens continues to be one of the smarter players in this year’s draft. His off-puck game continues to be a strength and his ability to read plays as they develop has translated to the faster, more physical play in the NCAA. Boston College started their season on the road against a top 10 team in Michigan State for a two game series, which didn’t exactly ease Hagens into his college career. He played well in the game I tracked and didn’t look out of place. He generated 5 even strength shot attempts, was involved in 50% of his line’s offensive transitions, and played well off the puck as the second line pivot. He centered Teddy Stiga and Andre Gasseau, perhaps a shift from the expectations that he was going to immediately supplant Will Smith on the top line between Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard although they pulled Hagens up to the first line when they were down a goal in the third.
What gave me pause: Hagens doesn’t have top-end north/south speed and Michigan State was able to get on top of him in the neutral zone. While he was involved in 50% of his line’s successful offensive transitions, he did so at just a 59% success rate. They pressured him often at the blue lines and he struggled to find lanes to puck handle by or to hit teammates exiting/entering the zone. Michigan State is very physical and Hagens struggled to make plays on the inside, with just three of his shot attempts coming from dangerous areas and just 13% of his passes going there as well. His skill level is clearly above average and his anticipation to make a play is high-end, however he lacked a clear ability to be able to make a play at will throughout the series with Michigan State.
Final thoughts: I went into the last two weekends expecting Hagens to separate himself from Michael Misa as the clear #1 prospect coming out of North America, and I have left the viewings having more questions than answers. Right now, and I don’t mean for this to be a hot take, I have Misa ahead of Hagens on my initial rankings. I’m not big on point production, but his point production is right on par with where Celebrini was last year through three games. However, the one big difference between Celebrini/Fantilli and Hagens is (and probably will be) the point differential between themselves and their nearest teammate. I find it hard to believe that Hagens will have the 15 point differential that Celebrini had at BU with Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard on the team. Perhaps, eventually, Hagens begins to center the top line and supplants Oskar Jellvik as the center between Perreault and Leonard. Or perhaps Hagens blows away the competition at the World Juniors. But going into November, I would say that the 1st overall pick is up for grabs.
Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State
What I like: 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.
What gives me pause: Potter plays the game at 100 miles an hour, and at the beginning of the game he was trying to think the game a bit too fast which led to some unwarranted turnovers or trying to create plays that weren’t there. From immediately getting a turnover and trying to turn around and hit a homerun on a stretch pass, to trying to do too much with the puck on his stick and ignoring simple plays that would’ve been dangerous shot attempts to try to create something himself, he displayed a lot of high-end tools without the high-end processing it takes to generate scoring changes as a playmaker. He settled into his game in the backend of the first period and throughout the rest of the game though. Against Providence, in the limited times I saw him play over this past weekend, he was still creating chances against a very structured defensive team.
Final thoughts: Potter has cemented himself inside my top 15 for this year. It will be difficult to move him past that point. Currently he’s sitting outside the Misa/Hagens/Martone tier, but is in the second tier of players that I have labeled as top 15 picks. There hasn’t been a player in North America that has showcased an ability to break open a game like him so far, but he’s going to have to demonstrate that he can slow his mental processing down to make optimal plays for him to drive up the rankings.
Logan Hensler, RHD, Wisconsin
What I like: Hensler was the best carry-out offensive transition player I tracked in the NCAA the last two weeks. He’s aggressive taking the puck up the ice and, as Wisconsin was struggling throughout the weekend with Lindenwood, Hensler seemed to take it upon himself to try to jump start a struggling Wisconsin offense. I thought he was very good defensively. He has an active stick at the blue line and isn’t afraid to drive players to boards to physically take them out of their rush lane and battles hard down low to dig out pucks to start transition. He was the most involved defensemen in transition, being involved in 46% of Wisconsin’s successful transitions, and was always looking for a way to try to contribute offensively. Unfortunately, Wisconsin plays a pretty conservative system so there were not many activation strategies used for Hensler to drive deep into the zone on the offensive end.
What gives me pause: Hensler carrying the puck out of the zone on his stick was impressive, Hensler trying to complete a pass for a defensive exit was a major struggle, especially against such a lackluster opponent in Lindenwood. He’s last in the defensemen dataset in offensive transition success percentage, with almost all of them being turnovers due to his defensive exits. He passes the puck well with space, but struggles under pressure to find optimal plays as, once again, he’s sitting last in the dataset for defensemen in passing completion percentage.
Final thoughts: Similar to Hagens, I dropped Hensler down in the rankings after tracking a Lindenwood game and watching the Ohio State game. Wisconsin, as a team, is a hot mess to start this year. They lost a significant part of their roster and are trying to gel multiple pieces together to begin the year under Mike Hastings’ famously defensive system. They have a big weekend coming up with two games against the defending National Champions University of Denver. As the year progresses I want to see Hensler have more of a plan when completing his passes and trying to generate the offensive breakout.
Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, LHD, Michigan
What I like: He’s the smartest puck mover I’ve seen in the draft class thus far. He completed over 86% of his passes, and 3 of the 4 passes he didn’t complete were scheduled dump-ins based off a line-change or off a draw just outside the offensive zone. In the offensive zone he’s quick to move a puck to the slot for a dangerous chance and doesn’t think first to just shoot into traffic from the point, and I love his off-puck defensive game. He mitigates transition not by suffocating the puck as it hits the blue line, but rather by taking away the breakout/entry passing options to force players to find another option that would not be their primary passing option.
What gives me pause: I have long held the philosophy that I don’t draft defensemen in the first round unless they have powerplay potential or are a lengthy, shutdown defender with great transition ability. Rheaume-Mullen played just over 11 minutes of total ice time against Arizona State and saw no power play time. His skating isn’t a strength, and he gives up considerable space at the blue line on entries for players to be able to gain control in the offensive zone. He mitigates the latter point by forcing players into the corners and then pressuring the offensive player to try to cycle or go back to the point. His one-on-one with Cullen Potter was noteworthy as he didn’t allow Potter to turn the corner on him and the backchecking forward was able to then separate Potter from the puck on his turn back to the outside.
Final Thoughts: I love so much about Rheaume-Mullen’s game, but I don’t know if I see the offensive upside to justify a first round grade on him at the moment. He currently sits as my first player in the second round, but as the year goes on I’m hopeful he’ll earn more ice time to see his ranking rise. The addition of Tim Rovell from the transfer portal boxed him out of a PP2 role behind Ethan Edwards, but his ability to quarterback the backend at even strength, thus far, could see him earn some PP time as the year goes on.
Sascha Boudmedienne, LHD, Boston University
What I like: In a similar vein to Rheaume-Mullen, I really liked how well he was able to generate transition through smart passes in the neutral zone. They were both almost identical in transition involvement percentage and success rate. Boudmedienne had a bit more offensive flair to his game at even strength by looking to move into open ice to take his shot and activating down the wall to thread a couple passes into dangerous areas of the ice. He made some nice defensive plays down low given his size to box out defenders to win board battles and his skating looked at an NHL pace with very good edge work.
What gives me pause: He tries to make difficult passes when attempting offensive zone exits and too often tries to thread passes to forwards who weren’t going to be able to make a play even if they were able to receive the pass in the neutral zone. He’s a smart passer, but his aggressiveness in transition did cause a few turnovers that came back the other way on him. Defensively I thought he was good, but I would like to see him use his mobility a bit more on the blue line to stop plays earlier. His off-puck defensive game could use some refinement as well as he played a very traditional role and didn’t read the plays that were developing in front of him fast enough to be able to counteract what UConn was trying to do for an entry/exit.
Final thoughts: Similar to Rheaume-Mullen, Boudmedienne is currently boxed out of any power play time by the players in front of him. Having Wallinder and Cole Hutson playing in front of him is going to limit his opportunity to generate points. I do think Boudmedienne has earned a similar status as Rheaume-Mullen in terms of ranking, and both (to me) are candidates for D+1 breakout seasons when their ice time on the PP is increased.
Shane Vansaghi, C/W, Michigan State
Shane played 9 minutes of ice time against Boston College in a checking line role. He could carry the puck out for an offensive exit but struggled with offensive entries. He completed just 40% of his passes and both shot attempts were long-distance shots meant to draw a rebound. He is super physical and hits anything that comes across his path, but in terms of draft stock, I would say he’s sitting somewhere in the mid-late rounds if you’re looking for a player who could play as a physical, F1 forechecker on your 4th line.
Three Players I’m Fawning Over
Lynden Lakovic, LW,Moose Jaw
The most fluid skater in North America and does it at 6’4 as well. While he plays with Brayden Yager on a line, Lakovic is driving a lot of play himself and is not necessarily sitting as a passenger in transition or the offensive zone. He had a 50% shot share for his line in the game I tracked to go along with completing 82% of his passes, a 53% offensive transition involvement at a 95(!)% success rate. He has so much skill and speed as well as a great wrist shot from dangerous areas. He’s firmly planted inside my top 10 right now with even more room to improve. He drives a lot of his own offense from the inside, but once he starts driving his passing in the zone from facilitating the cycle/to the point and more to creating chances in the dangerous areas of the ice his point numbers could skyrocket even more than they are now.
Carter Bear, LW, Everett
I talk about players that endear themselves to me through always making the right play and playing hard on both ends of the ice, and no one has done that more in the past two weeks than Carter Bear. A tenacious forechecker and aggressive suffocator of space, he has played well off of Julius Miettinen to form a lethal even strength line. He plays with great pace and above average skill as well. He generated a 20% shot share, completed 81% of his passes with 38(!)% going to dangerous parts of the ice and was involved in 37% of his team’s offensive transitions at a 71% success rate. In the game I tracked that equated to 3 even strength points. He’s sitting within my top 15 with room to move into the top 10.
Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener
Just an absolute eraser on the blue line in transition. Saginaw avoided him at all costs when trying to enter the zone because his stick and physicality took away almost any chance of successfully gaining the zone. Coupled with his great mobility and smart puck moving skills, I became an instant fan of Reid. He’s a bit smaller as he’s listed at 5’11 (he looks to be at least 6’0 when I watch him play though), but his defensive game has been outstanding to start the year. He’s also smart in his activations from the blue line, cutting backdoor off a faceoff for a one-time goal in the game I tracked. As the year goes on I’d like to see him get a little bit more involved in the offensive transition game as he deferred the exit/entry to his forwards, and he was a bit too risky in his passing decisions, but overall he’s been one of my favorite defenders to start the year in North America.
Random Thoughts
Jett Lajoie is a player I’m struggling with putting together his production stats and microstat profile. He plays a power forward style game but at 5’11 without a lot of pace. I didn’t see a lot of skill in the neutral zone and struggled at offensive zone entries, but once he was in the zone he was a shooting machine with a 70% shot share. I tend to stay away from players in archetype to the late 2nd round at least, but he’s one I will be keeping a close eye on throughout the year.
David Holub doesn’t have great mobility and doesn’t defend the blue line well, but is an excellent passer in transition, activates well in the offensive zone, and makes smart plays that lead to offensive chances. The skill doesn’t line up with the microstats, but could see him as an early day 2 pick in the draft.
Two players I liked watching but have to let the year play out to really figure out what I want to do with them are Jonas Woo and Jack Nesbitt. Woo is incredibly small and plays small in the defensive zone. However, he was incredible at offensive transitions and made high-end plays to complete passes in transition. There’s offensive potential, but his lack of a defensive game and size makes him a risky gamble for any NHL team taking him. Nesbitt was overshadowed by an ‘08 forward on his line, but I really like his defensive game, size, and he makes some smart passes in the offensive zone. He was a low volume shooter so if he gets a bit more aggressive in the offensive zone with his size I’ll be interested to see what he looks like at the end of the year.
Matteo Nobert is smooth in his playmaking. Makes some really nice passes and has good skill and thinks the game very well. He was a rollercoaster in the offensive zone with his lack of engagement, and his lack of intensity and average mobility made him a non-factor in the defensive zone.
Henry Brzustewicz is a conundrum. In the offensive zone he is consistently looking to make things happen. He is second in the defensemen dataset in shot attempts, completed 80% of his passes, and is involved in 35% of his team’s offensive transitions. However, he made some very bad mistakes in the defensive zone for a 6’2 defender. I don’t think he goes as early as his brother, but I also think there’s a bit more mobility to his game.
