Latest news with #CoreyPronman
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
2026 World Juniors roster projections: Predicting lineups for Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia
By Scott Wheeler, Corey Pronman and Max Bultman After a week of summer hockey in Minneapolis, the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase is in the books, and it's time to make some projections for what the rosters could look like for the tournament come December. Canada exited the last two World Juniors early, finishing fifth both times. This time, though, Canada looks like a prohibitive favorite, with a stacked-on-paper lineup teeming with premium prospects. Advertisement Still, they'll have challengers, starting with the host Americans, a highly skilled Sweden outfit, a Finland team that's always a tough out and the upstart Czechs. There's still plenty of time and games to be played before the final rosters will be selected, but here's how we see those five rosters shaping up as of early August. On paper, Canada is loaded. This top six — and not by design — is made up of five top-eight NHL Draft picks and projected 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna. There are 22 first-round picks on this 25-man roster, with second-round goalies Carter George and Jack Ivankovic (two returnees who should give Canada the best tandem in the tournament for a change) and Rangers second-rounder Malcolm Spence as the only exceptions. There are some big cuts here, too, and there will be some big ones in December, so brace yourselves. Our final cuts for the top nine were Kings first-rounder Liam Greentree (who missed the summer showcase due to a hand injury and played a limited role when he last played for Hockey Canada at U18s, but finished third in the OHL in scoring last season), Blues first-rounder Justin Carbonneau (who had St. Louis staff talking about the potential for him to push for the NHL team coming out of a standout development camp) and Blackhawks first-rounder Sacha Boisvert (who can play both center and left wing and featured prominently at camp on both special teams and at five-on-five). We thought Montreal's Michael Hage outplayed Carbonneau this week for that last right wing spot, and the depth in left-shot forwards made it tough for Greentree and Boisvert (we've moved lefty Cole Reschny to right wing here). Boisvert and Greentree could both make the team if they lose a forward or two to the NHL. Brady Martin (a top-five pick who was excellent at U18 worlds) could be a bottom-sixer for this team, but he was outplayed by Spence and Reschny this week and lost out to O'Reilly and Desnoyers, whose junior coaches are on Canada's bench. Ducks top-10 pick Roger McQueen is a factor for this team as well, but we elected not to include him for now due to his lack of games in the last couple of years and his absence at camp. Tij Iginla we've given the benefit of the doubt despite his injury history and absence from camp. Advertisement On the blue line, Canada appears locked in on the first two pairings, and Kashawn Aitcheson looks like the No. 5. We went with top 2026 D prospect Keaton Verhoeff (who they played a lot at U18s) and the competitive, shot-blocking, penalty-killing Ben Danford for the last righty spots, and the well-rounded Cameron Reid for the fourth lefty job. Blue Jackets prospect Charlie Elick seems to be in a battle with Danford, though. Canada will likely also bring Flames prospect Henry Mews to run one of its power plays if they lose some combination of Sam Dickinson, Zayne Parekh and Matthew Schaefer to the NHL as well. The two-time defending champions are going to have their work cut out for them this time around. The team's headliners are no secret. James Hagens, the seventh pick in 2025, should be one of the very best players at the tournament and has already shown he can star at this event. Cole Hutson led the tournament in scoring last year — as a defenseman, no less — and now comes back for a second go-around. Cole Eiserman has the scoring touch to change a game with one shot and is another productive returnee. But the Americans will have a couple of issues to contend with. One is the size of their top six. Brodie Ziemer and Teddy Stiga both play appealing, high-motor games, and certainly won't shy away from the hard areas, but they inevitably give up a size advantage in some board battles. Max Plante and Ryker Lee likewise won't be easily intimidated, but still skew smaller. It's a theme for this group (we also included the competitive and tiny LJ Mooney, who will play for Bob Motzko at the University of Minnesota and had a nice camp, as an extra). The fourth line has plenty of both size and edge, but you do wonder if the size consideration will be a factor when it comes to debates such as Cullen Potter versus Cole McKinney. We have Potter in the lineup projection here based on the strength of his camp and the dynamism his speed provides, but it's a storyline to watch in the lead-up to December. If McKinney has a good first half, his profile could lend itself more naturally at 3C come tournament time. Advertisement The other big question is in goal, with Trey Augustine aging out. Nick Kempf and Caleb Heil are our picks as the top two for December, but in either case, there's a lot of wait-and-see element in net. That all said, while Team USA certainly has its questions, there were some pleasant surprises this week in Minneapolis. Lee was perhaps the biggest, looking like a potential top-six option who consistently generated offense. Potter was another, using his pace and smarts to make a strong impression. The trio of Hagens, Ziemer and Stiga has the potential to do plenty of damage in spite of its size, thanks to the work rate all three possess. And the fourth