We’re back! As regular seasons draw to a close around the hockey world, the Dobber Prospects’ team is taking our chance to get one last word in before playoffs start. 

With so much time between rankings, we certainly saw a lot of movement. Those changes start at the top, with our top four flip-flopping and crowning Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer as our new Number 1. That said, while last time around our top four was a tier itself, Schaefer and Saginaw Spirit centre Michael Misa have separated themselves from the pack, standing as our clear top two. While James Hagens follows, he has done enough to create a spot of his own, nestled between the top two and the best of the rest. Notably, he has distanced himself from Porter Martone who—after a lackluster return from the WJC—is in danger of falling more in line with players like Victor Eklund and Anton Frondell. 

Frondell was one of the biggest risers in our ranking, thanks to a red-hot stretch in Allsvenskan. Players like Jake O’Brien, Carter Bear, and Ben Kindel all received considerable bumps to their stock as well. Conversely, Roger McQueen, Logan Hensler and Ivan Ryabkin all experienced the biggest drops, but (for the most part) could rise again with late season returns to form. 

While the 2025 class has been disappointing in many ways, there’s still plenty of guys all of us are excited about, you may just have to dig a bit to find them. 

If you like what you read, don’t forget to follow some of the members of our team:

Luke Sweeney—Director of North American Scouting(@SweeneyLuke17)

Jordan Harris—Director of European Scouting(@jordan_NHLDraft)

Anni Karvinen—Finnish Regional Scout & USA Crossover(@ScoutWithAnni)

Kareem Ramadan—Russian Regional Scout & USA Crossover(@hockeytakes15)

Ethan Lindley—Swedish Regional Scout (@gtcj10)

Seth Ditchfield—Central Europe Regional Scout(@Seth_Scouting)

David Saad—OHL Regional Scout (@SaadScouting)

Collin Wilcox—WHL Regional Scout (@bombs_clap)

Éloi Biondo—QMJHL Regional Scout (@eloi632211)

Whittaker Heart—North American Crossover Scout(@whittakerheart)

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2025 Rankings

1. Matthew Schaefer, D (6-2, 183 lbs)—Erie Otters (OHL)          Upside: 9.5   Certainty: 8.0

David Saad—It’s really telling that Schaefer has managed to emerge as a first overall favorite despite having yet to reach 20 games on the season. That’s just how impactful those minutes have been. 

His skills are already well documented at this point. Schaefer’s high-end skating and veteran-like decision-making make him one of the more projectable junior defensemen we have seen so far this decade. His profile perfectly aligns with modern NHL preferences and, having a late 07 birthday, has a tantalizing amount of space to grow.

If there’s one thing that has yet eluded Schaefer it is a truly dominant stretch. He seemed geared up to check that box at the World Juniors, but he’ll have to wait until the U18s to truly demonstrate that. 

Regardless, what Schaefer has shown even to this point is more than some players show over whole draft years. No doubt that Schaefer has merited his first overall reputation.

2. Michael Misa, C (6-1, 184 lbs)—Saginaw Spirit (OHL)           Upside: 9.5   Certainty: 9.0

Luke Sweeney—What a reversal this year has been for Misa. After a 2023-24 campaign that left many worried about his trajectory, Misa has been nothing short of dominant, addressing every concern, checking every box, and firmly planting himself among this draft’s upper echelon. Schaefer vs. Misa was one of the most contentious debates of our discussion. Ultimately your selection may just come down to preference; are you looking for a 1D or a 1C? 

Either way, you can’t go wrong. 

Misa has all the requisite skills to be a highly impactful NHL 1C with a combination of elite processing and tools. His wicked shot, tight hands and raw speed allows him to beat defenders 1v1 and create chances from all over the OZ. However, Misa’s offensive game is rounded out by his tactical playmaking and innate ability to find soft ice. 

This intelligence compliments his defensive game as well. Misa intercepts pucks, clogs lanes, and sticks with checks, though he can also use his raw athleticism to be more of a “defensive playmaker”. Misa is quick to launch counterattacks, initiating defensive contact, breaking up plays with an active stick, and moving the puck quickly out of his DZ. There is an excellent chance that Misa will finish this season as not only this draft’s highest scoring, but also it’s most well-rounded player. 

3. James Hagens, C (5-11, 177 lbs)—Boston College (NCAA)      Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 5.0

Anni Karvinen – Hagens has dropped on our board from first to third overall. While the players ahead of him have established themselves as likely franchise cornerstones, Hagens’ play has left scouts wanting more. His elite skill is still evident, but a lack of a steep development curve, combined with his smaller frame, has us questioning whether he is truly first-overall caliber.

That said, let’s not be too harsh. The team that drafts Hagens will still be getting a great player with first-line center potential. The dynamic college freshman can be a true difference-maker on the ice, highly effective at creating offense both on the rush and in the zone. He can blend elite puck-handling and finesse with quick feet and an equally quick mind—arguably at an unmatched level in this year’s draft. In the offensive zone, he shines brightest as a manipulative playmaker, threading passes through multiple seams to create scoring chances few can see coming.