I have a lot of time for Bill Zonnon. He plays a very traditional power forward role as he took all of his shot attempts from high danger areas, was a low volume passer but 27% of them went to dangerous areas of the ice, was involved in 37% of his team’s offensive transitions at a 77% success rate. His skating is a concern and he isn’t able to separate from players with the puck on his stick and too often players were able to get around his forecheck with their mobility.
The first player that I have on my “oh who was that!” that I didn’t track is Xavier Label. He’s super involved in all facets of the offensive game, and he tries a lot of difficult plays. While he fails at them more often than not, he was a player that was off my radar who caught my eye more than once while scouting another player. Look forward to digging into his game a bit more.
As we build up to the first ranking for Smaht (which will most likely be in early-mid November) and then the first scouting reports which usually drop around the World Juniors in December; I thought I’d offer some bi-weekly scouting ramblings about North American players I’ve watched, some thoughts on where my brain is at, and some general observations about the North American draft class.
Will anyone from North America challenge James Hagens for #1?
I could give a wishy-washy answer here and say that it’s too early to make that determination, but from what I’ve seen so far I don’t see a player in this draft who will be able to drive a line offensively like Hagens in this class in North America. However, I do think three players will be in the mix going into initial rankings.
Porter Martone has started the year off putting up gaudy numbers for the Brampton Steelheads in the OHL to the tune of 5 goals and 13 points in his first 5 contests. Digging into his games I find a very physically mature and skilled front-seat passenger who thrives as the second fiddle on the line behind Carson Rehkopf. In the one game in which I hand-tracked some of his stats he was very efficient and involved in offensive transition, and facilitated play well in the offensive zone with a few nice passes to dangerous areas. He only had one shot 5v5 in the game, but he was active in generating chances in the offensive cycle and played a very physical and defensively responsible game.
If you are pounding the table for Roger McQueen then I assume you see the flashes of high-end skill with his size and are salivating over the type of player he may become as he develops over the next 3-5 years. I find myself a bit more hesitant to jump on the bandwagon at the start of this season. While there were definitely moments where I was impressed (his ability to use puck skill and a lateral crossover to swing past a defender with his length and the fluidity of how quick he can take a puck off the boards and swing it out front with his length and skill stick out to me the most), I find myself a bit underwhelmed when I went digging under the hood at his game. He attempted just one shot at even strength in my viewing, sent only 14% of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice as a lower volume passer, and was involved in just 18% of his team’s offensive transitions at a 63% success rate. It’s a couple viewings and one game tracked, but his offensive involvement at even strength will need to pick up for me to want to push him inside my own top 5 in June.
My personal favorite to push Hagens in North America has been Michael Misa. His jaw-dropping skill in my two viewings is backed up with across the board impressive microstat data. One of the leading shot generators so far in the dataset is coupled with almost all of them coming from dangerous parts of the ice. He’s a high-volume passer who facilitates 29% of them to dangerous areas, and is involved in 40% of his team’s offensive transitions with an absurd 86% success rate. When the eye test matches the dataset then you’ve got my attention. I feel like the assists will begin to accumulate as he’s not a one-trick pony with his shot, and as the year goes on he may be the one who can challenge for the number 1 spot.
Matthew Schaefer had a fantastic Hlinka but unfortunately is out to start the OHL year with mono. His trajectory from the hype of the Hlinka could’ve seen him push into this discussion. Malcolm Spence has had an up-and-down start and is one of the older prospects in this class. I don’t think he ends up being discussed in this conversation as the year goes on, but he was a player I had my eye on from scouting him over the summer.
Three Players I find myself fawning over
Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)
I have an extreme bias to players like Reschny. He’s a two-way center who is consistently involved in all areas of the ice, making the right plays almost every time, and facilitating play through the neutral zone and in the offensive zone at 5v5. At 5’10, I’ve seen multiple occasions where he’ll use his body to separate players from the puck on the boards and in open ice, and then turn around to spearhead an offensive chance going the other way. There’s a reason why Victoria is off to such a hot start and Reschny is a large part of it.
Not only does he do the little things that catch my eye on the periphery when scouting a Victoria game, but the game I tracked validated his effectiveness. Over 38% of his passes went to dangerous areas at even strength, was involved in 62% of the offensive transitions, and generated three points against the opposing team’s top line. If he were just a hair faster in his north/south speed, I would venture to guess he would be entering consensus conversations for a top 7 pick in this year’s draft. He’s firmly planted there for me right now, and I hope he’s able to continue to develop as the year goes on.
Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri-City (WHL)
I didn’t have Jackson Smith on my radar as a potential high pick to start the year, but
after watching a game against Victoria I was utterly impressed. His 6’3 frame combined with his skating, puck skill, and ability to manipulate defenders to move into areas of the ice has impressed me. He doesn’t have the Lane Hutson puck-skill/deceptiveness nor is he an overly physical defender, but what he does do is combine quick twitch movements at a high pace that put defenders on edge and he’s able to move sticks to thread passes at even strength and the power play. His gaps have been really good in my two viewings and he’s active in defending the front of the net.
After Matthew Schaefer, he’s been the most impressive defensemen I’ve watched this year. In a draft class that, so far, hasn’t had many defensemen in North America grade out too well in the early going; Smith could see his name called very early if his early season development and production continue.
Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)
I can't believe we're scouting 07's next year. It's been wild this past 4 days to see some of the kids I've know from around the rinks in Buffalo at Hlinka camp. Knowing they'll be in the USHL and it's their draft year makes me feel so damn old.
I’m sorry, but I’ve been fawning over Cullen Potter for the past two years and all he did in his opening weekend against Air Force is show that he is still the dynamic and fun winger that he was last year on the NTDP and before that on the Dallas Stars 16u AAA team. Very few players in North America possess his ability to break open a game in transition with his speed, and even fewer have the puck-skill and audacity to try to create the plays he attempts. It was the opening weekend against a weak Air Force team, but I imagine he’s going to turn some heads when he plays against Michigan this weekend.
Random Thoughts Through the First Couple Weeks of the 2025 NHL Draft Season
I went into the USHL season expecting to be gushing about Gavin Cornforth and Ben Kevan, but it’s been a pair of Madison Capitals that have really caught my attention. Mason Moe is a fluid, big pivot who has shown a great two-way game with skill and the ability to get inside to get his shot off. Ryker Lee is just fun. With the puck on his stick he’s able to make high-end plays, but without the finishing execution that will take his game to another level. I would be surprised if either landed in our initial top 32, but I could see one or both making the case by the end of the year.
Cam Schmidt is the definition of fun. One of the best skaters I’ve seen this year and isn’t afraid to play on the inside of the ice, Schmidt was impressive in my only viewing of him this year. There were things that gave me a slight pause: he could throw errant passes at inopportune times, didn’t really look to pass to dangerous areas but rather try to take the puck himself there every time, and had a lower offensive transition success percentage than I would’ve liked to see from a smaller, puck dominant player. However, the tools are all there and it was one game. I expect him to become one of my favorites as the year goes on.
Justin Carbonneau didn’t do much when it comes to passing the puck, but that boy sure knows how to get to dangerous areas of the ice to rip shots. If he can round out his offensive game he’ll be a fun one to track through the year. Adam Benak sent a ridiculous 45% of his passes to dangerous parts of the ice in his first game I tracked. His speed and skill is so much fun to watch, and as his USHL season goes along I think he may be able to convince NHL teams to take a swing on him earlier than his height would expect. I’ve got plenty of time for Ty Coupland and Nathan Behm. Both players were pleasant surprises when I tracked him, and both have areas in their game that I want to see improved before I feel confident on where I’d place them in an initial ranking. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen was one of the most consistent defenders during Michigan’s opening weekend. His ability move pucks up the ice with control continues to be one of my favorite traits of his, and his transition to the NCAA was smooth. With Ethan Edwards and graduate transfer Tim Lovell on the roster, I don’t think Rheaume-Mullen will earn much power play time, but I do think he has more offensive ability than will get showcased during his draft eligible year.
Below you will find the rankings and a high level summary on each player.
#1 – Macklin Celebrini – Center – Boston University
I feel confident that Celebrini will eventually be a top line asset at the NHL level. The production will come quickly with his shot and his acceleration. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching him leverage his acceleration to get himself into quality shooting lanes. Not only is it working well at full strength, but it is even more lethal when on the power play. His ability to identify and quick take advantage of tight passing lanes to the slot will net him quite a number of assists at the next level. Defensively, he is responsible and quite sound. (Josh Tessler)
#2 – Ivan Demidov – Right Wing – SKA St. Petersburg
The most dynamic, fun, and exciting player in the draft, Demidov just oozes skill and creativity in every facet of his game. The way he’s able to slow the game down and weave around defences—sometimes a bit too much—is mesmerising; his small area skill is really impressive, and the creativity and quickness that he brings makes him an electrifying player to watch. In my eyes, he’s still a strong contender for first overall, and he’s remained my personal #1 all year; the dynamic skill that he has could make him a uniquely talented player in the NHL, and the prospect of where that could take him is so exciting to me. The questions with Demidov largely come down to translatability, consistency, and decision-making. It’s hard to say how his game will translate to smaller ice, higher pace / intensity, and tougher competition, given his skating limitations and tendency to slow down and do too much; which makes a more easily projectable player like Celebrini difficult to pass up. But I have a lot of faith in the skill and the mind that Demidov has to figure it all out, and I fully believe he’s going to be an incredible NHL player, surpassing even my expectations. For me, after #1, it’s a no-brainer. (Gray Matter)
#3 – Berkly Catton – Forward – Spokane
Catton blends nifty edgework with high-end skill alongside a surgical approach to dissecting opposing teams’ defensive structures. His microstat profile is aburd through two games. He’s averaging five dangerous shots a game, completing 75% of his passes with 29% going to dangerous areas of the ice, and is involved in a ridiculous 58% of all offensive transitions for Spokane with a 94%(!!!) success rate. Outside of Bedard, he’s the best WHL player I’ve tracked in three years. (Austin Garret)
#4 – Artyom Levshunov – Right Handed Defenseman – Michigan State University
The Michigan State defenseman has been intriguing from an offensive standpoint. He loves jumping into the rush and pinching up with and without the puck. He will look to position himself in the high slot and pepper shots on net. Levshunov has collected quite a few assists at 5v5 as a result of generating rebounds for his teammates at the crease. Defensively, Levshunov’s positioning can be spotty at times. Since he likes to pinch up and play up in the offensive zone, there are shifts in which he finds himself slightly out of position and struggles to get back into position. When Levshunov is in position and ready to defend, he isn’t always assertive and I’d like to see Levshunov work on being more assertive when looking to shut down the attack. (Josh Tessler)
#5 – Cayden Lindstrom – Forward – Medicine Hat
Cayden Lindstrom continues to remain one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft with his combination of size, speed, and skills giving him the upside of a top-six contributor at the NHL level. Despite not having played since December, his film up until then remains incredibly impressive. When I watch him play, all I can think is POWER. Everything he does is so powerful, from his stride to his shot. He leverages his size and skill to great effect in the offensive zone where he is frequently a threat to score from everywhere or find an open teammate when he pulls multiple defenders into his space. His forechecking ability remains one of the best in this draft and he is a capable defender with the physical tools to continue to improve in this area. He may slip in the draft due to his injuries but should he make a complete recovery, he could prove to be one of the best players in this class. (Chris Ford)
#6 – Zeev Buium – Left Handed Defenseman – University of Denver
Zeev Buium is the most well-rounded defenseman in the 2024 NHL Draft class. In the offensive zone, Buium is a great quarterback from the point. He will shift across the point and pinch up with the puck in an effort to identify and utilize a passing lane to the slot. Defensively, Buium does a good job of positioning himself in front of the attack to take away skating lanes. When moving the puck up the ice, if he is slightly further back behind his teammates he’ll opt to pass forward to them. (Josh Tessler)
#7 – Tij Iginla – Forward – Kelowna
