05-05-2025
2025 NHL Draft prospects: Corey Pronman updates his ranking ahead of the lottery
Today is a quick update of my 2025 NHL Draft big board ahead of the draft lottery and with the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships concluded. There are some mild changes to the order, and some movement within tiers, although the top of the draft remains mostly unchanged. Despite this draft being led by a defenseman at No. 1, this class is known for its forward depth (and lack thereof on defense), especially at center with several premium center prospects in this class.
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Ranked players are placed into tiers and given tool grades. Tool grades are based on a scale with six separate levels, with an eye toward how this attribute would grade in the NHL (poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end and elite). 'Average' on this scale means the tool projects as NHL average, which is meant as a positive, not a criticism. Skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete for every projected NHL player are graded. Shot grades are only included if a shot is notably good or poor.
Player comparables are my best attempt at giving readers an idea of what I think these prospects could realistically become in the NHL.
(Photos of Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa: Mathias Bergeld / Sipa via AP Images and Dennis Pajot / Getty Images)
