The Pacific Division has some of the elite, young talent in the NHL. Now, unfortunately, that does mean that these teams have finished towards the bottom of the standings, but the young talent that has emerged gives fans hope for the next generation. This is best seen in this past draft class, where three teams had top ten selections. Each of these teams, the Sharks, Kraken and Ducks, were able to make key, difference-making additions to their prospect pools. Some of these players will see NHL ice in 2025-26, while some have a bit longer of a development track. Let’s take a look around the division and note some of the top young talent on each team.
***
Anaheim Ducks
Roger McQueen, F, Providence College
The Ducks selected McQueen tenth overall in the 2025 NHL draft. He missed a large portion of the Brandon Wheat Kings’ season, but was able to contribute 20 points in 17 games. After a near point-per-game campaign in 2023-24, McQueen’s injury caused him to fall off the radar of many people, but he is still immensely talented. He is a plus skater and is not afraid to use his body along the boards to wear out defenders. His large frame and high skill level are good starting points for his development, but it may take some time before he features an NHL-ready toolkit. Still, he sits atop Anaheim’s prospect list and is highly-touted league-wide.
Beckett Sennecke, F, Oshawa Generals
It came as a shock to many, including Sennecke himself, when the Ducks selected him third overall in 2024. But to this point, Sennecke has done more than enough to justify the high selection. Last season, he was by far the best player on Oshawa. He had a massive statistical jump from 27 to 36 goals and from 68 to 86 points, as well as a big improvement in his overall play. He controls the puck well and flies down the ice with speed and confidence. Sennecke is always a threat to make a play and has a chance to be an elite play driver in Anaheim.
Stian Solberg, D, San Diego Gulls
Solberg is Anaheim’s top defensive prospect and is a sturdy, reliable blueliner. He stands at 6-2 and is a menacing figure for opponents to see. He played 47 games with Farjestad last year before seeing ten games of action with San Diego to cap off 2024-25. Solberg won’t likely post high point totals, but he impacts the game in many other ways. He should be a staple of Anaheim’s back end for the foreseeable future.
Tristan Luneau, D, San Diego Gulls
Luneau’s 2023-24 (age 20) campaign was crippled by an infection in his knee. He flew a bit under the radar because he did not see much action at all in an important development season. In 2024-25, Luneau came back stronger than ever. He registered a 52-point campaign in San Diego. One of the biggest question marks coming off of a leg injury is skating. In his game action, Luneau did not seem one step behind. He confidently carried the puck up the ice and contributed offensively. Luneau has only sparsely seen NHL ice, so this season may be an opportunity for an extended look.
Yegor Sidorov, F, San Diego Gulls
Sidorov is a highly skilled and creative player in the Ducks’ system. His release is a key facet of his offensive toolkit, evidenced by a 50-goal campaign with Saskatoon in 2023-24. Last season was an adjustment for Sidorov. He had 34 points and did not see as many of the same results of his creativity as in the WHL. Still, Sidorov was a late bloomer in the WHL, so he may just need some more time to get used to the speed of the professional game. He is an intriguing piece to look at in Anaheim’s system.
***
Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames
While technically Parekh is still considered a prospect, he will almost surely play the entire NHL campaign in Calgary. The 19-year-old can fly up and down the ice and is confident with the puck. He dictates how the play unfolds in front of him and utilizes elite edge-work to do so. He can find passing lanes like no other and will put up points on Calgary’s back end. If not right away, Parekh will also be the quarterback of the Flames’ top power play unit. He is one of the true game-changing defensemen that teams’ covet.
Cole Reschny, F, University of North Dakota
The Flames selected Reschny 18th overall in the 2025 draft and seem to have found themselves a steal. Reschny is one of the best playmakers around. He is deceptive and finds teammates through lanes only he can see. Reschny is not the fastest north-south skater in the game, but his IQ, vision and hockey sense all combine to make up for his lack of speed. He dominated his final season with the Victoria Royals and will move to the NCAA ranks with the University of North Dakota to further his development. Flames’ fans may have to wait some time before they see Reschny dawn the Calgary sweater.
Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State University
Potter was the final pick of the 2025 first round and capped off one of the most under-the-radar drafting jobs of the entire draft. The Flames drastically improved their forward prospect group with the selections of Reschny and Potter. The thing that makes Potter so appealing is his speed. He is one of the best skaters in his draft class and can make plays with that dynamic speed. He is hard to read and defend, and can change pace like no other. Potter is also not afraid to put the puck on net. His tendencies suggest some untapped scoring ability that the raw numbers at Arizona State have not been able to back up yet. Potter will look to improve his finishing ability before transitioning to the pro ranks.
