Final 2025 NHL Entry Draft Rankings: Top 31 Prospects Analyzed

With NHL draft week upon us, the much-anticipated final prospect rankings have arrived.

This list ranks the top 31 prospects featured, offering insights into their playing style, areas needing refinement, how they are viewed by NHL scouts, and their projected path to the NHL. This final set of rankings incorporates combine results and places a greater emphasis on scouting evaluations and industry intelligence alongside projection models. While some players` perceived value may have shifted compared to earlier rankings, their current position reflects their likelihood of becoming NHL players based on their developmental needs and industry perception.

Beyond Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, there is significant divergence in opinion among teams regarding prospects in this draft class. For instance, some players ranked in the top 20 by one team might not appear on another team`s draft list at all. This variation stems from teams prioritizing different attributes—such as skill, physicality, size, or playoff performance—and valuing players who align with their specific organizational philosophy. More so than in previous years, a player`s draft position could be influenced by other players being ranked higher on a particular team`s board. This dynamic might prompt teams to trade up to secure players they feel have fallen unexpectedly low.

It is crucial to remember that a player`s ultimate NHL success is not determined solely by their draft slot but by their development in the years following. While it`s true that early picks often receive more opportunities regardless of talent, this doesn`t preclude later-round selections from becoming valuable gems. Given the current emphasis on size, physicality, and foundational skills over high-end talent by some teams, it`s plausible that we could see more successful NHL careers emerge from players drafted outside the first round compared to prior years.

Here are the top 31 prospects from the provided text, along with analysis:

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1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

The defenseman from the Erie Otters is projected to be a foundational cornerstone, a true number one defenseman for years to come. He is a dynamic presence at both ends of the ice; this 6-foot-2 blueliner moves effortlessly with elite mobility, excelling at shutting down opponents in any situation while generating offense through strong transition play.

Despite an injury sustained at the IIHF World Junior Championships—where he was expected to play a key role as a 17-year-old—which limited his season to just 26 games, Schaefer consistently logged over 25 minutes per contest and effectively drove play in his team`s favor.

Executives and scouts widely regard him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a core piece for a championship-contending roster. Schaefer`s ability to control the game from the blue line, handle tough matchups, and quarterback a power play—combined with confidence in his character and leadership qualities—leads many to believe he possesses the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league and potentially wear a letter as part of a team`s leadership group.

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2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)

Granted exceptional status to join the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the most remarkable goal-scoring seasons in recent memory during the 2024-25 campaign, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He is projected to be a top-line forward capable of consistently exceeding 90 points per season in the NHL.

Misa possesses elite offensive instincts, processing the game at a high level and executing plays at top speed. Scouts view him as NHL-ready with the potential to develop into an elite top-line center. Away from the puck, Misa is adept at identifying open spaces in coverage and has a knack for performing in critical moments. His combination of high-level playmaking and goal-scoring ability makes him a constant dual threat in the offensive zone.

His two-way game has shown noticeable improvement, with better backchecking, defensive awareness, and commitment to playing a full 200-foot game. Coupled with his explosive speed and offensive firepower, Misa profiles as a foundational player.

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3. James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA)

Hagens is projected to be a top-line center or one of the league`s premier second-line centers. He opts for a highly cerebral and efficient style of play rather than Misa`s dynamism. He offers a strong work rate coupled with excellent speed and passing skills, which should enable him to effectively drive play at the NHL level. Scouts and executives are particularly impressed by the professional details in his game (puck support, winning battles, defensive awareness with the puck) and believe these traits will facilitate his transition to the NHL as he continues to develop his offensive game.

Another season at Boston College could potentially help him develop a more dynamic offensive gear—the one that impressed scouts during his NTDP season where he posted 102 points—to become a top-line NHL center. After playing on one of college hockey`s top lines alongside Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Hagens would now be tasked with driving his own line, creating offense through his playmaking, and taking on a significant matchup role.

Hagens has the potential to be a complete package in the NHL. His understanding of spatial awareness and ability to anticipate plays distinguishes him among his peers. While he is smaller and slighter than some other prospects, which concerns some teams, he possesses elements of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in his transition play and creativity.

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4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)

A large, intelligent forward, Martone is an offensive dual-threat capable of both scoring himself and facilitating plays for teammates. He projects as a second-line scoring winger who should see significant time on the top power-play unit.

