Top 64 Prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft

By Rachel Doerrie

The top prospects for the upcoming NHL Draft have finished their seasons, with no more hockey games left to influence their standing. Some players among the top 10 competed intensely until the very end, leaving a strong final impression on scouts and team executives at the Memorial Cup. This week, the focus shifts to the combine in Buffalo, New York, where players will undergo physical assessments and detailed interviews with interested teams. The combine offers teams a crucial opportunity to ask unique questions, understand player personalities, and assess the impact of any injuries.

There is potential for shifts in the draft rankings, as combine results do influence the analytical models used for evaluation. Furthermore, this particular list weights scouting observations at 40% of the overall assessment. The final ranking, scheduled for publication on June 23, will integrate scouting, statistical projection, off-ice evaluations, and industry insights to varying degrees, which may cause some prospects to move up or down.

Understanding the Ranking Components:

This ranking system is based on several key factors:

• The Rank: This is determined by the attributed value, which combines the player`s projected future performance, the confidence level in that projection, and scouting observations.
• The NHL Projection: This represents the most probable outcome for the player`s career, calculated with the projection formula accounting for 70% and scouting for 30%. The final ranking will also include a player`s potential NHL ceiling.
• The NHL Floor: Using the same formula, this indicates the least favorable outcome with a probability higher than 10%. For instance, if a player has an 11% chance of becoming a fourth-line winger or seventh defenseman (while having a lower chance of not playing in the NHL at all), that serves as their floor. For some prospects, the floor might be playing in leagues like the AHL or KHL rather than the NHL.
• Projection Confidence: This factor is based solely on the projection formula and is broken down into two parts: confidence and volatility.
  • Confidence: Graded as High, Fair, Medium, or Low. This measures how confident the model is that the player will reach their NHL projection and play 200 or more NHL games. Confidence level affects the player`s value and rank. High confidence is above 80%, Fair is 60-79%, Medium is 35-59%, and Low is below 35%.
  • Volatility: Categorized as Low, Slight, Medium, or High. Volatility reflects the potential range of outcomes for a player`s career. Low volatility means a narrow range (e.g., #1 defenseman to top-pair defenseman), while High volatility indicates a wide range, sometimes with a relatively even distribution across different outcomes near the projection. Factors like the player`s league, scoring changes after moving leagues, injuries, or significant performance fluctuations can influence volatility. Many players with high volatility are considered `raw` in their development.
• Strengths: These highlight each player`s most notable abilities and skills.

The term `Boom or bust` describes a projection where the player is either expected to reach their NHL projection or is highly unlikely to play 200 NHL games. This differs from a low-confidence/high-volatility projection typically due to injury history or a limited sample size making confident projection difficult, or because the player`s current league historically produces fewer NHL players.

Another factor considered is the `Russian factor,` referring to the tendency for skilled Russian players to return to Russia if they don`t achieve their NHL potential.

Here is the ranking of the top 64 prospects according to this model:

1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 1 defenseman
• NHL Floor: Top-pair defenseman
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, low volatility
• Strengths: Mobility, puck moving, creativity, rush activation

2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Elite No. 1 center
• NHL Floor: Second-line winger
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Offensive instincts, explosiveness, transition offense, two-way play

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

• NHL Projection: First-line center
• NHL Floor: Second-line center
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Transition play, speed, hockey sense, puck handling

4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-line power forward
• NHL Floor: Middle-six winger
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Playmaking, scoring, hockey sense, size

5. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)

• NHL Projection: Top-six, two-way center
• NHL Floor: Third-line checking center
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, quick hands, playmaking, efficient puck play

6. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

• NHL Projection: Second-line center
• NHL Floor: Third-line scoring winger
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Versatility, two-way play, elite release, forechecking

7. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)

• NHL Projection: First-line scoring center
• NHL Floor: Injury-shortened career
• Projection Confidence: Low confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Speed, puck handling, quick release, size

