FINAL 2025 DRAFT RANKINGS
Wrapping up the year with short summaries and my rankings
This post highlights my final rankings for the 2025 draft. I had the opportunity to attend the WJC-u18 in Texas, along with 600+ games online, and this enabled me to gather a strong understanding of each of the players. I, along with many, felt this was a much weaker class than most years, struggling to find value.
1. Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie Otters, OHL
Matthew Schaefer is my first overall rated player. The 6’2” offensive defenceman stood out as the best player in the draft at multiple events throughout the year. Team Canada fell apart at the World Juniors when he left with an injury and Team CHL, a roster full of future first round draft picks, turned to him in every situation to sweep the NTDP. There’s inherent risk in taking a defenceman who played 17 draft-year games at 1st overall, but the effortless skating, offensive skill, and smooth transition play make him a likely #1, franchise cornerstone.
2. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit, OHL
Michael Misa is my 2nd overall rated prospect. The OHL forward earned exceptional status in his 15-year-old season to enter major junior and now has wrapped up a very prolific career. Last season, he won the Memorial Cup on home ice and followed it up with historic point totals not seen since Patrick Kane and John Tavares. Misa has brilliant processing speed, gets around the ice easily, and scored more than 60 goals. His poor playoff performance raised some questions, and he played in a very offensive-friendly system, but I remain bullish he’ll be a 1st line scorer in the NHL.
3. Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs, OHL
Jake O’Brien is my personal favourite in this draft class and I remain a bit higher on him than consensus. The 6’2 centre from Brantford posted 98 points this season to follow up his ROTY performance in year #1. O’Brien is the best playmaker in the draft and has a refined understanding of the game and offensive concepts. He plays with poise and creates offence out of seemingly nothing. He’s underdeveloped physically but has plenty of room to fill out his frame and gain explosiveness. I strongly anticipate that O’Brien will be seen as one of the best players from this draft someday.
4. James Hagens, C, Boston College Eagles, NCAA
James Hagens began the year as the consensus 1st overall pick but the hype has faded quite a bit. He’s a bit undersized and might transition to the wing in the NHL. Hagens has physicality and will throw hits, though he can still get pushed around at times. I still have strong beliefs that James Hagens will be a high octane point producer in the NHL, but the question marks will come in June.
5. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL
Caleb Desnoyers is a highly intelligent, detailed centre with elite playmaking ability and strong habits. Desnoyers was a part of the Hlinka winning team in the summer and won the QMJHL finals with Moncton, winning MVP despite battling severe injuries in both his wrists. He's calculated, processes reads quickly, and doesn't cheat the game. His skating speed will need to improve and I don't see Desnoyers as an elite offensive producer. It's incredibly hard to find centres that elite teammates consistently want to play with, and it feels Desnoyers may be that guy.
6. Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads, OHL
Porter Martone is a 6’3 winger from the OHL that prides his game on finesse and skill. He has been miscast a bit this year as a power forward. Skating is good, not great, and it will have to come along. He already has a filled out frame at 210 lbs. He is a leader, wore the C in the OHL and at the U18s in D-1. He was the only draft-eligible player to take part in the World Championships, leading me to believe there’s at least a floor of a solid NHLer. I am a bit worried with the way he stagnated and what development steps are next.
7. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens, Allsvenskan
Anton Frondell is a big, physical 6'2" Swedish centre who brings a heavy and honest game. Despite a disappointing U18s, where he was rushed to the US at the last moment to aid Sweden, Frondell still impressed as an impactful pro player. His feet aren’t elite but his strides are powerful. He defends well down low and kills cycles with advanced understanding of his body and stick work. Frondell builds intangible elements with his character and leadership, and truly doesn't cheat the game, making smart reads and just being dependable in all situations.
8. Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgardens, Allsvenskan
Victor Eklund is an energetic, competitive winger who played huge minutes in the 2nd tier pro division in Sweden. A smart, connective winger with good puck skills and decision making. He’s the brother of William Eklund who has cemented himself as a high level NHLer already. Victor had a really good WJC on North American ice, one of the best players on a very good Team Sweden. I have some concerns that he becomes another middle-6, small, energy winger. I believe Victor will be better than that.
9. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL
Lynden Lakovic is a huge, rangy winger with unlimited tools. His hands and reach are really good, he gets around the ice easily with his edges, and is beautiful mechanically. Lakovic still found ways to produce despite playing on one of the worst teams in Canada. He scores in many different ways and has the skill to be a top 6 forward in the NHL. Pro scouts have concerns with the intensity and consistency. Personally, not worried about it, I believe on a better team and with more strength he’ll show up every night.
10. Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips, WHL
There are serious injury concerns after Carter Bear tore his Achilles during the season and we haven't seen him skate since. He's one of the most intense players in this entire draft, going to the net as much as anyone, finishes scoring chances, and scores goals. He brings a super high work rate, the first one on the forecheck, the first one on the backcheck, a dog on a bone every single shift. With Bear, you’re getting a guy that can complement a skilled first line or fit in on your 4th line.
11. Radim Mrtka, RHD, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
Radim Mrtka is a 6’6” right shot defenceman that came over from Europe halfway through the season. He makes an exceptional first pass and has some nights where he completely takes over the game. For the Thunderbirds, Mrtka crunched minutes and played in all situations. He’s far from flawless, there are blips in his game defensively and he is prone to blowing coverage. He doesn’t play with the physicality you’d expect from a 6’6” defender. The skating is good but will have to come along, as he can look disjointed at times.
12. Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds, OHL
Brady Martin is the most competitive player in the 2025 draft. He brings intensity every night and never takes a shift off regardless of circumstance. Martin wins battles and drives offensive numbers that may surprise those focused only on narratives. He has soft skill that came out in a dominant WJC performance. I question the overall offensive upside and creative instincts. The heavy skill and IQ make him feel like a patented playoff performer. There’s going to be someone that takes him really high on draft day.
13. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Roger McQueen is one of the best raw talents in the entire draft. At 6’5”, he skates really well, is sneaky fast, and has excellent hands. He makes plays and can drive a rush in transition. If McQueen played the season healthy, he may have been in contention for the first overall pick. Unfortunately, the injuries and limited viewings raise some question marks. He was good in his return to the WHL, but didn’t dominate the way you’d like a late birthday ‘06 to. McQueen’s back injury may be chronic and could hinder his whole career. There’s risk here but the payout could be excellent.
14. Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State Sun Devils, NCAA
Cullen Potter left the NTDP to play college hockey as a true 17 year old underager, something not easy to do. Some nights he was the best player on the ice in the hardest conference in the NCAA, playing guys aged 24–26. If looking to take a big swing on a potential top 6 dynamo, Potter will likely be there until the deep end of the 1st round. There are some questions in the IQ, size, and overall instincts of his game, which will have to improve and why NHL scouts have him ranked lower than I do.
15. Logan Hensler, RHD, Wisconsin Badgers, NCAA
Logan Hensler entered the year as a consensus top 10 guy, fell substantially, but is right back in the conversation for a lottery pick. He moves very well, has good size, and there’s more offensive ability than he may have shown this season. He played very safe with the puck and didn’t take a ton of risks, just a safe consistent first pass. NCAA Wisconsin was a hard situation for a player's draft year, providing some tough matchups and not much support. Hensler had a better WJC performance in a limited role than most gave him credit for. He should go in the top half of the first round.
16. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
Justin Carbonneau had a hard time with some matchups in the QMJHL playoffs but was still able to assert himself as one of the best players in the league. He plays in a pro level frame at 6’2”, 205 lbs, and has a mature physical game. Carbonneau’s shot is elite both on the powerplay and at 5 on 5, and he may possess the best hands in the draft. Character concerns and wavering effort have scouts, including myself, concerned. Carbonneau has all the tools in the arsenal, but he’s going to need to learn to bring it every night within the construct of his team’s system. Potentially playing at NCAA Boston College in the fall.
17. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
Braeden Cootes is a reliable centre whose game relies on his speed and quickness. He’s relentless on the forecheck and plays all 3 zones at the same intensity. At the U18’s, Cootes peaked and really turned some heads. After a long season in Seattle, it seemed he finally found a spot to blossom. Cootes has great vision and a sneaky shot. Likely projects as a 3rd line centre down the road.
18. Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
Cameron Reid is one of the trickiest projections in the entire draft. He’s small in stature but was really impressive every time I saw him. Skates well, activates in the rush, and consistently makes sound reads and decisions. There’ll be doubters, and he may fall, but there’s a ton to like here with Reid. Some of the lacking dynamism will scare certain teams away, but Reid should be a first round pick.
19. Ben Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen, WHL
Ben Kindel is just a really smart, offensively gifted forward who was the best creator on a great WHL team in Calgary. He was a late addition to the U18 roster and handled himself very well. Kindel draws comparison to Nick Suzuki in his sound, two-way approach to the game. He’s going to need to find a consistent compete level. There's a handful of nights he refuses to touch anybody, but I’m a fan and think there’s a solid NHLer here.
20. Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri City Americans, WHL
Jackson Smith moved up and down my list, and ended up ranked at 20 for me. He skates really well for his size, covers a ton of ice quickly. Smith has good capabilities working downhill activating off the cycle. I have real concerns with his mental game and putting it all together. He blows coverages defensively and loses his checks. Smith refuses to make the simple play, sometimes simply doesn’t make a read at all, just panics. His evolution will come if he can put the pieces into one, smooth product. Headed to NCAA Penn State.
21. Cole Reschny, LW, Victoria Royals, WHL
Cole Reschny produced at a torrid pace in the second half which led into a dominant U18s in Texas. He’s small in stature but compensates with excellent scoring and playmaking instincts. The top-end speed isn’t great, but his skating mechanics are sound. His work rate and hockey IQ project him as a reliable middle 6 forward in the NHL. He’s headed to NCAA North Dakota in the fall.
22. Alexander Zharovsky, LW, Tolpar Ufa, MHL
Alexander Zharovsky is one of the flashiest, most exciting players rising to stardom in the Russian ranks. He spent last year in the NMHL, equivalent to Junior B, and worked all the way up to the KHL playoffs this year, where he fared well. Every player in this draft could learn something from Zharovsky’s flair and creativity. His skating and consistent engagement will need improvement, but he’s a player worth watching.
23. Daniil Prokhorov, LW, Dynamo St. Petersburg, MHL
A personal favourite from this year, Daniil Prokhorov is a massive 6’6” Russian power forward. His skating will need to improve, but his size and strength are impressive. He possesses surprisingly good puck skills for a player of his size and style. I question the hockey sense, but he’s likely to be a straight line, crash and bang middle 6 winger anyways.
24. Carter Amico, RHD, USNTDP
Carter Amico is a huge 6’6 defenceman that missed most of the year due to injury. Limited viewings ran him out of many public 1st rounds, but he was really effective in NCAA exhibitions for the NTDP U18 team. He skates really well, moves pucks, and has a great baseline of defensive awareness. Big right-handed defensemen are highly coveted after the NHL playoffs, and Amico ranks near the top on my board.
25. Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie Colts, OHL
Kashawn Aitcheson’s physical intensity and assertiveness have been well documented this season. He’s willing to pinch down the wall or step up aggressively on forwards cutting through the middle. He contributed 26 goals and actively pitches in offensively. He’ll need to refine his defensive details and discipline. Aitcheson is a wild card who could be a valuable playoff piece for teams willing to take a chance.
26. Eric Nilson, C, Djurgardens, J20 Nationell'
When sharing notes with other scouts at the IIHF U18s about who is the only player to show up and dominate every single night, Eric Nilson’s name kept coming up. Nilson skates well, plays with pace and acceleration, all built on solid mechanics. He sees the ice, has playmaking potential, and plays with evasiveness and deception. Nilson weighs only 156 pounds right now and is going to have to bulk up dramatically, but he finishes the year in my first round.
27. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
When watching Jack Nesbitt at first glance, it’s quite hard to see an NHL hockey player. But below the surface level, in this range, I find him to be a very serviceable project pick. The instincts are really profound and he has an excellent motor. Coupled with a 6’4 frame with room to add strength, he’s an option in the mid 20’s. The mechanical limitations could keep him out of the NHL.
28. Bill Zonnon, C, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL
Bill Zonnon is a big, intense two-way playmaker out of Rouyn-Noranda in the QMJHL. I believe he may be more NHL ready than expected and is a lock for a bottom 6 role someday. Though his skating mechanics remain limited, his raw speed is impressive. Further development in his skating could unlock more playmaking. Zonnon is an intriguing depth option for teams valuing speed and intensity, especially late in the first round.
29. Ryker Lee, RW, Madison Capitals, USHL
Ryker Lee had a breakout year, winning USHL ROTY honours with Madison. He produced at a high rate with excellent hands and offensive creation. Lee’s skating took major steps this year and I’m more confident he can get around at the NHL level. At times, his processing speed seemed slow and he occasionally cheated offensively. It could be nitpicking, but I’ll be hoping to see incremental growth moving forward. He’ll be at NCAA Michigan State.
30. Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters, OHL
Malcolm Spence is a competitive, scoring winger from the OHL who I personally think may translate better to pro hockey than junior. He’s athletic and a relentless pest on the forecheck. Unfortunately, as one of the oldest draft-eligible players, he hasn’t shown much progression over three junior seasons. He may make an impact at NCAA Michigan, but there are other options I prefer for now.
31. Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
Vaclav Nestrasil first caught my eye last summer breezing through the EP Draft Centre, and it felt like something was there immediately. He’s tall and lanky with surprisingly good feet and a mean streak as well. He’s still very raw, with lots of development ahead but the development curve he took over the year was really nice to see. The 6’6 power forward will likely play in the CHL for a year before moving on to NCAA UMass.