Tij Iginla can be very tenacious in his pursuit of the puck in the offensive zone. Iginla looks to pray on the vulnerable and does a great job of stick lifting and poke checking to cause disruption in puck possession. Iginla does well at feathering passes in tight and does a good job with puck security when being pursued by multiple attackers at close proximity. He’s got a good shot especially from range. But, should he be leading the rush he’ll love to attempt wrap-around shots. Iginla has second line upside and could be deployed at center or wing without losing a step. (Josh Tessler)
#8 – Zayne Parekh – Right Handed Defenseman – Saginaw
Zayne Parekh is one of the better puck moving defensemen in the 2024 NHL Draft class. He loves to take advantage of tight passing lanes when on the rush and pressure intensifies. Parekh will complete outlet and stretch passes underneath the stick of the attacker with ease. When off puck but his team has possession of the puck, Parekh loves to jump into the rush and provide his teammates with a passing option up ice. In the offensive zone, when pinching up he loves to change up his pace to throw off attackers and buy separation so he can net enough space to get a pass off to the interior. Defensively, his positioning has been solid, but he isn’t an overly assertive defenseman. (Josh Tessler)
#9 – Sam Dickinson – Left Handed Defenseman – London
Dickinson is likely to be one of the first defenders off the board come draft day in June. He has a pro-favoured frame at 6ft3 and 194 lbs, and uses it incredibly effectively in both ends of the ice. If it weren’t for 2023 1st round pick Oliver Bonk (PHI) taking PP time, I think we would perceive Dickinson’s offensive capabilities differently, and project him out a bit differently. In the defensive zone, he nips plays in the bud, and accelerates the transition game with quick up passes. Skating is a strength, and there is no glaring weakness directionally. He can go all four directions well, with good agility to re position when needed. (Ben Jordan)
#10 – Liam Greentree – Right Wing – Windsor
Liam Greentree, a draft-eligible captain in the CHL, shone on a weak Windsor Spitfires team, scoring 90 points in 64 games. Known for his blend of power and finesse, he thrives under pressure, using his physicality to create plays. Greentree excels in puck handling, passing, and shooting, making him a constant offensive threat. He skillfully navigates through defenders with clever moves and strategic delays, positioning himself as one of the top distributors in his draft class. While his playmaking stands out, he’s also a proficient scorer. However, his skating is a key area for improvement, lacking agility and speed, which could hinder his top-six potential. Despite this, his playing style effectively compensates, making him a solid third-line player with the upside to grow into a top-six role if his skating improves. Greentree’s mix of classic power and modern playmaking sets him apart. With enhanced skating, he could become a highly effective top-six winger in the NHL. (Chris Ford)
#11 – Nikita Artamonov – Left Wing – Nizhny Novgorod
When draft day comes the chatter about Nikita Artamonov is likely to include “this guy came out of no-where this year”. But make no mistake, the Nizhnekamsk native has been one of the best three Russian forwards amongst his age-group for the last couple of years. This year however? He has taken a giant leap, and is playing at a level in the KHL that very few draft eligibles ever achieve. 23 points in 54 games is preposterous, with Michkov, Tarasenko and Panarin the only players in the KHL’s 15 year history to do better P/GP wise. Artamonov belies the outdated stereotype of the skilled, Russian winger who only plays in the offensive zone. He is an energiser bunny. Voracious on the fore-check, diligent in the defensive zone, with an active stick that constantly disrupts lanes. Furthermore, while no-one would mistake him for a physical player, he is more than happy to go to the corners or net-front. However, he is not just an “energy” player. He is a great skater and a fantastic passer, alongside this his ability to get free ice in the offensive zone is exceptional. The downsides? He is not the most “creative” player, his hands are quite average and he could use his solid shot more than he does. Nevertheless, Artamonov has the potential to be a 70+ point, two-way winger in the NHL if he keeps developing. (Alex Appleyard)
#12 – Cole Eiserman – Left Wing – USNTDP
Eiserman is constantly making an impact each shift he is out there for. In the offensive zone, he is a good forechecker, will fight for pucks down low and in the corners. Eiserman will rely on his reach to stick lift attackers and force a disruption in oppositional puck possession. He has good puck manipulation and will use it to draw in attackers and then quickly pass underneath the stick to an open teammate. Eiserman has an excellent shot especially from range. He does play with a bit of a physical edge in all three zones. If he isn’t the one shutting down play, he isn’t far behind and will scoop up pucks below the red line. When in transition, if Eiserman is driving the puck up ice, he does struggle to get separation around attackers. Eiserman projects to be a top six goal scorer, who won’t always push play up ice, but will provide his linemates with someone who fights hard for pucks and will be a threat with his shot. (Josh Tessler)
#13 – Trevor Connelly – Forward – Tri-City
Trevor Connelly does a good job of not forcing the puck into danger and will pivot away from pressure to get the separation that he needs to complete a pass to the interior. But, if he doesn’t have a great passing option to the interior and yet sees that his teammate does have a passing lane to the low slot from behind the net, Connelly will pass the puck along the boards to get the puck into the hands of the teammate behind the net. When driving the cycle to find a lane to the slot, he does a good job of navigating the puck around pressure with his reach and great handling. He will work the puck along the boards and scan for passing lanes to get the puck to an open teammate in the slot. If he has the puck and a teammate is close by with an attacker looking on, he will delay, draw the attacker to him and then pass to his teammate who is now open with a clear lane to the crease. When in transition, if he faces pressure once he gets the puck in the neutral zone, he’ll re-group and find another lane into the offensive zone. (Josh Tessler)
#14 – Michael Brandsegg-Nygård – Right Wing – Mora
There has never been a Norwegian who has gone in the first round. The highest a Norweigan has been picked was Marius Holtet, who went 42nd overall in 2002. Next summer Michael Brandsegg-Nygård will change that. The Oslo native has everything to be a top NHLer. Brandsegg-Nygård, no matter how much you watch, has no major issues. The things that make him stand out? His release is fantastic, he gets the puck off crisply, quickly, and with a high level of accuracy even if it is away from his body or in his feet. His hockey IQ is impressive, he is virtually never out of position and seemingly knows where everyone is on ice at all times. He is also a legitimate power-forward, who likes to throw his weight around and get to the net-front. On the boards he regularly dominates men 15 years his senior. Defensively he is also impressive, with an active stick and the ability to win most 1-v-1 battles. While he has no “holes” he does have a few things to improve upon to reach his potential. His skating is solid, but will need to get more explosive. Additionally, while his vision is fantastic, he does not always connect on pass attempts, and will likely never be a high-end play-maker. But make no mistake, he has the potential to be one of the premier two-way wingers in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)
The 2024 NHL draft does not have an abundance of Centers with clear 1C upside, but Helenius is certainly on that short list. Last year the Finn put himself in the conversation as a potential top five pick, with 11 points in 33 Liiga games at just 16 years old. This year he has advanced that conversation further. 36 points in 51 games, while playing Center in one of the world’s best five pro leagues? That should probably be turning more heads than it has. Since 1990 Olli Jokinen (by coincidence Helenius’s current coach), Mikhail Granlund, Alex Barkov, Patrik Laine and Kaapo Kakko are the only five draft eligibles who have produced at 0.70 P/GP in Liiga. 4/5 went top three, and 4/5 have become consistent 65+ point NHL players, with Kakko still having a chance to make it 5/5. Helenius’s game is built around his high IQ, which he uses to dictate play. He is a fantastic transition player and drives play as a result. His passing is crisp, accurate and deceptive, and while he might primarily be a play-maker he has a good shot, especially his one-timer from the left half-wall on the power-play. He is not the fastest, but is extremely shifty and agile. Helenius also has an exceptional compete level, and is more than solid defensively. Once he matures physically he certainly has the potential to be a legitimate 1C in the NHL, albeit many teams might move him to wing. (Alex Appleyard)
#16 – Adam Jiricek – Right Handed Defenseman – Plzen
Adam Jiricek is one of the stronger defensive defensemen in this class. When defending against the rush, he communicates well with his forwards to explain where he needs the support prior to crossing into the defensive zone. He implements extremely good positioning to shut down passing and shooting lanes to the interior. Jiricek does a great job of re-adjusting his positioning when defending against multiple attackers to shut down potential one-timers. When behind the red line and along the boards, he plays with a physical edge and will look to pokecheck. Jiricek’s floor seems to be a top four defensemen, but with more and more refinement he could potentially be a top two defensemen. (Josh Tessler)
#17 – Alfons Freij – Left Handed Defenseman – Växjö
For the first time in a long time, there is a real possibility that we don’t see any Swedes drafted in the first round in 2024. That being said, Swedish defenseman Alfons Freij possesses many traits and attributes that give him a shot at hearing his name called on day 1 and still make him a very intriguing prospect for any organization. His two best and most projectable traits are his skating and puck moving ability, and they often go hand-in-hand. Freij is an incredibly mobile defenseman who oozes confidence with the puck on his stick. He often will take the puck from behind his own net and carry it up ice into the offensive zone to create scoring chances. Always with his head up, he also makes a fantastic first pass when it’s a better option than keeping it for himself. He’s a dual threat in the offensive zone as well, capable of creating passing lanes to distribute while also possessing a great shot. Freij is not afraid to take risks with the puck, and those risks don’t always pan out. At times he will turn the puck over and gift odd man rushes to the opposition. He’ll need to learn to be a bit more selective with his playmaking in order to excel at the next level. Another aspect of his game that will need to improve as he develops is his in zone defense. His skating prowess makes him a capable rush defender, however at times he can get caught out of position chasing pucks once the opposition has established possession. That said, his foundational tools and willingness to experiment with them give him serious potential. (SpokedZ)
#18 – Michael Hage – Center – Chicago
Hage is a two-way forward with excellent distribution, good reach and provides tight pressure in his own zone. His reach and handling allow him to navigate around pressure with ease when driving the puck up ice. In transition, he will look to pass off of the boards if he runs into too much pressure and he has spotted an open teammate further up in the neutral zone. Hage has excellent speed and can push pace to be the driver on a middle six line in the NHL. (Josh Tessler)
#19 – Anton Silayev – Left Handed Defenseman – Nizhny Novgorod
Anton Silayev is a defensive defenseman who has measures in at 6’7″ / 207 lbs. He has extremely good speed for his size especially his lateral speed that allows him to shift positioning when he is slighly further away from where he needs to be when defending against the rush. Silyaev uses his reach and size to take up space. While he does a good job of eliminating skating lanes to the interior, he doesn’t always shut the play down all together. He can be quite physical along the boards and I got a feeling that it won’t be long before he starts to use his physicality a bit more to shut down the cycle / rush. (Josh Tessler)
#20 – Teddy Stiga – Left Wing – USNTDP
Teddy Stiga always keeps his feet moving off-puck and looks to provide passing options for his teammates laterally and up ice. When on the forecheck or defending against the halfwall, he is relentless in his pursuits and is constantly keeping his feet moving and accelerating at the moment of puck movement. More often than not, Stiga will look to make contact with his stick instead of engaging with a shoulder or hip check. Has great speed to keep in tow when teammates are pushing the puck up ice. Stiga does struggle with pressure when he gets in a tight jam. He will tend to struggle with netting separation in the corners when pressure is at the backside. Stiga has a quick shot from a far and that makes him dangerous. If a goaltender gives him a gap, he doesn’t hesitate and fires. He carries a middle six winger projection. (Josh Tessler)
#21 – Beckett Sennecke – Right Wing – Oshawa
Sennecke oozes confidence and skill, and that’s how he earned himself a spot as an HM just outside our round 1. Sennecke is an absolute hound on the forecheck where his motor will not stop until he gains possession of that puck. From there he flashes elite ability with his hands, and does a great job in small areas weaving and stickhandling through defenders skates, and sticks. He does a great job keeping pucks and plays alive off the wall by slipping through checks or dangling in a phone-booth. Unfortunately, his situation in Oshawa has been iffy at best, and I hope that forward group finds some more chemistry adn purpose in the new year, as I think Sennecke’s draft stock could benefit enormously from it. (Ben Jordan)
#22 – Igor Chernyshov – Left Wing – Dynamo Moscow
Igor Chernyshov is a Russian power forward prospect. He plays a gritty game and works the boards with great pressure shift in shift out. He is defensively responsible in transition and will put up a tough fight at open ice. In the defensive zone, he will fall back to the low slot and provide support to his defensemen down low. From a production stand point, Chernyshov has thrived off of odd man rushes / breakouts in MHL play. (Josh Tessler)
#23 – Andrew Basha – Forward – Medicine Hat
