Matthew Schaefer, Anton Frondell lead NHL Central Scouting's final 2025 NHL Draft rankings
NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft class on Tuesday morning.
Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Saginaw Spirit exceptional status center Michael Misa headlined the list of North American skaters, while Djurgarden center Anton Frondell leapfrogged teammate Victor Eklund for the top spot on the list of international skaters.
Here are the rankings and some takeaways from The Athletic's draft experts, Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler.
NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink for the 2025 Upper Deck #NHLDraft:
No. 1 N.A. Skater: Matthew SchaeferNo. 1 ITL Skater: Anton Frondell
Full rankings: https://t.co/e9iTvRmx1e pic.twitter.com/w97kHHWr97
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 15, 2025
Top North American goalie: Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George, WHL)
Top international goalie: Pyotr Andreyanov (CSKA, MHL)
Jake O'Brien's rise into the top five players in North America tracks from what I've seen and heard from NHL sources. I don't know if I personally would have him there yet, but he's close. He's a 6-foot-2 right-shot center with high-end offensive traits. He started the season off slow but has been great in recent months. His trajectory reminds me in some ways of Beckett Sennecke's last year.
Caleb Desnoyers, in my view, is being underrated. He's the best player on arguably the best team in the CHL, and I expect he'll be a top-five pick on draft day. He's a center who does everything well. He has a lot of offense and a great motor.
There has been a lot of debate amongst scouts this year as to who the second-best D in the draft is, and so the rankings of the next cluster of consensus North American D was the first place I looked. Removing their ranking on the overall list, the top five D in North America were slotted as follows:
Mrtka was their No. 2 D at midseason as well, but Aitcheson jumped past both Hensler and Smith on the final list. He's viewed as a pretty singular D in this class and, with Brady Martin, one of its fiercest competitors. He finished the season really strong and has been excellent in the OHL playoffs for Barrie, too. Scouts still covet his throwback brand of hockey.
Advertisement
People will notice Porter Martone's slip from No. 4 in North America at midseason to No. 6 here as well. He got off to a torrid start but plateaued in the second half. Scouts like his combination of size, skill and competitiveness but there are some concerns about his skating/pace.
I was happy to see Ryker Lee rise from No. 40 to No. 28 in North America. I'm very high on his skill level.
(Photo of Matthew Schaefer: Dennis Pajot / Getty Images)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Brad Marchand with a Shorthanded Goal vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Stars And The Hurricanes Can't Squander What They've Achieved When Trying To Take The Next Step Even before the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers start the 2025 Stanley Cup final on Wednesday, they've already appeared in more post-season games than any other team in the league since the NHL went back to its regular playoff format in the 2021-22 season.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Stars fans react to Pete DeBoer's firing: "Sad to see him go"
At a sports bar in Frisco, Dallas Stars fans had plenty to say about the firing of head coach Pete DeBoer on Friday. "I'm sad to see him go because of what he's done for the city," said Eric Hood. "But ultimately, I can see why they did it, because three consecutive seasons of not winning a championship is probably a pretty hard pill to swallow." On Friday, Dallas GM Jim Nill announced the organization was parting ways with DeBoer, saying it was "time for a change." DeBoer had served as head coach for three seasons. Mixed reactions from fans DALLAS, TX - MAY 23: Pete DeBoer watches the action from behind the bench against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period of Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images While many fans had mixed feelings about the decision, some were surprised, given DeBoer's commitment to the organization. "Yeah, I was a little shocked, honestly, when I got that sent to me this morning. I couldn't believe it," said Sam Pomarantz. "I mean, he's been a great coach for us, led us to three conference championships in a row, and he just seemed like a good fit. He was doing well with the team." Business over loyalty Fans like Pomarantz said the decision likely came down to business. "At this level, you can't take anything personally. I think the Stars — and everybody here too — wants to win a championship," he said. While change can be difficult, some fans said it's sometimes necessary. "They're on the right track, but if you don't win, you gotta pay somebody that will," said Lee Payne. "I'm sure he'll recover. It'll be fine." Fans stay loyal to team Despite the coaching change, fans said they will continue to support the Stars and hope to see a Stanley Cup win in the near future. "All I can say is thank you," said Hood. "He's been a great coach, great to the city, great to the team… all I can say is thank you."