line trio of AJ Spellacy, Will Horcoff and Shane Vansaghi looks like it could be miserable to play against, with all three very good athletes who are willing to bang bodies. Defensively, the Americans have a nice collection of size and skating with which to surround Hutson, featuring EJ Emery, Will Skahan, Adam Kleber and Logan Hensler (and Blake Fiddler, who we have listed as the extra). Sabres prospect Luke Osburn impressed at the showcase and could be their PP2 quarterback, as could Islanders prospect Sam Laurila, who didn't attend the camp and was one of our final cuts in favor of Kings first-rounder Henry Brzustewicz (who isn't a lock after a mixed-bag camp). The U.S. will go into this tournament as underdogs despite playing on home ice, but they still have enough talent to make it interesting if they can get a couple of things to break right. There's a lot to like in this Swedish forward group, starting with the three big names up top. Victor Eklund is a returnee who should be one of the top players at the event this time around, and while Anton Frondell wasn't on last year's World Juniors team, his two-way profile makes him an ideal fit atop the lineup. Ivar Stenberg looks like a potential top-five pick in 2026, and was a standout at both this week's showcase and the U18 World Championship last spring. If Sweden plays those three together, they could be right up there with the top Canadian lines in terms of talent. But there's depth to this team, too. Jack Berglund was very impressive in Minneapolis, a big body who can score around the net and win pucks behind it. Viggo Björck is an intelligent, creative pivot who has the potential to be a high pick in 2026 despite his size (listed at 5-foot-9), and showed nice chemistry with his brother Wilson, a Canucks draft pick. Linus Eriksson is a proven returnee to anchor the bottom six. And wingers Liam Danielsson and Lucas Pettersson are good complementary pieces in the top nine. Advertisement Canes prospect Filip Ekberg, the MVP of the most recent U18 worlds, slots in as an extra forward who could inject skill into the top-nine/PP if he a skill forward goes down, and speedy and determined fellow Canes prospect Viggo Nordlund slots as an extra and potential bottom-sixer. On defense, the Swedes have only one returning blueliner from the 2025 World Juniors, Viggo Gustafsson. But the big names are Sascha Boumedienne (named the top defenseman at U18 worlds) and Leo Sahlin Wallenius (who had a strong week in Minneapolis). There are other players to watch — Maple Leafs prospect Victor Johansson showed he could play physical and be hard on top players this week in Minneapolis, and the Swedes have a pair of towering 6-foot-7 blueliners they can choose from in Carl-Otto Magnusson and Gabriel Eliasson (we lean Magnusson as the No. 7 after Eliasson had a tough camp) — but a lot will come down to how ready those top two are to play a major role. They'll likely need Boumedienne to be a difference-maker offensively, and for Sahlin Wallenius to have the big-minute, two-way impact teams need to win at this tournament. It's an inexperienced defense group, but if it can rise to the occasion and help insulate Love Harenstam and Herman Liv, this Swedish team has the forward corps to be a real threat. We would be surprised if Sabres first-rounder Konsta Helenius is loaned to play in a third World Juniors (or if he even has interest in going again), but we've decided to include him here for now because he is technically still eligible. The entire first line here didn't participate in the summer showcase, but the expectation is that the Stars' Emil Hemming and the Kraken's Julius Miettinen will return. Still, without Helenius, this Finnish team is the weakest on paper of these five. The competitive Heikki Ruohonen looks like their 1C in Helenius' absence, and Aatos Koivu was one of the standouts of the summer showcase and will play an important role in the top six and on their first power play. The strength of this group will be its blue line and in net. Aron Kiviharju is the captain and a top player at this level, and he's supported by a strong group of returning 19-year-old D: Daniel Nieminen, Sebastian Soini, Veeti Vaisanen and Mitja Jokinen. Petteri Rimpinen was one of the top goalies in last year's tournament and will be back as well. The real question is where the depth scoring comes from up front. The Czechs have been one of the World Juniors' most consistent teams in recent years, and they look strong again. They've medaled in three straight tournaments, with bronzes in Ottawa and Gothenburg and a silver in Halifax. That's more medals than the Canadians, Swedes and Finns in that period. They've got nine returnees (forwards Petr Sikora, Adam Jecho, Ondrej Kos, Vojtech Cihar and Adam Novotny, defensemen Adam Jiricek, Tomas Galvas and Jakub Fibigr, and goalie Jakub Milota) and will add first-round picks Radim Mrtka and Vaclav Nestrasil to that group, as well as rangy second-round defenseman Max Psenicka. Diminutive Wild prospect Adam Benak is also a top player in this age group, and defenseman Vladimir Dravecky, who played well at their recent three-team tune-up with Switzerland and Finland, is a potential first-rounder in 2026. Advertisement Novotny is the real player to watch, though. He also impressed against Switzerland and Finland a couple of weeks ago and enters his draft year as a potential top-10 pick and one of the top imports in the CHL (he'll play for the Peterborough Petes). (Photo of Carter George and Gavin McKenna: Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press via AP)
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NHL trade grades: Canadiens and Blues swap intriguing prospects
