Taahaa Lone's Top 100 Skaters for the 2025 NHL Draft

100 skaters ranked + a full guide, projections, and NHL comparisons

Here is a comprehensive guide to my Top 100 Skaters for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, which includes full reports, projections, and NHL comparisons. I watched a crazy amount of hockey this year, and I’m really excited to present the fruits of my efforts. My recommendation would be to bookmark this piece and use CTRL-F to find players you want to read about as they come up, or save it for when your favourite team picks someone and you want a better idea of what you’re getting. If you’re on your computer, you can click on the lines on the left side of your screen to scroll through my headings and find players that way. If you’re a true Sicko like me, though, strap in and sit through all 38,000+ words.

Opening Notes

My goal with this draft guide was to display my thoughts on the top players in this draft in a way that is easy to digest. I want you to see my rankings and easily CTRL-F to understand what I see in a player and why I have him slotted there.

I included projected Ceilings, Projections, and Floors. This is not because I have a crystal ball, but it is to communicate my vision for a player in a simple matter. While almost every player on this list has some form of an NHL projection, I understand that not every player in this ranking will end up playing an NHL game. However, my “Projections” are meant to indicate what a team should reasonably expect from a player.

This year, thanks to some amazing and unique experiences, I put a focus on putting myself in an NHL organization’s shoes. I am still quite optimistic with my projections, but it allowed me to see players in new lights. The best way I can describe it is, rather than ranking the Best players, I wanted to put more focus on ranking the most Valuable. I found that NHL teams value certain archetypes, and that I would rather pick a player who could become a player my coach would trust rather than a player that I know most coaches would never play. That doesn’t mean I completely wrote off the unique players, though!

A lot of my thoughts on what works and what doesn’t work at the NHL level come from my years of obsession with NHL hockey. Specifically, I see what players who do well in lower leagues end up struggling with at the NHL level. The NHL is the fastest and smartest league in the world, which means that I lean towards players who can keep up with this speed both mentally and physically. However, I’ve valued players in a way that considers that many players can either develop passable speed to use their other strengths or lean into their strengths enough to mask their weaknesses.

I tried to use simple language to ensure that this content remains accessible while still clearly communicating my perspective. That just means that I don’t end up going into the detailed mechanical breakdowns of every prospects’ strengths and weaknesses in this guide, but I still try to give an overview of what needs to change and what works.

I will note that this is just my perspective on these players, and I always say that many heads are better than one. I hope I can clearly communicate my thoughts on these prospects, but I highly encourage you to check out the Recruit Scouting Draft Guide when it comes out, as we have a dozen dedicated scouts from all over the world putting their minds together to build something big once again.

Anyway, that’s a lot of yapping. Please feel free to ask me any questions about my process and why I feel a certain way about these players (or about players that I chose not to include).

Here’s a picture of the full rankings, so you can see which explanations you want to see first.

Tier 1 - The Big 3

3 Stars, you can’t go wrong.

#1 - Michael Misa

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/183 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Michael Misa has flipped the narrative back in his favour. The prodigy labelled “exceptional” by Hockey Canada at 15 had his fair share of doubters after taking a supporting role on the Memorial Cup Champions in Saginaw last year. In response, Misa put up one of the best seasons in OHL history, with a whopping 134 points in 65 games this year.

Misa is lethal with the puck on his stick. His finishing is legitimately insane, and it doesn’t matter where he is. He can rip it from the circle, but his favourite place to score is the slot. He almost always finds himself there with a scoring position, whether it’s digging for pucks, crashing the net, or finishing a play. Few players know where to be better than Misa, and almost no one can find out how to get there unmarked like Misa can. Misa can snipe, deke, or dig pucks past you, and there really is nothing you can do about it. Oh, and you need to worry about the pass too. Misa is an elite playmaker, one that makes difficult passes easy and makes easy passes dangerous. He helped talented linemates such as Igor Chernyshov reach new heights, as he forces opponents to consider the shot as he draws pressure/powers through before finding his linemate in open space.

Defensively, Misa is remarkable. He is an extremely intelligent player with a brain that helps him prey on opponents before nabbing the puck. He applies great pressure with his pace overall, but it’s clear that Misa’s mind aids him in anticipating plays and not only stopping them, but sending them the other way. He has one of the sharpest brains in the draft, and he pairs this with an unrelenting work ethic, which shows when you see this player consistently backcheck with full effort and play his role defensively. Misa doesn’t just project as an offensive player who stays afloat defensively; this is a bona fide two-way superstar.

It’ll be funny that the scouting report for my #1 prospect will be shorter than some of the others in there, but the truth is, Misa has built himself so that there are no major holes and nothing to microanalyze. This is a player who will get things done the right way on both sides of the puck. What I do find interesting about Misa is the lack of flashiness. Yes, he’s skilled and creative, and yes, he’s dynamic and pacey. Yet, you do expect more highlights from a player of this calibre, and instead, he overwhelms you with responsible play, power, and consistency. He is skilled, but he is more of a pillar that can facilitate other, flashier wingers while maintaining an elite presence offensively and defensively. I could see why this is discouraging some people, as this can be taken to assume that he lacks the offensive upside and is a product of what is, admittedly, a strong Saginaw team. However, I disagree. Instead, I see a legit franchise 1C who will elevate two talented wingers to new heights, along with his team as a whole. Misa might not get a move named after him, but this is an elite player that an organization will be able to rely on as they pursue a Stanley Cup. He’s not Crosby, but he really reminds me of Brayden Point and a younger John Tavares. It’s a no-brainer to nab Misa at #1, and he can start in the NHL next year. His future is down the middle, and he’ll only keep getting stronger.

C: NHL Superstar
P: NHL Star C
F: NHL 1C

NHL Comp: John Tavares

#2 - Matthew Schaefer

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’2/185 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Erie Otters (OHL)

For Ontario-based scouts, when we watch Matthew Schaefer’s tape, it’s hard not to feel like we’ve been robbed. Not of personal belongings, but of an elite draft year that was cut short due to an unfortunate injury at the World Junior Championship. In our glimpse into Schaefer, though, it’s hard not to admire what’s there. Schaefer is absurdly dynamic, using his feet, hands, and brains to push and manipulate the hell out of opposing players with the puck on his stick. Even as a defenseman, Schaefer forces you to consider that he is one of the top offensive talents in this draft. His elite skating, paired with unreal vision and creativity, is sure to keep growing and growing, but they’ve already made him an elite offensive threat at the OHL level. What was even crazier was watching the 17-year-old Schaefer jump out as one of Canada’s best threats at the U20 level before his injury. Watching Schaefer with the puck on his stick, the question isn’t about what he can do better; it’s about when we can see more.

Defensively, Schaefer isn’t a slouch either. He utilizes his elite mobility and IQ to stop plays and make retrievals. He closes gaps and applies pressure with ease, and isn’t afraid to push guys around. When you watch a guy like Schaefer offensively, you can forget that he’s 6’2, but this comes up in his end. He has a good reach and is very comfortable with his stick defensively. He shouldn’t be a shutdown defender at the next level, but this is a guy who gets back defensively and will put up high-end results due to his dedication to getting back, plus his elite mobility and reach.

I have some reservations regarding Schaefer’s processing, but it is really hard not to consider how young this player is, as he was born just 10 days before the cutoff for this draft. That, plus the fact that all of this tape comes with the caveat that he didn’t have the rest of the season to learn and improve. He does have lapses at times, sending undesirable passes and sometimes getting caught defensively, but I do not think that this is a major concern at all, considering how little this happens and how young he is. Schaefer has a lot more hockey to play, and he has plenty of time to learn what works and what doesn’t work as he gets put in tougher positions. I do want the young Schaefer to focus on his physical maturation, though. He has a solid frame to build on, and increased muscle and strength as he grows into a man will ensure that he becomes one of the NHL’s premier defensemen. This will also help the weakest part of Schaefer’s game – his shot, an average but passable tool of his that could use more power and quickness.

A shortened season means that Schaefer requires some imagination, but watching what’s there, it is really, really hard not to fill in the banks. It is clear that this is a top talent, one that could carry a team’s blue line for the better part of a decade. The injury that Schaefer had will not become chronic, nor will it limit his mobility. The only concern is about the games he missed in such an integral development period. I’m not worried, though, but this is a player that could use a year in college to develop physically before going to the NHL level. In the NHL, though, Schaefer will be able to push play and change games offensively while also becoming a top talent defensively.

C: NHL All-Star D
P: NHL All-Star D
F: NHL Top-Pair D

NHL Comp: Miro Heiskanen

#3 - James Hagens

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’11/185 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Boston College (NCAA)

Lost in the hype of others in this draft is that James Hagens is still really good. Don’t take a second to breathe around Hagens — he senses your vulnerability like it’s blood. His elite IQ and vision shines and allows him to be an extremely dangerous player at the collegiate level. If you are on the ice, James Hagens probably not only knows where you are, but he knows where you will be. He thinks the game at a level that I find really impressive. As a playmaker, Hagens is an elite passer, as his mind and his touch go hand in hand to find his high-level teammates. Yup, lost in spectacular seasons for Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard at Boston College is the freshman who keeps finding them, and I don’t know if people realize how good Hagens is as a playmaker. Away from the puck, Hagens knows where to be, and more importantly, he knows where you will be as the opposition. I’ve seen plays where Hagens makes his opponents look like idiots, not by dangling them, but simply by pickpocketing or pressuring them into unwinnable situations.

Of course, the skill isn’t something to scoff at either. In his D-1 year, Hagens’ production put him only behind Matthews, Hughes, and Kessel for the most PPG for a D-1 U18 NTDP player. Hagens has already proved to me that he has the juice at the USHL level. He can deke your socks off at the junior level, and I think people forget that’s in his arsenal. Instead, at the NCAA level, Hagens has remained dedicated to understanding the finer aspects of the game. Hagens isn’t a human highlight reel, but rather, he is learning how to play with future NHLers at BC. I think this will help him greatly IF he were to play in the NHL next year, as his dedication to the defensive and supporting part of the game will aid his transition greatly. The trade-off, of course, is that Hagens hasn’t been a true play-driver at this level – quite the opposite actually. His supporting role beside two mature top prospects at BC has made people question the high-end upside. I would argue that this upside has not disappeared, but I understand the concern when you don’t see it from a guy like this in his DY.

If Hagens truly does want this two-way game to be a part of his NHL career, I would like to see more physical maturity. I want him to be strong enough to face physical pressure, strong enough to push people off the puck, and overall have a more imposing presence. I think strength would help his shot too, which can be nasty, but I fear that his shot selection is a little limited. I also want to see him shoot more. I know he had some rough luck during the year, but he did a lot of facilitating when I think he can be a dual threat.

If he stays in college, get your Hobey Baker bets in. Yes, I do think that Hagens has been spending the year learning, and that he is able to drive the play at this level. Not just this level, but the next level too. An NHL team will not have to worry about James Hagens’ learning curve next year. Sure, I don’t think he will be a star right away. After all, he’s fairly scrawny, and may be asked to take a much bigger step as a play-driver. There will be some growing pains, but I think this is a player who will command the middle at 1C for a team very soon. I think he has taken the steps necessary to smooth the bump that famously hit Jack Hughes like a truck in his rookie year. Speaking of Hughes, I don’t know if people realize there is a Jack Hughes-type upside in this player. I think Hagens falls somewhere between Hughes and Logan Cooley. I’m also excited to see how prominent this two-way ability is at the NHL level, and if he decides to add the bulk necessary, or if he wants to stay slippery like the aforementioned Hughes.

C: NHL All-Star 1C
P: NHL All-Star 1C
F: NHL 1C

NHL Comp: Jack Hughes

Tier 2 - Elite Consolation Prizes

Three forwards who could all make splashes on their teams’ top line one day.

#4 - Porter Martone

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’3/205 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Porter Martone is my #1 winger in this draft for a reason, and he is getting noticeably better. Martone’s vision is remarkable. His playmaking ability is a highlight of his game, as he can find his teammates in otherwise unthinkable, dangerous spots. In space, Martone is a sniper with an extremely powerful and deceptive shot. The highlight of Martone’s game, though, might just be what he can do to carry the puck. His stickhandling and creativity made OHL defenses miserable this year, and it is clear that he can be the guy to carry the puck into the zone. In a draft full of off-puck, complimentary wingers, this stands out big time. What ties this high-level package together is his size. Martone is 6’3 and 207 pounds. This will be impossible for teams to ignore. That, and the fact that Martone was named captain of a solid Steelheads team at just 17, with those around him lauding him for his maturity and leadership skills.