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Revealed With Unexpected Frontrunner
Jonathan Toews aims for NHL return with new betting odds revealed for his next team Image Jonathan Toews is officially eyeing an NHL comeback, according to multiple reports and the question becomes: where will the three-time Stanley Cup champion end up? Advertisement After stepping away from the game due to long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, the former Blackhawks captain announced he's ready to return and sportsbooks like FanDuel have already released odds on his potential destination. Before stepping away from hockey, Toews played 53 games during the 2022–23 season, tallying 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points. His faceoff percentage remained strong at 63.1%, and he continued to be relied upon in defensive situations. With Toews expressing interest in winning another Cup, speculation has swirled around contenders and potential fits, from his hometown Winnipeg Jets to reunion possibilities with former coaches. Now, bettors can get in on the action and wager on where 'Captain Serious' might suit up next. More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Per FanDuel Sportsbook Winnipeg Jets +210 Toronto Maple Leafs +300 Colorado Avalanche +470 Vegas Golden Knights +650 Edmonton Oilers +1100 Tampa Bay Lightning +1500 Detroit Red Wings +1900 Anaheim Ducks +2200 New York Rangers +3400 Dallas Stars +4500 Los Angeles Kings +4500 Washington Capitals +4500 Minnesota Wild +4500 Florida Panthers +4500 New York Islanders +5000 Calgary Flames +5000 New Jersey Devils +5000 Chicago Blackhawks +5500 Carolina Hurricanes +5500 Boston Bruins +6000 Advertisement More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges Top Contenders in Toews Sweepstakes: Winnipeg Jets (+210) Toews returning to Winnipeg would be a storybook homecoming and could be the final piece for a Jets team poised to contend. The Jets dominated the 2024–25 regular season with a league-best 56–22–4 record, earning the Presidents' Trophy. Kyle Connor led the charge with 97 points, while Connor Hellebuyck secured his second straight Vezina Trophy with elite goaltending. But with captain Adam Lowry sidelined for 5–6 months after hip surgery, the Jets could use Toews' leadership and experience down the middle. If Toews is chasing one more Stanley Cup, few teams offer a better shot than Winnipeg. Anaheim Ducks (+2200) This is a long shot on paper, but offers one of the most intriguing storylines. Anaheim just hired Joel Quenneville, Toews' coach during Chicago's dynasty run, as their new head coach. Advertisement The Ducks are rebuilding, but a veteran like Toews could help mentor young players while giving Quenneville a familiar leader to help establish a new culture in Anaheim. We even outlined this possibility in a previous article about how Toews could fit in Anaheim's system and at +2200 odds, this bet could be a steal. Colorado Avalanche (+470) Colorado remains a perennial Cup contender, and Toews would add playoff-tested depth to a core led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. He wouldn't need to carry the load but could play a crucial shutdown role in key matchups. He'd be joining a roster that already knows how to win. More NHL: New Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds Highlight Unexpected Frontrunner Toronto Maple Leafs (+300) It's always a circus in Toronto, but the Leafs remain a team on the cusp. Adding Toews could help tilt the balance, especially given their need for reliable two-way forwards in the postseason. Advertisement Plus, the spotlight would make for a high-profile final act to his career and further solidify his legend status by ending the Maple Leafs' Cup Curse. Vegas Golden Knights (+650) Vegas never shies away from veteran additions and already proved it can win with a deep, physical roster. With some cap gymnastics, Toews could be the next puzzle piece in another deep playoff run. Edmonton Oilers (+1100) If Edmonton doesn't capture the 2025 Stanley Cup, look for them to be aggressive in free agency. Toews could fill a similar role as Corey Perry, who's provided veteran leadership and grit as well as playoff IQ that very few have. Advertisement Toews joining the back-to-back Western Conference Champions would give him one of the best chances to chase a ring alongside Connor McDavid. More NHL: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon Highlighted in 2026 Hart Trophy Odds