Canadiens get: Right winger Zach Bolduc Blues get: Defenseman Logan Mailloux Corey Pronman: Bolduc had a very positive season, following up a so-so first pro campaign by making the Blues and helping them win games. Bolduc's always had impressive talent, which is why he was a mid-first-round pick. He's a strong skater with very good hands and offensive IQ and a big-time shot from range. The issues in his game have always been without the puck. I don't think that's his calling card by any means, but he showed notable improvement this season in particular by getting to the inside more and not being afraid of contact. The steps he's taken this season have him looking like a clear middle-six wing. Advertisement Mailloux had another great year in the AHL, being a top player for Laval. Mailloux has an exciting toolkit. He's a big right-shot defenseman who skates well and has legit skill. On his best shifts when he's carrying the puck up ice, or launching a bomb from the point, he looks like a top-four defenseman in the NHL. With his reach, feet and some physicality, he's a solid enough defender too. Mailloux's biggest issue is his hockey sense. He makes iffy decisions with and without the puck and it could hold him back from being a legit big-minute defenseman in the NHL. His talent is good enough that he should be a regular NHLer. He's stayed out of trouble of late since his draft year suspension. Overall, I have Bolduc rated slightly higher. Mailloux plays a more premium position and is toolsier, and while neither is a perfect player, the holes in Mailloux's game are slightly more glaring. This move makes sense for Montreal in light of the Noah Dobson deal and being able to procure a quality young player is ideal. From the Blues' perspective, they've drafted a lot of wingers high, including just a few days ago, and I understand the dice roll on a talented defenseman. I'm sure they are hoping in some way they are selling high on Bolduc given his very up-and-down play in recent years. Canadiens grade: B+ Blues grade: B- (Photo of Zach Bolduc: Jeff Curry / Imagn Images)
New York Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
The Athletic Hockey Show's top NHL Draft picks from Day 2
The 2025 NHL Draft is officially in the books, and for the 224 prospects selected at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the real work starts now as they chase their dreams of playing in the NHL. As always, most of the spotlight was on the top of the draft and the players expected to make an immediate impact for their new teams. But that doesn't mean there weren't valuable picks made on Day 2 who could eventually break through and thrive in the NHL. Advertisement On the latest episode of The Athletic Hockey Show, Max Bultman, Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler broke down the Day 2 picks that stood out the most. A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the 'The Athletic Hockey Show' feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Max: We're going to play a little game here. I want each of you to tell me the pick you loved the most on Day 2 of the draft. Corey, we'll start with you. Corey: Mine would probably be Blake Fiddler, who Seattle took in the first 10 picks of the second round (No. 36). He was a guy we thought could have gone in the late first but he didn't end up going that high, and I think teams were pretty concerned about his hockey sense. But I still see a 6-foot-4 — and at the combine he actually measured closer to 6-foot-5 — mobile defenseman who I thought was one of the USA's better players at the World U18 Championships. He's not super physical but he competes well enough, and there's enough skill there that I see a path for him to become a four or five defenseman in the league. I think Seattle made the right decision taking Jake O'Brien at eight and not going to a Radim Mrtka or a Jackson Smith, because that would have been a significant drop-off in talent. But after that when you look at the system, there is a desperate need for a top defense prospect. And I'm not saying he's a premier defense prospect, but he's something they really needed. So they got a fit on need, and on talent for me it was a really good spot to get him because I think he's going to play in the NHL. Scott: There were two picks that I really liked on Day 2. The first was Milton Gästrin to the Washington Capitals at 37. The Capitals had drafted a lot of very unique and almost different prospects over the last couple of years, whether it was Andrew Cristall, Cole Hutson or even Terik Parascak. They've taken some cuts at the draft, and as a result of that they've drafted a number of wingers that they felt had slipped at the draft. So I liked the decision to go after a more projectable and 'safe' player in Gästrin, who I think has a real opportunity to be a 3C of the future for that organization. So I liked the Gästrin pick at 37. He was an early second-rounder for me through the first part of the season, but he sold me as the year went on as a late-first guy on my list. And I felt like if he was going to linger into the 30s someone was going to get a future NHL player, which I think is important in this draft. Advertisement The other one for similar reasons, just in terms of getting a future NHL player, was Malcolm Spence, who I thought lingered a little bit longer than he should have. I know people are a little concerned about the late birthday, and the fact that he's 6-feet, 200 pounds and doesn't have that sort of dynamic quality in his game offensively. But he's a plus skater, he's a plus competitor, and he's probably going to play at around 210 or 215 pounds. Everybody credits him for his work ethic and the way that he gets after it, and I think he's an up-and-down the lineup, top-nine forward all day in the NHL. If not, certainly a third-line winger in