Matvei Gridin, F, Calgary Wranglers
Gridin is a skilled, creative and patient player that is a major threat offensively. He has a knack for scoring, featuring a one timer that makes defenders and penalty killers respect him. He makes the right play whenever necessary and is able to create either a passing or a shooting lane. Gridin also excels without the puck, finding space wherever the defense is giving it to him. He has a lot of tools that could translate to the NHL level, but the Flames will need to see him do it in the AHL before getting a look with the big club.
Hunter Brzustewicz, D, Calgary Wranglers
Brzustewicz is a legit defensive piece that was shocking Vancouver moved on from. While he may never lead the league in points, Brzustewicz does so many things right that make his game so effective. He is a cerebral player and has good edgework that makes up for some lack in north-south speed. His shots from the point are on time and on target and he is able to break the puck out with minimal trouble. Similar to Gridin, it should not be too long before Brzustewicz is in a Flames jersey.
***
Edmonton Oilers
Matt Savoie, F, Bakersfield Condors
If the Oilers were going to part with Ryan McLeod, Savoie is a pretty good return. Savoie immediately tops the list of an admittedly weak prospect pool, but still features a lot to like. He produces at every team he plays on. Most recently, Savoie had a 54-point campaign in his first full AHL stint. He is dangerous with the puck and immediately gave Bakersfield a chance to score. The only “knock” on Savoie is his 5-9 stature, which leads to the ability to get out-battled along the boards. However, his slick movements and creative offensive game give him a lot of success. Savoie should be an impact NHLer when given the opportunity.
Isaac Howard, F, Edmonton Oilers
The 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner should be in a position to crack the Oilers’ NHL roster right away. Howard fell into the Oilers lap after the Lightning could not come to an agreement on his entry-level contract. The Oilers are getting an elite skater and scorer, two facets that Howard excels at. Not only is he a fast skater, Howard is also explosive. He generates power on each stride and crossover to create separation and get from point A to B. He is tenacious and will do anything to put the puck into the back of the net. Edmonton should have another young, impact NHLer on their hands to infuse into their lineup.
Maxim Beryozkin, F, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Beryozkin is one of the top offensive players on Lokomotiv, a team that consistently competes for the Gagarin Cup. In 2024-25, just his second full KHL stint, he was second on the team with 42 points and helped lead Lokomotiv to win the Gagarin Cup. He stands at a menacing 6-4 and parks himself at the netfront. He is also a notable forechecker and is tenacious on the puck, leading to further opportunities to generate offense. Beryozkin is an intriguing piece if the Oilers can get him to North America. Though he may only see himself in a bottom six role, he does provide some beneficial traits that NHL teams see value in.
Beau Akey, D, Bakersfield Condors
Akey’s time in Barrie was overshadowed by injuries. He played in just a handful of games in 2023-24, but saw action in 52 a season ago. He chipped in 32 points and had an impressive start to the year before slowing down the stretch. This season, Akey has an interesting opportunity at a fresh start in Bakersfield. Both he and the Oilers would like to see him develop into an NHL defender.
Samuel Jonsson, G, Bakersfield Condors
Jonsson’s 2024-25 campaign with BIK Karlskoga in HockeyAllsvenskan was the first where he showcased statistical dominance. He posted a .922 save percentage while facing a fair workload. This year, Johnsson heads to Bakersfield with an opportunity to capture the net on North American ice. He controls rebounds and smartly uses his 6-5 height to his advantage. The timetable for potential NHL is uncertain, but Johnsson could become a nice depth goaltending option.
***
Los Angeles Kings
Liam Greentree, F, Windsor Spitfires
Simply put, Greentree is a shooter. It is for good reason, as he features an NHL ready shot. He can score from anywhere in the offensive zone and with any type of shot. His one-timer is a threat, as is a quick snapshot. His shot is quick and decisive, but it is not his only offensive weapon. He has so much more to offer. Greentree is a play driver. He skates well and sees the ice, especially with the puck. He is an excellent playmaker, best exemplified by his 70-assist season. Greentree will spend this OHL season in Windsor, but it should not take too long before he heads to California.