His competitive nature, as he refines his ability to physically impose himself, will make him an effective agitator. He needs to channel his competitiveness and physicality more effectively, but he embodies the type of player teams highly value due to his unique blend of offensive skill and competitive fire.

Martone`s capacity to score and make plays will make him a challenging opponent to defend in the NHL. There are some concerns regarding Martone`s speed and skating posture. Although his speed has improved this season, he needs to add more explosiveness to his skating to reach his full potential.

His distinct combination of scoring ability, size, and hard skills makes him a very attractive prospect. While his most likely projection is as a top-six forward, Martone has a genuine opportunity to become a top-line winger if his skating continues to improve.

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5. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Frondell is a versatile two-way forward proficient at playing both center and right wing. His adaptability is appealing to teams, although many believe he is most likely to fulfill his potential as a winger in the NHL.

Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward. He is a cerebral player who effectively dissects defenders in one-on-one situations and navigates defensive coverage in the offensive zone. The details of Frondell`s game are highly translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, a willingness to attack the middle of the ice, and high-end anticipation on both sides of the puck.

He has demonstrated play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, a trait that has successfully translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He is projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His playing style translates well and has executives excited about his potential to step into the league within the next 18 months.

He impressed significantly during the physical testing and interview portions of the scouting combine, leaving many teams with a positive impression. His combination of two-way ability, great anticipation, and a high-end shot makes him one of the more exciting prospects in this draft class.

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6. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)

Described as a `unicorn` due to being a 6-foot-5 center who skates with the speed and mobility typically expected from a smaller player, McQueen has been a hot topic throughout the season.

He profiles as the prototypical modern power forward, blending soft skills with physical play. Elite right-handed centers are a rarity in the NHL, and McQueen`s size combined with his willingness to physically dictate play adds undeniable value. He possesses professional defensive habits that are translatable to the NHL and has unique offensive upside that is still developing, partly due to time lost from injury during his draft season.

McQueen excels in the cycle game, generates offense on the rush, and utilizes his physical attributes to dominate the cycle and protect the puck. His projection as an elite top-line center is tempered by some uncertainty due to the limited playing time from his back injury. Without the injury, he might have been discussed closer to the very top of this draft class, as his combination of skating, skill, and physical gifts is exceptionally rare and the kind of complete package that executives dream of.

He represents a textbook high-risk, high-reward prospect; however, his performance at the scouting combine helped demonstrate that his back injury has fully healed. Playing against tougher competition, where McQueen will need to refine his ability to protect himself, improve puck control, and create offense against larger opponents, will be important for his development. If he develops without setbacks, he has the potential to become a dominant two-way force in the NHL for years to come.

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7. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)

Desnoyers might be selected significantly higher than his current ranking, as he is considered one of the best two-way players available in the draft. He is often described as a `coach`s dream` because of his consistent ability to execute both offensive and checking assignments. He makes intelligent, straightforward plays, provides a physical presence on the forecheck, and generally *agitates*, making life difficult for opposing defenders.

He projects as a quality second-line center with a solid chance of developing into a first-line player. He is cerebral, with quick hands and good playmaking ability. While not flashy, he is consistently effective and makes smart decisions with the puck.

Executives highly value the term `reliable` from scouts, and it perfectly describes Desnoyers. He performs at his best in high-pressure games, finding ways to make the necessary plays to secure wins. Many scouts believe he will be a leader in the NHL, providing strong play on both sides of the puck in all situations.

As one scouting director put it, “he`s the type of player you win with.” Some quiet comparisons have been made to players like Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, which are indeed very lofty benchmarks.

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8. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

Smith is a large, physical defenseman with untapped offensive potential and is widely regarded as the second-best defender in the draft class, behind Schaefer. He possesses all the attributes of a top-four matchup defenseman.

He defends against rushes effectively, closes gaps well, and controls play in transition, making him one of the class`s best neutral-zone and transition defenders. Given the importance of transition defense in a matchup role, Smith has a legitimate opportunity to become a player coaches rely on for significant minutes against top opponents.

His combination of skating ability, size, and composure, along with an offensive game that showed positive progression throughout the season, gives confidence that he has more to offer, and playing at Penn State next season should aid this development.

Smith stands 6-foot-3, and executives appreciate the simplicity of his game: reading pressure, disrupting plays, and making effective passes to exit the defensive zone. He lacks explosive skating and the consistent creativity required to be a high-quality offensive contributor at the NHL level, but his reads indicate he can be a plus transition player and support the rush effectively.