And yes, as I said before, he has improved. The pace of play was an issue for me earlier in the season, but he has turned up the dial, pushing play at an NHL pace at times. Obviously, that means I should highlight that this is a concern of mine – that Martone can be extremely comfortable with the time and space he gets at the OHL level. I do think he’s working on it, though. I’ve seen his play break down at higher levels, but not to a disastrous level. Even playing at the international level with the U20 and Senior Canadian programs, Martone might not have been dominant, but he was clearly smart enough to succeed at this level already, even at his young age.

The skating scares me a bit, but I think it will continue to improve. I think there is so much more power to be harnessed from Martone’s skating. At the moment, Martone is reliant on his intelligence and skills to make space at the OHL level, which is fine. However, if he can become more powerful and really push play with barrelling force, that will be huge, as NHL competition is big enough to limit what he can do with just his hands and brain. Also, Martone gets stuck with the Power Forward label, but I think he’s still working on embracing it. Developing a power game from a skill foundation will be incredible for Martone. He has proven that he can step up for his teammates, but I do mean Power Forward in terms of his playing style, where he has the option to push play by barrelling through while also knowing he can use his skill and vision to make a dangerous play.

Martone isn’t the traditional complementary player, but rather, he can be a supporting star. The difference, in my opinion, is that he is perfectly capable of pushing play by himself and getting results. It will be hard for NHL teams not to imagine him taking the pressure off their franchise star. Martone can carry the puck, he’s smart enough to play with the superstar 1C, and skilled enough to find the star, too. If you’re a team like Chicago, and you’ve seen what Connor Bedard can do despite being limited by the quality of linemates… how can you resist getting him a player like this? If you’re a team picking Martone here, are you looking at what Mikko Rantanen did with Dallas in the playoffs? The leap is big enough that I wouldn’t be comfortable expecting that from Martone, but the team picking him will surely hope for it. Instead, though, a team really can’t be upset if they get a Power Playmaker in the mould of Blake Wheeler out of a player like this. Recruit Scouting resident nerd David Saad mentioned Filip Forsberg to me, and I can’t shake that either.

C: NHL All-Star
P: NHL 1st Line W
F: NHL Top-6 W

NHL Comp: Blake Wheeler

#5 - Victor Eklund

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5’11/170lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Djurgardens IF (Allsvenskan)

Need a guy who’s gonna make something happen? Here’s a guy who’ll make something happen. At just 18, Eklund proved that he can be The Guy to make plays at the professional level. He’s dangerous literally every time he touches the puck. If you are open, Victor Eklund will find you. If not, it’s fine, he’ll just create a play himself. Using his intellect, speed, and creativity, Eklund manipulates the opposition with ease. The pace that he plays at is remarkable too, as he works at an extremely projectable blazing speed, which is required to succeed at the next level. His shot is a weapon, as he is extremely capable of finishing plays himself. Eklund is strong with the puck and without it. Despite his size, he remains a threat away from the puck and can find holes in the opponents’ game plan. Also, he’s doing all of this at the Allsvenskan level against grown adults. I’m fully moved by this player. There really aren’t many options in this draft that can be the guy creating and pushing play, but that’s what Eklund is.

If the creativity doesn’t translate, the pro habits that Eklund displays, paired with his vision and pace, are enough to get him to The Show. I love the edge and engagement he brings to the game. Eklund wins battles against men and competes hard. His habits alone are a standout trait in my opinion, as he is mature beyond his years and ready to play a translatable game while he solves NHL defenses. I’m not too worried about his offense not translating, but I think Eklund’s understanding of the professional game is a huge boost to teams that would otherwise be nervous picking an undersized forward. I really don’t think the size will be a huge issue, although I think he could use a couple of dozen more pounds of muscle as his body matures.

The only real question with Eklund is, what level will he reach? Is he a bona fide NHL star? He has the tools and the mind to make this happen, as I see a lot of Jesper Bratt in this player. An NHL team might be more comfortable with projecting him as a Top-6 W, though. He shows upside, but maybe teams will want him to reach a new level of dynamism before penciling him as a star. Still, I think he is an intelligent, speedy forward who could become a star. Hell, he has a biological comparable built in! His brother, William Eklund, plays a very similar game at a very similar frame and has already shown that he will round out San Jose’s Core 4. Maybe Victor Eklund won’t be the #1 forward on your team, but he will be very, very good for a team that has their 1C locked in.

C: NHL Star
P: NHL 1st Line W
F: NHL Top-9 W

NHL Comp: William Eklund (Is this cheating?)

#6 - Anton Frondell

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/205 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Djurgardens IF (Allsvenskan)

NHL teams are understandably very interested in Anton Frondell. After a slow start to the year and having to undergo knee surgery, the young Frondell has made his mark to end the year with Djurgårdens IF of Allsvenskan. I’ve described many prospects as “pro-style,” usually referring to someone who I think can easily plug into an NHL lineup without changing much of their game. Usually, though, those prospects are low ceiling players with 3rd line upside. Frondell is the maxed-out version of this archetype. His awareness and tools are so good that they unlock a new tier of upside.

At just 17, Frondell did pretty much everything the way NHL teams want their players to follow. Despite playing pro hockey against men much older with much more mature bodies, I found that Frondell consistently made the right reads at the right times. Offensively, he always finds space to stay dangerous for a teammate to find him. His shot is remarkable. Combined with his elite awareness, his shot makes him an extremely dangerous finisher, always making himself open to finish a high-end play. Defensively, he consistently gets back and makes the right reads to exploit professional defenses. He’s always pushing on the forecheck and is extremely annoying to play against. At the very least, Frondell is in a great position to be a two-way player with high-end goal-scoring ability.

It will come as a surprise to some, though, that Frondell does not project as a play driver at all. Despite having the tools, Frondell prefers to make the quick pass rather than holding on and creating high-end plays. He doesn’t skate with the puck much, even though I have seen him do it with success. Until he gets to finish the play, Frondell is more of a play connector than a playmaker. As a result, I understand concerns about a lack of upside, and I agree that Frondell will likely not be a superstar, as this is currently not his game. I think Frondell’s skating is solid, but there is work to be done.

Still, in a draft like this, if you already have your superstar, Anton Frondell becomes an extremely comforting pick. He will get the puck to your superstar while doing all the right things in between. He has the mind to finish plays that perhaps most players would not be open for. There is 1C upside, but if he sticks in the middle, I do see him more as a 2C beside two very skilled teammates. More likely, though, is that a team sees Frondell’s finishing ability and intelligence and wants him to play the wing beside a franchise centre. Chicago, for example, would love to give Connor Bedard a player who will actually keep up with him mentally. Maybe this isn’t an All-Star, but for many teams, this could be the best chance to get the sidekick to your franchise player.

C: NHL 1st Line F
P: NHL 1st Line W
F: NHL Middle-6 F

NHL Comp: Gabe Landeskog

Tier 3 - The Lottery

By coincidence, this tier rounds out the lottery, and I have them all projected to be legitimate impact players on a contender one day.

#7 - Cullen Potter

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5’10/172 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Arizona State University (NCAA)

I’ve come away really impressed by Cullen Potter, and I’m starting to think that Macklin Celebrini made people forget how difficult the NCAA should be for teenagers. Potter isn’t just playing, but he’s doing really well.

Cullen Potter is lightning-fast, zooming everywhere on the ice. I believe that his speed and the details in his skating are elite. His puck skills and creativity are also off the charts, and he’s slowly figured out how to make use of his ability at the NCAA level. He is pulling off moves against players 4-6 years older than him. His production has been inconsistent, but from what I’ve seen, Potter is the one creating chances. His shot is really good, and he has shown flashes of high-end playmaking. He’s become more and more dedicated defensively as the year has gone on, to the point that I see a player who will be a positive defensively at the NHL level by virtue of his speed and active stick. I think it says a lot that the 16th-best team in college hockey played this teenager at centre rather than letting him zip around as a winger. He’s making smarter plays and has taken a big role defensively, a huge mark of progress for the freshman.

The decision-making has been labelled an issue, but I feel like we need to consider the level of hockey that we’re talking about. Either way, Potter has improved massively, and the big thing holding him back is that his teammates are struggling to catch up to his pace of play. That’s right, at the Division 1 level, I think Cullen Potter plays too fast for his teammates. Pace of play is a major gripe I have with many young prospects, as the NHL is light years quicker than junior leagues. Yet, here is Cullen Potter, with the exact opposite conundrum. I don’t want Cullen Potter to slow down, though. His speed will be extremely useful, as will the pace at which he makes plays/decisions. I will concede that, considering that working too fast for his teammates was a common theme this year, it is a little concerning that he struggled to make an adjustment as the season went on, but I’m not super worried. The size is an issue, but I don’t think it’ll be a huge deal. His speed and skills are already helping him slip through opposing defenders. I’m sure that will continue to improve as he prepares to hit the NHL level.

I think Potter will figure out the NCAA level and become a top player there. The question, though, is what will he do at the NHL level? Well, I don’t even think he’s a boom or bust player. At his best, Potter may blossom into a player in the mould of Clayton Keller. Those are lofty expectations, but he legitimately has the Juice to pull this off. He can be a bona fide star in the NHL if things keep going his way. However, the speed combined with his defensive dedication will make him a fine middle-6 option if his offensive tools end up being just Good and not Elite. I think he will carve out a role in the league. He’s just too fast to be stuck in the AHL, and too talented not to create plays in the pros.

C: NHL Star
P: NHL Top 6 W
F: NHL Middle-6 W

NHL Comp: Clayton Keller

#8 - Caleb Desnoyers

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’2/172 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

I see the appeal of Caleb Desnoyers. In Desnoyers, you are staring at the uber-safe option. He’s a highly intelligent centre with a solid frame at 6’2. He is fluid and skilled, but makes his mark through his composure and vision. He makes the right plays at the right time, both offensively and defensively. His playmaking is super slick, as he can thread the needle to his teammates with his great vision and mechanics. Desnoyers carries a crisp shot and is willing to fight for position in front of the net. What people care more about with Desnoyers is his play away from the puck. His composure and vision transfer well to this part of his game. He’s patient, but his intellect, paired with his reach and work ethic, helps him become a major threat defensively at the QMJHL level. I think NHL teams will love how composed Desnoyers is. He thinks the game well and doesn’t panic, making the right reads and usually demonstrating high-end defensive awareness.

He’s a safe prospect, but I have my worries. I’m not a fan of Desnoyers’ lack of pace. His skating is not atrocious, but I want to see him play with speed, and the first step is to prove that he can build this speed easily. Every composed decision that Desnoyers makes at the QMJHL level has to be sped up 10x at the NHL level, so I would rather see him develop this pace early on. I fear that Desnoyers can get comfortable playing with the space that this level gives him, and for a pro-ready prospect like this, I want to see him constantly pushing the pace of play. I should acknowledge that he is the nucleus of this Moncton Wildcats superteam, but I think his supporting cast is extremely strong, and I worry that some are not considering what he’s able to do due to the quality of the league vs the quality of his teammates. Desnoyers makes the right plays, but his teammates are equally adept at building on them. That is not a knock on him, but I do think it helps reinforce when I say that I don’t see the offense as being easily translatable to the next level. For reference, Desnoyers’ PPG is 5th among DY QMJHLers in the last 10 years.

I see the vision, though! I believe that NHL teams should draft Desnoyers with the hope that he can play a role similar to what was expected of Elias Lindholm in his prime. If you see Desnoyers as a 1C, it will be as he facilitates 1-2 elite-level wingers, just as Lindholm did for Gaudreau and Tkachuk in Calgary. I see Desnoyers as a 2C. I believe he will be able to support the 2nd line centring 1-2 offensive talents who may need support on the defensive end. I think Desnoyers’ composure, intelligence, and dedication to the defensive side of the game will remain extremely valuable, as he will be able to make teams feel better about icing more dynamic players beside him. If the pace doesn’t improve, though, we could be looking at a reliable 3C with solid tools, but I don’t think teams will let it get to this.

