Breaking down 32 of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft

Edmonton Journal

8 hours ago

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The 2025 National Hockey League draft is upon us.
In a class headed by Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer, we take a look at 32 of the top prospects heading into the first round on Friday night. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Saturday. Players are listed with NHL central scouting's final ranking.
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The skinny: If the 6-foot-2, 185-pound native of Stoney Creek, Ont., isn't atop your mock draft, you've done it wrong. He's the consensus No. 1 pick, a can't-miss choice for the lottery-winning New York Islanders … Played in 17 games (putting up seven goals and 15 assists) with the Otters before suffering a broken collarbone with Canada at the world junior in Ottawa, an injury that ended his season … Elite skater who checks all of the above-average boxes … Turns 18 on Sept. 5.
Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Ranked: No. 2 among North American skaters
The skinny: In his third season after being granted exceptional status, the Oakville, Ont., native led all Canadian Hockey League players with 134 points (62 goals and 72 assists) … The 6-foot-1, 184-pound Spirit captain is dually driven by hockey IQ and an ability to finish … The 18-year-old is just as creative off the ice: He won the Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL's scholastic player of the year (86% in Grade 12 university-level courses).
Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)
Ranked: No. 6 among North American skaters
The skinny: Steelheads captain brings equal parts power and playmaking to each shift … Had 98 points (37 goals and 61 assists) in 57 games … At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, the Peterborough, Ont., native isn't easy to knock off the puck … At 18, earned valuable experience with two games for Canada at the world championship this past spring … Father Mike, a defenceman, played for Peterborough in the OHL and was a fourth-round pick by Buffalo in 1996.
James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
The skinny: The native of Hauppauge, N.Y., on Long Island had a fine rookie season with the Eagles, putting up 37 points (11 goals and 26 assists) in 37 games. A year earlier, the 18-year-old led the U.S. national development team in scoring with 47 points in 26 games … At 5-foot-11, 186 pounds, he's not the biggest centre available, but he can beat you with skill and desire … Impactful for the U.S. in winning gold at the 2025 world junior.
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Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
Ranked: No. 7 among North American skaters
The skinny: The 6-foot-2, 182-pound native of St. Hyacinthe, Que., recorded 30 points in 19 playoff games to lead Moncton to the QMJHL title and was named playoffs MVP … Not only does the 18-year-old score (fifth in QMJHL scoring with 85 points — 35 goals and 49 assists — in 56 games) his defensive game is strong … Is tenacious and has an ability to get under the skin of opponents.
Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden IF (Sweden 2)
Ranked: No. 1 among international skaters
The skinny: Competitive nature, combined with high-end offensive talents and skating, helped push him to top of NHL scouting's international list of skaters … The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder had 25 points in 29 games for Djurgarden in Sweden's second pro league, but did not turn 18 until May 7 … Possesses perhaps the best shot among forwards in the draft … After Frondell had knee surgery in September, former NHLer Mikael Renberg, now a physical therapist, helped him recover.
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Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)
Ranked: No. 8 among international skaters
The skinny: How much, if at all, will a back injury impact where McQueen is chosen? The 6-foot-5, 198-pound Saskatoon native missed almost five months because of a broken bone in his back … In 17 games, he had 10 goals and 10 assists. Four of his goals came in the Wheat Kings' first game of the season … The 18-year-old brings skill to the table, but also has no issue with getting involved physically.
Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)
Ranked: No. 4 among international skaters
The skinny: Following OHL rookie of the year honours in 2023-24, he had 98 points (32 goals and 66 assists) in 66 games last season to finish eighth in league scoring … The 6-foot-2, 177-pound Toronto native was voted the smartest player in the OHL's Eastern Conference in the annual coaches poll … Mother Amy Turek starred for Wilfred Laurier's women's hockey team in the mid-1990s and grandfather Ed Turek won the Grey Cup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1967.
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Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
Ranked: No. 5 among North American skaters
The skinny: Made the move to the Western Hockey League after starting 2024-25 in his native Czechia … Had 35 points (three goals and 32 assists) in 43 games … At 6-foot-6, 218 pounds, the right-handed shooter is among the biggest players available in the draft … Poise in the defensive zone and natural skating ability helped make the 18-year-old's transition to the game in North America smooth.
Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Ranked: No. 11 among North American skaters
The skinny: Broke out in his second OHL season, recording 72 points (33 goals and 39 assists) in 57 games after he had 28 points in 52 games as a rookie … The 18-year-old native of Elmira, Ont., was voted the hardest worker in the OHL's Western Conference in the annual coaches poll … Physical approach to each shift and willingness to battle for possession help set the six-foot, 186-pounder apart.
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Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
Ranked: No. 9 among North American skaters
The skinny: His 26 goals in 64 games were the third-most among OHL defencemen. Also had 33 assists for 59 points, finishing seventh among D-men … Physical domination by the 6-foot-2, 199-pound Toronto native was recognized in OHL coaches poll, as he was voted best bodychecker in the Eastern Conference … Set Colts record for most goals in one season by a defenceman. Among those who shared the previous mark of 23 were Aaron Ekblad and Brandt Clarke.
Victor Eklund, W, Djurgarden IF (Sweden 2)
Ranked: No. 2 among international skaters
The skinny: Younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund … The 5-foot-11, 169-pound skater had 31 points (19 goals and 12 assists) in 42 games, the most points in Sweden's second league by an 18-year-old … Played a pivotal role for Sweden at the 2025 world junior (six points in seven games) despite being its youngest player … Carries relentless effort each time he goes over the boards.
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Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
Ranked: No. 13 among North American skaters
The skinny: The Calgary native had 54 points (11 goals and 43 assists) in 68 games, good for 10th among WHL defencemen … Had three overtime goals in the regular season, tying him with three other players for the WHL lead … At 6-foot-4, 199 pounds, the 18-year-old has above-average mobility and has shown to be effective in all situations … Committed to play at Penn State in 2025-26.
Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Ranked: No. 14 among North American skaters
The skinny: The 18-year-old led a poor Moose Jaw team — the Warriors were last in the WHL with 15 wins and 38 points — with 58 points (27 goals and 31 assists) in 47 games … Missed 21 games with an injury, but was named Warriors captain upon returning to the lineup in February … At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, the native of West Kelowna, B.C., uses his size and fluid skating to his advantage.
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Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)
Ranked: No. 10 among North American skaters
The skinny: Before an Achilles injury in March ended his season, the West St. Paul, Man., native had 82 points (40 goals and 42 assists) in 56 games for the Silvertips to lead the team in scoring … The six-foot, 179-pounder earned scouts' respect partly because of his ability to shine in all situations and his overall intensity … The 18-year-old's 14 power-play goals tied for third-most in the WHL.
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Ranked: No. 16 among North American skaters
The skinny: Was second in QMJHL scoring with 89 points in 62 games, and his 46 goals were tied for second. Also tied for second in the league with 16 power-play goals … The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder's shot and his hands around the net are said to be among the best in this prospect class … The 18-year-old native of Levis, Que., counts hitting among his better attributes, going back to his days playing minor football in Quebec.
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Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)
Ranked: No. 1 among North American goalies
The skinny: There's a good chance that the 18-year-old native of North Vancouver, B.C., is taken in the latter stages of the first round … Went 33-13-3-1 with the Cougars last season, recording a 3.00 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage … His 33 wins were tied for second-most in the WHL, one off the league lead … Covers a lot of the net at 6-foot-5, 191 pounds and is respected for his positional play.
Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)
Ranked: No. 25 among North American skaters
The skinny: After finishing 10th in WHL scoring with 92 points (26 goals and 66 assists) in 62 games, put up an eye-popping 25 points in just 11 playoff games … The 5-foot-11, 183-pound native of Macklin, Sask., was among the WHL leaders with a plus-42 mark … Dangerous in the offensive zone … The 18-year-old has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2025-26.
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Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)
Ranked: No. 20 among North American skaters
The skinny: With 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points in 60 games, the 18-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alta., led the Thunderbirds in scoring … Was Canada's captain at under-18 world championship in Texas this past spring and led team in scoring with 12 points on the way to winning the gold medal … The 5-foot-11, 186-pounder combines skill with an abundance of energy.
Logan Hensler, D, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Ranked: No. 12 among North American skaters
The skinny: The 18-year-old had two goals and 10 assists in 32 games, his 12 points tied for second among Badgers defencemen … The right-shot D-man was lauded for his gradual improvement in his NCAA rookie season … The 6-foot-2, 198-pound native of Woodbury, Minn., had one assist in seven games at the 2025 world junior as the United States won gold.