Smith`s future development will focus on using his excellent mobility to prevent rush offense and becoming a more consistent offensive threat through improved puck management. If Smith can drive play on both sides of the puck in transition and develop into a power-play option, there is a realistic chance he could become a number two defenseman in the NHL.

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9. Jake O`Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)

Deceptive and remarkably fluid, O`Brien is projected to be a point-producing, top-six center with the potential to become a top-line player. The right-handed pivot is one of the draft`s premier playmakers, consistently generating high-danger scoring chances; for many, he is the best pure offensive creator available. He consistently manipulates defenders, distributes the puck effectively on both his forehand and backhand, and uses fakes that leave defenders and goalies bewildered.

A key development area for O`Brien will be improving his shot; this is necessary for his passing to become an elite threat in the NHL. There is some risk here, as he is slighter than other available centers, but he has room to add strength over the next few years. O`Brien`s elite playmaking skills will become significantly more valuable if he can increase his speed and enhance his shooting threat.

He is likely two or three years away from playing an impactful NHL role, and patience will be crucial for O`Brien to reach his top-line potential. If he does, he is poised to become an elite power-play quarterback and offensive engine.

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10. Victor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Eklund is projected as a top-six forward with a strong likelihood of becoming a top-line contributor. There`s a distinct possibility he could slide out of the top 10 this week, which would represent significant value for any team selecting him later. Despite concerns about his size—5-foot-11, 161 pounds—Eklund`s style of play is highly translatable to the NHL. He plays with much more presence than his measurements suggest, and there is room for him to gain strength. Should he grow, as other prospects have in the past, Eklund`s projection becomes more confident as a 70-point producer known for a high-end motor and excellent forechecking ability.

Eklund is exceptional in transition, attacking defenders with speed and fearlessness, driving towards the inside, and using his body positioning to win or protect pucks. His smaller stature has necessitated developing excellent puck protection skills using his body. If he builds a larger, stronger frame, these existing skills will make him even more challenging to defend in the offensive zone.

His off-puck play is mature and will quickly earn the trust of NHL coaches. Eklund has the potential to be a difference-maker in a second-line role, and his blend of hard-nosed play combined with soft skill should translate more seamlessly than for many other players.

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11. Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)

Bear is the kind of player highly sought after by teams looking for high-end instincts and playmaking. Before a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the CHL`s most dangerous offensive players and a reliable defensive forward. He is versatile, playing both center and wing, and projects as a 65-to-75-point, second-line player, most likely on the wing. He is a quality playmaker, utilizing various passes to create advantages in dangerous areas.

His ability to manipulate defenders, create space for teammates, and draw coverage towards him should translate effectively to the NHL. He possesses good hands in tight spaces, making him a threat around the net, and is considered one of the best offensive facilitators in the draft class. In addition to his offensive gifts, Bear`s defensive play makes him a valuable two-way player. His stick positioning allows him to disrupt passes, and he is a tenacious forechecker who tracks effectively on the backcheck and finishes checks. His skating posture needs refinement to become more upright, which would enable a more explosive stride and allow him to leverage his offensive skills in transition, but his instincts and play execution are already present.

Bear is a good mix of soft and hard skills with projectable traits on both sides of the puck. He is the type of player who should thrive in a matchup role while also contributing offensively.

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12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

A 6-foot-6, right-handed defenseman with decent mobility who plays in all situations has scouts very excited, and he could potentially be the second defenseman selected on Friday. He is exceptionally difficult to bypass, consistently stopping attackers and breaking up plays. He projects as a top-four, shutdown defenseman due to his excellent stick work, mobility, and transition defense. Mrtka utilizes his mobility to evade pressure, activate in the rush, and make quality passes to the middle of the ice.

Mrtka should develop into a strong transition defender, a dependable penalty killer, and an efficient puck mover. He shoots the puck hard and could become more of a scoring threat if he learns to pick his spots to get shots through to the net. While he was a focal point in Seattle, there are some legitimate concerns regarding his lack of offensive production.

His size and physicality provide him with the tools to develop into a minute-eating, shutdown defender if his mobility continues to improve. His late birthday gives him a substantial development runway to refine his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality across all areas of the ice.

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13. Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

A versatile `Swiss Army knife` type of player who will likely be most effective on the wing due to his strong play along the boards, Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of consistently scoring 20 goals, with upside as a second-line forward. He is a relentless force who provides value in all three zones, with or without the puck.

