As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, some of the brightest young talents from around the world are stepping into the spotlight. I spoke with six top draft-eligible players to learn who they model their game after, what they plan to improve upon, and more. Representing a wide range of teams and leagues, the group includes Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, Jackson Smith from the WHL’s Tri City Americans, Anton Frondell of (newly promoted) Djurgardens in the SHL, Radim Mrtka from the Seattle Thunderbirds, Cullen Potter from Arizona State, and Blake Fiddler of the Edmonton Oil Kings.

QUESTION: How have you been able to manage the pressure of your draft year?

Brady Martin: Yeah, it’s pretty cool, I mean, I’ve been waiting for it my whole life, so, you enjoy it.

Jackson Smith: I focus on the team game, if the team does well, there’s always that, if I help the team, it’ll help my draft stock as well.

Anton Frondell: I’ve always loved the pressure, I don’t get stressed or anything about it, I just love this situation. I’ve been working hard for this and now I’m here.

Radim Mrtka: I don’t feel any pressure; I just play my best and the result is what it is.

Cullen Potter: I find it pretty easy, just focus on what I can do better, it’s in the back of my mind a little but I don’t focus too much on it.

Blake Fiddler: I know the type of player I am, so I don’t think about it too much. All the draft rankings don’t mean anything, the real rankings are the NHL teams.

QUESTION: What NHL player do you model your game after?

Brady Martin: Yeah, I like to play like Matthew Tkachuk, be a little prick out there, going hard, hitting guys. Also trying to put the puck in the net.

Jackson Smith: Miro Heiskanen a bit, a big guy who skates well and plays a 200 ft game. Shea Theodore and Kevan Korchinski too, I see a bit of a mix in all 3 of them.

Anton Frondell: I think I play kind of similar to Barkov in Florida. Big and strong and protect pucks.

Radim Mrtka: I would say Hedman, he’s similar to me, or Seider.

Cullen Potter: My favourites are Mackinnon, McDavid. Guys who can make moves at speed while moving their feet constantly. Skating is the biggest part of the game in the NHL.

Fiddler: Mo Seider, I really like him and his two-way game. There’s some similarities and I like the way he skates.

QUESTION: This summer, when you go home, what are you going to try to work on and add to your game?

Brady Martin: I think I need to work on my skating, my first 3 strides getting a little bit quicker.

Jackson Smith: I think just adding a bit more strength to basically all of me, so I can push guys around and start being more physical.

Anton Frondell: My quickness. After turns, after stops, getting up to my top speed quicker. Biggest thing I am thinking about.

Radim Mrtka: I want to improve my skating; it will boost my game the most.

Cullen Potter: I’ve been working on shooting for college goalies, they’re a lot bigger, so shooting is one of the main things.

Fiddler: Try to get a little bit of rest when this is finished, then I want to get stronger and explosive. I think I can become an elite skater.

QUESTION: When you get drafted, most fans might not know much about you yet. What might you want them to know about you, off the ice?

Brady Martin: I make it fun for everyone around me. I think I bring the best out of my teammates, have a lot of fun and enjoy it.

Jackson Smith: I’m an outgoing, energetic guy, a pretty friendly person everyone can get along with.

Anton Frondell: I think I’m a serious guy. I take everything very seriously and control everything I can.

Radim Mrtka: I just want to be friends with everyone and the best at everything. I’m very competitive, even if it’s something small.

Cullen Potter: I think I’m fun, I like to make jokes and keep it light. Can keep it serious in moments but I like to have fun.

Blake Fiddler: I’m a guy that gets along with everyone, no matter the age group. I’m a loyal teammate and can be trusted.

Each of these players offers something unique both on and off the ice. Whether it is Martin’s physical edge, Frondell’s composed two-way presence, or Potter’s speed-first mindset, they all bring strong identities to their game. As they continue to develop and prepare for the next level, NHL fans will soon become familiar with the names and stories behind these rising stars. Their draft day will be just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.