Andrew Basha is entertaining to watch every shift. His puck movement in transition is excellent. His handling and distribution is excellent. Basha’s puck manipulation makes him a threat on the rush and mid-cycle. He is shifty, mobile, agile and has tremendous speed. Basha does a good job of utilizing tight passing lanes to the slot. He will grab possession of loose pucks off the boards, drive to the trapezoid and look to feather passes to the low slot. (Josh Tessler)
#24 – Carter Yakemchuk – Right Handed Defenseman – Calgary
I wouldn’t be surprised if Yakemchuk is a name that continually keeps rising up lists. He hasn’t played in any marquee events, and thus hasn’t had the early season hype that some other names have had, but don’t be fooled by that. Since the new year of this past season, Yakemchuk has really started to take strides, and his game continues to round itself out. Yakemchuk has a nice blend of size, skill, and aggressiveness that allow him to be a force all over the ice. His instincts are great, and he joins the rush when he feels he can contribute to the play. He holds his own in the defensive zone with his size and ability to separate puck carriers from the puck to quick start offense the other way for his side. (Ben Jordan)
#25 – Luke Misa – Center – Mississauga
Luke Misa plays a very high-tempo game, prays on the vulnerable when on the forecheck, can drive the rush and create chances off of the rush regularly. Misa will feather passes in tight lanes in all three zones as he looks to push play up ice. In the offensive zone when off puck, he does a great job of finding open ice down low to create an intriguing passing option for his teammates. He will also look to jump onto loose pucks at the crease and capitalize with a quick goal before the goaltender can react. (Josh Tessler)
#26 – Lucas Pettersson – Center – MoDo
Lucas Pettersson quietly came into this season as one of NHL Central Scouting’s ‘A’ grade prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft, and he did nothing this season to suggest that was a mistake. Pettersson is an offensively gifted two-way centerman who finished this season as top scorer in the J20 Forts Division with 31 points in 18 games (14 goals, 17 assists). He also represented Sweden at multiple international tournaments, always wearing a ‘C’ or ‘A’ on his sweater. Hockey IQ and skating lay the foundation for Pettersson’s success. He’s a very smart player who is able to think and play at breakneck speed, making him a nightmare to defend off the rush. A dual-threat offensively, Pettersson is capable of setting up his teammates from anywhere in the offensive zone while also possessing a dangerously hard and accurate snap-shot. He also provides defensive value as well, both off the rush and in-zone. He’s able to read and disrupt plays, forcing turnovers and intercepting passes, and oftentimes turning defense into offense for MoDo. Whether or not Pettersson is selected on day 1 will likely depend on how much of his offense teams believe will translate in the NHL. While there are questions about how much of an offensive threat he’ll be at the next level, his two-way ability combined with his hockey IQ and dynamic skating make him a first-round pick for us. (SpokedZ)
#27 – Jett Luchanko – Center – Guelph
What makes Jett Luchanko lethal is his edges, agility and quick decision making. Luchanko has shown consistently that he can dodge pressure with his edges and that has made him extremely difficult to shut down when he is at full speed. Does an excellent job of incorporating delays while in possession of the puck in the offensive zone to draw confusion and a passing lane to a nearby teammate. Luchanko projects to be a middle six center at the next level. (Josh Tessler)
#28 – Ryder Ritchie – Forward – Prince Albert
After a very strong Hlinka Gretzky tournament for Canada, I think that many were expecting Ritchie to put up better point totals than he managed. Although there may be something to this, Ritchie is still doing a lot of things very well. I have a tough time seeing him falling out of round 1 as the season goes along. His feet and hands are ultra quick making him an exceptional puck carrier. If you give Ritchie time to pickup speed and attack defenders downhill, you will be sorry after he beats you, and secures middle ice. (Ben Jordan)
#29 – Linus Eriksson – Center – Djurgården
Linus Eriksson has been a riser throughout the season. He was not a total unknown coming into the year, having been utilised in the u-17 national teams middle six and having been one of the top scorers at the J18 level last season, however, he started the season slowly in the J20, with only five points through his first 10 games. he slowly but surely found his footing in the J20, and from mid-October to late-November lit up the league with 14 points in 13 games while dominating in all three zones. This led to him being promoted to the big club in December, where he again started slowly, with just one point in his first 10 games. However, in late January he flicked a switch and put up 15 points in his final 31 games, while generally playing only 12 minutes a night. He then lit up the WJC u-18 too. He is a coaches dream, a heady center who captained the national team, works hard, can PK, drive play, and is strong on the draw. Eriksson has all the tools to be a two-way NHL center, likely at 3C, but with a chance of getting to 2C level. (Alex Appleyard)
#30 – Stian Solberg – Left Handed Defenseman – Vålerenga
Solberg is a heavy, smooth-skating physical defender who skates fast, hits hard, and takes no prisoners. He’s been playing in Norway’s top men’s league for a few years, and has looked very solid; he also played a big role for Norway at the world juniors and world championships, and performed very well there, putting his skating and physicality on display regularly. He’s a very effective play-killer, both in-zone and on the rush; he defends aggressively, and forces opponents to the boards and into physical battles, where he typically overpowers them and turns play the other way. Offensively, there’s potential, but it needs work. He’s a very good skater overall, which gives him a significant advantage, and he shows good offensive instincts in general: he knows when to join the rush, times his plays well, recognises passing lanes and space to attack; but his offensive toolkit is a bit lacking, and he winds up turning the puck over with lacklustre passes, and taking too many poor shots from the perimeter, as he runs out of options due to a lack of reliable handling skill. But then occasionally he’ll just show off and go end-to-end, displaying skills you haven’t seen from him otherwise, leaving you wondering where that goes the rest of the time. But the strength and physical play he has in addition to his steady defensive game is very impressive for this stage in his development, and as he keeps getting stronger, I can easily see him growing into a great modern shutdown defender in the NHL, with potential for more if he’s able to refine and regularise his offensive flashes. (Gray Matter)
#31 – Marek Vanacker – Left Wing – Brantford
Marek Vanacker is a power forward prospect with great agility and excellent north-south speed. That combination has made it tough for opponents to catch up to should they fail to pivot alongside Vanacker when he pivots. Vanacker also has great reach and that allows him to quickly get a shot off after peeling the puck away from the attacker in front of him. At the combine it was released that Marek has been playing the majority of this season with a torn labrum in his shoulder, so to see the level of production he had, with not a ton of help, given the injury was very impressive. I expect a massive offensive outburst for Marek next season in Brantford. (Ben Jordan)
#32 – Sam O’Reilly – Right Wing – London
Sam O’Reilly is a highly effective middle-six center, recognized for his defensive skills and tireless effort. During the 2023-24 season with the London Knights, he excelled in faceoffs, penalty killing, and maintaining strong positional play, making him a dependable, detail-oriented player. Standing at 6-foot-1, O’Reilly was pivotal in supporting his team, delivering quick, accurate passes and setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Offensively, O’Reilly displays potential with his strategic puck handling and ability to outmaneuver defenders. While he needs to improve his lateral mobility and hand skills, his high hockey IQ and strong defensive instincts make him a valuable playmaker. His knack for quick decision-making and defensive acumen positions him well for a checking role in the NHL. O’Reilly’s keen attention to detail and physical style of play suggest he’s on the brink of a breakout season. He’s a promising prospect expected to outperform his draft position and contribute significantly as he transitions to the NHL. (Chris Ford)
#33 – Sacha Boisvert – Center – Muskegon
Sacha Boisvert is an entertaining watch. He’s got absolutely incredible handling and its led to gorgeous assists. Boisvert will toe drag to get separation and then quickly make use of a passing lane. He has a great shot off of the rush and has found success sniping far side top shelf goals from low danger. Boisvert makes use of tight passing lanes and won’t shy away from a pass over / under the stick of an attacker to get the puck in the hands of a open teammate further up in the zone. But, it’s the handling that makes Boisvert a fun prospect to watch. His dangling and toe drags have helped light the lamp in Muskegon regularly. (Josh Tessler)
#34 – Tomas Galvas – Left Handed Defenseman – Olomouc
Tomas Galvas is a solid puck moving defenseman, who does an excellent job in keeping the puck secure with traffic at his side. He won’t force the puck into tight pressure deliberately, but has shown that if he is encountering multiple attackers that he can keep his feet and hands moving to secure the puck and position it away from the attackers before chipping it off the boards. Galvas does a good job of using an active stick to trap attackers and force them to dump the puck in the neutral zone and take away potential shooting / passing lanes in his own zone. He has an excellent power stride that he will use to get himself into position to defend should be a bit too far away from where he needs to be. (Josh Tessler)
#35 – Emil Hemming – Forward – TPS
If the draft was all about raw talent then the big Finnish winger would be in seriously contention to go top 10. Scouts often talk about the “S’s of scouting”… skill, smarts, speed, size and skating. Hemming has them all. He can be a juggernaut even against men in Liiga, able to use his speed, edge-work, pick-handling and size in conjunction to drop a shoulder and get past anyone. Even at 17 years old against men, Hemming has an incredible transition game. His wrist-shot is lethal to boot, and he is able to pick a corner from anywhere on ice. Alongside this he is creative with silky hands, and when he is “on” this combined with a natural swagger and confidence means that he will undress defensemen regularly. While he may not be the most “natural” passer he has good vision as well, and tries to make cross-ice plays that most would never see. However, there are some real concerns about Hemming’s game that mean he is likely to go later in the 1st. While he has the size he rarely uses it, and plays on the perimeter. Defensively he gets lost far too often, and his consistency is also worrying, as even against his own age-group he can go missing for long stretches. There is the upside for him to be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL if he can iron out these kinks. (Alex Appleyard)
#36 – John Mustard – Forward – Waterloo
John Mustard is the definition of potential. He’s extremely raw in his use of his skill, and there’s a lot of adaptations he’s going to have to learn to be successful in a skilled role in the NHL, however the raw tool kit and compete level makes him a tantalizing prospect. He does have an awkward skating stride as he hunches over with a less bent knee, but with the puck on the stick Mustard can get to an above-average pace. His skill is great for his size, and he can get off the wall and into dangerous areas at ease at times with the puck on his stick. He’s a great forechecker and is very defensively responsible for a winger. He has a 24% shot share (his shots/team shots when he’s on the ice) and is a productive facilitator in the offensive zone. I’d like to see him get more pucks into dangerous areas of the ice with his passing, but his skill level is there that I’m not worried that only 16% of his passes have gone to dangerous areas of the ice. He’s a player to watch in the upcoming months because he has room to improve his microstat profile and if that happens, then his production profile is going to improve from impressive to one of the best in the USHL. (Austin Garret)
#37 – Aron Kiviharju – Left Handed Defenseman – TPS
Two years ago the Finnish blue-liner was being talked about as a potential #1 pick, yet now there are whispers that he might fall outside the 1st round. Is this simply a case of the spotlight being so strong, for so long, that his weaknesses have been magnified? The answer is probably no. There are legitimate concerns over his game. He is undersized, he is not the best skater, and early this season a knee injury that required surgery has put him out for four months. Kiviharju was expected to be healthy again in February, but only returned in April, just in time for the u-18 WJC, where he was solid but did not shine. However, in a league where top pairing defensemen are at a premium, if Kiviharju falls outside the first? There is the potential for one of the bigger draft steals in recent history. While there are concerns about his game the upside is inarguable. His hockey IQ would be the envy of most NHLers, he is almost always two-steps ahead and rarely makes bad decisions. This, combined with fantastic vision, great passing and silky hands means he is great in transition, and controls play when set-up in the OZ. Defensively he has an active stick, good gap control, and thrives on breaking up plays before they develop. He is also strong down low, even against players 15 years older and 50lbs heavier. His upside is still a #2-3 defenseman despite the concerns. (Alex Appleyard)
#38 – Daniil Ustinkov – Left Handed Defenseman – Zürich
Daniil Ustinkov is a solid defensive defensemen and has been excellent at eliminating gaps all season against men in Switzerland (National League). He isn’t overly assertive with his pressure, but makes does an excellent job of using his positioning to shield lanes to the inside and forces play to low danger. When attackers look to use pivots to shake free from pressure, Ustinkov matches edge for edge and doesn’t leave a gap. On the flip side, he will use pivots to shake free of pressure when he has the puck. From a transition perspective, Ustinkov looks to usually make an outlet pass from the backend to a teammate further up in the defensive zone and let his forwards push play up ice. But, there are some shifts in which he looks to be a bit more of a driver in transition. He will skate up the offensive zone blue line to be a passing option for his teammates in the neutral zone, facilitate a controlled zone entry once he has the puck on his stick, push the puck up the boards and try to find a gap to get a pass off to a teammate down in the zone. When off puck and the oppositional breakout is about to kick off, he will skate up to the backside of an attacker off of the boards to make it a challenge for that attacker to grab control of the puck off of a pass from the defenseman looking to complete a breakout pass. (Josh Tessler)