Of course, with every coin there’s a flipside. If we consider Hagens’ season so far a tad underwhelming, that also means there’s room for significant growth. Development is never linear, and one can only imagine what he can do with added muscle and power. After all, he has still had a good season anchoring one of the top lines in the nation’s first ranked college.

4. Porter Martone, W (6-3, 208 lbs)—Brampton Steelheads (OHL)       Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 6.0

David Saad—Martone has lost a lot of momentum since the start of the year. Sure, keeping up his two points-per-game pace was always unlikely, but a rough goal scoring stretch of nine in his last 25 is a bit surprising. 

The turning point seems to have come at the World Juniors. Martone’s action was limited during the tournament, but he did find ways to be effective in his reduced role. When he landed back in Brampton, it seemed like his confidence was shaken a little, at least in comparison to how he started the year. The concerns about Martone’s pace, something that was a whisper before slowly grew into a vocal mumble. In a hyper competitive battle for the top three like this year, it is enough to bump Martone down a couple of spots. Still, Martone is far from out of the race. The Steelheads are gearing up for what they hope will be a deep run in the OHL playoffs, and if they are to find success, Martone will likely be leading the charge. 

Regardless, the appeal with Porter Martone is the same as it always has been. The combination of size and skill is still insanely valuable and Martone has the hockey IQ and playmaking vision to be a serious boon to an NHL team’s top line in a few years. He won’t be waiting long on draft day.

5. Victor Eklund, W (5-11, 161 lbs)—Djurgardens IF (Hockey Allsvenskan) Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 7.5

Ethan Lindley—The unrelenting motor and intensity in Eklund’s game is something to be admired. When he combines this with his strong situational awareness, Eklund isn’t just a high work-rate player, but a supremely efficient one. 

Eklund stands out as a dual threat scorer. His determination and intelligence enable him to find soft pockets of space where he can utilize his quick shot release, which has evolved even further since the beginning of the season. He’s just as effective as a playmaker, making strong and accurate passes in transition, or using touch passes and area passes when he doesn’t have a clear passing lane or the space to evade pressure.

Every play Eklund makes is executed at a high pace thanks to his superb skating ability. His strong agility and explosive crossovers allow him to be extremely evasive, both in transition and in tight areas. Eklund is arguably most effective behind the net because of this and his small area skills. He’s able to use his body to shield the puck from opponents and maintains composure under pressure, possessing until an opportunity to create a dangerous scoring chance presents itself. Although there have been questions regarding Eklund’s upside in comparison to other players ranked in this range, he is quickly closing the gap and establishing himself as a top five pick.

6. Anton Frondell, W (6-1, 196 lbs)—Djurgardens IF (Hockey Allsvenskan)            Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 8.0

Ethan Lindley—Since dealing with a string of injuries which resulted in a sluggish start to the season, Frondell has finally regained form as the player that had scouts and analysts drooling over him last season. He’s a toolsy power winger that can dominate in the Allsvenskan almost purely through his physical attributes. His lack of separation ability and pure top end speed keeps him from being a force in transition, but he’s effective by combining his strength with soft hands to create a ton of space in the offensive zone. 

The aspects of Frondell’s game that are most tantalizing are his shot and his ability to elude coverage to use it. He displays such a heavy release and it’s so powerful that he can regularly beat goaltenders from distance. Frondell’s shot might not be on the level of a Patrik Laine but it’s not far off and will certainly translate to higher levels. The top five in this draft is pretty solidified at this point, but if Anton Frondell can continue his torrid pace in the Allsvenskan it will be difficult to argue for him any lower.

7. Lynden Lakovic, W (6-4, 190 lbs)—Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)      Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 4.5

Whittaker Heart—Lakovic is a towering 6-4 winger with elite puck skills, smooth skating, and exceptional transitional play. He’s a dynamic offensive threat, capable of both finishing plays and creating opportunities with his hands and skates. Despite missing time due to injury and playing for one of the WHL’s weakest teams in Moose Jaw, Lakovic has cemented himself as a legitimate top-10 draft contender. While his size and skill make him a presence in all three zones, adding a more aggressive, physical edge to his game could elevate him into a true power forward role. As it stands, he projects as a rangy, top-six scoring winger with the ability to transport the puck and control possession, with further upside if he strengthens his play along the boards and in the cycle.

8. Caleb Desnoyers, C (6-2, 178 lbs)—Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)      Upside: 8.0   Certainty: 7.5

Éloi Biondo—Desnoyers has been Moncton’s most important player this year, centering the first line of a team is stacked with 19-year-olds. He has consistently showcased a well-rounded skill set, with a strong emphasis on physical engagement and adaptability. Desnoyers has demonstrated exceptional vision and playmaking ability, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. His skating and speed continue to improve, allowing him to maintain a high level of performance. His poise and patience with the puck have earned him praise from scouts and observers. He effectively uses his frame to protect the puck and outmaneuver defenders in tight spaces. His ability to control the pace of play and dictate the game is a standout aspect of his game. If Desnoyers performs well during the playoffs, he could hear his name called in the top five of the NHL Draft this June.