the NHL. So I liked where he was in the second round. I must say the one thing I really had my eye on in this draft class — not that they were necessarily my favorite picks — but I really had my eye on the three little guys. We talked about the size off the top, and lo and behold those little guys all lingered as we anticipated they would. And yet I think in each case there might be some value there someday. I'm not even counting out L.J. Mooney, who of the three was the player who I thought showed us the least this year. In large part it was due to injury, but he really finished strong at the U18 Worlds. With L.J., because of his skating, his smarts, the way that he gets after it and his competitiveness, I would not be surprised if he plays NHL games someday. I certainly think Cameron Schmidt and Adam Benak have that chance. I know Adam's coming up to play in the CHL next year, and I think that will be really good for him. … Even if all of the kids in that four-to-six-round range are long shots to play in the NHL, perhaps even at 5-foot-7, I think these guys are lesser long shots than many of the players who were taken around them. You get to a point in the draft where you're rolling the dice on all of these kids, and those were kids that specifically in that four-to-six range I thought were interesting dice rolls. You can listen to full episodes of The Athletic Hockey Show for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (Top Photo: Jeff Vinnick / NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
An early look at Edmonton Oilers prospects after the 2025 NHL Draft
The Edmonton Oilers selected five players at the 2025 NHL Draft this weekend, all coming on Saturday. All new Oilers prospects are long shots, but Kyle Brodziak was taken No. 214 in 2003 and went on to play in over 900 NHL games. It's possible the Oilers drafted a gem Saturday, although the identity of that player isn't known today. Advertisement For Oilers fans, it'll be years before these young men push into pro hockey and begin the climb to the NHL. Here's a first blush look at the Oilers' prospects after the 2025 draft. The Oilers drafted a quick, smart two-way forward with their first pick again this year. Tommy Lafreniere's scoring for the Kamloops Blazers (24-32-56 in 68 games) was a close match for Sam O'Reilly (chosen by Edmonton in the first round one year ago) in his draft year. There are other similarities, including being right-handed and playing centre. Lafreniere is undersized, and the scoring indicates a checking role in pro hockey, but he was a reasonable bet for the organization at No. 83. Corey Pronman had him No. 78 in his final mock draft at The Athletic. The Oilers stayed in the WHL to draft the Saskatoon Blades' Lewandowski, a 6-foot-1, 177-pound winger with some ingenuity and skill. He's a good skater. Pronman ranked him No. 88 on his final list at The Athletic, while Scott Wheeler had him No. 90 on his list. There are those in the hockey industry who believe he will have a breakout season offensively in 2025-26. One scout told me, 'he can control the pace of the game with the puck on his stick and leverages his body extremely well in offensive zone cycle situations. Can distribute at an elite level but can also finish.' The buzz around Lewandowski is a little stronger than Lafreniere, so fans should watch those offensive numbers next season. If he spikes, this might be a draft steal. Barnett is a product of the USA Hockey development system and brings size and a range of coverage ability to the game. He can punish opponents with hits, is strong along the wall and in open-ice coverage. Barnett can move the puck capably and has good anticipation, but is not used as an offensive weapon. Pronman had him No. 119 in his mock draft. Barnett doesn't have a standout skill, which is why he was available here for Edmonton. Advertisement Late in Saturday's draft, Edmonton chose a goaltender. It's an annual tradition for the team. The Oilers have drafted a goaltender (at least one) in the last four drafts, and at least one in 10 of the last 12 drafts. In 2014, the club took two goalies with only six picks. Salonen is an older prospect for the draft (he will be 20 in December) and plays in the second Finnish league (Mestis). He delivered a .909 save percentage in 2024-25 for Hokki Kajaani, a team that was forced to use six goalies during the season. It's safe to call Salonen a distant bell prospect, but he'll have a chance to impress the Oilers this winter. Aidan Park is the nephew of former NHL player Richard Park and is an intriguing late-round selection. He delivered strong offence for the USHL Green Bay Gamblers in 2024-25, scoring 33 goals and 66 points. He followed up his season by playing three playoff games for the WHL Calgary Hitmen. Park is an older prospect for the draft (turned 19 in January), but is also a right-handed centre with enough offence to be considered a reasonable bet for a late-round selection. A group of young prospects who are not ticketed for pro hockey this season offer the team some hope for the future. O'Reilly had a strong year for the OHL London Knights, playing a key two-way role on the team. He scored 71 points in 62 games during the regular season, and helped the Knights to the 2025 Memorial Cup. Teammate William Nichol, also an Oilers prospect, was on the team and flourished after being a draft-and-follow pick in 2024. Samuel Jonsson might be that rare late-round draft pick who lands as an NHL player. The goaltender was chosen No. 158 in 2022 by the Oilers and has blossomed as a legit prospect for the team. He's under the radar for many fans, but is one of the most valuable prospects in the system. Advertisement Maxim Berezkin is NHL-ready, and he could also lay claim to being the team's