Henry Brzustewicz, D, London Knights
The selection of Brzustewicz was a much needed one for the prospect depth at defense for the Kings. He made a vast improvement in his game from 2023-24 to 2024-25, both statistically and optically. He had 42 points in 67 games from the back end and looked more comfortable as the season progressed, ultimately culminating in a Memorial Cup championship. Brzustewicz plays a reliable, steady game. He is not offensively flashy, nor is he a booming presence in the defensive zone. Instead, he plays a relatively quiet mix of the two as a good skater and cerebral thinker with the puck. He should fit into the Kings blue line whenever he decides to make the jump.
Carter George, G, Owen Sound Attack
George’s D+1 season gave fans a lot of reason to be excited about the future in net. He played in a majority of Owen Sound’s games and kept them in many games. He routinely faced over 45 shots and was up to the task, posting a save percentage of .909. However, George saw two games of AHL action at the end of the year and was brilliant. He faced 61 combined shots and surrendered just one goal. In both Owen Sound and Ontario, he found success through strong positioning and lateral movement. He is composed between the pipes and already plays with a high confidence level. George is certainly ready for AHL action and it may not be too long before he dawns the Kings jersey.
Hampton Slukynsky, G, Western Michigan University
Slukynsky is yet another of Los Angeles’ goaltenders in their system. Slukynsky has been one of the most impressive since he was drafted. He dominated the USHL with Fargo in his D+1 campaign and was perhaps even more impressive a season ago. He was the key reason that Western Michigan won the national championship. His save percentage was north of .920 and he provided the Broncos with consistent, high level goaltending. He is a positionally sound goaltender and he is able to stay under control when he is at his best. Slukynsky has emerged as a legit prospect in net and has forced the Kings to consider him in the near future.
Jakub Dvorak, D, Ontario Reign
Dvorak unsurprisingly showed some growing pains in the AHL. He is never going to be an elite offensive defenseman, but his 6-5 frame leads to his calling card – the defensive side of the game. He can skate well and does a good job at being disruptive. He is responsible and does not give coaches much variability in how he plays. Dvorak is not the flashiest prospect, but some further development could go a long way in seeing him on an NHL blue line.
***
San Jose Sharks
Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have the best prospect pool in the NHL by a wide margin, headlined by Misa. He was the consensus number one pick in this draft for a long time and did not do anything himself to slip down the rankings. Misa is excellent in all three zones. He possesses great defensive instincts and is responsible in his own zone. He is an excellent skater, utilizing a wide base and elite acceleration to fly by defenders. In the offensive zone, Misa can do everything. He has a good shot and can score from anywhere, find teammates through lanes no one else can see, or carry the puck around the zone to find the best play. Each of those options is equally likely to generate a high quality chance. There is not much Misa can’t do. He should be in the Sharks opening lineup.
Sam Dickinson, D, San Jose Sharks
You can make the case that Dickinson is the best defensive prospect in the entire league, and for good reason. He is coming off a monster year with London, earning CHL top defenseman honors on the back of a 91 point campaign. He is an excellent skater and flies by opponents, fending off the ones that can keep up with his 6-3 frame. He has good vision and can quarterback the top powerplay unit. However, his shot may be his most effective offensive attribute. It is powerful and quick and is difficult to game plan for. While Dickinson is not as much of a lock for the opening night roster as Misa is, it certainly will not be too far down the road before we see him in Teal.
Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Barracuda
Rarely is it considered a ‘blockbuster trade’ when the main piece has not played a single NHL game. But that was exactly the case when San Jose acquired Askarov. At the time he was widely considered the best goaltending prospect in the league. Now, at 23 years old, he has quietly found success in the AHL and is looking to become a full time NHL starter. Askarov moves well, anticipates shots well and is controlled in the crease. He has all the makings of a number one starter in the league, he just has to put it together. Last season was his best in the AHL, sporting a .923 save percentage in the regular season and bumping that number to .935 during the Barracuda’s playoff run. This season, Askarov should get much more runway in the NHL net and begin to cement himself in that spot.
Luca Cagnoni, D, San Jose Barracuda
Despite standing at just 5-9, Cagnoni impacts the game in many ways. He is extremely mobile and never seems to stop moving and activating. He is not afraid to put the puck on net, however, he is not a one dimensional, volume shooter from the point. Cagnoni is able to find teammates and is responsible with the puck. He certainly has the potential to quarterback a power play at the NHL level. This year should be a big one for Cagnoni to make an impression with San Jose.