9. Jackson Smith, D (6-3, 195 lbs)—Tri City Americans (WHL)             Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 6.5

Collin Wilcox—Smith is a big (6-3, 190lbs), physical, minute-munching, left shot defenseman with elite skating. He is a handful in transition, and an absolutely suffocating rush defender whose power skating allows him to effortlessly close gaps. He plays with blistering pace, and his high-end edge work gives him exceptional lateral mobility, particularly for a player of his size. 

Smith has good hands and projectable offensive tools, though that side of his game is a little less refined than his defense. He’ll need to get a bit better at picking his spots, as he is a bit prone to costly turnovers. Projects as a top four defenseman in the NHL. 

10. Cullen Potter, C (5-10, 172 lbs)—Arizona State Sun Devils (NCAA)            Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 4.0

Luke Sweeney—Potter has always had truthers and naysayers in our group. However, at this point, we feel the burden of proof is too high to deny Potter’s legitimate star potential. Nevertheless, this was still the most divisive placement among our scouting group. Some still see Potter as more of a fringe first rounder and others seeing him as a bona-fide top five candidate. As one of Potter’s most outspoken supporters, I feel obligated to justify our placement. 

Potter made a name for himself last season as a high-skill, high-pace creator, leading the USNTDP U-17s in assists and scoring. Potter leaned into his creativity and skill to start the year in Arizona, and while it created a lot of pretty looking plays, the production wasn’t there. Since then, his game has matured significantly. Make no mistake, Potter’s still using his speed, hands and smarts to dominate in transition and set up his linemates for easy looks. Now however, his backchecking and physicality have both ticked up, his ill-advised solo-missions are less frequent, and he’s learned to trust his shot more, leading to some more favourable results.  

While his scoring may not leap off the page and his short stature may scare some NHL teams away, there is a lot of important context here that shouldn’t be overlooked. Potter’s the third-youngest player in college hockey, while helping lead a first-year D1 program to second in the NCHC (arguably the NCAA’s fastest, most physical, and mature circuit). Potter’s sixth in shots and 14th in goals, three back of Chicago first-rounder Sasha Boisvert, who was just named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team along with Potter. 

Potter might not have the stat line of a typical NCAA lottery pick, but Potter’s not a typical player. Don’t let that allow you to ignore one of the best freshman seasons in recent memory.

11. Jake O’Brien, C (6-2, 170 lbs)—Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)             Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 7.0

David Saad—If there was one player victimized by a slow start to their season, it would be O’Brien. The Brantford center exploded in December and has rarely failed to find the scoresheet since. He’s another of the brand of very intelligent, complimentary playmaking centers that this draft provides, but O’Brien seems to strike a bit of a middle. Bringing both a physical edge and some really great in-zone playmaking, O’Brien is creative, calculated and playing an increasingly heavy game to go along with it. These were present at the start of the season as well, but there seemed to be less control and less consistency in how O’Brien levied those strengths, something that led to the team holding him off the preliminary list. Granted his spot on this list, it should be telling that O’Brien’s seen rapid improvement.

However, where he lands on an NHL team may still feel up in the air. O’Brien still doesn’t scream play driver, but like many in this class, has all the markings for a fantastic complimentary player. Seeing O’Brien playing in the middle-six feels appropriate, but if the details continue to come along, and the playmaking translates, there’s optimism to be had for his top six potential. 

12. Roger McQueen, C (6-5, 197 lbs)—Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)              Upside: 9.0   Certainty: 4.0

Collin Wilcox & Luke Sweeney—Collin and I deliberated on this one, and we are at a bit of a loss as to how to cover McQueen. While he has the size and skill teams covet, he missed almost the entire season from a spine injury and hasn’t looked the same since. As a player whose stock was so reliant on his physical tools and upside, we will hold McQueen here as a placeholder, though we can easily see him moving significantly in either direction.

13. Carter Bear, C/W (6-0, 179 lbs)—Everett Silvertips (WHL)             Upside: 8.0   Certainty: 9.0

Luke Sweeney— Like many of the players in this range, while Bear may never be a true star, that should in no way prevent him from being highly, highly impactful forward at higher levels. 

An NHL player who once sat in a similar stratosphere (and one who I think could be a strong comparable) was Brendan Gallagher. While Bear is a stronger carrier and playmaker, and Gallagher a better goal-scorer, they share the same inside-driven, no-holds-barred approach. While Bear’s scoring has ticked down in the new year, he’s also been moved back to the wing and tasked with leading his own line. He has met this challenge, even if it’s come at the expense of his point totals. At this point, Bear is somewhat of a known quantity: a relentless, high-pace, high-motor checking forward with sneaky skill and strong carrying abilities. But just because Bear doesn’t have much room to grow doesn’t mean he should be counted out. 