C: NHL 1C
P: NHL 2C
F: NHL 3C

NHL Comp: Elias Lindholm

#9 - Lynden Lakovic

Position: W
Height/Weight: 6’4/190 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Yes, Lynden Lakovic is 6’4. No, he’s not a power forward. Yes, they exist. Lakovic is one of the most skilled players in this draft, with smooth hands and creativity that have helped him become one of the most productive players in his age group. His skating helps him slice so smoothly through the ice, gaining unstoppable speed and deceptiveness. I have concerns about his stride and, to an extent, his agility, but his work off the rush is very effective. He has a crisp shot and high-level playmaking ability. The game looks so, so easy for Lynden Lakovic.

With all due respect to his teammates, Lakovic has done most of the heavy lifting offensively in Moose Jaw. The game looks easy for Lakovic, but as the offensive focal point of his team, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why Lakovic doesn’t get dirty and doesn’t consistently engage defensively. Lakovic can afford to do this at the WHL level because 1. He can execute and 2. His team lacks another option. I love Lakovic’s usage of his reach, skill, and creativity, but the team that picks Lakovic will expect a second layer from him.

Lakovic understands this, and he has demonstrated such in the back half of his season. He is showing flashes of physicality as he proves that he can finish his checks and muscle off the opposition. I don’t think that Lynden Lakovic will ever be a power forward, as he is much better suited to keep most of his finesse and use his high-level creativity and puck protection instead. Playing through contact, providing some edge, and greatly improving his engagement will go a long way for Lakovic, though. Adding 10+ pounds of muscle would help, too.

I think Lakovic wants to play like William Nylander, but I think that it will be really, really hard for him (or anyone else) to get away with this style of play. Instead, I am very excited to see how Lakovic adjusts and (hopefully) thrives beside high-level linemates, preferably including a strong, responsible centre. There is a solid chance that Lakovic is a much better playmaker than he gets credit for, and at the very least, I see a guy who can create dangerous chances off the rush for his teammates to build on. A lack of engagement combined with his lack of physicality will make it really hard to win coaches over, though, and could trap him as a seldom-trusted 3rd-line winger. If you’re picking him, though, you have a strong, young core and believe that Lakovic’s skill will look great in your top-6… just as long as he adds some more mass.

C: NHL 1st Line W
P: NHL Top-6 W
F: NHL 3rd Line W

NHL Comp: Juraj Slafkovsky

#10 - Jackson Smith

Position: LD
Height/Weight: 6’3/190 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Tri-City Americans (WHL)

It’s hard not to get excited about Jackson Smith. The highlights will show you a 6’3 LHD pulling off end-to-end rushes, dangling around the opposition. Smith generates good force with his legs and loves using that power to join the rush. His skating ability and overall mobility are always great to see from a player of this size. Pair that with his long reach, and you have a player that GMs will absolutely covet. His confidence with the puck on his stick will make him a really intriguing asset, and his skating/size combination will make him a threat as a rush defender. His physicality is notable, and his wrister from the point is a weapon.

I think Smith is still quite raw, even if he’s come a long way this season. I’m not confident in his hockey IQ, as his decision-making can often have lapses. I think he has the vision offensively, but he’s very reliant on his physical tools to make plays defensively. I like Smith’s skating, but think there’s a gear to unlock there too. There could be a really good player in Jackson Smith, and count me as one of his believers. I will need to come back to this player and see what I think he can be, though. He’s like Kevin Korchinski on steroids, and I think there’s runway for this player to be better, through his raw skills and confidence.

C: NHL Top-Pair D
P: NHL #3 D
F: NHL #6 D

NHL Comp: Suped up Kevin Korchinski

#11 - Logan Hensler

Position: RD
Height/Weight: 6’2/196 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

Logan Hensler’s skating is beautiful. His elite-level mobility is enough to set the foundation for an impactful NHL defenseman. Oh, and he’s also a 6’2 RHD. This profile is a GM’s dream. Need someone to kill a play on the rush? Logan Hensler will be there. Even if he can’t kill the play, he’s the guy who has the wheels to keep up and put the pressure on. His stick is strong, and paired with his mobility, it is a lethal weapon when it comes to defense, even as one of the youngest players in college hockey.

In his freshman year on what wasn’t the strongest Wisconsin Badgers roster, Hensler played a mostly conservative, defense-oriented game. Hensler only got better and better as the season rolled on. Hensler got more comfortable defending high-end NCAA players who are years older than him. Also, we are finally starting to see flashes of high-end puck play from Hensler, who previously was not willing to take any type of risk with the puck on his stick. Additionally, I like that Hensler is getting more and more comfortable using his frame to seal off players after pushing them away from the middle.

The biggest knock I have on Hensler are his decisions/reads. Now, I must preface that he is playing a level of hockey that is significantly faster and stronger than most of his peers in this draft. I do, however, worry about his occasional but noticeable lapses both offensively and defensively. It’s not for a lack of engagement, but rather, he can be guilty of just making the wrong decision. Offensively, it feels like he just doesn’t see the openings that he creates sometimes. Defensively, he can be guilty of just making the wrong play or missing the read entirely. There is just an inconsistency to his game that will unsettle some, but I do give him a lot of grace considering the level that he is playing at. I think that this inconsistency will smooth over, but it will take a lot of patience from both Hensler and the team that drafts him.

I would love to see him blossom offensively in the coming years. The offense is there, with crisp playmaking and the fact that his frequency of high-level plays is increasing. If he can make this a legitimate part of the game, the sky is the limit for Hensler. It is a lot to ask, though, and I don’t see an offensive dynamo by any means. However, if he can not only hold his own with the puck on his stick, but also make the occasional high-end play? And if he continues to develop his reads so that he can consistently use his elite skating? Honestly, turn the dials however you want to on his development, and there will be a home for him. On the high-end, some imagination will take you all the way to Charlie McAvoy. If he ends up continuing to focus on the defensive side, how far out are Jonas Brodin and Jaccob Slavin?

The truth is, Hensler takes a lot of faith and imagination. With his size, skill, and skating, the foundation for a top defender is there. More likely, though, is that this will be a player who can surely support a more puck-focused defenseman in your top-4. At the very least, even with his lapses, the skating and size alone will make Hensler an NHLer as your #6, but I don’t think it’ll come to that. A team that puts its faith in Logan Hensler might just be rewarded with an extremely valuable defender at the NHL level.

C: NHL Top-Pair D
P: NHL Top-4 D
F: NHL #6 D

NHL Comp: From McAvoy/Brodin to Marino/Siegenthaler

#12 - Bill Zonnon

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’2/190 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

Zonnon is a GM’s dream. I love his defensive game, as he shows pro-level intelligence and physicality. His off-puck play alone makes him an NHLer in my opinion, as he goes all out physically while still making the right play consistently. Offensively, he’s an extremely talented playmaker. He will make the smart play, but he also displays skill and poise with the puck on his stick as a playmaker. For such a strong guy, his shot could use some work, but it’s a mechanical issue. His skating is a little choppy, but it has improved significantly this year, and he still generates so much power on his feet. It will need further improvement for him to reach his ceiling, though. Zonnon is easily a dream 3C on a contending team. This is the type of player that a team like Tampa pays a boatload of picks for, as his high-level physicality, paired with his intelligence and mobility, will surely make him an asset in the playoffs. I would easily want Zonnon’s habits in the organization, and his physical tools + intelligence just make him even more appealing. The talent he brings with his puck on his stick, though, will make him an X-Factor for an NHL team looking to win 16 games in the playoffs.

C: Cup-Winning NHL 2C
P: NHL Cup-Winning 3C
F: NHL Bottom-6 F

NHL Comp: Brandon Hagel

#13 - Justin Carbonneau

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’1/192 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

On his A-game, Justin Carbonneau is ridiculous. Carbonneau can change the game whenever the puck is on his stick, with unreal puck skills and a hefty shot. Carbonneau’s strength, combined with his skill and smoothnes,s makes his highlight reel a treat to watch, and there is no debating that, talent-wise, this is a top player in this draft class. He can power through his opponents, dangle through them, or just blast the puck, getting full strength behind the puck no matter how awkward his positioning is.

The catch, though, is his decision-making and work ethic. At his best, Carbonneau is intense, sometimes to a fault, often caught letting opponents get in his head. Carbonneau can battle offensively, but is often caught floating. Defensively, Carbonneau is a non-factor. He either doesn’t know what he’s supposed to be doing, or he doesn’t care. He is also guilty of playing hero puck, and needs to play a more projectable, team-oriented game more consistently. Carbonneau’s work levels are inconsistent, and I’m worried about how reliant he is on his skill and strength to thrive at this level. I also worry about his morale when the games get tougher.

I love Carbonneau’s confidence and talent with the puck, though, and I do have to consider that maybe the reason he plays the way he does is that he knows he can get away with it. The sooner that Carbonneau reworks his game, the better. He won’t be a dominant force at the NHL level, but he has the tools to be a game-breaking weapon. He shouldn’t be the go-to option, as I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect that consistency from him. If Carbonneau reworks his game to adapt to higher levels and tweaks his skating mechanics, I see a bona fide top-6 winger. In fact, he could be a top-three option on his team, like a Kevin Fiala.

C: Top Line NHL W
P: NHL Top-6 W
F: NHL Fringe 3rd Line W

NHL Comp: Kevin Fiala

#14 - Jake O'Brien

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’2/170 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Jake O’Brien has quickly emerged as one of this draft class’ most intriguing prospects. He has the size at 6’2, high-level playmaking, puck skills, and defensive awareness to be a centre at the next level. O’Brien and Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis have formed one of the OHL’s most dangerous duos, helping O’Brien to one of the most productive DY years in recent OHL memory. He finds plays that very few players can find, as his high-end vision and flashes of high-end puck skills help him with seeing-eye passes to find his talented teammates. He’s a very accurate passer and has developed an impressive arsenal, finding his teammates with the same zip on his backhand and forehand. He’s intelligent and dedicated defensively, as he isn’t afraid to come back and help his defensemen in his own end. He can pick the puck off players and is a solid defensive presence at his young age.

O’Brien likes to slow the game down, which is something that makes me nervous at the professional level. I don’t see a guy who is making his own space, but rather a guy who is taking the time that junior hockey allows you to take. Even at this level, the talented playmaker is guilty of taking too long and losing the puck. It doesn’t matter right now, though, because he is still more often than not finding his teammates. He loves his no-look backhand, though, which drives me nuts (even though it’s cool when it does connect). O’Brien does not consistently incorporate pace in his game, but I’ve seen him make quick, dangerous plays before, so I know he can do it. His skating needs work, even though he has flashes of quick feet, I find his stride to be awkward. It will be a factor next year when he loses Lardis and has to drive more plays, but I think he’ll figure it out. He has the frame to be an NHLer, but I would love to see him get more strength to win more battles, even if he is already quite sturdy. His shot is fine, but as a playmaker, he would be greatly helped if his shot becomes an NHL-level option to keep defenders guessing at the next level. He is a very unselfish player who needs to sell the dual-threat.

It sounds like a lot, but the foundation for O’Brien is there. His playmaking and tools give him the potential to be a 2C at the NHL level. His defensive acumen will give him the opportunity to be a supportive 3C. Realistically, I see him as somewhere in the middle, playing a role similar to what Christian Dvorak has played in Montreal’s run to the playoffs. I think his creativity will be an x-factor that will allow him to connect with teammates on the 2nd line, and at the very least, his size and defensive dedication will make him a very valuable 3C. Some time in the gym and with a skating coach will do wonders, but even without it, I think the growing pains that he’ll have next year in Brantford will be a huge help, as he clearly has the work ethic/mentality to fight through it.

C: NHL 2C
P: NHL 2/3C
F: NHL Bottom-6 C

NHL Comp: Christian Dvorak

#15 - Brady Martin

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/187 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

It’s impossible resist how Brady Martin plays the game. The Soo Greyhounds’ centre is one of the more physical players in this draft. Despite his average size, Martin has great strength, muscling guys away from the puck or flat out crushing them. He has an unrelenting work ethic, which makes him a menace to play against. I see a centre who reads plays well, who has the strength and motor to force guys off of pucks and apply lots of pressure. Martin’s shot is crisp, and his feet are quick. What I love about Martin is his oozing confidence. He has the confidence to carry the puck and make plays, but he also has the confidence to use his strength and hit anything moving.