top prospect — if he ever signs. The big winger plays a feature role for a great team in the KHL, but has (so far) gone unsigned by Edmonton. If he signs a contract with the Oilers, the depth chart on the wing changes immediately. He's NHL-ready. Needs to sign. The definition of a prospect for our purposes is a player who has appeared in fewer than 50 NHL games. Age is not a consideration. Matt Savoie is the team's top prospect and has one full year of experience with the Bakersfield Condors. He leads the group of prospects with a chance to play NHL games as early as the 2025-26 season. Savoie is a plug-and-play option for this fall in Edmonton. His impressive offence in the AHL last season was the most from any player age 20 (Bradly Nadeau, 19, had a higher total) in the league. David Tomasek is a substantial player who may never play in the minors. The nature of his contract with Edmonton suggests the organization plans on having him on the opening night roster. Tomasek is a quality offensive option, having led one of the two best European leagues in points on year ago. He's 29, so it's beyond now or never for this player as an NHL contributor. Atro Leppanen is 26 and coming off an outrageous offensive season in Finland's top league. He's an offensive defenceman and could push for NHL work in a crowded part of Edmonton's depth chart. His offensive acumen would be well suited to a strong skater with good coverage skills, but there's much we don't know about this player (can he play his offside? how good are his boots?) that training camp will solve. Alec Regula was a waiver pickup during the 2024-25 season by general manager Stan Bowman who spent the entire season on the injured list. A likely waiver worry this fall, the organization should get a long look at him before the 2025-26 season opens. Advertisement Roby Jarventie was a bet made by the Oilers that didn't look promising, but his improved health has him back in the system. If he's healthy, Jarventie could land a job on the top three lines in Edmonton this fall. Noah Philp is NHL-ready, and a right-handed centre who can kill penalties and win battles is lose to a perfect fit for this Oilers team. He has a real chance at the No. 4 centre job in 2025-26. Josh Samanski is a giant two-way centre from the German league; he might give Philp a run for his money at that spot. Beau Akey and Damien Carfagna are both puck-moving blueliners with wheels. It's anyone's guess how the Condors coaching staff will use them this coming year, but if they're regulars along with Leppanen, Bakersfield's defence is going to be dynamic. Quinn Hutson is a college scorer and something of a wild card, but it's fair to note that any winger who gets a full look on a line with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could surprise offensively. He would be behind Savoie in the pecking order entering camp, but things can change. Viljami Marjala is an extreme playmaker (44 assists and eight goals last season in the Liiga) but is listed as a winger. Some mystery about deployment, how much he transports the puck, but he appears to be money in the offensive zone. Bowman has lit a fire in the organization since taking over, and there are signs that real innovation is taking place. A recent article by Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic suggests the team is looking to kick-start the system over the next several years. Next week, I'll rank Edmonton's top 20 prospects. The list will be far different than the one I did a year ago. (Photo of Aidan Park: Jeff Vinnick / NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Your views on the 2025 NHL Draft
Follow live coverage of tonight's first round of the 2025 NHL Draft as teams select the next generation of hockey's future stars Getty Images Keenan H.: Knowing that Chicago will come out of the draft with Misa or Frondell, has me excited. If the rumors of Frondell going to the Shark's at 2 and Misa dropping to Chicago at 3 come to fruition , I'll be ecstatic. Chris C.: I've given up hope that Frondell will make it to #6, so I've turned to Hagens as my top (realistic) hope. If he's there they better not go big because of the Zegras trade... Michael E K.: That's one nasty injury Spence had to fight through! To still put up the numbers he did speaks volumes about the guts and ability he's got. Adam V.: I'm pretty sure the Penguins need quality MORE than quantity. They acquired a lot of picks recently, but they don't really have a lot in terms of high-end talent coming. Getty Images This season, The Athletic's prospects writers Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman set out to do something ambitious: pull off a 2025 NHL Draft player poll similar to the player polls our staff conduct in the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB. In the fall, they settled on 10 questions — three on the record and seven anonymous — and spent the season gathering as many responses as possible. By year's end, 50 of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class were surveyed for our inaugural NHL Draft player poll. If you could take one draft-eligible player you've played on the same team with, with you to the NHL, who would it be and why? Matthew Schaefer: Honestly, I would probably just say Jack Ivankovic. It's so easy playing when he's in net. I love him as a guy, and he's a great goalie. Honestly, I would probably just say Jack Ivankovic. It's so easy playing when he's in net. I love him as a guy, and he's a great goalie. Michael Misa: I'd say Porter Martone or Matthew Schaefer. You see how dynamic they are, and I think they both love to win. Any team could use Schaefer on the back end, and with Martone, he's just a big, powerful forward who helps you win. I'd say Porter Martone or Matthew