Bear suffered an Achillies laceration on March 9^th that may keep him out for the remainder of the season.   

14. Radim Mrtka, D (6-6, 207 lbs)—Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)        Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 6.5

Luke Sweeney—Mrtka is by no means a perfect player, but between his profile (6-6, July-born RHD), his scoring (just shy of a point-per-game, in line with Tarin Smith, Tanner Molendyk, and Sawyer Mynio), and his solid play across multiple leagues, Mrtka has become difficult to deny. 

Mrtka’s main struggles are a) his puckhandling ability, especially under duress, and b) his acceleration. Both I think are remediable, the skating especially. Mrtka’s huge, and though he’s listed at 216lbs, if he could add some lower-body strength, it might help him move with some more power and balance. His stride is smooth, but he does have a bit of flick, and his legs are a bit too splayed, which, if corrected, could also make a big improvement. 

The two things that Mrtka does particularly well are the two things that I value most in defencemen: suffocating rush defence and effective passing. Mrtrka has a hard shot, but he mostly relies on making plays into the middle to generate offence. His transition playmaking waxes and wanes, but I feel like that mostly has to do with the handling and skating concerns that prevent him from beating checks cleanly. 

Mrtka is not a finished product, and a ranking this high certainly involves a lot of projection. Mrtka’s a swing, but in a draft thin on top talent, he could be one well worth it. 

15. Ben Kindel, C/W (5-10, 176 lbs)—Calgary Hitmen (WHL)               Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 5.5

Luke Sweeney—As it stands, Kindel is the second-highest draft-eligible scorer in the CHL, behind only Michael Misa. In this sort of situation, I’d usually say that the points speak for themselves, but I think that does a disservice to how unusual of a junior scorer Kindel is. 

The player Kindel reminds me most of is Travis Konecny. Both undersized forwards, so-so speed and athleticism, and a strong playmaking lean. I also think Kindel has some of the same inside-driven approach, willingness to battle, and a bit of that “pest” quality—though maybe not to the same extent as Konecny. 

In the NHL, I see Kindel as a potential “ceiling-raiser” who can help elevate the play of more traditionally gifted players anywhere in a top six. This is consistent with his play, both alongside Oliver Tulk and Tanner Howe (likely the WHL’s second-best line) and alongside Brady Martin and Lynden Lakovic at the Prospect’s Challenge.  He’s comfortable along the boards, extends possessions, and wins battles. He can drive hard or drift unnoticed to the net front where he is a very prolific shot deflector. He is a highly creative and poised playmaker and, because of this, is subtly dominant in transition, in creating off the rush, or in setting-up in the OZ. While his tools and size may hold him back from true stardom, Kindel has all the makings of a bona-fide top-six Swiss Army Knife.  

16. Braeden Cootes, C (5-11, 183 lbs)—Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)               Upside: 8.0  Certainty: 7.5

Collin Wilcox—Cootes is a mature, two-way center with exceptional situational awareness and underrated playmaking. Earlier in the season, Cootes game was predicated on pace, aggression, and physicality. The pace and aggression are still there, but as the season has progressed, he has started to showcase the subtleties in his game. He supports his linemates, connects plays, and just generally does whatever is needed when he is on the ice. Cootes is a dynamic playmaker who is trusted by his coaches to play in all situations, projecting as a top-six center at the next level.

17. Brady Martin, C (6-0, 178 lbs)—Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)             Upside: 7.0   Certainty: 8.0 

Whittaker Heart—Martin is a strong and physically dominant center for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL. He plays a powerful, heavy game and has solid puck skills. His skating overall is good, but his pace remains a work in progress. With his scoring heating up and a likely U18 appearance ahead, he has a chance to boost his draft stock further.

18. Bill Zonnon, W (6-2, 185 lbs)—Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)             Upside: 7.0   Upside: 8.0

Éloi Biondo—Zonnon is a powerful, two-way forward with excellent vision and playmaking ability. A strong, big-bodied player, he uses his size to protect the puck, win battles, and create scoring opportunities. His strong shot and defensive awareness make him a reliable, versatile asset in all zones, excelling in all situations. He will need to improve his acceleration and physical strength for the next level but has good odds to make it as a bottom-six forward. 

19. Justin Carbonneau, W (6-1, 191 lbs)—Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)              Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 3.5

Éloi Biondo—Carbonneau is a dynamic 6-1, 190lbs right winger with elite-level shooting and offensive instincts. Known for his powerful shot, quick release, and excellent puck anticipation. Carbonneau plays with physicality and aggression, frequently creating scoring chances. His skating is strong, though improvements in his defensive play and playmaking could elevate him to a middle-six scoring role in the NHL. 

20. Malcolm Spence, W (6-1, 203 lbs)—Erie Otters (OHL)         Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 8.0

David Saad—Little has happened to change our original assessment of Malcolm Spence and—depending on where you stand—that’s either a positive or a negative. With Matthew Schaefer absent and Erie facing some locker room drama, it’s quite commendable that Spence has remained as consistently effective as he is. 