Martin has impressed scouts, particularly after an excellent performance at the IIHF under-18 championship, leading many to suggest he could be drafted very early in the first round. He is a tireless worker without an off switch, bringing a blend of physicality and hard skills. He is a nightmare to contain due to his brute strength and forces defenders into difficult situations with good speed and a willingness to make `winning` plays. Executives appreciate that Martin finds ways to physically contribute even when his offensive game isn`t at its peak.

If Martin`s scoring doesn`t translate fully, he will still be a valuable third-line pest. Several teams mentioned how impressive Martin was during combine interviews. Combining an appealing personality with his hard-nosed style creates a rare combination highly valued by many scouts who believe he is the type of player essential for winning in the playoffs. His mention of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a role model surely captured attention. He will likely be off the board well before the late teens, but this does not diminish the value of players selected after him.

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14. Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

Carbonneau possesses an offensive toolkit that teams covet, featuring powerful skating and eye-catching creativity. He projects as a second-line scoring forward with significant potential variance, likely settling into a middle-six role where he excels against secondary matchups. Carbonneau can drive offense with his playmaking and shooting ability and plays a well-rounded offensive game that includes battling through contact, excellent puckhandling skills, and above-average skating.

As is common with players who possess incredible upside, there is inherent risk. He has a physically mature build (6-foot-1, 191 pounds) and will need to adjust to the speed of the professional game. He thrives when given time and space, and his development will involve learning to simplify his offensive game and make quicker decisions with the puck. He possesses the tools to become a very effective power forward in the NHL capable of scoring 25 goals if he adds a more cerebral component to his game.

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15. Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)

The 6-foot-4 left winger possesses translatable scoring ability and excellent speed for his size. With room to fill out his frame, Lakovic is an appealing prospect. He attacks using linear crossovers and leverages his large frame to protect the puck, making plays with good deception. He has the potential to become a dual-threat winger at the NHL level if his passing translates as effectively as many believe his shooting will. Lakovic projects as a middle-six winger with fair confidence due to his scoring ability, speed, and size, but there is a chance he could develop into a second-line scoring threat.

Lakovic`s development will need to focus on the physical side of the game. While he is highly skilled, he needs to lean on defenders and drive towards the middle of the ice to capitalize on his quick hands and shot. If he does this, he will become a significantly more dangerous player, posing a threat in transition and off the cycle. This is a skill that is certainly developable and translates to any level; combined with quality offensive instincts and skill, it could see Lakovic become a dual-threat, 65-point winger.

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16. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

The 6-foot-2 defender is projected to become a second-pair blueliner who excels in transition. He is among the best neutral-zone defenders and puck movers in the draft, steadily improving as a true freshman in the NCAA. His ability to retrieve pucks, execute breakout passes, and make offensive-zone passes consistently puts his team in more advantageous attacking positions. Being a right-handed defender with excellent mobility and an easily translatable game makes Hensler a very attractive prospect in this class.

There are some concerns among NHL scouts regarding Hensler`s offensive ceiling and how it might fare in the NHL. However, Hensler showed flashes in the latter half of the NCAA season, drawing defenders in and making slick plays to create high-danger scoring opportunities. He is unlikely to become a 60-point defender, but a projection of 35-45 points as a steady transition defender who also plays a shutdown role appears appropriate.

His NHL-ready frame is a significant plus and is expected to improve further throughout his collegiate career, which is likely to span another two seasons.

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17. Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes is likely to be the first center selected in the latter half of the first round and will be a target for teams seeking a two-way, high-motor center. He lacks explosive offense currently, but with some development in his shooting mechanics, he could become a 60-point, two-way center. Scouts admire his consistent footwork throughout shifts, his drive to play through the middle of the ice, and his ability to create advantages using his skating and compete level. His capacity to create space for teammates and move the puck into advantageous areas is highly translatable.

He is proactive with physical contact, consistently moves the puck to the center of the ice, and is reliable on both sides of the puck in every zone. A strong skater and leader, his floor is likely a third-line checking center, but the potential for him to develop into a two-way, second-line center should appeal to teams willing to gamble on offensive progression.

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18. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

There is much to appreciate about Reid`s game, alongside a wide range of scouting opinions. Some scouts view him as a top-15 pick, while others see him as a mid-20s selection, with the difference largely depending on their belief in his offensive game. Reid is a play driver from the backend with excellent puck-moving skills and superb skating. He exhibits flashes of high-end offensive ability, setting up plays and moving to find or create passing lanes to dangerous areas; however, his shot needs to become more of a threat to prevent opponents from neutralizing his distribution in the NHL.