#39 – Henry Mews – Right Handed Defenseman – Ottawa
Henry Mews is a solid puck moving defenseman and a great distributor when pushing the puck up ice. Mews has excellent handling that he can ulitize to navigate through tight pressure to get separation before completing an outlet feed. While he has had productive shifts where he pushed pace, there are shifts in which I see Mews will encounter pressure and pass into traffic instead of using his handling to open up an uncontested passing lane. Defensively, Mews will struggle with gap control from time to time and his defensive work could use further refinement, but when you to balance that with his distribution with the puck you are looking at high second round pick. (Josh Tessler)
#40 – Cole Hutson – Left Handed Defenseman – USNTDP
Cole Hutson has tremendous upside, great mobility and shiftiness to open up space for himself to make an uncontested pass or shot. He likes to pinch up in the offensive zone and pass to the interior. But, Hutson has struggled with puck control and sometimes delays a bit too long when determining his next move while pinching with the puck. (Josh Tessler)
#41 – Topias Hynninen – Right Wing – Jukurit
Hynninen is a guy I’ve really enjoyed watching all year, and he’s steadily improved as the season’s gone by. He doesn’t necessarily excel at any one skill, but he isn’t lacking in any either. He’s very well-rounded; he does everything quite well, but it’s the energy and the pace that he plays with that stands out the most when you watch him. He plays hard, does very well in both offensive and defensive transitions, and is just an extremely effective player in all that he does. Making life miserable for opponents with his speed and intensity, constantly forcing errors and turnovers; and doing all of it against pro competition, without looking out of place in the slightest. The ceiling is likely not too high with him, but those traits alone I think will absolutely make him a valuable energy player in the NHL, and if he can further develop and unlock the playmaking potential I believe he has, well, that’s a great bonus. (Gray Matter)
#42 – Dominik Badinka – Right Handed Defensman – Malmö
Dominik Badinka is a 6’3”, 183lb right-shot defenseman who has seen his draft stock skyrocket this season. An interesting note on Badinka- he’s followed one of the most unusual development paths we’ve seen, playing in 3 different countries in 3 years. He spent his 16-year-old season in Czechia for Pirati Chomutov, his 17-year-old season in Finland for Jokerit, and his 18-year-old season in Sweden for Malmo. While he is one of the oldest defensemen in this draft class, he looks to be one of the furthest along in his development. Badinka finished this season having played more SHL games for Malmo (33) than J20 games (17). In those 33 SHL games, he tallied 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points while averaging around 15-minutes TOI. Badinka is a calm, mobile defenseman with size and two-way ability. He’s excellent on retrievals and breakouts, which enabled him to adjust to the SHL quickly and be given more and more ice-time. He’s an excellent puck mover who likes to have the puck on his stick and dictates play with poise and confidence. He’s also a solid defender who plays hard and was unafraid of the older competition in his first SHL season. He does lack high-end handling skill and ability to work the blue line in order to project as a true first powerplay QB or top pair defenseman (at this point). That being said, he still projects to be a reliable, minute-munching second pair defenseman who provides value at both ends of the ice. (Alex Appleyard)
#43 – Noel Fransén – Left Handed Defenseman – Färjestad
Noel Fransen went from being a relatively unknown defenseman in this draft class to one with fringe first round potential. He finished this season with the most goals and points of any defenseman in the J20, and he did the same last season in the J18. Fransen is an offensive-minded defenseman who thrives with the puck on his stick. He transports pucks through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone with ease using his quick feet and explosive speed bursts. He’s constantly with his head up, scanning the ice and identifying open lanes to attack. He’ll either attack these lanes to establish possession in the offensive zone, or he will attack and drive the net himself. He’s also scored a handful of coast-to-coast goals this season. Fransen has a terrific first-pass when the option to transport the puck himself isn’t there. Inside the offensive zone, he has a hard and accurate one-timer capable of beating goaltenders from distance. (SpokedZ)
#44 – EJ Emery – Right Handed Defenseman – USNTDP
EJ Emery, a North Dakota commit, is a standout physical defenseman known for his ability to win puck battles and make quick, effective passes under pressure. His defensive prowess is evident in his excellent positioning, which helps him keep attackers in low-danger areas and mitigate scoring opportunities. Emery’s strength and awareness allow him to take away net-front shooting threats, using his body to block shots and protect the crease. As a reliable outlet passer, he excels in transitioning the play, even when faced with intense pressure. Projecting to be a solid top 4 defenseman, Emery’s skill set solidifies him as a quintessential defensive defenseman, prioritizing strong, dependable play in his own zone. (Josh Tessler)
#45 – Terik Parascak – Right Wing – Prince George
Terik Parascak is a prospect with a lot diverse opinions around him. A lot of sites have Terik ranked as a first rounder, while some have Parascak as a second rounder. It largely comes down to whether or not you believe that his current play style will translate to the NHL level or will more polishing need to take place. The Smaht Scouting team is a bit more cautious with Parascak and I’ll explain why. Parascak does an excellent job of identifiying where he needs to be off-puck to provide his linemates with a quality passing option in a quality shooting lane. But, when Parascak is leading the charge and has the puck on his stick, his speed hampers his ability to cut to the inside. Parascak isn’t an overly physical player and won’t use his weight often when dealing with tight pressure while in possession of the puck. We project Parascak to be a third line forward at the next level. (Josh Tessler)
#46 – Tanner Howe – Forward – Regina
Tanner Howe plays a high-energy skilled game with a dogged off-puck game that allows him to play bigger than he is. I had very high expectations for Tanner Howe to be a dominant offensive player in the WHL and he’s somewhat disappointed. He has a good-not-great offensive transition involvement percentage of 35% and can go missing for stretches in transition with the puck not touching his stick as much as I’d like. His passing volume is rather low because of the lower percentage of transition opportunities, but he is passing at 24% to dangerous areas of the ice which is good. He’s fumbled the puck more than he did last year and some of his passes are off the mark, but the skill level and thought process behind his decisions are all there. His size will see him slip in the draft, but he should be a mid-second round pick at the latest. (Austin Garret)
#47 – Miguel Marques – Forward – Lethbridge
Miguel Marques is wired to get pucks to the interior. Whenever he has the puck outside of the slot and pressure intensifies, he looks for the tighest gaps and uses them to get pucks to the slot. He has great handling and will implement shot fakes and toe drags to net the separation that he needs to get a pass off. When shooting from range, he has a very quick shot release and will look to target glove side. He also tallied quite a few backdoor goals at 5v5 this season by being in the right space at the right time. He isn’t always the facilitator in transition, but plays a fairly active role in getting the puck up ice. Defensively, he plays more of a support role, but always looks to cement himself in open ice towards the blue line so he can provide an outlet lane for his defensemen. Marques has middle six upside. (Josh Tessler)
#48 – Yegor Surin – C – Yaroslavl
Surin is an interesting but frustrating player who’s moved up and down my board all year, and I’m still unsure of where to place him. He has a ton of skill, a pretty good motor, and good playmaking in flashes, but he doesn’t really know what to do with his tools most of the time. Some games he’s dominant, plays well physically and brings the skill that he has on every shift; but other times—most games I’ve seen—he really struggles to be effective. He generally plays well when given space by more passive defences, but when he’s challenged, it becomes a problem; he lacks real escapability and explosiveness in his skating, and he rarely ever tries to manipulate pace of play or use much deception in general. So combine that with his constant individualism and failure to work off his teammates, and what you typically see is him charging towards opponents solo and hoping to either pull the puck through their legs or power through them, and it’s not often a recipe for success, even in the MHL. When he does work off his teammates, there’s a lot more to like there; if he can be reined in a bit and learn to play more of a team game, he could be a solid complementary playmaker, or physical energy guy; both roles I think he could perform well in. (Gray Matter)
#49 – Cole Beaudoin – Center – Barrie
Cole Beaudoin is one of the stronger transitional centermen in the class. He doesn’t have flash, but instead has excellent reach and speed that he will utilize to push the puck around pressure in the neutral zone. Should he run into a brick wall as he approaches the slot off the rush, he will look to complete a drop pass to a teammate skating up behind him. Beaudoin’s ranking is indicative of how consistent he has been offensively with his ice time in the OHL level. I see a third line center at the next level. (Josh Tessler)
#50 – Matvei Gridin – Forward – Muskegon
This season Gridin led the USHL in points. He outproded players such as Trevor Connelly and Michael Hage, who seem certain to go inside the first round, yet the concensus is that the young Russian winger will go somewhere in the mid-2nd come June. Why is that? Well, it is mainly based around the way he plays the game, and not his skill-set and talent level. It is fair to say that Gridin plays on the perimeter, cheats a lot to create offence, plays at a slow pace, and does not back-check with effort consistently. Those are the things that will make NHL teams think twice before drafting the future Michigan Wolverine winger. But what does Gridin do well? He is a fantastic play-maker, with high-end hands, an accurate and quick release he can get off from any spot, and the ability to see plays in the offensive zone very few players his age can. Gridin also has a level of confidence that can border on arrogance, which makes for some real highlight reel plays. Skating wise he is agile for his size, is a smooth skater who while not a burner has at worst average straight-line speed. Despite the flaws he has clear top-six upside at the NHL level, and if he falls into the mid-2nd? Could be a potential steal down the line. But there is also the real risk he will “just” end up a high-scoring minor leaguer. (Alex Appleyard)
#51 – Julius Miettinen – Forward – Everett
Julius Miettinen has been a late riser in this draft both amongst NHL team consensus and the public scouting rankings. It is easy to see why. While he went into the season listed as a winger he played mostly down the middle, he is also 6’3, skates well, the foundation of his game is his strong DZ play, and Miettinen has some snarl to his game. Furthermore, he had an incredibly strong finish to the regular season, with 20 points in his final 10 games. However, the rave reviews that have had him catapult into first round contention seem over the top. 10 games don’t make a players career, let alone make them a first rounder. The rest of Miettinen’s young career have marked him out as someone who has likely 3rd line upside at the highest level. In the WHL he produced a large amount of his points on the power-play, and while a decent play-maker is not instinctive in the offensive zone or transition. His stand-out offensive trait is his ability around the net-front, and I think there is real concern that he is a LW, not at C, as a pro. An interesting prospect nonetheless who many teams will salivate over. (Alex Appleyard)
#52 – Ben Danford – Right Handed Defenseman – Oshawa
Ben Danford can be a very physically intimidating defenseman especially when the puck carrying attacker is vulnerable and has their back turned to Danford. But, he doesn’t just look to throw his weight, he will also look to extend his stick and catch opponents off guard with a pokecheck. His positioning is quite good and a lot of that can be credited to his excellent edgework and well-timed pivots to stay in tow when defending against an attacker. (Josh Tessler)
#53 – Leon Muggli – Left Handed Defenseman – Zug
The NLA is a top five league on earth. Yet at 17 years old Leon Muggli has already established himself as a good bottom pairing defenseman, something very few players manage to do. In fact, in the leagues 86 year history, the only defenseman who had a clearly better draft year? David Reinbacher, the #5 overall pick last year. So why is Muggli not ranked as a potential 1st round pick anywhere? The answer is related to upside. Muggli is super well-rounded, with plus skating, a good outlet pass, a deceptive wrist-shot and high IQ inside the red-line. For a 17 year old he makes very few mistakes, and is already able to PK well vs men. However, he is not “exceptional” in any area, is very risk-averse as a player, and his offensive game is unlikely to enable him to even be on an NHL power-play. It is very likely that he will play in the NHL one day, but in order to become more than “just” a solid #4 defenseman? He will need to take a few more risks and show more creativity once established in the offensive zone. Muggli could also do with engaging more physically at times, though that likely comes with more physical maturity. Whoever takes him, likely in the 2nd round, will be getting a player with a true high-floor, who is probably not that far away from being able to play in the NHL. And if he keeps improving, he can potentially become a very good 2nd pairing NHLer one day. (Alex Appleyard)
#54 – Veeti Väisänen – Left Handed Defenseman – KooKoo