While he is largely playing support to his two seniors, Spence does seem to be playing a role that I believe would fit him at the NHL level: a complimentary forward that battles on the boards to create possessions while having the skill to convert them. To hang with NHL speed, Spence will need to take his skating up a notch and become more active in the neutral zone, but the foundations are present for an NHL caliber player and first round selection.

21. Shane Vansaghi, W (6-2, 216 lbs)—Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)            Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 7.5

Anni Karvinen—Previously not ranked in our top 32, Vansaghi is one of the biggest risers on our board. The 6-2, 216-pound power forward wins board and net-front battles with regularity. A great puck handler and surprisingly quick for a player of his size, Vansaghi has been able to flash intriguing skill while playing limited minutes. 

22. Cameron Reid, D (6-0, 193 lbs)—Kitchener Rangers (OHL)            Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 5.5

David Saad—Reid has certainly surpassed expectations so far this season. Currently, Reid stands atop the scoring table for draft-eligible CHL defencemen and for good reason. His high-end skating ability gives him significant three-zone effectiveness and the appearance of being one of the most ubiquitously impactful players every time he hits the ice. He excels at killing plays in motion with his strong gap management and finding quick plays to push the puck up ice. Reid will need to add some physicality to his game as he rises up levels, but the intelligence and raw ability do make Reid one of the more attractive defencemen in this year’s class.

23. Ryker Lee, C/W (6-0, 181 lbs)—Madison Capitals (USHL)               Upside: 8.0   Certainty: 5.5

David Saad—It’s not uncommon for extremely talented, smaller players to fail to translate to the NHL due to the high bars for speed and physicality. The discussion around these players tends to circle back to, “if only they were a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, they would’ve made the NHL.” 

Enter Lee, who in his D-1 was exactly the player described. An unbelievably fluid puck handler that brought the hockey sense and natural skill to exploit lanes, for both his passing and for his shot. Being 5-10, ~160lbs, Lee was fun, but not highly regarded. Fortunately, Lee hit a growth spurt right before his USHL freshman season and has taken the league by storm. He’s tied for 5th in points and in 3rd in points-per-game.

Few players in the draft can match up to Lee’s highlight reel. He constantly exposes defenders with a myriad of solutions: spin passes, feints, tape-to-tape saucer passes, there seems to be no limit to what Lee can imagine. 

However, the growth spurt did not come without its drawbacks. Lee’s skating mechanics have taken a hit, losing him considerable speed and making his effectiveness as a play-driving winger fluctuant. This weakness has improved as the season’s gone on, but part of the appeal with Lee will always centre around if he’s able to fully recapture that motor of his. If everything breaks right, Lee can become one of the bigger steals this draft has to offer, but the ‘if’ might be significant enough to see him drop.

24. Blake Fiddler, D (6-4, 209 lbs)—Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)          Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 6.0

Austin Kelly—A big, mobile defenseman, Fiddler is a high-floor RHD who showcases a lot of leadership on the ice. Fiddler is a defensively responsible player who has good awareness in scanning habits in his own end. He does well battling physically and staying engaged in his own end. Fiddler keeps his game clean and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes protecting his side of the ice. Once he gains the puck, Fiddler is good at pushing the puck upwards whether through a breakout or a dump-in. He’s also a solid skater who could gain a quicker first step.

Fiddler does lack a bit of an offensive game that you would want in a first round prospect, even for a defensive-minded defenseman. There’s some puck handling potential for Fiddler to be a solid producer on offense, but hasn’t managed to translate it to putting points on the board. He can be a bit turnover prone if he’s not careful, he’ll have to clean up his control of the puck in the future. Fiddler has a booming shot that isn’t something he uses often, but has potential. He’s not offensively skilled enough to where he would be a lottery pick, but Fiddler has the defensive IQ and skating ability to be a first rounder, at the very least a top-40 pick.

25. Cameron Schmidt, W (5-7, 161 lbs)—Vancouver Giants (WHL)      Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 4.5

Austin Kelly—One of the hardest players in this draft to project. Schmidt is a high-flying offensive dynamo who doesn’t let the fact he’s 5-7 deter him from slicing through the ice and being a hyperactive weapon. Playing like he’s on a sugar rush, Schmidt is a shifty winger who is great at flying through in transition and scoring from just about anywhere on the ice. Schmidt is an unreal, high-octane goal scorer who sees the game well both in open ice and in analyzing scoring chances. Recently Schmidt has taken on more of a playmaking role, seemingly trying to round out his defense.

With a sugar rush comes a crash, and at times Schmidt seems a bit lethargic, becoming a bit disengaged when the game is less competitive and he isn’t always showcasing the same energy throughout. He’s a scrappy defender, but he can only do so much with his size. He’s easy to bully off the puck and he’s not great at puck recoveries. He’s a fast offensive weapon, but he’s also undersized and can become unfocused. Schmidt could easily be a top-six forward if He’s able to commit to the needed intensity for a full 60 minutes.