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Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Ranked: No. 23 among North American skaters
The skinny: A native of Aylmer, Ont., he was a lifelong fan of the rival London Knights before he was drafted by the Rangers in the first round of the 2023 OHL draft … With 54 points (14 goals and 40 assists) in 67 games, the 18-year-old was 10th among OHL defencemen in scoring … The six-foot, 183-pounder is sound on both sides of the puck and plays a poised game.
Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)
Ranked: No. 17 among North American skaters
The skinny: The 18-year-old Mississauga, Ont., native had 73 points (32 goals and 41 assists) in 65 games … At 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, counts skating and high energy among his assets … Was in a small group of five OHL players who scored at least five power-play goals and five shorthanded goals last season … Committed to play at the University of Michigan for 2025-26.
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Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)
Ranked: No. 15 among North American skaters
The skinny: After recording 18 points in 58 games as an OHL rookie in 2023-24, the native of Sarnia, Ont., bloomed to 64 points (25 goals and 39 assists) in 65 games in his second season … At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, the 18-year-old puts his six to use to go along with his overall awareness … Had five points in six games as Canada won under-18 world championship this past spring.
Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary (WHL)
Ranked: No. 21 among North American skaters
The skinny: Second in scoring on the Hitmen with 99 points (35 goals and 64 assists) in 65 games … Playmaking skills shone on the man advantage, where the native of Coquitlam, B.C., was among WHL leaders with 26 assists on the power play … The 5-foot-10, 180-pound 18-year-old had a 23-game point streak from November to January … Parents Steve Kindel and Sara Maglio played international soccer for Canada.
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Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
Ranked: No. 18 among North American skaters
The skinny: The 18-year-old is a son of Josef Boumedienne, a defenceman who played 47 games in the NHL with New Jersey, Tampa Bay and Washington … Native of Stockholm had three goals and 10 assists in 40 games in his rookie season with Boston U … The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder was named top defenceman at the 2025 under-18 world championship, where he had 14 points in seven games.
Milton Gastrin, C, Modo (Sweden Jr.)
Ranked: No. 3 among international skaters
The skinny: A native of the town of Ornskoldsvik, which has sent players such as Peter Forsberg, Victor Hedman and Henrik and Daniel Sedin to the NHL … The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder had 42 points (18 goals and 24 assists) in 40 games in the junior ranks and also skated in eight games for Modo's parent club … Had 10 points in seven games to help Sweden win silver at 2025 under-18 worlds … Turned 18 earlier in June.
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Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)
Ranked: No. 22 among North American skaters
The skinny: Minneapolis native had 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points in 35 games in first year with the Sun Devils … The 18-year-old was a key contributor as the United States won bronze at the 2025 under-18 world championship … The 5-foot-10, 172-pounder is among the best skaters in the draft … Mother Jenny Schmidgall-Potter had a storied career with the U.S. women's hockey team, participating in four Olympic Games.
Bill Zonnon, C/RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
Ranked: No. 31 among North American skaters
The skinny: The Montreal native is versatile and plays with consistency … Was seventh in QMJHL scoring with 83 points (28 goals and 55 assists) in 64 games after he turned 18 early in the season … His 55 assists were fifth-most in the Q, and his 27 power-play assists were fourth-most … The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward was traded to Blainville-Boisbriand earlier in June.
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William Horcoff, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
Ranked: No. 24 among North American skaters
The skinny: Son of Shawn Horcoff, who played more than 1,000 games in the NHL with Edmonton, Dallas and Anaheim and is now an assistant general manager with Detroit … The Birmingham, Mich., native turned 18 in January and was the youngest player in college hockey. Had four goals and six assists in 18 games … The 6-foot-5, 203-pound skater blends physicality well with skill … Set an NHL combine record this year in the horizontal jump.
Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
Ranked: No. 26 among North American skaters
The skinny: At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, the right-handed shooter is hard to miss coming at you from the blue line … Led Oil Kings D-men in scoring with 33 points (10 goals and 23 assists) in 64 games … Composure in the transition game is among his better attributes … Turns 18 on July 9 … Son of former NHL forward Vernon Fiddler … Born in Nashville when his dad played for the Predators.
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