In a draft brimming with exciting defensemen, Veeti Väisänen gets a bit lost in the shuffle. Is he an exciting player? Not really. Will he be a top pairing guy in the NHL? Unlikely. But what Väisänen lacks in terms of highlights, he makes up for with a well-rounded skill-set and a level of defensive maturity that few defensemen have at 17. This season, playing against men in Liiga, Väisänen has utilised his smooth skating, defensive IQ and strong stick to be a reliable presence on KooKoo’s back-end. He rarely gets beaten in the defensive zone, and he is strong in transition, utilising his great skating ability in conjunction with a level of calmness with the puck on his stick that allows him to scan the ice and pick out the best outlet options. However, while there is a lot to like about Väisänen, his upside is limited by his lack of high-end skills. He will likely never put up too many points, given his shot is just average, he is not overly creative, and his hands are middling. He also starts to turn the puck over as soon as he gets away from making the simple play. Late in the first he could be a solid option, and can certainly be a good second pairing defenseman down the line. (Alex Appleyard)
#55 – Leo Sahlin Wallenius – Left Handed Defenseman – Växjö
Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a left-shot defenseman who plays on the same Vaxjo J20 team as the aforementioned Alfons Freij. Of the two defenseman, Sahlin Wallenius is by far the more offensive-minded. He’s a skilled and mobile defenseman who looks to influence the play every time he steps onto the ice. He transports pucks through the neutral zone at high pace and into the offensive zone, creating high danger scoring chances with ease. Inside the offensive zone, Sahlin Wallenius is a very creative and unpredictable attacker. Never settling for hope shots from the point, he excels at activating from the blue line and skating around in search of open looks. He is also a solid enough defender that he should be able to make himself a fairly well-rounded defenseman with some legitimate offensive upside. (SpokedZ)
#56 – Kamil Bednarik – Center – USNTDP
Kamil Bednarik is extremely good in transition and has excellent good north-south speed to help him push pace. He will struggle in the corners and behind the red line with intensified pressure on his backside. But, usually Bednarik will only find himself in such situations if he can’t find a teammate to pass to off of the rush. Once he has passed the puck after bringing the puck up ice, Bednarik does a good job of acquiring open ice with an excellent shooting angle. (Josh Tessler)
#57 – Adam Jecho – Right Wing – Edmonton
Adam Jecho is consistently stronger defensively than he is offensively. Jecho will make good use of his physciality to close off the cycle behind the red line. He has excellent east-west speed that he can build up with his crossovers and that makes him quite strong at adapting to changes in puck movement when defending against the cycle. Jecho projects to be a checking line center, who can shift over to the wing and be a bit more physical on the backcheck if need be. (Josh Tessler)
#58 – Herman Träff – Right Wing – HV71
Träff is a player I’ve enjoyed a fair amount this year; he’s big, physical, smart, hard-working, fairly well-rounded, and brings some good skill with him as well. He’s a good forechecker, and positions himself well off the puck in general; he reads play quite well, supports well in transition and low in the offensive zone, and plays his role as a winger pretty effectively in the defensive zone as well. But the offensive side is a bit of a question mark; he’s super skilled, and he’s got a pretty good shot; but in my viewings, he doesn’t often find himself in situations to effectively utilise those skills, and he can fade into the background a bit. But I like Träff quite a bit, and I do think there’s potential for more offence in his game, but as it stands, I’m not super confident in his projection to the NHL as an offensive force. That said, I can easily see him ending up as a solid bottom-six physical power winger, who can chip in some offence here and there primarily by being a smart support player, and I think he could fill that role quite well. (Gray Matter)
#59 – Timur Kol – Left Handed Defenseman – Omsk
A lot of people, even those who have one eye on the NHL draft, probably don’t know who Timur Kol is. That is reflected by the fact that not one draft outlet has his ranked in their mid-term top 100. But make no mistake, he is someone who many NHL teams will be looking at closely, even if only for the fact that he is over 6’3, around 200lbs already, and is very mobile. That is a base combination that makes scouts excited when it comes to the modern NHL. But Kol is not just a big guy who can move. He spent half this season playing against men at the VHL level, and his 0.35 P/GP (8 in 23 gp) set the all-time record in terms of production from a draft eligible blue-liner. In terms of how he came about that level of production? The Muscovite defenseman’s offensive game is built mostly around his shot. It is not hyperbolic to say that that is wrist-shot is heavier and more accurate than most of the forwards in this years draft, and his slap-shot is certainly amongst the biggest in this draft. Alongside that he utilises his skating well to join the rush, and for a defenseman is more than happy to get to the slot or support his forwards inside the circles. His puck-skills are probably what lacks most offensively, and in turn he loses his handle on the puck more often than you would like to see under pressure. In terms of passing he is also pretty average. Defensively he has played admirably against men, using his big frame well to protect the puck as well as using his long reach and high defensive IQ to break up entries on a regular basis. If he can improve his puck-handling, as well as potentially be a bit more physical, he has the other skills to be a #4 defenseman in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)
#60 – Yegor Graf – Center – SKA St. Petersburg
Graf can be a frustrating player at times, but he brings good intensity, and shows flashes of some very promising skill and play creation. He’s lacking in size and strength, and he can struggle with puck skills sometimes: struggling on receptions, poor control; but other times he’ll display some pretty high-end hands and crafty playmaking that catches you off guard. And he’s a very smart off-puck player as well, which lessens the impact of the occasional on-puck issues, and makes him a great complementary player on a line with a better play-driver. When paired with Demidov this season, I think Graf has really shined, and his best play has come; you get to see a lot more moments of high skill and creativity from him when Demidov is driving the play, and I think their play styles complement and elevate each other. I don’t think Graf will ever be able to drive play effectively on his own, but he’ll do some damage if you pair him with a skilled forward who’s more adept at creating space. (Gray Matter)
#61 – Adam Kleber – Right Handed Defenseman – Lincoln
Adam Kleber has excellent speed for his 6’4″ frame and great stick-handling that he will use to shift the puck around tight pressure before passing to an open teammate in the slot or along the blue-line. Kleber will throw his weight behind the red line and will implement quality shoulder checks to shut down the oppositional cycle. I would like to see Kleber acquire an active stick and use his reach when defending against the rush in the neutral zone, but he does an excellent job of taking away centered passing lanes with an active stick in the defensive zone. Ultimately, if Kleber uses his active stick more and more, he will only garner more ice time especially at the next level. (Josh Tessler)
Matvei Shuravin is a solid defensive-minded defensemen who does a good job of taking away space with his power stride. Should be slightly out of position, he’ll use his lengthy stride extensions to match pace and shut down the rush by trapping the attacker along the boards. He isn’t an overly assertive defenseman when taking on the F1, but maintains good positioning and extends his stick blade out towards the attacker to trap them. His distribution from deep in his own zone has been great. He can wire quick stretch passes to the neutral zone and does a good job of identifying tight passing lanes while pushing the puck up in the defensive zone and seeing that he could potentially get the puck in the hands of a teammate further up in the zone. His puck control and quick distribution in the defensive zone doesn’t always match to successful puck movement in the offensive and neutral zones. Shuravin will try to bring the puck up the middle in the offensive zone, but isn’t quick to get a pass off and runs into walls. When he doesn’t have possession of the puck in the offensive zone, he looks to engage himself in puck battles down low, win loose pucks and pass to the slot. (Josh Tessler)
#63 – Tarin Smith – Left Handed Defenseman – Everett
Tarin Smith is a skilled defenseman known for his exceptional outlet passing, often launching the puck from behind his red line with impressive long-range accuracy. His defensive prowess is evident in his ability to protect the slot, physically engaging attackers who attempt to screen his goaltender. Smith excels at using the boards to advance the puck, frequently passing to a teammate near the defensive zone blue line. Rather than pinching up with the puck, he prefers to find open lanes from the point, though he will advance when a teammate desperately needs a passing option. Additionally, Smith has a knack for perimeter shots off the rush, especially when a teammate doubles back and sets him up as he skates up from behind. (Josh Tessler)
#64 – Ryerson Leenders – Goaltender – Mississauga
Ryerson Leenders stands out in his draft class for his exceptional use of athleticism and technique in goalkeeping. He favors using the panda method when overlapping the posts, demonstrating his innovative approach to post protection. His quick reactionary movements are particularly effective during high-danger chances, making him a formidable opponent for attackers. Leenders typically relies on the Reverse Vertical-Horizontal (RVH) technique for post protection, showcasing his adaptability and precision in the crease. His agility is most evident when he shifts his pads in the butterfly position to block backdoor plays, consistently neutralizing high-danger scoring opportunities. No other player in this draft class matches Leenders’ ability to leverage athleticism to thwart offensive threats so effectively. (Josh Tessler)
#65 – Will Skahan – Left Handed Defenseman – USNTDP
Will Skahan, a Boston College commit, is a defenseman known for his effective neutral zone engagement, proactively challenging opponents before they reach the blue line to disrupt plays early. His positional awareness in the slot is strong, ensuring he covers dangerous areas to prevent scoring opportunities. Skahan’s physical presence is formidable, often using his size and strength to win battles and intimidate opponents, which complements his stay-at-home tendencies. Under pressure, he adeptly utilizes the boards for passes, aiming to move the puck to teammates safely. Additionally, Skahan has a knack for getting under opponents’ skin, using his tenacity to throw them off their game. (Josh Tessler)
#66 – Ilya Nabokov – Goaltender – Magnitogorsk
Ilya Nabokov, a 6’1″ overager KHL goaltender, played the entire season for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, showcasing a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Known for his excellent glove, Nabokov demonstrates a solid ability to handle medium danger chances effectively. His side-to-side speed in the butterfly position is commendable, allowing him to cover the net efficiently. However, he tends to overcommit on high danger chances, which can lead to vulnerabilities. A key area for improvement is his tendency to expose the five hole when shifting laterally in net, particularly in the butterfly position. Additionally, Nabokov consistently overlaps the post with his pad, further bolstering his defensive coverage. With focused development on these specific areas, Nabokov has the potential to enhance his overall performance significantly. (Josh Tessler)
#67 – Clarke Caswell – Forward – Swift Current
Clarke is a super high-end thinker, who you can see problem solving on the ice. When handling the puck, he’s straight up sneaky, and makes a ton of defenders miss with poke checks or other attempts to disrupt with their stick. Was really happy to see him on the central scoutings final instalment, as he is a player that definitely warrants consideration in the middle rounds. He’ll need to round out some of his tools, and increase his strength, but the smarts and puck skills are there for him to be a contributor at the next level. (Ben Jordan)
#68 – Pavel Moysevich – Goaltender – SKA St. Petersburg
Pavel Moysevich, a towering 6’5″ overage goalie, has demonstrated his skills across all three Russian hockey leagues—VHL, KHL, and MHL—while playing for SKA St. Petersburg this season. Known for effectively filling the net, Moysevich employs a wide stance that enhances his coverage and stability. His proactive approach sees him venturing slightly out of the crease and playing further out on the rush, avoiding the tendency to cage himself. Moysevich exhibits good rebound control, crucial for minimizing second-chance opportunities. However, he occasionally fumbles high-danger pucks, requiring him to swiftly seal the puck before attackers can capitalize. Despite this, he excels at maintaining situational awareness, using head movements to keep an eye on the ice and manage pressure near the net. (Josh Tessler)
#69 – Charlie Elick – Right Handed Defenseman – Brandon
Charlie Elick is a defense first defenseman who can close gaps with quality speed through his power stride and crossovers. Once he picks up possession of the puck, he generally quickly gets ride of the puck once he has spotted a lane to an open teammate up ice. Elick isn’t as overwhelming physically as some other defensemen in the class, but will use his physicality to quiet the rush. Elick projects to be a number four/five defenseman. (Josh Tessler)
#70 – Brodie Ziemer – Forward – USNTDP
Brodie Ziemer, a Minnesota Golden Gopher commit, excels in puck manipulation, skillfully forcing attackers to change their stick placement, which opens up new passing lanes. He is known for his quick decision-making, often opting to pass to an open teammate rather than holding onto the puck for extended periods. Ziemer demonstrates remarkable ability with breakout passes, particularly when he is in control during a rush. Although he isn’t the primary puck mover on his line, he consistently looks to push the puck up the ice swiftly, frequently employing one-touch passing to maintain the pace and fluidity of play. (Josh Tessler)
#71 – Harrison Brunicke – Right Handed Defenseman – Kamloops
The only South African born NHL player to have made it to date has been Olaf Kölzig. Brunicke has an excellent shot to join the ranks. He has excellent speed through his crossovers and straight line extensions and that allows him to grab onto loose pucks in his own zone and drive up ice quickly. Brunicke does seem to struggle to find success along the blue-line when he is called upon to control the puck at the point and find seperation and a passing lane to the inside. But, there is no denying how great Brunicke can be at pushing pace from the backend and leading the transition. (Josh Tessler)