26. Logan Hensler, D (6-2, 192 lbs)—Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)          Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 7.5

Anni Karvinen—It’s quite telling that it’s already March, and we still don’t know what to make of Hensler. As a 6-2 right-handed defenseman who can skate and shut down opponents, he should have everything NHL organizations covet. Still – he’s one of the biggest droppers on our board. His on-ice impact should be greater and more consistent. 

27. Milton Gastrin, C (6-0, 185 lbs)—Modo (J20)             Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 7.0

Ethan Lindley—Gastrin’s a smart player who skates well and has size, but right now his projection is built around his solid tools. He plays a very direct game, using his speed to transition the puck up ice, though he’s displayed some flashes of high-end skill while doing so. He also demonstrates safe, responsible play by frequently staying above the puck. He needs to execute plays at a higher pace, and I still question just how much offense he can bring to the next level, but he belongs among the top 32 players in this draft due to his tools alone.

28. Benjamin Kevan, W (6-0, 182 lbs)—Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)            Upside: 7.0   Certainty: 6.0

Luke Sweeney—Kevan’s an intelligent, high-pace player who loves to sling the puck on net from any angle. Very active in transition, Kevan is a strong carrier with a slippery puck handle and some creative playmaking. As an Arizona State commit, Kevan will have the chance to test his mettle against D1 competition in 2025-26.

29. Eric Nilson, C (6-0, 154 lbs)—Djurgardens IF (J20)               Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 5.5

Ethan Lindley—Nilson is an extremely raw prospect, but one that has immense potential. Like many of the Djugardens boys, he’s competitive, intense, and plays at a high pace. He’s responsible defensively, evasive in transition, and frequently makes the right play, even under pressure. Nilson’s shifty and deceptive with the puck, often drawing pressure before executing a perfectly timed pass to a teammate in scoring position. He also displays a physical edge that he uses with purpose. Nilson is still very slight, so if he fills out his frame it could make him even more imposing and resistant to pressure.

30. Vaclav Nestrasil, W (6-5, 190 lbs)—Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)            Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 5.5

Whittaker Heart—Nestrasil is a raw, but intriguing 6-5 prospect out of Czechia, playing his first full year in the USHL. A fluid skater with slick puck skills, he plays with an edge but needs to add weight. His hockey sense is a question mark, but at NCAA UMass Nestrasil will have time to develop physically and refine his game

31. Cole McKinney, C (6-0, 200 lbs)—USNTDP (USHL)             Upside: 6.0   Certainty: 7.5

Austin Kelly—One of the bright spots on a NTDP team that has lacked the dominance of previous years, McKinney has been key for the U18s as a reliable two-way center with a strong hockey sense. McKinney has been a consistent workhorse for the Americans, showcasing a high compete level and strong engagement. McKinney is always on his feet moving and being active in play. In a quieter offensive setting, one thing that has gone a bit unrealized is that McKinney really seems to like having the puck. He is good at spotting chances and not being too hesitant to make the first play, but rather the smart play. A very coachable player who should be able to stay at center long-term.

32. Cole Reschny, C (5-10, 187 lbs)—Victoria Royals (WHL)                 Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 5.0

Austin Kelly—One of the flashiest and streakiest players in this draft, Reschny has had several eye-popping scoring streaks that have buoyed his status as one of the top point producers in the WHL. Reschny has been trusted upon in multiple situations for Victoria, capable as a PP and PK option. His most positive asset is his playmaking ability. Reschny is a smart and aware passer with strong pass accuracy who impresses with his high scanning habits and ability to create in tight spaces.

Reschny is mentally engaged in his DZ and, for a player who is not very big, Reschny is willing to play dirty for pucks and can be a rough forechecker. He looks more of a boom-or-bust player than fellow undersized prospects, although he’s a bit more detailed oriented.

33. Jack Nesbitt, C (6-4, 185 lbs)—Windsor Spitfires (WHL)                 Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 6.0

Austin Kelly—Nesbitt is a big 6-4 center with the maturity and faceoff ability to stick at center. Nesbitt has enough of a toolkit to be a reliable two-way center at the NHL. Solid playmaker with good overall skating who works hard on defense, but a lack of a standout trait makes it questionable how high his upside is. Nesbitt looks safe to play NHL games at the very least, but it may take a year or two to see if the projection can grow, as many bigger players like him can take a bit longer to hit, Nesbitt very well may be one of those guys as he gets older and stronger.

34. Jack Murtagh, W (6-1, 200 lbs)—USNTDP (USHL)               Upside: 5.5   Certainty: 6.0

Luke Sweeney—Murtagh plays an uncomplicated game and—in an especially weak year for the NTDP—that was enough to make him a first rounder in our last ranking. Murtagh is a straight-lines puck carrier and shooter who plays with a lot of pace and intensity. With his profile, Murtagh could likely find his way into an NHL bottom six. 