8. Viktor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

• NHL Projection: Top-six scoring forward
• NHL Floor: Middle-six scoring forward
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Motor, transition offense, two-way play, off-puck play, hard skill

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

• NHL Projection: Top-six playmaking center
• NHL Floor: Middle-six scoring winger
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Playmaking, creativity, hockey sense

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

• NHL Projection: Top-four defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Physicality, transition defense, mobility, puck moving

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

• NHL Projection: Second-line scoring forward
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six power forward
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Motor, wall play, physicality, hard skill, competitiveness

12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Top-four shutdown defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair transition defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Size, stick positioning and use, hockey sense

13. Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-line versatile forward
• NHL Floor: Third-line checker
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Playmaking, versatility, two-way play, motor

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

• NHL Projection: Second-line scoring forward
• NHL Floor: Middle-six forward
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Powerful stride, playmaking, puck handling

15. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair transition defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair defenseman
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Gap control, mobility, transition play

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

• NHL Projection: Middle-six scoring winger
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six forward
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Speed, finishing ability, hands, size

17. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair physical defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Physicality, competitiveness, aggression, strength

18. Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way center
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six checking winger
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, speed, anticipation, forechecking

19. Cameron Schmidt, F, Vancouver (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-line scoring winger
• NHL Floor: AHL player
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Speed, puck handling, offensive instincts, finishing ability

20. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way center
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six forward
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, anticipation, quick hands, competitiveness

21. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Top-four transition defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair defensive defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Skating, transition play, hockey sense

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

• NHL Projection: Top-six forward
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six checking winger
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Speed, agility, offensive play driving, elite release

23. Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way winger
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six checking winger
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Hockey sense, transition, two-way play

24. Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Third-line two-way winger
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six winger
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: High-end motor, two-way play, tenacity

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

• NHL Projection: No. 1 starting goaltender
• NHL Floor: 1B tandem goaltender
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Anticipation, crisp movements, competitiveness, lateral agility

26. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair physical defenseman
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Transition defense, in-zone defensive play, size, mobility

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

• NHL Projection: Second-pair two-way defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair offensive specialist
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Skating, stick play, transition play, slap shot

28. Jack Murtagh, F, USNTDP (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Third-line power forward
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line forward
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Motor, shooting, hard skill, straight-line speed

29. Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line defensive center
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Strength, size, competitiveness, two-way play

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

• NHL Projection: Third-line two-way forward
• NHL Floor: AHL player
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: High-end motor, raw playmaking, competitiveness, puck battles

31. William Moore, F, USNTDP (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Third-line forward
• NHL Floor: NHL depth player
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Puck protection, skating, offensive instincts, puck skill

32. Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six playmaker
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six scoring depth
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Hockey sense, creativity, puck handling, one-timer

33. Nathan Behm, F, Kamploops (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six scoring forward
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six scoring depth
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Playmaking, shooting, creativity

34. Milton Gastrin, F, Modo (J20 Nationell)

• NHL Projection: Third-line two-way center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line center
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, low volatility
• Strengths: Defensive play, two-way instincts, motor

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

• NHL Projection: Third-line power forward
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six checking forward
• Projection Confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Physicality, strength, competitiveness, puck skill

36. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Lulea (J20 Nationell)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six scoring forward
• NHL Floor: Third-line scoring depth
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Playmaking, finishing ability, offensive instincts

37. Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Platoon starting goaltender
• NHL Floor: High-end NHL backup
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Positioning, controlled movements, patience in save selection

38. Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 4/5 transition defender
• NHL Floor: AHL scoring defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Puck moving, gap control, creativity

39. Cole McKinney, F, USNTDP (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Third-line, two-way center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line defensive center
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, penalty killing, competitiveness, finishing ability

40. Eric Nilson, F, Orebro (J20 Nationell)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-six checking center
• NHL Floor: AHL top-six center
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, forechecking, competitiveness, defensive instincts

41. Vaclav Nestrasil, F, Muskegon (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Top-six power forward
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line physical winger
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Size, motor, two-way play, puck skill

42. Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way winger
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six speedster
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Speed, puck handling, transition offense

43. Ivan Ryabkin, F, Muskegon (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six power forward
• NHL Floor: AHL player
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Quick release, creativity, physicality

44. Daniil Prokhorov, F, St. Petersburg (MHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six power forward
• NHL Floor: KHL player
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Size, strength, physicality, heavy shot

45. Carter Amico, D, USNTDP (USHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 4/5 transition defenseman
• NHL Floor: No. 7 defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Mobility, transition defense, physicality, size

46. Max Psenicka, D, Portland (WHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 4/5 two-way defenseman
• NHL Floor: No. 7 defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Instincts, mobility, gap control, puck moving

47. Luca Romano, F, Kitchener (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six, two-way center
• NHL Floor: Bottom-six checking speedster
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Speed, transition play, motor

48. Alexander Zharovsky, F, Ufa (MHL)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six scoring winger
• NHL Floor: KHL player
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Puck handling, instincts, creativity

49. Kurban Limatov, D, Moscow (MHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair, two-way defenseman
• NHL Floor: KHL player
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Skating, mobility, aggressiveness, physicality

50. Mason West, F, Edina (USHS)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six physical forward
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line physical forward
• Projection Confidence: Low confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Strength, physicality, size, mobility

51. Kristian Epperson, F, Saginaw (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Third-line scoring winger
• NHL Floor: AHL top-six forward
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Two-way play, playmaking, hockey sense

52. Matthew Gard, F, Red Deer (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-six checking center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line physical center
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, low volatility
• Strengths: Strength, size, defensive play, motor

53. William Horcoff, F, Michigan (NCAA)

• NHL Projection: Third-line two-way center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line physical presence
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Defensive play, strength, size, wall play

54. Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln (USHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair shutdown defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair physical defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Defensive play, puck retrievals, motor

55. Peyton Kettles, D, Swift Current (WHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 4/5 shutdown defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, low volatility
• Strengths: Defensive play, size, physicality

56. Hayden Paupanekis, F, Kelowna (WHL)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-six defensive center
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line center
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Competitiveness, size, defensive play

57. David Bedkowski, D, Owen Sound (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-pair shutdown defenseman
• NHL Floor: No. 7 physical defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Physicality, size, strong stick, penalty killing

58. Ethan Czata, F, Niagara (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-six checking center
• NHL Floor: AHL depth
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Penalty killing, physicality, hard skill

59. Haoxi `Simon` Wang, D, Oshawa (OHL)

• NHL Projection: Second-pair two-way defenseman
• NHL Floor: AHL player
• Projection Confidence: Low confidence, high volatility
• Strengths: Skating, mobility, size, transition defense

60. Theo Stockselius, F, Djurgardens (J20 Nationell)

• NHL Projection: Third-line two-way forward
• NHL Floor: AHL depth
• Projection Confidence: Low confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Hockey sense, hard skill, playmaking

61. Eddie Genborg, F, Linkoping (SHL)

• NHL Projection: Bottom-six checking winger
• NHL Floor: Fourth-line physical winger
• Projection Confidence: Medium confidence, slight volatility
• Strengths: Physicality, two-way play, motor

62. Charlie Trethewey, D, USNTDP (USHL)

• NHL Projection: No. 4/5 two-way defenseman
• NHL Floor: Bottom-pair defenseman
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Defensive play, physicality, heavy shot, skating

63. Alexei Medvedev, G, London (OHL)

• NHL Projection: 1B NHL goaltender
• NHL Floor: Reliable NHL backup
• Projection Confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
• Strengths: Positioning, competitiveness, anticipation, athleticism

64. L.J. Mooney, F, USNTDP (USA)

• NHL Projection: Middle-six two-way scoring depth
• NHL Floor: AHL top-six scoring forward
• Projection Confidence: Boom or bust
• Strengths: Speed, puck handling, motor