Igor Chernyshov, F, San Jose Barracuda
Playing with Misa, Chernyshov’s eye-popping numbers have drawn the eyes of fans. In just 23 games, he netted 19 goals and finished with a staggering 55 points. He dominated the OHL and will never play another game at that level. For good reason too, as he is excellent at controlling the puck and is very physically mature. He is excellent away from the puck and can drive a play for his line. Chernyshov is also an explosive skater and routinely carves his way through defenders. It is hard to draw too many conclusions from an inferior competition level, but early signs point to Chernyshov having serious middle-six potential at the professional level.
***
Seattle Kraken
Berkly Catton, C, Seattle Kraken
Catton will head to the professional ranks on the heels of back-to-back 100-point campaigns in Spokane. He can do just about everything, each of which is made possible by his good skating mechanics. He accelerates well and each stride is done with a purpose. When he gets the puck in transition, he can really do whatever he pleases. He can find a shooting angle to fire a quick release, or he can slow it down and survey the ice for open teammates. Catton is a dynamic offensive center and should be in the middle of the Kraken’s depth chart very soon, if not on opening night.
Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs
O’Brien is yet another center added to a list that already includes Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Catton. O’Brien is a playmaker. While he does have scoring ability and a nice release on his shot, he prefers to see the entire ice and set a teammate up. He can filter a puck through almost any angle or even use the element of deception to hold onto it and find another lane. O’Brien has excellent puck skills and is a constant threat. Whenever the time comes, O’Brien will be a high-ceiling, offensively gifted center that adds another dynamic element to the Kraken.
Jagger Firkus, F, Coachella Valley Firebirds
Firkus is a highly skilled winger with a truly elite scoring touch. He can score from anywhere and generates a ton of power on his release, despite being 5-11. His first full campaign with Coachella Valley only resulted in 15 goals, so both he and the Kraken are seeking a statistical improvement before he can be considered for an NHL role. Still, Firkus’ skillset is indicative of someone that could carve out a top six role in the future. When paired with one of Seattle’s elite offensive centers, Firkus should see some success on the wing.
Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings
There is a lot to love about the son of Vernon Fiddler. For starters, he is 6-5, 212 pounds and uses every bit of his frame on the defensive side. While not a Kronwall-type hitter, he is not afraid to make attackers pay. However, the most impressive aspect of Fiddler’s game is how well he moves. He accelerates with every push and is able to get up and down the ice, even joining in the rush when necessary. Fiddler is also responsible with the puck in all three zones. He will head back to the Oil Kings for 2025-26, but Fiddler may be closer to the NHL than expected. There is serious top-four potential in him.
Eduard Sale, F, Coachella Valley Firebirds
Sale’s first full professional season had its expected ups and downs. The threat of his shot is still evident, as is his willingness to put the puck on the net. However, it did not translate into the goal or point totals that neither he or the club would have hoped for. He scored just six goals and 21 points. There are a lot of aspects that Sale needs to clean up, but if he does, he could still become an effective depth scoring option in the future.
***
Vancouver Canucks
Tom Willander, D, Abbotsford Canucks
Willander is an excellent skater on the back end. He flies up and down the ice and is able to maintain possession of the puck as he goes. Offensively, he can do a lot, including finding teammates and running the powerplay. Defensively, however, is where Willander excels. He is physically gifted. He takes time and space away from attackers, especially on the rush. When the opposition has sustained zone time, Willander uses a very active stick to disrupt the vision and timing of opponents. He is able to battle in front and consistently log heavy minutes during the course of the season. Willander will play the season in Abbotsford, but may see spotted NHL time towards the end of the year.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, F, Vancouver Canucks
Lekkerimaki has the potential to carve out a nice middle-six scoring role on the Canucks. He is an excellent shooter with a quick and powerful release who is always a threat. He handles the puck well and is quite deceptive. Lekkerimaki’s one notable flaw is his skating. He is not much of a play driver on the rush and relies on the puck already being in the offensive zone to do his damage. He plays a similar way to Brock Boeser, which has worked out for both Boeser and the Canucks so far. Lekkerimaki is hoping to find similar success. Lekkerimaki should make the Canucks’ opening night roster and try to establish himself in Vancouver’s lineup.