#72 – Raoul Boilard – Center – Baie-Comeau
Raoul Boilard, a center for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, was once seen as a first-round candidate with standout positional play and system hockey skills. He excels in supporting teammates, shortening passing lanes, and providing easy outlets under pressure. Boilard’s smart, logical passes and constant pressure in all zones turn defense into offense effectively. While he appears as a quiet, two-way player, Boilard’s high skill level surfaces unexpectedly with deceptive passes and creative rushes. Standing at 6-foot-2, he has the size, smarts, and occasional brilliance that make him an intriguing NHL prospect. However, his play dropped off later in the season, showing passivity that led to a reassessment of his upside. Boilard’s next step is to become more proactive in creating offensive opportunities. If he can elevate his playmaking and offensive drive, he has the potential to become a reliable bottom-six NHL center. Additionally, he is a faceoff specialist with a blend of composure and aggression, excelling in critical aspects of the game like net-front play and board battles. With improved skills, he could rise to a second-line defensive specialist role in the NHL. (Chris Ford)
#73 – A.J. Spellacy – Center – Windsor
Speed stands out early in viewings of Spellacy. He’s one of, if not the fastest straight-line skaters that I’ve seen from this draft class. When he got a full head of steam coming through the neutral zone in the OHL, it was trouble for many defenders. As he improves, and progresses to the next level, he’ll have to improve his play through contact. He struggles to make plays, or get shots off when overwhelmed physically, and doesn’t do as well as well evading those pressures. All that’s not to say he isn’t a physical player though… he clocks in at 6’2 and isn’t afraid to lay the body. Look for Spellacy to hear his name called in the middle to late rounds in Vegas. (Ben Jordan)
#74 – Jacob Battaglia – Right Wing – Kingston
Has excellent stick-handling and mobility to navigate around pressure along the half-wall. His straight line speed still requires further polishing, but his edgework has proven to be quite strong. Battaglia can pivot out on a dime, delay to throw off the attack and that leads to a fellow teammate skating into position to give Battaglia a quality passing lane to exploit. Battaglia won’t be the primary puck mover on the line, but will play an excellent support role. (Josh Tessler)
#75 – Eemil Vinni – Goaltender – HIFK
Eemil Vinni is a goaltender known for his keen ability to track attackers through traffic, allowing him to reset effectively for shots on net. However, he struggles with lateral acceleration, affecting his ability to move quickly from side to side. Vinni tends to adopt a conservative stance within the crease when facing rushes, which sometimes leads to him giving up the five-hole, especially when an attacker doesn’t have a clear shot. His over-shifting can result in leaving the far side open, as demonstrated when he allowed a goal on a far side shot after an attacker had clearance. Despite these challenges, Vinni exhibits a strong glove hand on low-danger shots and rarely concedes on the short side, thanks to his heavy reliance on the RVH (Reverse-VH) technique. Nonetheless, he has shown difficulty controlling his movements during splits, often overcommitting and allowing attackers on the far side ample opportunity to score. (Josh Tessler)
#76 – Maxim Massé – Right Wing – Chicoutimi
Maxim Massé, winner of the Michael Bossy Trophy for the QMJHL’s top professional prospect, has the skills and tools for a successful NHL career. The Chicoutimi Saguenéens winger is known for his speed and ability to handle physical play. He excels in winning pucks below the goal line and setting up scoring opportunities. Massé is a prolific goal scorer, capable of hammering passes from the slot and beating goalies cleanly. Despite a slight drop in performance, he has shown consistent scoring ability, finishing two consecutive seasons with the most goals on his team. While Massé’s development has slowed, he still has the potential to excel as a power forward in the top-nine, with power play time. Even in a bottom-line, two-way role, his skills make him a valuable prospect, making him a smart pick in the 2nd or 3rd round. (Chris Ford)
#77 – Jakub Fibigr – Left Handed Defenseman – Mississauga
The Czech blue-liner went slightly under the radar this season, easy to understand why when you consider just how many defensemen are eligible for this draft who have clear top four NHL upside. Of all major draft outlets only Craig Button has him going inside the second round. His 0.7 P/GP in the OHL may not immediately jump off the page, but he was not on PP1 for most of the year, and in turn the majority of his points came at even strength. In fact, he picked up 0.49 non-PP P/GP this season. Between 2006 and 2019, only 30 CHL defensemen hit over 0.45 non-PP P/GP in their draft year. Of those 30? 20 became legitimate NHL players, and 13 reached top four level. Of course, that is all well and good, but what does Fibigr do that will give him a good chance at an NHL future? His game is built around his skating. He uses it well in all three zones, from cutting off zone entries with his lateral mobility, to joining the rush and creating difficult situations for opposition defenses with his long, smooth stride. Fibigr looks effortless on ice as a result, and it allows him to play the game in an aggresive manner, as he can use his skating to recover from any mistakes. However, his game certainly does not lack effort. Despite still being physically immature he is not scared to take a hit, or dish one out, and he is constantly searching for “soft-ice”, with his off-puck movement being a big plus in all three zones, creating headaches for any team when it comes to lane coverage. His hands are above average, and he thinks the game very well, often looking a step ahead. He is good at getting shots through, but does lack a bit of zip on his release. Overall, Fibigr is a well-rounded blue-liner who if he simply keeps developing over the next few years? He can probably become a #4-5 defenseman in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)
#78 – Alexander Zetterberg – Center – Örebro
If Alexander Zetterberg was a couple of inches taller he would be in contention for the first round of the draft. However, he is listed at 5’8 and under 160lbs and may be even smaller than that, and while size is less and less important in the NHL, there are serious concerns that his high skill level will be limited due to simply being physically unable to cope with the combination of strength and speed that pro hockey presents. In fact, he was not even invited to the NHL combine, probably due to such concerns. It should be noted though that Zetterberg is used to playing against bigger, older players, and has done every year since he was a 13 year old playing against 16 year olds. He has also excelled at every level he has played, including this year where he was top 10 in J20 scoring. His skill-set is intriguing, he is deceptive, elusive, is a fantastic passer and has a high IQ, especially in the offensive zone. He is also tenacious and always tries to keep his feet moving. Zetterberg also has a good shot, especially on the PP. The undersized Swede has every component in place to be a potential draft steal if he falls outside the second round, and though at the pro level he likely moves to wing. (Alex Appleyard)
#79 – Luca Marrelli – Right Handed Defenseman – Oshawa
Luca Marrelli is a excellent distributor from deep in his zone. He does an excellent job of incorporating delays to allow his teammates to skate further down before feathering a pass. Marrelli does a good job of igniting odd man rushes with those well-timed passes. Defensively, Marelli has a bit of a passive approach. I would like to see Marrelli acquire an active stick or look to be physical when he is right next to the puck carrier. But, he does keep excellent positioning. Offensively, if he runs out of real estate, he won’t force the puck into a tight spot and will complete a well-placed drop pass. (Josh Tessler)
#80 – Justin Poirier – Right Wing – Baie-Comeau
Justin Poirier is known for his prowess as a heavy shooter from the half wall. Despite being undersized, he excels at finding gaps on the short side from range and scoring, making him a constant threat in the offensive zone. Poirier demonstrates an impressive ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly when goaltenders leave their five-hole exposed during low-danger 5v5 situations. When controlling the puck and pushing the pace, he skillfully uses his edges to drift away from pressure, maintaining possession and creating scoring chances. His strategic shooting and evasive maneuvers make him a valuable asset on the ice. He projects to be a third line shooter at the NHL level. (Josh Tessler)
#81 – Christopher Thibodeau – Center – Kingston
Christopher Thibodeau is a skilled transitional winger known for his strategic playmaking abilities. He excels at executing precise drop passes in the neutral zone, particularly effective against a 1-3 trap during a 2-3 rush, which allows him to smoothly transition the puck to a teammate. Thibodeau demonstrates an impressive understanding of time and space, often waiting for defenders to overcommit before delivering accurate passes to the slot. Despite potentially being undersized, he adeptly manages pressure situations, skillfully utilizing drop passes when space is limited. His keen awareness and ability to read the game enable him to maximize his team’s offensive opportunities, making him a valuable asset on the ice. (Josh Tessler)
#82 – Jesse Pulkkinen – Left Handed Defenseman – JYP
People often talk, across all sports, about finding potential “unicorns”. Players with such a rare mix of attributes that they are close to mythical beings. While this phrase is thrown around far too often, Jesse Pulkinnen gets close… maybe more Okapi than unicorn, but still such an intriguing player on numerous levels. He is 6’6 and over 220lbs for starters. Then add in the fact he has a powerful stride, albeit is an awkward skater at times. Place on top of this a mean streak. Then sprinkle on silky handy and boundless confidence. There are very few players quite like him. His development is unorthodox too. A “solid” defenseman at u-18 and u-20 level the last few years, he went undrafted last season at 18 years old. However, he must have found something magical over summer, as this season he looked a different player. His 1.56 P/GP at the u-20 level were the most in league history for a player who iced in 15+ games, and he more than held his own in 35 games at the pro level, split between Liiga and Mestis. He also impressed at the World Juniors. Pulkinnen has impressive upside, and certainly could be a second pairing NHLer on skill-set alone. But he is still extremely raw, especially in the defensive zone, where his IQ seems severely lacking at times. (Alex Appleyard)
#83 – Christian Humphreys – Center – USNTDP
Christian Humphreys does an excellent job of threading tight passes. It doesn’t matter if its in transition or behind the red line in the offiensive zone, Humphreys can capitalize in tight. He will also look to be deceptive too with his distribution and won’t shy away from behind the back backhand passes after capturing a loose puck behind the red line. If he sees a teammate skating into a potential passing lane and has an attacker forcing Humphreys to push the puck to one side of his body, he will swing the behind the back pass instead of repositioning himself to be square with his teammate. If he looks to square up, he might lose that passing option. (Josh Tessler)
#84 – John Whipple – Left Handed Defenseman – USNTDP
Whipple has excellent reach and will use his reach nicely in transition when defending against the rush. He extends his stick out to take away space and force dump ins. Whipple has excellent speed with his crossovers and straight line extensions. His speed allows him to adjust his positioning quickly off puck to keep his positioning aligned with a vulnerable attacker who has their back turned towards Whipple. (Josh Tessler)
#85 – Luke Osburn – Left Handed Defenseman – Youngstown
Osburn has grown well into a steady, reliable defenceman for Youngstown over the course of the year. He likely won’t blow you away much watching him this year, but the potential that he has is tangible regardless. The timing and anticipation, the fluidity and escapability in his skating, on top of being one of the better passers among defencemen in the class, using his reach to open and attack passing lanes under pressure; it’s easy to see all of that adding up to a pretty great puck-moving defender at the next level. That said, there’s a long road ahead of him, and a lot of development needed for him to get to a place where he can apply his skills in the NHL, and it’s far from a guarantee that he’ll get there. But he’s very young for the draft, and I think the skills that he has could take him far if he keeps refining them. With a few years in college, I could absolutely see him developing into a top-4 puck-mover at the NHL level. (Gray Matter)
#86 – Kim Saarinen – Goaltender – HPK
Kim Saarinen is a conservative goaltender known for his strategic positioning and effective net coverage. He excels in firm stick placement, which aids in executing far-side wrap-around goals even when facing traffic in front of the net. Saarinen’s upright stance allows him to take away a significant portion of the net, and he demonstrates strong overlap with his blocker when in the butterfly position. However, while he employs the RVH (Reverse-VH) technique proficiently, he sometimes struggles to react quickly enough to far-side or blind-side shots, especially when there is traffic at the doorstep. Despite this, his large overlap and conservative style make him a reliable presence in the crease. (Josh Tessler)
#87 – Simon Zether – Center – Rögle
Simon Zether is a player I’ve been quite surprised hasn’t earned more love in this draft class. He’s a 6’3” two-way center who earned a full-time spot on Rogle BK’s SHL squad this season. He’s a highly intelligent player who already excels on the defensive side of the puck. He knows how to use his big frame to be a physical pest and is strong enough to win battles versus much older competition. He also does possess some legit skill and has proven to be a goal-scoring threat when playing against his peers. He’s shown much more willingness to use his size and strength to his advantage offensively over time as well, taking pucks at the blue line and driving to the net himself with defenders unable to take the puck from him. A lack of footspeed could hinder the offensive upside, but his intelligence, reliability and defensive prowess should make him a valuable NHL centerman for a long time.