In transition, he is one of the best on both sides of the puck. His smooth puck retrievals—consistently shoulder-checking and scanning to avoid pressure—lead to efficient breakouts. When under duress, he utilizes elite edgework to escape pressure, followed by a quick outlet pass to beat the forecheck. The consensus projection is that he is a middle-pairing, transition defender who could develop into a bona fide number three defenseman if he enhances his offense and adds an inch or two in height; he is currently listed at 5-foot-11.

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19. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

There is a very real chance that Aitcheson could be drafted near the top 10, given his playing style and the strong desire among NHL teams for physicality on the blueline. His projection as a number 4/5 defender places him below players with higher offensive upside. Aitcheson plays with significant truculence and aggression, coupled with an air of confidence with and without the puck. He has all the makings of a complete menace capable of handling tough minutes as a number four defenseman.

Whether it`s a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson maintains the same rugged style and is unafraid to deliver hard hits on opponents. He needs to improve his timing to avoid unnecessary penalties, but he is the type of player opponents must be aware of when he is on the ice. Scouts see him as a hard-nosed, two-way defender with considerable bite who can shift momentum with his physical presence. While his skating and playmaking are currently raw and require development time—likely two or three years before he is NHL ready—his competitive attributes and development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement increased as the season progressed, rotating with teammates, driving towards high-danger areas, and becoming more effective with open ice. When he does make the jump, he is exactly the type of defender every coach and GM desires on their team.

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20. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)

The two-way center offers an excellent blend of hockey sense, playmaking, and creativity, positioning him as a middle-six contributor capable of consistently producing 60 points. He lacks elite skating speed, but his combine results, tying Frondell for the highest VO2 max score, were noteworthy. While combine results aren`t definitive indicators of NHL success, this particular score highlights a strong dedication to conditioning, which is noticed within NHL circles. Reschny is smaller—5-foot-10, 183 pounds—and relies on his cerebral approach and excellent passing abilities to create advantages across the ice. He processes the game better than many in his draft class, allowing him to handle pressure effectively and position himself optimally for puck protection.

Defensively, Reschny`s instincts result in positionally sound play; he regularly plays above the puck, disrupts passes, and communicates assignment changes. He has the potential to be a great two-way complementary center who creates offense without needing separation speed. His reads suggest he will almost certainly play a penalty-killing role and be relied upon when his team is protecting a lead.

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21. Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)

Kindel is a scoring threat. Following a 60-point rookie season in the WHL in 2023-24, he ascended to elite status this season, finishing seventh in overall scoring and excelling particularly at even strength. Although undersized at 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Kindel combines pace, vision, and quality instincts, projecting as a middle-six winger with two-way capabilities. Kindel`s motor is relentless, compensating for any lack of pure speed, and enables him to weave through traffic and execute give-and-go plays with ease. A dual-threat attacker, he possesses an accurate shot paired with dangerous passing ability. His elite hockey sense allows him to consistently outsmart opponents and set teammates up with creative plays in dangerous areas when given time and space, while also playing positionally sound defense without the puck.

Defensively and on the forecheck, Kindel leverages his intelligence, anticipation, and effort to win battles despite size disadvantages. He will need to refine and improve his skating posture and puck control, along with adding another gear of speed, to maximize his success in the NHL. While the potential exists for Kindel to be a top-six NHL player, he is more likely to find himself in the middle-six as a valuable complementary piece.

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22. Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA)

Potter is a dynamic skater recognized as the fastest straight-line skater in this draft class, with explosive mobility ranking among the draft`s best. Making an unconventional leap directly from the NTDP`s under-17 team to NCAA play, Potter showcased elite acceleration and agility, seamlessly transitioning from stride to crossover and cutting sharply through defenders. Initially relying primarily on raw skill, Potter often avoided physical confrontations and attempted `hope plays,` which limited his effectiveness in the first half of the NCAA season.

Potter`s development in the second half of the season dramatically elevated his game and was impossible to overlook. He embraced defensive responsibilities, improved his physical play despite his 5-foot-10 frame, won puck battles, and filled lanes on the backcheck. Potter`s positional play also improved, leading to better performance without the puck. This added defensive dimension complements his offensive talents, raising his floor to a bottom-six checker while his upside remains very high as a top-six forward due to his steep development curve. Developing his transition play and learning to utilize his explosive skating and accurate shot while changing speeds will make him a more dangerous offensive threat.