Schaefer. You see how dynamic they are, and I think they both love to win. Any team could use Schaefer on the back end, and with Martone, he's just a big, powerful forward who helps you win. Porter Martone: I think it's pretty easy for me. I'm going with my teammate Jack Ivankovic. I see the way he wins us games and steals us games. … I think every NHL team needs a star goalie, and I think he's going to be a star goalie in the NHL. The way that he puts in the work around the rink and the way that he wins us games, I think he single-handedly this year has won us games when he has got 40-50 shots with the way he battles and his compete. Check out more questions and answers below. GO FURTHER 2025 NHL Draft player poll: 50 top prospects dish on each other, predict their draft range Every year, in the days between the release of my final draft board and the draft itself, continued conversations and video work (normally prompted by those conversations) always seem to lead me to some flip-flopping and hair-pulling about my list. This year, there's only one that I've kept coming back to, and it's a minor one: I think I'd move Cullen Potter down two or three spots to No. 18 or No. 19, which would move Jackson Smith and Lynden Lakovic up one spot each to No. 16 and No. 17, respectively, and maybe Cameron Reid up one to No. 18 as well. Getty Images I mentioned it briefly on the pod last week, but I wanted to highlight a note on Malcolm Spence. (If you're faint of heart, maybe don't read ahead.) I was a little surprised when Spence, who'd previously been listed at 201 pounds by NHL Central Scouting, weighed in at 190 pounds at the combine in Buffalo, and it was enough of a loss that I decided to ask around. As it turns out, the weight loss happened after he 'split his tongue in half' earlier this year. After getting it stitched, it got infected, swelled and eventually grew a blood clot. Spence ended up in the hospital after one particularly tough bus ride home, and the hospital had to bring in a dentist and an oral surgeon to lance the growth off. He struggled to eat for a while and even had trouble breathing for a time. Though he played with a bubble cage, he lost 10 pounds, and it sounds like it impacted his season. Spence still finished the year with a respectable 36 goals (including five shorties, second-most in the OHL) and 82 points in 74 combined regular-season and playoff games, but he moved from the front half of the first round entering the season to the back half of the first round exiting it. He has since committed to the University of Michigan and projects to play at 215 pounds in the NHL. He also did well in his interviews at the combine, by the sounds of it. I'll be interested to see where he goes on Friday night, but I'd guess early 20s. Getty Images A little more than a year ago, Hagens set the U18 Worlds single-tournament points record with 22 points in just seven games in Finland, and entered the summer before his draft year as the front-runner to be the No. 1 pick. Now, I'm starting to get the sense he's not going to be a top-five pick. As things stand right now, I don't think the Sharks, Blackhawks or Mammoth take him at 2, 3 or 4. And while I think he makes a lot of sense for the Preds at No. 5 — and I'd take him there — they've shown a lot of interest in Martone throughout this year, and I think he's likely their selection if he's there. If Martone goes before the Preds' pick at No. 5, which is a real possibility, I could see Nashville circle back to Hagens. But the chalk version that I've got in my head right now has Hagens going No. 6 or No. 7 to the Flyers or Bruins. I do know there are teams that have Hagens as their target in potential trade-up scenarios, however, and the Islanders have explored trying to add a second top-five pick, presumably to take Hagens, who's from Long Island. (Those trades almost never happen, but wouldn't that be something?). Getty Images I was already hearing a lot about the Penguins before the Rangers made the decision to transfer the No. 12 pick to them to complete the J.T. Miller trade. As I've reported, I know they'd inquired with the Blackhawks about the No. 3 pick and have been aggressive in looking into moving up. It sounds like they like both Porter Martone and James Hagens a lot. I've also heard they like Roger McQueen. I believe Martone's going top five, so they'd have to jump into the 3-5 range to grab him. I'm less sure Hagens goes top five, but I also believe the Flyers and Bruins like him at No. 6-7. So those are your scenarios. After polling scouts about McQueen, I believe he goes in the 8-10 range and could see any of the Kraken, Sabres and certainly Ducks take him (multiple people have linked McQueen and the Ducks to me). If McQueen's gone and they stand pat, the names I've heard tied to the Penguins are lefty defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Jackson Smith (who they both spent extra time with in Buffalo at the combine and would give them a top left-shot D prospect opposite emerging righty Harrison Brunicke) and winger Lynden Lakovic, who I think is in play starting with the Penguins. Kyle Dubas has never been shy to move back, either, so I don't think that door is shut (though they need quantity less than quality after acquiring more of the former since Dubas took over). Getty Images There are a few names that I've been hearing a lot in recent weeks and days that I wanted to draw some attention to: Russians Daniil Prokhorov, Alexander Zharovsky and Semyon Frolov, Acadie-Bathurst Titan defenseman Will Reynolds and Czech forward Vaclav Nestrasil. There are multiple teams prepared to take Prokhorov, a 6-5 winger with secondary scoring and a nose for the dirty areas, in the first round. Zharovsky got mixed reviews coming out of Dan