32. Mason West, RW, Edina Hornets, MSHSL
Mason West’s report reads quite similar to Nestrasil; a 6’6 right winger, with surprisingly good skill and a whole lot of work to be done. West is a star football recruit as well, but has decided to play hockey in the future at Michigan State University. West’s game remains a work in progress and his intensity wavered, but he dominated the Minnesota High School state tournament and has the skating and puck skills to play in the NHL.
33. Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State Spartans, NCAA
Vansaghi is a straight line power forward that comes with lots of jam. The offensive upside and mechanical limitation keeps him out of my round 1.
34. Kurban Limatov, LHD, Dynamo Moskva, MHL
Limatov is a big, raw Russian that can skate and has some really bright flashes. Will require some refinement but there’s something here.
35. Jacob Rombach, LHD, Lincoln Stars, USHL
Rombach is admittedly a project but I can’t help but be intrigued in taking it on. The 6’7 American defender has reach, skating, and a simple playoff-style game.
36. Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo, J20 Nationell
Gastrin is an intense, hard working centre that does great work below the circles. Some lingering questions in consistency and overall hockey sense for me.
37. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University, NCAA
Boumedienne is another guy that made the jump to college hockey and struggled at times, but got better as the year wore on. Set DMan scoring records at the u18. He remains a tricky projection.
38. Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
I’m a bit lower on Fiddler at this point. He’s a huge, rangy defender but the decision making on the puck really has pushed me away. Great swing on day 2.
39. Jack Murtagh, LW, USNTDP
Murtagh is a straight line power forward that did a lot of little things right. He lives at the net and could find a way to contribute one way or another in the NHL.
40. Max Psenicka, RHD, Portland Winterhawks
Psenicka came over from Central Europe and caught my eye pretty quickly. The 6’6 RHD could hear his name called quickly, maybe even on day 1.
41. Jakob Ihs Wozniak, RW, Lulea, J20 Nationell
Ihs Wozniak has a booming shot and slick hands attached to his big frame. His NHL success will rely on if he can find a consistent work rate.
42. Theo Stockselius, LW, Djurgardens, J20 Nationell
Stockselius is another guy that has mechanical limitations in the way he skates, but the processing speed is there. Dominated the J20 playoffs at times.
43. William Moore, C, USNTDP
Entered the year as a high profile pick but couldn’t find ways to impact the game on a nightly basis. Hockey sense is still there and he could provide some value.
44. Cole McKinney, C, USNTDP
Cole McKinney was a victim of the USNTDP for much of this season. He’s smart, calculated, and has a sneaky shot. Will be at NCAA Michigan.
45. Will Horcoff, C, Michigan Wolverines, NCAA
Horcoff made the jump at the mid-way point of the season and got out to a torrid pace at Michigan. His feet are heavy but there’s size, intensity, and NHL bloodlines. WIll go round 1.
46. Henry Brzustewicz, RHD, London Knights, OHL
Brzustewicz is an offensively minded DMan from the London NHL factory. There’s real concerns in his off-puck game but I think he plays.
47. Mikkel Eriksen, C, Farjestad, J20 Nationnell
The youngest prospect in the entire draft, Eriksen plays a smart and speedy game. More explosiveness could unpack something interesting,
48. Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
Ryabkin’s draft year was a circus act and concluded with him winning the USHL championship. He’s going to need to lose weight, fix his character, and stay out of the box.
49. David Bedkowski, RHD, Owen Sound Attack, OHL
Bedkowski is a guy that has been ranked as high as my first round. Payoffs with him won’t be immediate, but the size, skating, and violence will cement him into a 3rd pair.
50. Nathan Behm, RW, Kamloops Blazers, WHL
Nathan Behm is one of the best decision makers on the puck in this draft. He slows the game down and plays calculatedly. Unfortunately, the speed and effort level come and go.
51. Hayden Paupanekis, C, Kelowna Rockets, WHL
52. Ben Kevan, RW, Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL
53. Roman Bausov, RHD, Dynamo St. Petersburg, MHL
54. Luca Romano, C, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
55. Matthew Gard, C, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
56. Everett Baldwin, RHD, St. George’s School, USHS-Prep
57. Sean Barnhill, RHD, Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL
58. Eddie Genborg, LW, Linkoping, SHL
59. Haoxi Wang, LHD, Oshawa Generals, OHL
60. Gustav Hillstrom, C, Brynas, J20 Nationnell
61. Cooper Simpson, C, Shakopee Sabres, MSHSL
62. Tomas Poletin, C, Pelicans, Liiga
63. Kristian Epperson, LW, Saginaw Spirit, OHL
64. Adam Benak, C, Youngstown Phantoms, USHL