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23. Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)

Spence projects with confidence as a high-energy, two-way winger ideally suited for a Stanley Cup contender`s third line. He possesses a relentless motor, physical tenacity, and professional defensive habits. While there are legitimate concerns that his game lacks a truly dynamic offensive element, his current form translates easily to the NHL, offering a higher floor than some other players in this range of the draft class. At his best, Spence is a disruptive force—ferocious on the forecheck, relentless along the boards, and defensively reliable. He thrives alongside skilled teammates, creating space through his effort and capitalizing on scoring opportunities in dangerous areas. Scouts appreciate Spence`s ability to impact the game, particularly his forechecking, success in puck battles, and knack for drawing penalties.

His offensive growth plateaued this season, which has tempered expectations regarding his ceiling. His projection as a third-line winger with a bottom-six floor is linked to this scoring plateau. If Spence can assert greater physical dominance, show more playmaking consistency, and see an uptick in scoring, there is a chance he could become a secondary contributor in the middle six. Regardless, Spence`s blend of competitiveness, professional details, and defensive reliability makes him a solid bet to become a key complementary piece on a contender, likely excelling as games become more physical.

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24. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)

Ravensbergen is the clear top goaltender prospect in this draft. He presents a composed, confident demeanor and projects with confidence as a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload. At 6-foot-5, he utilizes his size, elite anticipation, and crisp lateral agility, consistently positioning himself perfectly to deny shooters without unnecessary flash. He tracks the puck at a level above his peers, enabling him to confidently challenge shooters and cut angles effectively. He is particularly vulnerable through the five-hole, which is not uncommon for large goalies who hold their sticks higher off the ice. As he develops and refines his technique, this weakness should be corrected well before he reaches the NHL. A reliable netminder for Prince George, Ravensbergen`s .901 save percentage is even more impressive considering the high-danger chances he regularly faced. His rebound control is well above average, and he possesses an above-average glove hand. His blocker is consistently angled well, allowing him to direct shots safely away from danger. It is likely that Ravensbergen will begin his NHL career as a platoon starter until his mid-twenties, when he could become a full-time starter playing 60-65 games per season.

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25. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler is one of the draft`s most intriguing defensemen due to his blend of size (6-foot-4), mobility, and untapped upside. With NHL family history (Vernon Fiddler is his father), he performed well on the international stage, leading scouts and executives to believe his defensive-zone dominance and transition skills will ease his NHL transition. Fiddler`s defensive toolkit is standout. His mobility allows for tight gap control, balanced pivots, and high-quality neutral-zone defense. Physically imposing, he consistently disrupts opposing attacks, maintains strong body positioning, and proactively eliminates threats away from the puck while remaining positionally sound. Defense is his obvious calling card, but Fiddler shows flashes of offensive creativity. He manipulates defenders with fakes, executes difficult breakout passes under pressure, and occasionally displays high-end puck skills. To reach his potential as a second-pairing defenseman, Fiddler will need to refine his reads, timing, and decision-making to reduce puck miscues. He will likely require patience over the next few years, but with continued development in gap control, awareness, and physical engagement, he profiles confidently as a reliable second-pair shutdown defender capable of driving play in transition.

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26. Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)

Nesbitt is an intelligent, two-way center whose game is built on competitiveness, defensive reliability, and off-puck hockey IQ. He excels defensively by using his 6-foot-4 frame to break up plays with physical engagement and smart stick positioning to intercept pucks. His hockey sense consistently places him in strong positions across all three zones, allowing him to generate turnovers and make quick passes to create dangerous chances from those opportunities. His offensive upside is dependent on his skating, which is an area of concern. His stiff skating stride and lack of demonstrated flexibility at the combine might limit his potential for improvement. Despite showing flashes of skill, he struggles to maneuver past defenders, and his inconsistent puck handling under pressure often disrupts his playmaking. Nesbitt showed improvement throughout the season, leveraging his size offensively and initiating physical contact more consistently. If these improvements continue, and he can enhance his skating stride, he projects confidently as a dependable middle-six center who can anchor a defensive line and provide support for more skilled players higher up the lineup.

