Filip Ekberg

June 2025 – Selected 221st overall, Filip Ekberg is now a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. Mark Henry

Final Rankings – Filip Ekberg may have been a late riser, but his surge was no surprise: with the high hockey IQ, pace, and creativity, a bet on Ekberg was bound to pay off eventually. It did in spades as he finished the season strong with an 11-game point streak and MVP honors at the U18s. Though questions remain about his efficiency, defense, and size, his offensive instincts and motor suggest real middle-six NHL upside with proper development.—David Saad

June 2025 – With high-end speed, playmaking, handling, and shooting, there are few in this draft that stack up with Ekberg on raw skill. And, at a time of year when many draft-eligibles played their worst hockey, Ekberg absolutely met the moment. After spending most of the year riding the pine in Ottawa, Ekberg had an offensively dominant end to the OHL season, a level of play he carried over to the U18’s where he was just as—if not more—effective. The size and perimeter-play concerns will follow him wherever he goes, though he has done almost everything he can to rehabilitate his draft stock.—Luke Sweeney