He has flashes of high-level playmaking and puck skills, but I find these to be inconsistent. I’ll give him some slack due to his surroundings, and I also think that he is capable of making quick, creative decisions that could do him right at the NHL level, but he teeters the line between being one step ahead of his teammates or just making the wrong call. Also, I think his skating, even though his feet are strong and quick, could use some technical work.

Martin will endear himself to teams and fans alike due to his high-effort, highly physical style of play paired with his offensive ability. I do think he lacks the dynamism/unpredictability that a top-6 C needs, but there’s a chance that he could take 2C minutes for a team one day. If his skating improves, this is a player who could focus on forechecking and making plays from the wing. Realistically, this is a guy who I want on a contending team as a 3C. Martin can maintain his presence down the middle, and I would bet that he does well to connect with high-level players. Currently, Martin is the backbone of his team, but I’m excited to see how his physical but skilled game translates to a middle-6 role.

C: NHL 2C
P: NHL 3C
F: NHL 4th Line F

NHL Comp: JG Pageau on steroids

#16 - Carter Bear

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’0/179 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Everett Silvertips (WHL)

The pace and energy that Carter Bear brings to the table are sure to win over NHL GMs. He’s super versatile and gives his all to any role you ask of him. Forecheck, defense, shooting, or playmaking, Bear wants to be involved. I would argue that he is the most annoying forechecker in this draft, relentlessly terrorizing opposing defenders. He fights for position in front of the net, always fights for pucks, and loves to throw his body around. I really do like his playmaking projection, as his processing and vision allow him to find his teammates through pressure. His shot is crisp, and his timing around the net is remarkable.

For better or for worse, the projection is quite clear. Bear has soft hands, but lacks the elite puck skills you expect from someone ranked as high as he is by some outlets. He is not very dynamic in my opinion, and will be best suited as an off-puck supporter at the NHL level, supporting a play-driver while making his opponents’ lives miserable through his endless tenacity. I would trust Bear with the puck on his stick, but I understand that he probably won’t be creating at the next level. He is a very straight-line player, preferring to use his pace to push down the ice rather than demonstrating much deceptiveness. In other words, there is no dilly-dallying for Bear, and while this will make him an extremely likeable player, it makes me question whether he can be the Guy driving play like he has at this level. Also, for someone who plays with such pace, Bear’s skating mechanics could use work, as he is very effort-based and is held back by a choppy stride.

What I will say about Bear, though, is that this is the guy you want to go into battle with to win those 16 games in the postseason. This is the player who gets paid a hefty sum from teams that already have the finesse in their lineup. Bear will be able to find players with the puck on his stick, finish plays, but he will also be able to do the dirty work at a high level to support his skilled linemates. Carter Bear has the tenacity of Brendan Gallagher and Zach Hyman, and that’s what I want to see from him at the next level. He might not get to play with McDavid, but this is a player that can keep up and support your superstar, or find a way to make opponents miserable from the 3rd line. If things break right, is a Brandon Hagel comparable out of the question?

Note: I’m not worried about his Achillies injury, for anyone still curious. Bad timing, but I think it is bad luck and will not impact my projection for him.

C: Top-6 NHL W
P: Middle-6 NHL W
F: Bottom-6 NHL W

NHL Comp: Zach Hyman/Brandon Hagel

#17 - Radim Mrtka

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’6/218 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Is there anything more attractive than a 6’6 RHD if you’re an NHL GM? Well, enter Radim Mrtka, whose profile paired with a quick adjustment to the WHL is shooting him up rankings. Mrtka’s confidence with the puck on his stick is immediately noticeable, as his comfort and creativity aren’t usually seen from a defender of his size. Additionally, I see a player whose positioning and rush defense has a solid foundation, as I see someone who is quite proactive and aware. He relies on his stick/reach heavily to break up plays, but I’ve noticed that, in spite of this, he doesn’t use his stick with much strength. He’s also not super physical, which may surprise those surveying his profile. Instead, his strengths lie in his passing. I like his poise and playmaking ability, as play with the puck is what usually holds defenders in his position back.

I’m a little worried about the skating. He can move around well, which is promising for a guy of his size, but I’m not liking his stride at all. I think he has power in his legs, but doesn’t efficiently convey it into a smooth stride. Still, this mechanical issue can likely be polished. And, still, this is a guy who seems to have the ability to read plays quite well. Pair that with a smooth on-puck game, and this could be a unicorn player.

Yet, I’m not quite sold. Carrying the puck doesn’t mean much to me without a smooth stride at the NHL level, but I’m happy to see that he’s smart enough to make the quick play when he needs to. Also, the lack of strength not only in physical play but even in his stickwork would make me very nervous at the NHL level. I should note that he’s taken a huge role in Seattle and that he doesn’t look too shabby, but while there is a mould for a top-pair defender, I would still peg the ceiling as a #3 who can move the puck and make a game-shifting play while also being a rock on the defensive end. That will still take a lot of development. What I think is more likely is that a team drafts him high and typecasts him into a shutdown role due to his size and awareness, probably as a #4 defender. The mould is there, but a team will need to be really patient and aggressive with Mrtka to harness his potential.

C: NHL #3 Defenseman
P: NHL #4 Defenseman
F: Czech Extraliga Top-4 Defenseman

NHL Comp: Alex Vlasic/Tyler Myers

Tier 4 - First Round Standouts

It’s not the end of the world if you made the playoffs. This is a diverse group of players, with my favourite high-end projects mixed in with my favourite bets to become impactful middle-6/2nd pairing players.

#18 - Braeden Cootes

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/183 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

It is really hard to resist the way that Braeden Cootes plays the game. Cootes is relentless, fully engaged and firing on all cylinders. He moves around the ice well and keeps his legs moving. He initiates contact and wins battles. Cootes is intelligent, identifying where and when to make the right play, whether it’s while tracking back in his own end or identifying teammates offensively.

Cootes has a well-rounded toolbox, with a sharp shot and crisp passing. I’m interested to see how his playmaking looks beside stronger teammates, but I think he has done a great job with a difficult role in the WHL. I love the pace he plays with, and even though he isn’t considered skilled, I love that his hands can catch up with him. I think he consistently has the right ideas and, overall, plays a super translatable game.

What I find interesting about Cootes is that, as translatable and impressive as I find him, there’s still room for his mechanics to improve. His feet stay moving, but I think there is more to be harnessed from his skating. The passing and puck skills are also tools that I think will continue to improve as Cootes continues to play a top role in Seattle. This is what will extend Cootes' ceiling, is he a relentless forechecker, or can he be the pivot creating plays at the NHL level?

C: NHL 2C
P: NHL Top-9 C
F: NHL Bottom-6 F

NHL Comp: Vincent Trocheck

#19 - Cameron Reid

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/174 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

I appreciate what Cameron Reid brings to the table, but I think there’s more to him than he’s shown. In my opinion, Reid is one of the most intelligent and most skilled defenders in this draft, with impeccable stick work both offensively and defensively. His smooth skating lets him join the rush but also makes him an effective rush defender, as he combines his mobility, stick, and IQ to break up plays. His shot is solid, but his puck distribution, whether it’s on the PP, on the rush, or off a breakout, is a strength. I always appreciate a player with the IQ to make the right play, and Reid’s mind has made him one of the OHL’s most reliable defensemen offensively and defensively.

The lack of strength is a huge issue, though. Reid has average height at 6’, but he gets pushed around by larger players with ease. It’s mostly fine at this level, as his stickwork and feet are good enough to remain strong defensively through quick, slippery, or smart plays, but it will be a problem against men. Also, there’s the question of what you can truly expect from his offensive game. Yeah, Reid is one of the most skilled defenders of this draft, but he seldom lets the dynamic part of his game unleash. He instead chooses to play a more passive, defensive role, facilitating play rather than creating it. The problem is, I know he can create play at this level, and I need to see more of it. If he can develop how he creates and pushes play, the value at the NHL level skyrockets. He has gotten better and better as the season has gone on, and next year, I need him to take a stronger role offensively and do what he has to do to create plays. At his current style of play, the highest you can play him is as a #5. However, if he really is as skilled as I think he is, his skill and mind will extend his ceiling to a #3 defender.

I do understand that my belief in Reid’s defensive game is a lot, but I think he can be a two-way threat at the next level. I would not mind putting a beefier defender beside him, but I think that as Reid’s retrievals improve, his stick and mind will help him suppress plays at the professional level. He does need to add bulk without sacrificing his mobility, but this could be a player who becomes valuable on your 2nd pairing. His mobility and mind are good enough right now, where I think that, if the offense doesn’t come through, this is still an NHL #6. However, I need Reid to start pushing play and getting bolder, as I know this can be a dangerous player.

Here’s where everyone gets confused, though. If you’re picking Reid, where the hell are you projecting him? Is he going to be a pure offensive defenseman? He has the skill, but I don’t think he’s shown the execution required for that job, as being the undersized OFD/PP QB is one of the toughest roles to win over in hockey. Is he going to be a two-way defender? That’s hard to project, as you will be putting a lot of faith in his defensive game. I have enough faith to say that he will be at least a #6, a reliable, mobile option on your 3rd pairing. If he leans more offensively, you have a #5 who can play PP2. If he actually does end up unleashing his offense like I know he can while bulking up enough to hold his own in the defensive zone, we’re looking at a valuable #3. If things really, really break right and Reid develops a Greek God physique, is Gustav Forsling out of the picture? That’s a lot to ask, we’ll stick to the #3 ceiling.

C: NHL #3 Defenseman
P: NHL #3/#5 Defenseman
F: NHL #6 Defenseman

NHL Comp: Gustav Forsling

#20 - Ryker Lee

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’0/181 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Madison Capitols (USHL)

Last year, I put Beckett Sennecke higher than most, calling him the 5’10 player in a 6’3 body due to his late growth spurt. Introducing Ryker Lee, who is literally a 5’7 player in a 6’ body. Not only did Lee have to adjust to the USHL out of High School this year, but he did so after a 5-inch growth spurt forced him to get used to a completely different frame.

Lee is spectacular with the puck on his stick. He pairs slick hands with ultra-creative moves and high-end intelligence to deceive and undress opposing USHLers. He adds this to an arsenal that includes a crispy shot, which usually presents itself in the form of Lee’s favourite toe-drag release. He is a high-level playmaker who makes creative and bold passes that find his teammates consistently. Lee can switch between drawing pressure with the puck on his stick to find open teammates or slipping through opponents through his calculated off-puck routes with ease.

The skating is an issue – in fact, most would call it the issue – but it is improving. As he gets used to this new frame of his, Lee is slowly figuring out how to take advantage of his longer legs to drive consistent power in his stride. His feet need to get quicker, and his stride needs to be less awkward, but I do think it is a mechanical issue that will be ironed out. Lee is slowly becoming more of a threat away from the puck and will need to keep improving his pace to become a legitimate two-way presence at the next level. He isn’t afraid to be physical and he has become a strong forechecker, but I can tell that he has to conserve his energy to continue to carry Madison offensively, which makes sense. I do see Lee letting his teammates do a lot of the dirty work, but I’ve seen him do it himself, which makes me optimistic for his willingness to push at the next level.

Lee is extremely talented, but as the Capitols’ most talented player, he is a junior-style player in a junior league, as this is the easiest way for him to contribute to the team’s success. He takes the time that the USHL gives him, and he has a lot of habits that will earn frustration at the next level, including his penchant to make the highlight-reel play instead of the smart play. I’m not super worried, as I think that this is a player who can make the quick, smart play when needed. As for his pace, Lee has plenty of time and resources to work on his skating in the NCAA, where I’m sure his skating stride and details will improve greatly. Lee could become a Hobey Baker-level star at the collegiate level, but NHL teams will be curious to see what he can do after that. With legitimate speed, this could be a star. More realistically, though, I think Lee is an X-factor in a team’s top-9, the level of which depends on how much his skating improves. I’m optimistic, though. The lack of power/next gear of dynamism will hold him back from hitting the levels that legendary X-Factors Evgeny Kuznetsov and William Nylander can hit, but I think Lee projects very similarly to Anaheim’s Troy Terry, a top-6 offensive X-Factor with dazzling hands and vision. Still, Lee’s NHL upside relies on a dedication to improve his wheels.