35. Kurban Limatov, D (6-3, 198 lbs)— MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)            Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 6.0

With a lack of eyes on Russian prospects (especially more so with the departure of Ivan Ryabkin) the scouts still watching will still see value in Russia’s hockey system, starting with Kurban Limatov. He won’t win any awards for flash, but Linatov has a high effort level and may be one of the most pro-style defenders in this class for how calm and collected he is in his own end. 

Despite being a top point producer among draft-eligible defenseman in the MHL, Limatov’s still working on how to take on an offensive role more often and with his focusing on playing a safer game, he doesn’t take many risks that may lead to a turnover. He is safe enough to be a bottom-pairing defenseman in the NHL.

36. Eddie Genborg, W (6-2, 190 lbs)—Linkoping HC (SHL)                   Upside: 5.5   Certainty: 6.0

Ethan Lindley – Genborg is a punishing, abrasive winger who’s strong on the puck, uses his physicality to create chances out of pure chaos, and displays soft hands around the net. He is a very direct player that doesn’t implement much misdirection in his game, showing limited offensive upside. 

37. Sascha Boumedienne, D (6-1, 175 lbs)—Boston University (NCAA)             Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 6.0

Anni Karvinen – One of my personal favourites of this draft class, Boumedienne, has experienced the expected ups and downs adjusting to the NCAA level. Recently, he’s seemed more comfortable on the ice which has led to him participating in the offence more actively. Still raw, he needs a lot of development in some areas like skating, but the potential is undeniable.

38. Joshua Ravensbergen, G (6-5, 192 lbs)—Prince George Cougars (WHL)               Upside: 6.0   Certainty: 5.5

Austin Kelly—Coming off an absolutely dominant D-1 in which Ravensbergen established himself as the number one starter on a dominant Prince George team, Ravensbergen has cooled off a bit this season. However, he’s still one of the top netminders available in this draft. He’s a mobile 6’5 netminder with good athleticism and awareness of the puck. Relatively calm, Ravensbergen doesn’t let in a lot of bad shots but has also let a few games get the best of him.

However, with only four right-handed NHL goalies like Ravensbergen, it begs the question, will he be an exception and become something increasingly rare in the modern NHL? 

39. Harry Nansi, C (6-3, 179 lbs)—Owen Sound Attack (OHL)              Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 5.5

David Saad—Nansi may be the most slept on player in this year’s draft. He wins board battles in his sleep, using his huge frame and reach to punish opponents that dare contest him. But what separates Nansi isn’t the advantages he creates, but what he does with those opportunities, that is, get the puck into the slot, usually with some very clever passing. It’s a simple pattern but a remarkably effective one. 

He’s definitely still a very raw prospect and will need to see some overall improvement to his skating to hang with NHL speed, but it’s easy to see an effective, grinding bottom-six option with Nansi. That he’s got the skill to hang is a bonus.

40. Shamar Moses, W (6-1, 203 lbs)—North Bay Battalion (OHL)         Upside: 6.0  Certainty: 6.5

Luke Sweeney—Moses is a player I have a difficult time being reasonable about. This might be a bit of a reach here; that’s fine by me; Moses is exactly the kind of player I want on my roster. 

Moses is athletic, hard-working and toolsy, and (when he’s on) plays the game The Right Way. He’s a talented checker who can pull pucks off guys with deft stickwork or straight physicality. He also got a booming shot, excellent playmaking instincts, and is just shy of 0.8 points-per-game. A name to watch. 

41. Arvid Drott, W (6-1, 187 lbs) Djurgardens IF (J20)                Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 5.5

Ethan Lindley – Drott is a strong, powerful, and intense winger who loves to drive the inside and take pucks to the net. He scores in a variety of ways and had shown flashes of vision and dynamic play creation, but he has problems always seeing the best play.

42. Alexander Zharovsky, W (6-1, 163 lbs)—Tolpar  Ufa (MHL)            Upside: 6.5   Certainty: 5.0

Kareem Ramadan – Zharovsky is a highly skilled forward who combines excellent puck-handling ability with flashy, creative playmaking and above-average vision. His ability to navigate tight spaces and generate scoring chances for himself and his teammates makes him a constant offensive threat. While he has primarily played in a weaker division, his scoring has translated effectively against stronger competition in the MHL’s Gold division, showcasing that his game can thrive at higher levels of play. Zharovsky’s skating lacks an explosive gear, but he plays with good pace and can create separation when he gets up to top speed. The drawback in Zharovsky’s game is that he can over-rely on his skill, leading to unnecessary turnovers when simpler, more efficient plays are available. Improving his decision-making and learning to pick his spots better will be crucial for minimizing risk and maximizing his impact. However, when he’s at his best, Zharovsky flashes the kind of dynamic, high-end skill that is sorely lacking in this range of the 2025 class.