Milstein's Gold Star camp in Fort Lauderdale because of just how far behind the curve he is physically, but there are some that still rate him higher than people realize. I believe Prokhorov is gone in the early 20s and won't be surprised if he goes late teens. Zharovsky and Nestrasil could both go late first, and if they don't, they will be gone very early on Day 2. Frolov is viewed by some as the 1A or 1B goalie in this class to Joshua Ravensbergen. Don't be surprised if Ravensbergen slips out of the first round, either. I'm less and less convinced the Predators take him with one of their late firsts. Reynolds' name came a little out of nowhere in the second half. He's a big, strong, competitive D who can really skate, and while his production (16 points in 69 combined regular-season and playoff games) doesn't scream second-rounder, I believe he's going to go there now; multiple teams have him rated firmly there. It sounds like he's a couple of inches bigger than his 6-foot-2.5 listing as well. Plus, he's an August 2007 birthday, which puts him on the younger side of this class. His game translates to the NHL and what teams are now looking for in D. 'From (January) to now, he had his development trajectory skyrocket,' said one source on Reynolds. Getty Images Roger McQueen is the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft who will create the most debates for teams with an early pick. Standing at 6-foot-5, McQueen is exactly the type of player NHL teams dream of: a big, skilled center who can skate, has high-end skill and plays physical and is a right shot to boot. Before injuries disrupted his season in the fall, McQueen was viewed in NHL circles as a potential candidate for the No. 1 pick, especially after his scorching start to the season, where he scored eight goals in his first 12 WHL games for the Brandon Wheat Kings. What was even more impressive this season compared to previous ones was the edge he added to his play. McQueen was at times tentative before with a razor-thin frame, but this year, even after returning from a serious injury, he was highly physical and scrappy. He has a knack for getting to high-danger scoring areas and consistently demonstrates excellent puck skill and vision. He has the potential to be a first-line center in the NHL. 'Players with his skill set are top-five picks all day long,' one NHL scout said. Another scout was even more explicit about McQueen's value, stating, 'On pure talent, he's a top-three pick. He does what Anton Frondell does while being four inches taller.' However, the optimism surrounding McQueen comes with significant medical uncertainty. His most recent season was marred by a back injury, forcing him to miss extended time during the regular season. After returning briefly, he suffered another setback during the playoffs for Brandon, causing further concern among NHL evaluators. GO FURTHER Why Roger McQueen is the 2025 NHL Draft's most fascinating top prospect Getty Images Position: Center Center Team: Brandon Brandon Shoots: Right Right Height: 6-foot-5 Roger McQueen got off to a great start to the season before a back injury sidelined him in the fall. He returned for a handful of games toward the end of the year. He's a 6-foot-5 center who, when healthy, can skate and has high-end offensive skills. His reach and hands can let him break shifts open, especially when he's attacking with tempo. I wouldn't call McQueen a truly high-end playmaker, but he sees the ice well, makes difficult plays and can create in the high percentage areas. McQueen is big, but what scouts will love is that he uses his big frame. He has an edge in his play, and even after a near season-long injury, he returned and played with bite. He projects as a potential No. 1 center who can play big minutes in the NHL, presuming his health checks out. Getty Images Position : RW : RW Team : Djurgarden : Djurgarden Shoots : Right : Right Height: 5-foot-11 Victor Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William Eklund, was excellent this season versus men in the Allsvenskan as well as for Sweden's World Junior team. Victor is an excellent skater. He has good speed, but his edge work is what separates his skating ability and how elusive he is in tight. He's a very skilled forward who makes creative plays and can do so in the tough areas. Eklund is undersized, but he plays like a big man. He's a tenacious competitor who hunts down pucks and is great at creating chances around the net. He projects as a top-line winger. Getty Images The Chicago Blackhawks love being in the top three of the NHL Draft. History shows they've drafted successful players when they are one of the first three selections. Two of those past selections include Denis Savard (1980), a Hall of Famer and Jonathan Toews (2006), a three-time Stanley Cup champion. Per NHL Stats, they are the first team since the Oilers from 2010 to 2012 to make a top three selection in three straight years. Getty Images Players from U.S. colleges are becoming more popular in the top five of NHL Drafts. Below is the history of top-five picks out of U.S. college since 2006: Macklin Celebrini (Sharks — 2024) Artyom Levshunov (Blackhawks — 2024) Adam Fantilli (Blue Jackets — 2023) Owen Power (Sabres — 2021) Matty Beniers (Kraken — 2021) Kent Johnson (Blue Jackets — 2021) Brady Tkachuk (Senators — 2018) Jack Eichel (Sabres — 2015) Noah Hanifin (Hurricanes — 2015) Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks — 2006) Phil Kessel (Bruins — 2006) If James Hagens (Boston College) is selected in the top five, it would be the first time in NHL Draft history that a top-five pick has come out of U.S. college hockey for three straight years. Getty Images There's been a pattern in recent NHL Drafts of players picked in the top five