C: NHL Star
P: NHL Top-6 W
F: AHL Star

NHL Comp: Troy Terry

#21 - Vaclav Nestrasil

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’6/185 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

At the heart of every organization at the draft is a desire to go Unicorn Hunting. Folks, here is Unicorn #1. Nestrasil is intense, always keeping his feet moving and constantly pursuing the puck carrier. He is physical, and, importantly, he’s 6’6, which definitely helps him overwhelm his opponents. Defensively, Nestrasil has earned the trust of his coaches due to his relentless motor and good defensive habits.

At the USHL level, you’re likely to find junior-style players who could use more pro habits in their game, but Nestrasil is the exception. Nestrasil plays a style closer to what would be expected of him in his native Czechia’s pro league – He’s responsible but aggressive defensively, focusing on the details of his game as if he is playing for a lineup spot. Where Nestrasil lures me in is the flashes of creativity and offensive upside. Some of it is obvious. His give-and-gos are graceful, his shot is crisp, and his overall vision projects extremely well. Nestrasil’s flashes of confidence, though, are what keep me coming back. He occasionally shows flashes of extremely smooth puck skills and creativity, but doesn’t consistently utilize them. I’ve seen a lot from Nestrasil this year that makes me think he will be an NHLer. He is physical, relentless, and he is smart with and without the puck. However, the flashes of skill indicate the level of upside we could see with this player.

His skating is quite smooth for a player of his size, which is extremely inspiring when you’re a team looking to take a chance on a giant. He generates good power with his long stride, but I find that he lacks sturdiness and has room to develop details in his mobility. To play in the NHL, Nestrasil will be forced to gain a lot more muscle, and in doing so, he must make sure his stride isn’t compromised, but rather improves due to the added strength in his legs.

What I find extremely interesting about Nestrasil is the fact that he is only 3 years removed from a 2-year stint away from hockey due to medical issues in his growth, per an interview his family did with Kyle Pereira. Nestrasil is super raw, and there is so much to be refined in his mechanics, but the fact that he was forced off of the ice for so long at a young age tells me that the runway on this player may be longer than people think. Nestrasil is a long-term project, but it’s really hard for me to look away. As is, this is a valuable bottom-6 winger once he adds strength. The real factor, though, is his offensive tools. We know he can grind, and yes, he can score, but if he can do so at a higher level with more of his tools more consistently… It’s fair to say that the sky is the limit. Nestrasil plans to go the NCAA route, where he will have plenty of resources to build muscle. What I will ask, though, is that if he stays in junior for a year… I wouldn’t complain if he used those dangles more consistently.

C: NHL Top-6 W
P: NHL Top-9 W
F: NHL Bottom-6 W

NHL Comp: Tage Thompson

#22 - Alexander Zharovsky

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’1/163 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)/Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

It wouldn’t be crazy to say that Alexander Zharofsky has already made it. Hailing from Klin, Russia, Zharovsky comes from a town that has never sent a player to the NHL. Since Russia’s 2nd tier Junior league rebranded to the NMHL 10 years ago, no player who has played the bulk of their DY-1 year there has touched the NHL. It is a testament to the depleted Russian junior system, especially given the fact that most MHL teams aren’t viable sources of talent, forget the tier under them. And yet, a monster season with Podolsk put him on the map last year, spurring a bidding war among multiple KHL teams for his rights. Zharovsky has already beaten the odds, but he’s not done yet.

Zharovsky’s immense skill and creativity jump off the page immediately. His elite dekes, manipulation, and overall unpredictability make it easy to see a future for him as an X-Factor. There are really not many ways to say it, the skill that Zharovsky brings to the table with the puck on his stick is Magician-level, and you simply can’t teach it. The passing vision is really good, but he does need to iron out the wrinkles in decision-making for the professional level. This is a player who has the skill package of a 5’7 forward, but instead presents it in a 6’1 frame, which makes him a lot more projectable.

His shot could use some more zip. Even though his shot selection is solid, I do think he’s a guy who could use more strength and quickness. The same idea applies to his skating, which is raw and, although it has served him well so far, I think he would greatly benefit from more power and agility. I do believe that these two weaknesses will be aided by further physical development, which he will receive now that he has moved to the big leagues with Ufa.

Speaking of Ufa, their junior affiliate was bumped down to the Silver Division, the MHL’s 2nd tier. As a result, a lot of Zharovsky’s play came against Russia’s weakest top-end junior teams. Yes, Zharovsky did really well and lifted Ufa back to the Gold Division, but I couldn’t help but wonder how much of his success relied on weaker competition, even for MHL standards. Zharovsky’s individualistic on-puck game is not easily translatable at all, and to assume the best projection by only seeing it against the MHL’s worst teams would be difficult.

A late stint with Ufa in the KHL sold me, though. A shift to a smarter, team-centric style of play, where Zharovsky managed to utilize his skills to find space, even after being parachuted into the KHL playoffs, really caught my eye. Effective give-and-go plays, dedication to the forecheck, and glimpses of high-end skill at this level were very promising. This is not a player who feels entitled to play the game that worked for him in junior, but rather a player who will fight for his spot and mix in his strengths. The feet will have to be a focus, though, as it’s clearly what holds him back from blooming at this level. Adding more muscle will certainly help here.

It’s hard not to see Zharovsky as a boom or bust player, but if he booms, he will be an exciting talent to watch. It’s hard to mention names such as Kucherov and Kuznetsov, who had a stronger base at this age, but a team that picks him will be silently optimistic that he breaks out into a star like those two. A more realistic, but optimistic projection will be of an X-Factor like Pavel Dorofeyev, the dangler who bloomed into a gifted sniper for the Golden Knights this year. Zharovsky has the skills and tools to blossom in an NHL team’s top-six, but a lengthy development path could cap his ceiling to a top-9 role where he will have to be sheltered. Also, for every skilled Russian who makes it to the NHL, there are 10 others who stay in the KHL, and 100 others who don’t even make it there. NHL teams know that there is a risk when picking out of Russia, but this is a bet that I would take. After all, you will be hard-pressed to find a talent like this.

I wonder if Zharovsky would have benefited from participating in IIHF competition, and I wonder if teams will consider how much that would have boosted his stock. All of that doesn’t really matter, as the real expectation for Zharovsky will be to stay dedicated to the gym and add pounds while improving his agility.

C: NHL Star
P: NHL Top-9 F
F: KHL Top-6 F

NHL Comp: Pavel Dorofeyev

#23 - Shane Vansaghi

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’2/216 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Michigan State University (NCAA)

Shane Vansaghi is a DAWG. Big, relentless, and violent, Vansaghi is constantly chasing after pucks and fighting for position. He just never stops battling, which will surely endear him to NHL teams. In a supporting role as an 18-year-old playing NCAA hockey, Vansaghi has proved that his physicality more than keeps up with the competition, as he hits everything moving. With the puck, he can power through opponents, driving to the net and creating chances. Vansaghi’s highlight reel will surely catch eyes. Despite not being an offensive presence, Vansaghi’s dekes have been a treat. Even though he’s not consistently dynamic, he brings these tools out of the box to make game-breaking plays every now and then. The way that Vansaghi builds speed with the puck on the rush is insane, akin to a literal train. He has good puck possession skills by virtue of his ability to just push players off, and given that he’s done this against older college players, I think he will continue to be a physical threat at the next level.

There’s a LOT to desire in Vansaghi’s mechanics, though. His first steps are legitimately hard to watch. A player with his strength have some explosiveness, but it takes Vansaghi multiple steps to build speed, which will not fly at the NHL level. When he does get going, though, his footspeed and acceleration are impressive, although he does have a clunky stride. There are flashes of high-level playmaking in Vansaghi’s game, but I find it inconsistent, as he needs to display a higher level of offensive awareness as his college career progresses. I don’t think he will be a defensive tactician, so I’m fine that his defense mostly consists of chasing and trying to kill his opponents.

I think that this is the guy who helps you to a cup in your bottom-6. At the very least, Vansaghi will be a fan favourite, with his insane motor and violent play. He has an x-factor with his hands that you don’t often see from a guy who should be a grinder, and I think he will take a power forward role at the NHL level. I see a more effective Paul Cotter in Vansaghi. Cotter’s hands are silkier, but in terms of size and role, I see Vansaghi as a guy who, similarly, will bring X-factor offense from a bottom-6 role while playing a game with the motor and physicality needed to make opponents' lives hell. I don’t mind Vansaghi’s north-south game, but I don’t think he’s a playdriver aside from his rush chances. He could borrow some of Matthew Knies’ game, but I could see how he would turn out like William Carrier. A contender would love a piece like this, no matter how he ends up.

C: NHL 2nd Line W
P: NHL 3rd Line W
F: NHL 4th Line W

NHL Comp: Cross between Matthew Knies and William Carrier

#24 - Benjamin Kindel

Position: C/RW
Height/Weight: 5’10/181 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Ben Kindel is one of the smartest players in this draft. I don’t see a flashy player, but rather a highly intelligent player dedicated to making the right play. I’m super confident that this is a player who will be able to make the right decisions at the NHL pace, which is more than you can say for most top prospects his age.

The Ben Kindel Question is, how far does this go in an okay skating, undersized forward? Kindel plays with pace thanks to his high-level vision and IQ, paired with his strong hands, but a pure lack of explosivity in his skating holds him back on the rush. He’s also not engaged nor fast enough to be a menace on the forecheck, nor is he strong enough to win puck battles, even though he’s smart enough to identify where he can steal the puck. His shot is below-average, and he currently projects as a playmaker with defensive awareness.

I keep going back and forth on Kindel, but here’s what I’ll say: He needs to go to a school with a great weight room. Kindel has a top mind in his draft, but it is clear that his athleticism and physicality are not there at all. Kindel will need to get faster, more explosive, and stay more engaged to make sure he plays a valuable role. With strength, his shot will get better, and he will win more puck battles, even if he’ll never be a grinder. Then, Kindel will be able to play his game, that of an intelligent playmaker who will be a positive defender. If he can add some more flash to his game, that could be valuable as a game-breaking forward. He really does remind me of Marco Rossi, and maybe this ranking reflects the fact that even Rossi has gone undervalued around the league.

C: NHL 2nd Line W
P: NHL 3rd Line W
F: AHL Top-6 W

NHL Comp: Marco Rossi

#25 - Cole Reschny

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’10/187 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Victoria Royals (WHL)

Reschny is tactical, taking his time with the puck on his stick, getting into space, and finding creative, high-danger passes for his teammates. He moves around the ice smoothly, and whenever the puck is on his stick, he’s always a threat to make a seeing-eye play. He’s one of this draft’s most gifted playmakers, but his off-puck game is impressive too. Offensively, Reschny likes trailing the play but will fight for position in front of the net and get himself open for his teammates as a play develops so that he can work his magic. Defensively, Reschny’s stick is active as he identifies weak points in the opposition, posing a threat consistently. When he steals the puck, he’s always capable of making a dangerous pass to send his team the other way. I see a player who understands the game incredibly well and is stocky enough to hold his own despite his lack of size. He’s not the most skilled, but he has shown flashes of soft hands and creativity. Still, I think he would rather make the smart play that no one else can see.

He has a solid shot, but it’s not consistent. I think his first steps need a lot of work, as he must develop explosiveness to play at the NHL level. Also, I get really scared of these tactical players who take their time. The question I think scouts should ask themselves is, does Reschny make space, or does he take the space given to him? I think that, right now, it’s the latter. He’s levels smarter than his opponents, but he uses it to exploit weaknesses at his level rather than push play at a higher pace. I like that he holds onto the puck, as it shows confidence, but I worry that he won’t have the time or space, and he hasn’t proven that he can make it for himself. I think he can still be really effective at the NHL level, though. With such a sharp mind, I just want him to prove that he can exploit weaknesses at a higher pace. He has the work ethic for it, I don’t see a coaster at all, but rather a chess player. It’s just that, if the WHL is a classic game of chess, the NHL is blitz mode. With more explosiveness, there’s potential for a 2C that can find his two talented wingers while taking a load defensively. Otherwise, he currently projects as a 3C in a comparable role to guys like Pius Suter and Christian Dvorak.