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27. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

One of the most discussed and debated defensemen in the draft, Boumedienne projects as a second-pair, two-way defender. Already known for being a brilliant breakout passer with a heavy slap shot and strong stick play, Boumedienne`s defensive game showed notable evolution at Boston University. Bolstered by steady improvement in his skating weaknesses, particularly his agility and edge work, he started to look the part of a modern shutdown defenseman, specifically excelling in transition. He developed greater stability, enabling more effective gap control and quicker pivots. Proactive reads, strong positioning, physicality, and effectively disrupting passing lanes allowed his defensive game to flourish. While his offensive game remains primarily rush-based rather than dominant in the offensive zone, Boumedienne`s willingness to experiment with fakes and deception significantly improved his transition impact. The volatility of his projection remains high, but Boumedienne`s substantial in-season growth, defensive reliability, and refined skating offer realistic potential as an effective second-pair, two-way defender at the NHL level capable of producing secondary offense.

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28. Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)

One of the most skilled and creative forwards in the draft, some scouts rank him in the late teens based on their belief in his high offensive upside. Lee is a dynamic offensive player who consistently penetrates defensive coverage with elite puckhandling and deceptive passes. His one-timer is considered one of the best in this draft class. Possessing a full complement of high-end offensive tools, Lee has a rare ability to generate offense in tight spaces with limited room and stood out among his USHL peers. He manipulates defenders effectively and delivers elite passes under pressure. He consistently makes translatable plays like one-touch breakouts, fake receptions, and quick releases in scoring areas. As the season progressed, he demonstrated a willingness to forecheck, battle, and apply pressure defensively. The glaring question regarding Lee is his skating; his stride is stiff and lacks explosiveness. He will require significant improvements in mobility to maximize his offensive toolkit at the NHL level. That being said, if he can add a step or two to complement his skill, Lee has the talent to become a creative, middle-six playmaker with top-six upside.

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29. Jack Murtagh, F, USNTDP (USHL)

Murtagh emerged as a versatile, energetic winger and solidified his position as the USNTDP`s most compelling prospect during what was considered a down year for the program. He plays with a relentless style and possesses an explosive stride, excelling in puck battles and consistently using his straight-line speed and physicality to power through opponents and create scoring chances. He owns a strong shot, including an explosive one-timer, and Murtagh is equally dangerous off the rush. Murtagh`s development as a playmaker elevated his stock in the eyes of scouts. He regularly demonstrated above-average awareness and impressive passing skill to deliver the puck to the most dangerous areas of the ice. His ability to complement scoring with high-level distribution should continue to develop at the NCAA level at Boston University. To unlock a clear NHL middle-six ceiling, Murtagh must diversify his transition approach, utilize teammates more consistently, and rely less exclusively on raw speed and power. Even without elite dynamic creativity, his tenacious style, goal-scoring instincts, and improved playmaking project safely to a third-line NHL power forward role.

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30. Bill Zonnon, F, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

Zonnon is a relentless and detail-oriented two-way forward who has earned a reputation as one of the CHL`s hardest-working players. With an 83-point breakout campaign in his first full season playing center, Zonnon combined a high-end motor, raw but effective playmaking, and relentless puck pursuit that allowed him to drive play in all three zones. He excels on the forecheck, pressuring defenders into rushed decisions, winning battles, and moving pucks to teammates in scoring areas. Offensively, he makes smart reads under pressure, threads pucks through tight lanes, and consistently puts his team in advantageous positions. His ability to support defensively, facilitate transitions, and physically impose himself makes him the ideal type of forward teams desire in the playoffs. His skating remains a limiting factor, and he will need to improve his agility and posture to reach his offensive ceiling. If Zonnon can refine his stride and continue to develop his playmaking, he projects as a middle-six driver who blends tenacity and has the makings of a valuable third-liner highly coveted by playoff teams.

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31. Shane Vansaghi, F, Michigan State (NCAA)

A steady riser as the season progressed, Vansaghi is a tenacious power winger whose physical dominance and competitive fire make him one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft. Many nights, he appeared significantly more physically developed than his opponents, excelling on the forecheck, delivering punishing checks to defenders retrieving pucks, and bulldozing through contact to establish inside position. Offensively, Vansaghi showed flashes of legitimate upside, with good puckhandling, a heavy release that surprised goaltenders, and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. His net-front play and ability to win body position in tight areas suggest he could be an effective net-front presence at the NHL level if he can deflect pucks and convert rebounds. His skating lacks explosiveness and agility and will require significant refinement, which might be challenging given his physical build.