Kirill Kudryavtsev, D, Abbotsford Canucks
Kudryavtsev is one of the Canucks’ fastest rising prospects. He was a seventh-rounder in 2022 and found a ton of success last year in his first professional campaign. He managed an impressive 26 points in the regular season, but chipped in a staggering ten playoff points. Game by game, Kudryavtsev’s confidence grew and he became more comfortable as time went on. He is nasty and stifling in his own zone. He is active and is quick to jump on attackers with the puck. Whichever team he is on can rely on Kudryavtsev to play a responsible game. Before last season, Kudryavtsev was on no one’s radar to ever see NHL ice. Now, it is conceivable that he could see action as soon as this year. While he will not light up the stat sheet, Kudryavtsev does many things that make him loved by coaches, particularly a guy like Adam Foote.
Braedon Cootes, F, Seattle Thunderbirds
Cootes features a high motor and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win a puck battle. His engine never stops going, even when he does get possession. His first thought is to find a teammate and make a play, though his shot is serviceable. He goes to the net with no fear and is willing to scratch and claw for the puck. Cootes is an impressive mid-first round pick and should carve out a role down the middle of Vancouver’s depth chart in the near future.
Victor Mancini, D, Vancouver Canucks
Mancini has a legitimate chance to begin the 2025-26 campaign on Vancouver’s blue line. He has gotten more than enough looks at the NHL and looks to be ready for a more intensive role. He moves well and continues the Canucks’ trend of playing with a high motor. He makes simple, yet effective plays with the puck. Additionally, he is a good shutdown defender. Attackers have a tough time generating anything against him, partly due to his 6-3, 229 pound frame. Even if Mancini starts in Abbotsford, he will almost certainly be in Vancouver soon.
***
Vegas Golden Knights
Trevor Connelly, F, Henderson Silver Knights
Connelly is easily Vegas’ best prospect. He is a speedy, dynamic forward that makes plays off the rush. He spent 2024-25 at Providence College before heading to Henderson to cap off their season. He looked ready for AHL action in the six games he played in. He generated four points and looked engaged and ready to impress. He was tenacious and always looking to drive plays. In order to find success at the NHL level, Connelly will have to begin to utilize his teammates and begin to work without the puck. It feels like the Golden Knights have a lot riding on Connelly’s success in terms of their offensive prospects. He will be looking to prove himself in a full AHL campaign.
Mathieu Cataford, F, Henderson Silver Knights
Cataford can do a lot to impact the game offensively. He was one of the top offensive weapons for Rimouski last season and was a key contributor in the playoffs. He does a lot that is not the flashiest, but still gets the job done. Cataford is tenacious on the forecheck and is good at finding space. He goes to the net front and utilizes his teammates for quick passes. He was a passable skater at the junior level, a skill which the Golden Knights would like to see improved. It will be interesting to see how Cataford plays in his first full AHL stint. His upside is likely somewhere in the middle six.
Carl Lindbom, G, Henderson Silver Knights
No matter where he has gone, Lindbom has been remarkably effective. In 2022-23, he dominated HockeyAllsvenskan with a .930 save percentage. In 2023-24, that number was .911 in the SHL. Last year, his first full campaign in Henderson, his save percentage was .912. Two things are consistent across each of these levels, his stamina and athleticism. He is a workhorse, rarely taking time off between starts. He is only 6-1, but makes up for it with an athletic ability that few possess. Lindbom will play 2025-26 in Henderson, but will almost certainly see an NHL net in the near future.
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Luleå HF
Ihs-Wozniak is an intriguing prospect with some legit offensive upside. He ripped up the J20 Nationell in 2024-25 with 23 goals and 57 points in just 40 games. Offensively, he can do just about everything. His shot is a threat, either as a one-timer or from a catch-and-release. He is also a serviceable playmaker, extending his offensive threat to a more well-rounded game. Additionally, Ihs-Wozniak finds space well and could be an effective player for Vegas, if paired with the right players. However, it may take some time before we see Ihs-Wozniak make an impact at the professional level.
Lukas Cormier, D, Henderson Silver Knights
Last season, Cormier had an opportunity to really make a name for himself. Instead, the defenseman suffered an injury and made his season debut in March. When he debuted, he actually played well, generating nine points in Henderson’s final 19 games. He plays a composed game and usually makes the right play. Cormier is also good at moving the puck around in offensive situations, which is a plus for an NHL-level player. However, Cormier’s skating has to improve. He can be a step slow and does not exactly explode into a stride. That being said, there is still some runway with Cormier, but it has to come sooner rather than later.
***
The Pacific Division features some of the elite young talent in the NHL. While these teams may not see playoff success in 2025-26, they will certainly be near the top of the standings in the not-too-distant future.
Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter/X https://x.com/norr028 @norr028 for more coverage all season long!