43. Carter Amico, D (6-5, 225 lbs)—USNTDP (USHL)                Upside: 7.5   Certainty: 5.5

Kareem Ramadan – Amico is a polarizing prospect in this year’s draft, offering a rare blend of size, mobility, and upside but clouded by uncertainty due a season ending knee injury in November. A right-handed defenceman listed at 6-5 and 216lbs, he combines smooth skating ability with a physical edge, making him an intriguing commodity that every NHL team covets. Before his injury, Amico showed flashes of potential, particularly in his ability to transition the puck and use his size to disrupt plays. However, his game remains raw, with noticeable gaps in decision-making, positioning, and defensive consistency, especially when defending in transition. These areas highlight the risk in Amico’s game, but his physical tools are hard to ignore. In a league where big, mobile defensemen are in high demand, it is hard to see Amico last too long on draft night. 

44. Gustav Hillstrom, C (6-2, 176 lbs)—Brynas IF (SHL)            Upside: 5.5   Certainty: 6.0

Ethan Lindley — Hillstrom is a smart and intense center who moves play in the right direction. Offensive upside is uncertain, but he definitely has the frame and intelligence to be a bottom six center at the next level.

45. Ashton Schultz, C (5-11, 181 lbs)—Chicago Steel (USHL)                 Upside: 6.0   Certainty: 4.5

Whittaker Heart—Highly skilled offensive creator who’s gotten better as the season has gone on. 

46. Cooper Simpson, W (6-1, 179 lbs)—Shakopee High (USHS-MN)                 Upside: 8.5   Certainty: 3.5

Whittaker Heart—Simpson dominated the prep ranks at Shakopee this winter as a pure goal scorer. With one goal in two games so far for Tri-City, his spring stint in the USHL could reveal a lot.

Honourable Mentions

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, D (6-0, 178 lbs)—Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)

Anni Karvinen – Rhéaume-Mullen makes a reappearance in my honorable mentions, because his tools can’t be ignored. The extremely mobile defender can shut down opponents effectively with his positioning. I wonder if he’s primed for a breakout sophomore campaign next season.

Tomáš Poletín, W (6-1, 196 lbs)—Pelicans (Liiga & U20 SM-Sarja)

Anni Karvinen – While it’s been an uneventful season for Finnish regional scouting, Poletín is a skater worth keeping an eye on. The Czech winger plays a pro-style game and possesses great small-area skill, which he uses effectively around the net.

Filip Ekberg, C/W (5-10, 168 lbs)—Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

David Saad—Oh Filip, my heart bleeds for you. Injuries, setbacks and a lack of minutes have plagued Ekberg since the year’s start. The natural skill that he brings to the table has never stopped being attractive but it’s been marred with inconsistency whether it be his fault or not. As the season goes on, it’s getting increasingly challenging to champion him when his peers have simply had more opportunity to showcase what makes them so attractive as NHL options. Maybe, he ends the year off with a strong run and MAYBE he can make an impression on the Swedish u18 team but it will likely do little to affect his NHL stock at this point. Still, someone should draft him. Please cut the kid a break? Anyone? For me?

Daniil Skvortsov, D (6-4, 214 lbs)—Guelph Storm (OHL)

David Saad—Outside the top five, maybe six defencemen in the class, there’s little in terms of consensus on who is a “second round defencemen”. In situations like this, going by profile can be useful and it’s hard to deny the profile of Skvortsov. At 6-4, 200lbs right-handed defencemen, playing good shutdown hockey in Ontario? Can’t check more boxes than that. Skvortsov does come with all the basic trappings of his archetype but he stands out for me due to some really good poise on the puck. It’s all too common for players of this style to not have the ability to take advantage of the possessions they win, but Skvortsov seems to be above a lot of his peers in that regard and that earns him an HM for now, but he may be viewed on far more favourably in NHL eyes.

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, C (6-2, 184 lbs)—Lulea HF (J20) 

Ethan Lindley—Ihs-Wozniak has the skill to both finish and set up plays when he has the time and space to do so. However, he doesn’t play with enough pace to consistently create those opportunities for himself and often needs help from his quicker linemates to transition the puck. Although when he’s in the offensive zone he’s a menace with his smarts, puck protection ability, and talent.

Tomas Pobezal, C (5-10, 179 lbs)—Nitra (Extraliiga)

Jordan Harris—Pozebal is a smaller forward who’s played all throughout Nitra’s lineup, both at centre and wing, in the Slovak Extraliga this season. He’s produced at an admirable level through a mix of quality skill and compete combined with and a knack for being in the right spots on the ice. The size and skating combination for Pobezal is not ideal, which keeps him from being ranked higher on our board.

Haoxi Wang, D (6-6, 212 lbs)—Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Luke Sweeney—Huge, smooth-skating, and very raw, Wang is an intriguing prospect, especially outside the first round. Still refining his game in the OHL, but bigger things could easily be in store. 

Kashawn Aitcheson, D (6-1, 198 lbs)—Barrie Colts (OHL)

Luke Sweeney—Fearless and ferocious, Aitcheson plays a risky game in both ends, especially for his size. Could see NHL minutes, but has a style of play (and temper) that may need to be reigned in.