C: NHL 2C
P: NHL 3C
F: AHL All-Star

NHL Comp: Pius Suter

#26 - Malcolm Spence

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’2/201 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Erie Otters (OHL)

Any team with playoff aspirations (so, all of them) would love a Malcolm Spence. At his best, Spence is one of the most annoying players to play against in the OHL. Spence is relentless, not giving up on plays and continuously harassing the puck carrier. He’s big and he knows it, using his tenacity and frame to pin and check anything moving when the pressure is on. He is a very intelligent player who finds himself in the right spots at the right time, whether it’s drawing pressure offensively or applying pressure defensively. He has an edge to his game and could develop an agitator-type role, just as long as he makes sure that he doesn’t get called for anything in the process. Spence’s skating is strong, and his shot is crisp, boosting his NHL projectability. Furthermore, I like how he battles in front of the net and fights to make space for plays offensively.

I am, however, lower on Spence’s offensive game. I think he has more skill than he gets credit for, but the execution has been shaky. He was the perfect fit beside talented overagers Pano Fimis and Sam Alfano, as I liked seeing Spence doing the dirty work while finishing plays and consistently getting the puck to his teammates after winning battles. I think Spence’s shot will continue to develop into an NHL-level tool, and I think he is very good at making the quick, smart play that is required at the NHL level. However, I have noticed that Spence likes to try the flashy play and, more often than not, the puck gets picked off him. I do find Spence to be less engaged than you want from a player of this mould, but that’s not an issue for him when times get tough.

There are two options here. 1. Spence has time to continue to develop his puck skills into a weapon that will be useful at the NHL level. I like the composure that Spence demonstrates with the puck on his stick. I just think he will need to figure out how to turn his confidence into consistent results. 2. Spence could focus on being the guy who makes the quick, smart play, outworks his opponents, wins battles, and gets the puck to dangerous spots. Not everyone can do this at the level that Spence has demonstrated, so I think it is worth considering that Spence should be ready to simplify his game to focus on this strength

If I’m picking Malcolm Spence, I’m doing so as a team that’s perfectly content if Spence is a 3rd liner. I think Spence is a player who you want to go to battle beside, he elevates his game when it matters the most, and he battles. There is potential for him to be the #6 winger in your top-6, as someone who does the dirty work and supports two stars, just like he did in Erie. I would rather have him on my third line, though, as someone who sets the tone and comes through clutch with his flashes of offensive ability. Spence rises to the occasion, and this is someone who I think can play on a Cup-winning squad’s 3rd line. I would be very content coming away with a playoff-ready 3rd liner.

C: NHL Top-6 W
P: NHL 3rd Line W
F: NHL 4th Line W

NHL Comp: Nick Paul

Tier 5 - The X-Factors

The tier that ends my first round consists of a mix of players who I think are guaranteed to fill in on your 3rd line/#4 D spot, or players with lower projections who have an X-Factor that is worth betting on.

#27 - Kashawn Aitcheson

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’1/198 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Barrie Colts (OHL)

I see the appeal with Aitcheson. He’s strong, confident, relentless, and violent. He has an absolute howitzer of a shot that has given him the 2nd most goals for a DY defender in the OHL in the last 30 years, behind offensive phenom Zayne Parekh. He uses his body to defend against the rush, and he has the confidence to make plays with the puck.

I think people really like the idea of him more than they like the player, though. I’m weary of Aitcheson’s on-puck game. He has the confidence to make plays, but confidence will only get you so far without the required on-puck skill. His breakout passes are also a point that will need work. I do see that he is extremely strong, but I don’t know if he can be as violent against more developed players at the NHL level, and I’m not sure it’s a shift-to-shift element of his game at the junior level.

And yet… I do really like this player. He is notably extremely difficult to play against as an agitator and lingering physical presence. I think every team wants a guy with his confidence and swagger, it is just a matter of having him pick and choose his plays with the puck. I don’t really know what purpose his howitzer would serve at the NHL level due to his lack of playmaking, but improved playmaking would make him a feared point shot on the PP2 unit. I think that Aitcheson could be a better version of guys like Simon Benoit as a #6 D, but I struggle to see the top-4 upside without significant strides. I want his skating to keep improving, and I want to see more consistency with the puck.

C: Fan-Favourite NHL #6 D
P: NHL #6 D
F: NHL Depth D
NHL Comp: Simon Benoit (think Playoff Benoit, though)

#28 - Filip Ekberg

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5’10/168 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

I’m still on the Filip Ekberg train. The once highly-touted Swede’s stock took a nosedive this season after a rough go in the OHL, but he’s coming into his own. What close observers have noticed is the wild usage he’s getting on the Ottawa 67’s. He’s no stranger to 4th-line demotions, and I’d say he has a tighter leash than most of his peers in this draft.

It’s his first year in North America, maybe veteran coach Dave Cameron wants him to focus on his fundamentals rather than relying on his skill… but he gets frequent usage on the power play, as if he’s a special-teams specialist. Whatever it is, it has forced a lot of context to explain why someone with relatively low scoring numbers is so high on my list.

I love Ekberg’s skillset. I like his shot a lot, I think his hands are slick, and he’s a crisp playmaker. His creativity, penchant for puck battles, and layers of dynamism make him a treat to watch on his A-game. He’s not always feeling it, though, and I want to see more confidence from a player like this to prove that he can take over the game at the OHL level. I also find him to be really weak, he will need to mature physically to unlock his potential and have a chance at the professional level, as I think it will greatly help him with puck battles (I said he likes getting into them, didn’t say anything about winning them) and add strength to his stride. At his size, I need an extra layer from his skating to ensure he can be dynamic at the pace I think he can be. Consistency, strength, and confidence are the big 3 that Ekberg needs to make the next level (and next level skating would help). A monster U18s solidified how good Ekberg is among his peers when he’s given a chance to shine, though, and I’m hoping it’s a sign of what’s to come.

There aren’t many 5’10 Swedes in the league. I’m not saying he needs to be like someone already in the league, but it would help his case. Right now, I don’t think he’s at the level of Bratt or Raymond. I don’t know if he’s physically strong enough or consistently engaged enough to be Viktor Arvidsson, but that would be a solid target. Right now, though, Ottawa’s playing him like he’s Daniel Sprong, and I don’t think that has to be the case.

Ceiling: Top-6 NHL Winger
Projection: Coinflip: SHL All-Star or Top-6 NHL W
Floor: SHL Top-6 W

Player Comp: Viktor Arvidsson

#29 - Cole McKinney

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/201 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: U.S. National U18 Team

I know it’s a weaker class from the NTDP this year, but I like what leading scorer Cole McKinney brings to the table. His work ethic is unrelenting, constantly hunting and battling for pucks. I see a dangerous forechecker with high-level instincts. He works hard to move his feet with power, but I think his mechanics could be polished, and maybe he could benefit from some added agility. McKinney isn’t the most skilled player, but I see a highly intelligent centreman with sharp playmaking ability and a solid shot. I would argue that being the frontman for the NTDP this year could be holding him back, as I’d like to see how he performs beside players who think the game as fast as he does, without having him handle the finesse part. I don’t see a dynamic player, but I see a player who works hard for pucks, makes the right play, and is reliable defensively. I could see an NHL 3C. He’ll have time at Michigan to show us if he has more in his bag offensively.

C: NHL 3C
P: NHL Bottom-6 C
F: AHL Middle-6 C

NHL Comp: Ross Colton

#30 - Benjamin Kevan

Position: W
Height/Weight: 6’0/183 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

To me, Kevan screams middle-6 winger. He’s a skilled playmaker who doesn’t have the greatest quality of teammates in Des Moines this year, forcing him to take the driver's seat and showcase his puck-carrying ability. It’s hard for him to show off any creative playmaking ability, so I’m excited to see how he fares at a higher level, as even though the competition will be tougher, I think he will have linemates who will execute his ideas. I think his shot is solid, and his puck skills are remarkable.

I like how engaged Kevan remains away from the puck despite a tough season. He’s not the most intelligent defender, but his forechecking ability and work ethic have impressed me many times this year. What does worry me is a lack of consistency, but I am willing to chalk it up to playing on a weaker team. He’s impressive relative to his peers, but I still think there’s another gear for Kevan to hit, and part of that is staying focused on a game-to-game basis.

I don’t see a superstar in Kevan, but I see the start of a middle-6 winger with the skill to occasionally bring game-changing offense to the table. He plays an intelligent on-puck game and a hard-working off-puck game with a strong stride and solid frame. At the end of the first round, I’d be happy to pick a player like this to develop into a key part of my 3rd line, and I’m excited to see what he can do at the NCAA level beside Cullen Potter at ASU. I think the Pace combination for these two will be electric, and I’m excited to see if they can complement each other.

C: Middle-6 NHL F
P: NHL 3rd Line F
F: AHL Top-6 F

#31 - Gustav Hillström

Position: C/W
Height/Weight: 6’2/176 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Brynas IF (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Meet Mr. Right Place, Right Time. Gustav Hillstrom impressed me greatly after a quick adjustment to SHL pace midway through his season in the J20. Hillstrom isn’t the sexy pick by any means, but he surprised me with how projectable his game is. He works his tail off every shift. He’s a smooth skater with a great frame at 6’2. The offensive skills are fine enough where he gets by with the puck on his stick at the pro level already, and he holds his own at the J20 level. What I really like about him, though, is his mind. Hillstrom is consistently exactly where I would want him to be, no matter the level. He has a knack for finding the right positioning in front of the net to bank one home, and a knack for holding his ground and pressuring opponents in his own end. I admire his forechecking and he has a great dedication to getting back on defense. He is a solid playmaker who makes the quick, smart play with fluidity.

Hillstrom has more frame to fill out, and I believe that will help improve the strength on his shot and the explosiveness in his skating. I really admire the foundation that he has with the size, mobility, and smarts combination. The lack of offensive upside will cap his ceiling, but I do believe this is an NHL talent, and that his existing offense will be enough to land him an NHL job. Hillstrom is a natural centreman, but plays the wing in the pros for Brynas, and I don’t mind him at either position. More explosiveness in his skating will help his cause as a forechecker overall, though. Hillstrom isn’t the flashy selection, but many NHL teams find a place for the technically sound, smart Swedish forward, and I believe Hillstrom can look to a guy like Calle Jarnkrok to see what a successful career looks like for him. This is a guy who I would take on my team, but it will take more refinement physically to get there.

C: 3rd Line NHL W
P: 3rd Line NHL W
F: SHL Top-6 W

NHL Comp: Calle Jarnkrok

#32 - Roger McQueen

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’5/192 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Guys, I like the 6’5 dude with the skills to be a star as much as the next guy… but holy smokes does Roger McQueen scare me. McQueen will go in the first round, and I get it. He’s huge with sick hands, a shot that works well in tight, and sharp vision for playmaking. I like when he plays a pacy game, and he has shown flashes of high-level defensive awareness. The physicality comes and goes, but at his healthiest, I think McQueen could be a unicorn who will not only finish his checks, but also dangle right through you. A healthy McQueen is likely one of the most attractive prospects in this draft due to his size and skill combination, as it could make him a star in the NHL.

Maybe that’s a lot of cushioning for what I have to say next. I put a lot of weight into the medical context. What McQueen has gone through in his short career sounds horrible, and while I commend him for working back from it, it means that I have to be genuine about where I would rank him compared to other players. I’m not a doctor (and thank God for that), but reading about McQueen’s condition has completely spooked me. The odds of this becoming a long-term issue would not be one that I would take if I were working for an NHL team. Players of this size with injury issues have trouble as is. Even if McQueen avoids any chronic issues (despite this being a recurring problem for the past two seasons), I worry about his willingness to be physical and stand up to the wear and tear of the pro level.