making an immediate impact on their respective teams. In fact, according to NHL Stats, 19 of the 25 NHL Drafts since 2000 have seen numerous top-five selections appear in at least 10 games in the ensuing regular season, including San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (70 games played in 2024-25) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov (18 games played in 2024-25). Getty Images This isn't the first time the New York Islanders have the No. 1 pick. It's the fifth time the Islanders select first overall, after picking Billy Harris (1972), Denis Potvin (1973), Rick DiPietro (2000) and John Tavares (2009). Harris recorded six 20-goal seasons for the franchise. DiPietro played his entire 11-year career with the Islanders. Tavares spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Islanders, captaining the team for five seasons (2013-14 to 2017-18). Getty Images Scott Wheeler: The Flyers are high on all three of Martin, O'Brien and Hagens, and I've had two different people say O'Brien and Martin "don't get past the Flyers." And yet, if Utah doesn't take one of them, I think there's a chance both are here and as a result one of them *does* get past the Flyers. I know they've spent extra time with all three of those guys. But there are a lot of people in the NHL who think they're going to take Martin. I could see a scenario where Martin was the guy they liked and thought they could get, and Hagens was the guy they didn't think would get to them, but would take if he did, for example. I'm partial to Hagens, but a lot of the teams near the top love Martin, and it's easy to see why if you know him. Corey Pronman: Like Nashville, I somewhat expect the Flyers to take a center, and the options start getting more limited here. James Hagens is possible here, although it would give them a rather small core. McQueen is possible too. O'Brien makes a lot of sense though and people in the league think this is a possible landing spot for him as well. Getty Images Position: Center Center Team: Brantford Brantford Shoots: Right Right Height: 6-foot-1 Jake O'Brien has been an excellent junior player as a leading player on a top OHL team. O'Brien displays the high-end patience and vision to hold onto pucks for an extra second to make difficult plays and run an NHL power play. He's extremely skilled with the puck, showing the soft touch and quick hands to create a lot of scoring chances and improvise on difficult plays often. He's a decent enough skater. His game can lack pace at times in part because he pulls up to make his skilled plays too much, but when he gets going, he moves well. O'Brien isn't overly physical, but he gets to the net to create chances, can kill penalties and isn't a pushover. He projects as a very good top two line center who could score a lot in the NHL. Getty Images Jake O'Brien is the reigning OHL Rookie of the Year. After leading all OHL rookies with 64 points in 61 games last season at 16, he's chasing 100 points and a top-10 finish in OHL scoring at 17 this season. He's got a chance to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, too. NHL Central Scouting slotted him eighth among North American skaters on their midterm rankings. And he has ascended to the top of the 2025 class as a center, as one of the youngest top prospects in the draft because of his June 16 birthday, as an alternate captain and without his Brantford Bulldogs running mate, Blackhawks first-rounder Marek Vanacker, for much of the season. Jay McKee, the Bulldogs' head coach, told The Athletic that O'Brien has been 'incredible' in his two years in the OHL. He talks about an 'elite, elite hockey IQ,' about how games just 'flow and slow down for him,' and about how he 'sees plays developing before they happen.' He talks about his passing ability, his deceptiveness, his unpredictability, how coachable he is, a shot that has improved and his leadership. But most of all, he talks about his love for the game. And that part he comes by honestly. Read more below. GO FURTHER How 'incredible' Jake O'Brien became one of the 2025 NHL Draft's top prospects Getty Images Scott Wheeler: My sense for this pick hasn't changed. I could see the Preds considering Hagens, Martin and Desnoyers if he's around here, but I also know they were in Brampton a lot to watch Martone this year (including upper management), and I think he's their guy. Martone would give them the high-skill, top-of-the-lineup forward prospect they've been searching for as long as the organization has existed. Right-shot wingers with his size and profile don't grow on trees either, even if center is the more premium position. Corey Pronman: I would be a little surprised if Nashville doesn't come out of this draft with a center. With a run on centers here, the Predators probably take whichever of the top group of pivots are left. Desnoyers, Frondell, Martin all fit their style of draftees. The league thinks this is a potential landing spot for Roger McQueen, too. Getty Images Indeed, James Hagens was once widely regarded as the potential top pick in this year's draft after his great career at the U.S. NTDP and dominating the World Under-18 Championship last spring. His freshman season at Boston College, however, didn't quite meet those lofty expectations despite still being very productive. He's a dynamic player with the skating, skill and hockey sense of a premier NHL forward. He's on the smaller side, but his profile echoes similarities to players like Logan Cooley and Jack Hughes at the same age, although some scouts have concerns on whether he will handle the NHL's physicality like the other two did. While he may no longer be the consensus top choice, Hagens still projects comfortably as a high-end NHL talent likely to be selected very early.