#88 – Andrei Krutov – Left Wing/Right Wing – Nizhny Novgorod
Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod’s system is fast becoming a talent factory. With the legendary Igor Larionov at the helm of the senior team, the set-up seems to mirror his philosophy, with skill, speed, IQ and tenacity a hallmark of those coming through the system, and Larionov being one of the few KHL head coaches who gives young players chances at the highest level, and does not pigeonhole or limit their game. This draft will be a banner year for the Novgorod club, high-lighted by Silayev and Artamonov, who may both go inside the first round. However, a third Novgorod product will also be drafted, the highly skilled winger Andrei Krutov. Krutov’s game is built around his fantastic hands, creativity, and ability to get free for shots. He is truly dominant in the MHL on the power-play, though while he has a quick release that he loves to use he could be more accurate and increase his shot velocity. The main reasons he is not universally ranked higher is he is merely a “decent” skater and is not really a play-driver. Nonetheless, he will surely be at worst a good KHLer one day, with the potential to be an NHL middle six winger if everything goes well. (Alex Appleyard)
#89 – Tory Pitner – RHD – Youngstown
Pitner has not got much attention this year, and at some level that is understandable. He is the kind of player that if he makes it to the NHL won’t be plastered over bill-boards, he won’t be talked about amongst opposition fans, but in his own locker-room and the home arena concourse he will be beloved. His game is built around doing all the little things right. In turn, especially in the defensive zone, he can make difficult plays look easy, and really does not have any glaring weaknesses. His gap is very strong for his age, and when combined with an active stick forwards struggle to enter the zone cleanly vs him. Additionally, he is strong for his 6’1 size, has an infuriating stick to deal with around the crease, and can lay big hits too. He also rarely gets beaten in physical battles, and understands how to use his leverage extremely well. Pitner also moves the puck well and supports his team-mates in transition. While he lacks creativity in the offensive zone and his skating could be better, if he improves at least the second aspect of his game it is easy to see him being a solid #4-6 defenseman in the NHL one day. (Alex Appleyard)
#90 – Carter George – Goaltender – Owen Sound
Carter George is a highly effective goaltender known for his agility and ability to quickly reset, particularly during rushes. His technique of taking away a lot of space in the net while standing upright is complemented by his pad overlap, which effectively covers low shots. George is skilled at presenting the five hole to opponents only to take it away swiftly, a tactic that often disrupts shooters’ timing. However, he occasionally overcommits outside the crease during odd-man rushes, which can lead to vulnerabilities. Despite this, his ability to reset quickly after such scenarios makes him a formidable presence in the net. (Josh Tessler)
#91 – Lucas Van Vliet – Left Wing – USNTDP
Lucas Van Vliet served in a depth role for the USNTDP this season, showcasing his strength as a defensive forward. His excellent positioning and adept stick work make him effective at disrupting attackers and taking away passing lanes, often forcing opponents into less advantageous plays like dump outs or D to D passing. Known for his heavy shot, Van Vliet is proactive in shifting the puck around the offensive zone to find optimal shooting lanes. He particularly loves to shoot off the draw from the hashmarks. (Josh Tessler)
#92 – Kenta Isogai – Forward – Wenatchee
Kenta Isogai, a native of Nagano, Japan, is a re-entry prospect in his draft year plus two. Last season, he played for Wenatchee in the WHL after several seasons in the USHL with Youngstown. Isogai is known for his excellent positional awareness in the offensive zone, effectively adjusting his position as his teammates shift, providing a reliable backdoor option at the net front. He is a very physical player, consistently applying pressure immediately after an opponent gains possession, forcing them into low-danger areas. Isogai excels in using his physicality to disrupt opponents, knocking them off the puck in open ice. Additionally, he demonstrates a keen ability to find and exploit tight gaps for passing lanes to the inside. As a two-way winger, his physical presence is felt in the neutral zone, where he also displays good stick handling and puck security, even when handling the puck wide. (Josh Tessler)
#93 – Mac Swanson – Forward – Fargo
I don’t often start a player write-up with questions, but this one merits some. Who was the highest scoring forward in the USHL this season at 5v5? Who led the USA in scoring at the WJAC-19? Who was almost P/GP LAST season at 16 years old in the USHL? Who was Clark Cup MVP? Who was USHL Player of the Year? No, it was not Trevor Connelly, who will go top 20 in the draft, it was his international line-mate, Mac Swanson. Swanson has everything to be a star in the NHL. Everything aside from one thing. One thing he really cannot control. Size. Swanson is listed at 5’7, and alongside that is a pretty average skater, though he is agile. However, he is an incredible playmaker with an intuitive understanding of how to control a game. Swanson also has a solid shot and creates space well both for himself and his line-mates. While capable of playing all three forward positions, and very comfortable at C in junior hockey, he most likely kicks out to wing in the pros. If Swanson falls out of the top 100 he really does have potential steal written all over him. (Alex Appleyard)
#94 – Heikki Ruohonen – Center – Kiekko-Espoo
Ruohonen is a player whose draft stock has risen partially due to exposure. His five points in five games at the u-18 WJC have had him catapult as high as top 50 in some rankings. There is a lot to like about his game, he is an intelligent two-way center who is diligent defensively, works hard in all three zones, can deliver some bruising hits, and rarely loses a board battle. And all this is ignoring the fact that he had the highest P/GP of any first time draft eligible u-20 SM-Sarja regular this season. Very few players who do what he did this season at that level don’t end up – at worst – good Euro league or AHL players. Offensively he is a deceptive passer who is a danger around the net to boot. He will never be the most “skilled” player, his hands can be clunky, and he can struggle to get shots off from tough spots. Ruohonen is also not the worst skater but does need to get a bit quicker is he is going to excel at the pro level. However, his IQ, drive and well-rounded game mean that with continued improvement to his skating he has a chance to one day make the NHL in a bottom-six role. (Alex Appleyard)
#95 – Ollie Josephson – Forward – Red Deer
Ollie won’t wow you with his skill, and likely won’t factor in much as a scorer at the next level, but that shouldn’t deter teams from calling his name later in the draft. I would describe Josephson as a speedy, two-way winger that uses his hockey sense to ensure proper positioning at every turn. I think given his ability to read and disrupt exits and passes that Ollie could be a guy relied upon to kill penalties at the pro level. What makes Ollie most valuable, is his versatility. He could plug in at any of the six bottom-six slots in a line-up, while also contributing as mentioned on a PK. Very safe floor for Josephson, I expect to hear his name late 3rd or into the 4th. (Ben Jordan)
#96 – Anthony Romani – Center/Right Wing – North Bay
Romani really took off this season after being passed over in the 2023 entry draft (his first year eligible). Heading into the 2024 draft, there’s no dispute whether he’ll be selected, but rather how much he’ll slide due to his production coming a year later than most in this class. What I saw from Romani this season was his hockey sense coming through in the offensive zone. It looked like he was reacting to what the game was giving him, instead of thinking with the puck on his stick. His passing is elite, and he has the ability to feed teammates from just about anywhere, using different puck touches and velocities to reach teammates. Not only was playmaking a big reason for his offensive leap this season, but he clearly came in stronger this season, and possessed a much more dangerous shot. (Ben Jordan)
#97 – Melvin Fernström – Forward – Örebro
Melvin Fernström is going to be a good pro hockey player in the not-so-distant future, the only question is at what level. He dressed in nine games in the SHL for Örebro this season, playing in seven, including three in the play-offs. While he did not trouble the scoresheet, you can see why he was trusted to ice in such big games with a lot on the line. He is a mature player in every sense of the word, already with a pro frame and pro habits. Fernström has excellent anticipation, skates well, and is incredibly strong on his skates for an 18-year-old. Furthermore, for a winger his age he is a net positive defensively, even though at times he can switch off when his team don’t have the puck. Offensively his game is built around getting to danger areas on ice, being hard to contain on the cycle, and his shot. I would not say his shot itself is high-end, but he is incredible at finding space to get it off and will put pucks on net with good velocity even when he is off balance, or it is in his feet or at the end of his reach. He also has quick hands in terms of deflections and tips. While not the most purely “skilled” player his game has the hallmarks of a player who if things go well could be a good NHL third liner. (Alex Appleyard)
#98 – Kevin He – Left Wing – Niagara
After a 21 goal rookie season on a subpar IceDogs team, I was curious to see what Kevin He would accomplish offensively in his NHL draft year. Again, on a subpar Niagara team he was able to work with what he had, finishing the year with 31 snipes and 53 points in 64 games. I love the way He works the wing. It feels like when he’s controlling the puck, that the defenders play at his pace, and that he controls the play. He’s been a tad one-dimensional offensively in that a lot of his offense comes off turnover and scoring on odd-man rush scenarios. With that said, he got a lot stronger this year, and his play below the goal line definitely improved. He’s got sneaky speed, and sneaky physicality that really help to maintain possession of the puck, and a sneaky shot that can beat goalies at the junior level. (Ben Jordan)
#99 – Evan Gardner – Goaltender – Saskatoon
Evan Gardner, the goaltender for the Saskatoon Blades, exhibits a predominantly shallow positioning style, rarely drifting far outside the crease. Standing at 6’2″, Gardner effectively squares up to shots, leveraging his good side-to-side movement to face them directly. However, he struggles with rebound control, particularly off his glove, which often results in additional scoring opportunities for opponents. While he employs the Reverse-VH (RVH) technique for post protection, Gardner inconsistently uses it against rush plays, leading to vulnerabilities, especially with low-danger five-hole shots. Additionally, his difficulties with trapping pucks using his glove contribute to his rebound control issues. Despite these challenges, Gardner’s solid positional play and lateral quickness remain key strengths in his goaltending repertoire. (Josh Tessler)
#100 – Vladislav Bryzgalov – Goaltender – Alberni Valley
Vladislav Bryzgalov, the son of former NHL goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, has been making a name for himself in the hockey world. This season, he played primarily in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), with a brief stint in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Bryzgalov is known for his remarkable athleticism and post-to-post speed, making him a formidable presence in the net. His rebound control is excellent, and he exhibits quick reaction times, particularly when shifting in the butterfly position to shut down rebound shots. Despite not being a large goaltender, Bryzgalov effectively leverages toe pad saves when he’s not fully squared to the shot. His ability to quickly reset after a save makes him a challenging goaltender to beat. (Josh Tessler)
Honorable Mentions
Ondrej Kos, Jiří Ticháček, Marcus Kearsey, Aatos Koivu, Eriks Mateiko, Sebastian Soini, Ivan Yunin, Dean Letourneau, Kieron Walton