What makes this worse is that I haven’t loved the little footage I’ve seen from him this year. I feel like he has the toolset to push play, but consistently opts to float. I think this is a guy who should be taking over the game, and I just haven’t seen him do this consistently. He’s been dealing with that serious injury, so I understand, but I did want to see more in the time that he was able to play.

Medicine keeps improving, and teams are investing in these departments more than ever, so a team should take a chance on McQueen within the first two rounds. There’s a chance that McQueen develops into a star at the NHL level as a 1C. I see too much of former Senators’ 1st rounder Logan Brown in this player, though. Yes, there will be a professional career here, but I would worry that it will be cut short due to injury and/or that more crucial development years are being taken from McQueen.

C: NHL 1C
P: ???
F: Logan Brown

NHL Comp: Logan Brown/Conor Geekie

#33 - Milton Gastrin

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/185 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: MoDo Hockey (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Milton Gastrin is solid, which goes a long way in this draft. He’s one of the more refined high-floor, low-ceiling options available. He demonstrates great intelligence and vision defensively, which is already translating into him keeping up at the SHL level. He brings strength to the table, holding command down the middle. I like how comfortable he is with the puck on his stick on the rush, as he looks comfortable carrying the puck through the opposing zone. He’s a hard worker with good habits, and he makes a great impact around the net, through battling or tipping pucks. I don’t see a flashy player capable of high-level plays, but rather an extremely solid two-way centreman who is comfortable supporting his wingers. I think his stride could use work, but the power in his legs is noticeable, it is a matter of mechanical consistency. I see a solid 3C in Gastrin, but nothing more.

C: NHL 3C
P: NHL B6 C
F: NHL 4C

#34 - Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’2/190 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Lulea HF (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Don’t Call It A Comeback, but Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is rebuilding his stock after losing the faith of many, despite coming into the year as a top prospect. In his limited looks at the SHL level, it’s clear that Ihs-Wozniak has been asked to make a marked difference in his engagement and effort levels, as he stays active away from the puck. This has been a huge issue for the ever-talented Swedish-Australian, who has gained a reputation for disappearing and disengaging at the junior level.

Ihs-Wozniak has the tools to be a top-6 NHL forward. He has the puck skills, shot, and high-level vision that it takes to make it. What I need to see from him, though, is the pace of play that the NHL requires. He takes full advantage of the time and space he gets at the junior level, and while he is progressively dialling it up, it will have to be his priority to become an impact player at the professional level. His feet are heavy, and he lacks pace, but he still moves with fluidity. His shot and playmaking are high-level, and I think he will be a threat on the power play. He must separate himself at even strength, though, and the main idea will be to strengthen his pace of play. At his current state, he projects to be more of an inconsistent top-9 winger with the tools to provide secondary scoring. What an NHL team will need from the 6’2 sniper, though, is for him to blossom into the top-6 dual-threat they know he can be.

C: NHL Top-6 W
P: NHL 3rd Line W
F: SHL Top-9 W

#35 - Cam Schmidt

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5’7/157 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Cam Schmidt has the juice. Yeah, he’s 5’7, and yes, his off-puck game isn’t the best… but you just can’t bet against the Juice. He has the skating that you need to make the NHL at his size, and he loves to use it. He’s at his best with the puck on his skates and his legs moving, as he brings NHL-level pace to his opponents rather than slowing down and letting his skills do the talking. Cam Schmidt has high-level puck skills, which he can execute at a high pace. His shot is really good, and he’s a great spot shooter and a shooter off the rush. He plays with some edge, which I do like from a player like this. He makes decisions quickly, and he’s just a lot to deal with if you’re defending him. His motor is great, and he’s always moving his legs away from the puck.

A couple of issues, though. Schmidt’s off-puck routes are Bad. I’ve been teetering on it for a while, but that’s the biggest thing that needs improving. Getting the puck to him is difficult because, even if he can get open, he just doesn’t consistently put himself in a position to be a threat when his teammates are looking for him, often bobbling or missing pucks. I think it’s improving, but he needs to have a fall-back as a complementary winger, and this is crucial. Also, he makes decisions quickly, but not consistently accurately, which I would like to see improve. I think he likes finding pucks more than he likes receiving them, which is fine, because he loves poking around for pucks and is a threat in close. I would also like to see him add more strength. Defensively, I want him to be more of a threat as a forechecker or as someone who can just catch up to guys and poke the puck away.

There’s a lot to work on, but what if Cam Schmidt has the Juice to make it work? He doesn’t have the shot that Caufield and DeBrincat have, but he’s close. He also makes up for it with his high-level on-puck game, but he needs to supplement it with a better off-puck game. I don’t know if he’s feisty enough to be Stankoven, but leaning on his edginess wouldn’t hurt. There’s a point in this draft where you just can’t ignore the Juice, as this is a guy who MIGHT give you 30 goals at the NHL level. It will take patience and hard work, but I think Schmidt has that in him.

C: NHL Top-6 W
P: NHL Top-6 W/AHL Top-6 W
F: AHL Superstar

#36 - Sascha Boumedienne

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’2/183 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Boston University (NCAA)

It’s hard for me to put a finger on what exactly Sascha Boumedienne is. What I do know, though, is that he’s getting better. The son of former NHLer and Team Sweden Assistant GM Josef Boumedienne opted to take a unique path, joining Boston University at just 17. There’s been some growing pains, but he’s improving rapidly as the year goes on. Boumedienne has good reach, and I like his stickwork defensively. He’s a great passer, and I think he’s adjusted well to the strength and pace of his competition when it comes to being able to move the puck. I think the skating isn’t as big of a deal as it’s been made out to be. The mechanics need refining, but his feet move quickly, and if he can pair his quickness with better mechanics for him to improve on the details of his mobility, I could see him become a bigger threat defensively. I also think he needs more meat on his bones, as he looks extremely light and easy to push off at this level. His U18 performances were amazing, which put things into perspective regarding where he is relative to some of his peers. The problem is, when everything is put together, I still don’t know what I’d want him to be. Is this a guy who can one day match players like Devon Toews or Jaccob Slavin? Is this a player who can crack a top-4 by virtue of his defensive stick and passing? Or are you hoping that he will simply be a unique #6 defender? Or do you think the offense he showed at the U18s will jump out in the NCAA? My ranking will reflect my thinking that Boumedienne currently projects as an intriguing #6, but has more potential than his comparables in this class.

C: #4 NHL Defenseman
P: #6 NHL Defenseman
F: Top-6 AHL Defenseman

#37 - Eric Nilson

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/165 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Djurgardens IF (Allsvenskan/J20 Nationell)

Nilson is a highly intelligent centreman with fluid mobility and a solid on-puck game. I like his habits, as he displays high-level thinking at the junior level. He fights for pucks, knows where the puck is going to be, and is a high-level transition forward. His hands are fluid, and he has a crisp shot, but neither of these is a standout quality. Additionally, I find that he can be guilty of taking his time at the junior level, and I want him to be more comfortable with the pace of the pros. I don’t see why he’s getting reps at the wing, as I believe his future is in the middle. I want more consistency, but his intelligence and fluidity are enough for him to have a 3C upside. He just needs to make sure he refines his on-puck game with the added pressure of professional hockey.

C: NHL 3C
P: NHL Bottom-6 C
F: SHL 2C

NHL Comp: Between William Karlsson and Johan Larsson

#38 - Mason West

Position: W
Height/Weight: 6’6/218 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Edina High (USHS)

Mason West has made his decision. Not the type that made him hop on ESPN and announce that he’s taking his talents to South Beach, but also not the type that involves choosing if you’ll get Chinese or Indian takeout tonight… somewhere in between. This year, the 6’6 forward was both the standout starting QB and the superstar hockey player at Edina High School, and had offers on the table to play both at the D1 NCAA level. It was an understandably tough decision, but it’s a big deal for his pro aspirations that he chose hockey. West will still play another year of HS football as he wants to bring a championship home before rejoining Fargo of the USHL.

A 6’6 forward with wheels like Mason West has will always make GMs salivate. His stride is already fluid but powerful, and it stands out even playing up at the USHL level. West’s shot is powerful in space, and I find that he uses his vision to find teammates in dangerous spots. I like that he has shown signs of creativity, and there’s just a lot to work with here.

I think his puck skills leave some to be desired. He handles quite wide and doesn’t always protect the puck well enough. I’m also still not sold on his habits and decision-making, which will need to be a focus now that he has made the switch to hockey. I also find that he plays like a quarterback, in the sense that you think that he’s looking for an offensive line to make space for him. West has the frame and power to impose his will on the opposition, and while he started getting more comfortable with that last year, it will need to be a strength going forward. He should be able to use his size, reach, and mobility combination to be a huge threat defensively, and that should be a major goal for him next year.

West has a long way to go, but he wasn’t even sure if he was pursuing hockey until recently. Yes, he’s not quite done with football yet, and yes, that did concern me throughout the season, but his commitment to hockey will be a big deal, and spending the year in Fargo next year is the right first step for West to be an effective NHLer. There is a long way to go, but both Michigan State and the NHL team that grabs him will help him put in the work to become an impact NHL forward. The goal with a player like this will always be Tage Thompson, who became a star after years of refinement. If you pick West, that will always be in the back of your mind, but I think you have to be happy if you get a Michael Rasmussen out of this player. There should always be the thrill of helping West thrive as an offensive weapon, as he has the tools to do so, but I’d be more than happy with a smooth-skating, 6’6 3C.

C: NHL Top-6 F
P: NHL 3rd Line F
F: Kent State QB

NHL Comp: Michael Rasmussen

#39 - Kurban Limatov

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’4/190 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

Kurban Limatov hears you, and he swears he’s working on his projectability. This year’s Big Ball of Chaos from Russia has turned heads with his combination of dangles and huge checks at the Russian junior level. He’s 6’3 with the confidence of a superstar, as he loves carrying the puck into the offensive zone, and he loves looking for hits. His skating could use work, but he is still quite impressively mobile. Earlier in the year, I was quite worried about what he would do at the pro level, but since the calendar turned to 2025, Limatov has been working on simple plays and on his defensive game. I think this is a high-potential player. He’s big, mobile, and extremely confident with the puck. I think an NHL team would want this player to pan out closer to Nikita Zadorov, but it will take a lot of patience from Dynamo Moskva to develop him into a top-4 level defender.

C: NHL Top-4 D
P: ???
F: KHL Top-4 D

NHL Comp: NIkita Zadorov

#40 - Viggo Nordlund

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5’9/168 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Skelleftea AIK (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Out of the Swedish junior league, 107 forwards who played over 10 games of their DY there have made the NHL. Only 46 of them are 6’ and under. 13 are 5’10 and under. At 5’9, only Linus Klasen remains, and he played just 4 NHL games in his only professional season in North America. The only 5’9 Swedish forward in the NHL is Nils Hoglander, who was already good enough in his DY to play full-time in the SHL. Hoglander was the first full-time, 5’9 and under Swedish forward to make the league since Niklas Andersson in 2001. Within the last 40 years, Hoglander and Andersson are joined only by Swedish greats Hakan Loob and Mats Naslund.

That is all to say, I must acknowledge the difficulties of what I am asking Viggo Nordlund to do. I also must acknowledge that it would be completely understandable for an NHL team not to take the risk on this player, instead opting for one of the many safe options available. With Nordlund, I’m asking you to buy into the idea that this player is shifty and smart enough to read plays at the next level. Nordlund is inconsistent at the junior level, but his talent is off the charts. It’s his play adjusting to the SHL level that I find inspiring. He is very intelligent, continuing to find space and making smart plays under pressure from men twice his size. His legs could use more strength, and he will need to produce more at the SHL level, but I am willing to bet on this player. Not only does he have the game-changing skill to make waves at the J20 level, but he impressed enough in the SHL to get regular playoff minutes with the big club. I like that he elevates his game when it matters most, and I’m really excited to see what he does with consistent games against men at the Allsvenskan level next year.

C: Top-6 NHL W
P: Coin Toss: SHL Star or Top-9 NHL W
F: SHL Star

NHL Comparable: Viktor Arvidsson

#41 - Adam Benak

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’7/163 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

When you look at a player as small as Adam Benak (listed at 171 cm, or 5’7), it’s easy to count them out. In the last 10 years, only 5 players listed at 171 cm or under have played full-time in the NHL: Martin St. Louis, Brian Gionta, Stephen Gionta, Nathan Gerbe, and Rocco Grimaldi. Trey Fix-Wolansky and Chris Conner have also cracked the Show within that time frame. I’ll concede that, by raising the parameter to 173 cm (5’8, the NHL’s favourite place to round short kings up to), the results expand to 28 NHLers, but one thing is clear. It is not easy to make the league with a diminutive stature. If you want a shot, you must really stand out.

Here are some facts about Benak that stand out. In his D-1, Benak had one of the most productive Hlinka-Gretzky’s from his age group ever, with his 10 points in 5 games putting him within the top 10 most productive D-1 tournaments ever, within the same tier as #1 picks Ovechkin, Hall, Lafreniere, not to mention rising stars Michkov and Stenberg, HOFer Kariya. His tournament this year was also stellar, tying multiple players, including Nathan MacKinnon, for the 8th most points as a DY at the tournament ever. If you think he’s too small, he should tell you that succeeding at a tournament like this at this size isn’t easy either, with his two showings putting him at #1 and #2 for most points for a player of his size. Perhaps more impressively is the fact that, last year, Benak became the only Czech Extraliga player to play more than a game at his size, drawing in HC Plzeň’s lineup 18 times. Within the last 10 years, only Penguins prospect Mac Swanson has more USHL DY points at Benak’s size.

If you read all of that, I apologize, because you’re not gonna like what I say next: I don’t think that stuff matters all that much. Yeah, it’s interesting, and it’s good to remember that it’s not only hard to succeed at his size at the pro level, but the fact that he is so successful in all the levels he has played in at his size is extremely impressive. The only thing that really matters about Benak’s journey so far is the fact that he has made the move to North America and can now spend time in the NCAA, which would be the ideal league for Benak to adjust to more mature competition.

Benak’s pace is what sets him apart. Benak is super agile and can get from place to place in a flash. He moves like a spider, he’s really fast and shifty, making him hard to catch. I see a player who is looking for high-level plays, but really can’t help but force plays through. There’s clearly a player who is trying to create and push play, which is a great sign, but it puts his team at a disadvantage when he fails to recognize what is actually possible. When Benak has room, his shot is one of the best I’ve seen, which makes him a great weapon with the man advantage. He’s not too cool to drive the net and get into puck battles, which is a great quality. His vision both offensively and defensively is high-end and projectable, as is his play with pace. Even though Benak has the skills to play the game at a Junior-level pace in the USHL, he instead chooses to dial his speed to 100 and make plays from there. Benak is very slight, and this is visible in most aspects of his game. He needs to build the stockiness to stand his own ground and make his own space against men without sacrificing the shiftiness that makes him so good.

There’s a multiverse of possibilities for Benak, whose future I see on the wing, but I’d understand why people would want him at C. If Benak can become significantly stockier and consistently deceptive, we could be talking about a Martin St. Louis-style player. Even the added strength alone should make scouts remember Brian Gionta, who scored almost 600 points at the NHL level. Benak displays a defensive maturity that, with his pace, could make him a waterbug-type player at the NHL level, but I think relying on this would require a new level to his skating and added strength to get him to a Kailer Yamamoto/Paul Byron type, and he could build on his feistiness to get closer to Conor Garland.

I just think it’s all a lot to ask from Adam Benak, but it’s a worthy investment for a team with the resources to give this their all. Benak will probably be one of the few worthy upside picks after the 1st, and if you’re a team with multiple picks this year, it’s absolutely worth a shot to take a shot on this prospect. The one thing I would make sure of with Benak is a commitment to go to a strong program at the NCAA level (even if he hits the CHL first) to physically mature and iron out the gaps in his game. He made the jump to the US, so I think teams will be optimistic about his commitment to his development. It will take a great amount of development and likely Hobey Baker-level performances in the NCAA, but Benak could become one of Czechia’s best players. The only question is, will it be in the NHL or in the Czech Extraliga?

C: NHL Star
P: ???
F: Czech Extraliga Legend

Player Comp: Brian Gionta

Tier 6 - The Impact Guys

Pretty similar to my last tier, but these guys are more simple bottom-6/bottom-pair projections, but with easily projectable traits that will guarantee them an opportunity at making the league full-time. There are also a few high-end project players mixed in here that are less projectable than those in tiers above.

#42 - William Horcroff

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’4/181 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team -> University of Michigan (NCAA)

The rare player whose details surpass his mechanics, Will Horcoff made the ballsy move to the NCAA mid-season, and it worked out favourably. He has a man’s frame at 6’4, and a pro-level intelligence, probably courtesy of his father, a veteran of 1008 NHL games. As a result, Horcoff has turned heads, with his performances at Michigan proving to be more impressive than his time with the US NTDP. However, his mechanics overall are a little concerning. His stride will require a great amount of focus, which makes it better that he has the resources required at Michigan. His shot and playmaking are inconsistent, even though he demonstrates an understanding of when to do what. This is a player who can develop into a 3C calibre NHLer, and even though he’ll be a project, he has the two attributes you can’t develop: a frame and a sharp mind.

C: NHL 3C
P: NHL B6 C
F: NHL 4C

#43 - Jack Nesbitt

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’4/183 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Every team in the NHL has time for a 6’4 centerman. In Nesbitt, teams get an intelligent, detailed forward who does well to support his talented teammates. He thinks the game quite well, fights to retrieve the puck for his teammates, and gets the puck to his teammates in good spots. I think his offensive upside is overrated, but he is at least capable of high-level decision-making. I like his shot in space, and I like that he fights for pucks. He has a great frame and knows how to use it. His puck skills are lacking, and he lacks explosiveness and agility on his feet. I do want to see dedication to working on his feet, and if he can show that he’s more than a support player, it’ll be gravy for the team that picks him. He could be a third liner at the NHL level. He will be able to support two talented wingers, but the level at will depend on how he develops his skating and if he shows more promise with the puck on his stick.

C: NHL 3C

P: NHL B6 C

F: NHL 4C

#44 - Jack Murtagh

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/198 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

It’s not hard to understand what Murtagh’s game is about, but I like what I see. He had a unique opportunity to take a top role on a weaker NTDP class, and I think he’s turned heads despite not being the superstar that the program is used to as a headliner. Instead, Murtagh comes off to me as a typical crash-and-bang, north-south power winger. He has strong feet paired with a heavy shot that he loves to fire. He’s a physical player whose off-puck game is admirable, and he doesn’t mind fighting for pucks in front of the net. I don’t think he is a player who will need to be dynamic to succeed, but I like seeing the flashes of creativity and dynamism that he displays, as he does have puck skills. My concern with a player like this is figuring out if his game has to change when his competition is bigger and stronger, as his physical advantage will decrease. Overall, though, his frame, pace, and shot combination are extremely attractive. I see a player who can become a Josh Anderson/Bobby McMann-type player, but it depends on his physical development through college.

C: Top-9 NHL W

P: 3rd Line NHL W

F: Top-9 AHL W

NHL Comp: Bobby McMann

#45 - Max Westergard

Position: W
Height/Weight: 5’11/168 lbs
Nationality: Finland
2024-25 Club: Frolunda HC (SHL/J20 Nationell)

The first thing you notice right away from Max Westergard often isn’t Max Westergard, it’s usually the kid playing beside him. Westergard plays with one of the most promising 2026 prospects in Ivar Stenberg, and his play notably becomes less effective with Stenberg out of the lineup. The obvious conclusion is that he is simply a product of this future Swedish superstar, but I think it’s more nuanced than that. I think that Westergard is one of the few players who can keep up with Stenberg at this level, which should be valued fairly. Westergard’s quick feet, hustle, and playmaking define his game as a complementary winger.

Teams will be a little hesitant to pick a guy who plays many of his most productive minutes alongside a future star, but I still see a lot of value in Westergard. He’s a talented player in his own right. I think his vision is extremely high-end end and perhaps other junior players are not quite smart enough to pick up on what Westergard sees. Westergard’s sturdiness is questionable, but he is one of the youngest players in the draft and has plenty of room to fill out his frame. hopefully, he can do so without jeopardizing his quick legs. Also, while I think Westergard gets back quickly on the backcheck and arrives quickly on the forecheck, I think his defensive stickwork can use more work.

What really sold me on Westergard was a strong SHL playoff run playing up with Frolunda. He didn’t just catch up to the pace; he pushed it. He was an absolute pain to play against, and I thought he did a great job of finding space or making it himself with his speed and vision. He clearly does need to bulk up, as I know he can do a lot better in tight, but that’s something we knew going in. Overall, this is a risky pick, but one that could bear fruit if Westergard bulks, builds on his speed + vision combination, and proves he can develop away from Ivar Stenberg.

C: 2nd Line NHL W

P: 3rd Line NHL W

F: SHL Top-6

NHL Comparable: Jonatan Berggren

#46 - Blake Fiddler

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’4/209 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

I like the idea of Blake Fiddler. The 6’4, right-handed defenseman is a smooth skater with tools that you rarely expect from a player of this size. He’s capable of killing plays, opting to use his reach and mobility rather than his body. I like that he can jump up, and I see flashes of high-level puck skills. I like his retrieval abilities and gap control.

What I cannot get over is his raw processing and decision-making. In his own zone, Fiddler is guilty of throwing pucks away and folding under pressure. It’s especially an issue considering he is usually the one retrieving the puck in his own zone. If Fiddler is going to be the guy with the puck on his stick, he desperately needs to learn how to limit these mistakes. Additionally, he will need to take the time to blossom into a top-tier defender at the WHL level, as I want to see more consistency in his defending. I like that he’s proactive, and I think NHL teams will appreciate what he brings to the table.

I see a lot of Cody Ceci and Justin Holl in this player. At his current trajectory, his on-puck play will keep him at this ceiling. He must take the next few years to become comfortable making the safe play with the puck on his stick. Like the aforementioned pros, Fiddler likes carrying the puck, but the reality of the big leagues is that he will need to make quick plays with the puck without throwing it away. Still, there’s a valuable #4 in this player somewhere, and in a draft like this, teams will be eager to take the chance to get a right-handed giant.

C: NHL #4 D

P: NHL #5 D

F: AHL Top-6 D

NHL Comp: Cody Ceci

#47 - Carter Amico

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’6/234 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

There’s a lot to like about Carter Amico. He’s huge at 6’5, he’s violent, he’s mobile…

And he was taken out for the season with a knee injury. Missing the bulk of such a crucial developmental year is what brings a defenseman from first-round status to top-90 status for me, as history doesn’t look too favourably on defenders in this position. Patience with Amico, who will need the full four years of college, will be necessary. I love his game, even though he’s so raw. He’s physical, he uses his reach well, and even though his skating will need work, I think it’s better than a lot of guys at his size. I just can’t get over the season-ending knee injury, but he has 4 years at a top program at Boston University – after he finds a place to play next year – to keep refining and keep developing. He could be a #4, but I see a useful #6.

C: NHL #4 D

P: NHL #6 D

F: AHL #6 D

NHL Comp: Nic Hague

#48 - William Moore

Position: C/W
Height/Weight: 6’2/174 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

William Moore is comfortable with the status quo. Sorry, I’ll start over. William Moore has been a top prospect for this draft since he was 15 years old. He applied for exceptional status alongside Michael Misa, but opted to make use of his dual-residency and join the US NTDP once denied. On a notably weak US NTDP class, this year was Moore’s shot to become The Guy, cementing his place in this year’s top 5.

I don’t know if it’s complacency or lack of confidence, but every game I watch of William Moore makes me wonder why he’s so unwilling to push. This is a player that could be an impact forward at the NHL level by virtue of his high-level tools, but an overall nonchalant style of play has made him a supporting player with the NTDP. I see the appeal as a two-way forward, but I’m not confident in his high-level thinking, and I don’t have confidence in the speed of his game.

Yet, I see the flashes of finesse and fluidity with the puck on his stick, paired with occasional demonstration of instincts away from the puck, combined with his 6’2 frame, and I can’t help but wonder if, with a lot of patience and effort, this could be a high-impact NHLer. He will need to mature a lot physically, develop and demonstrate a higher effort level, and because he’s not headed to the NCAA until 2026-27, he needs to prove next year that he can push play, not just support it. I’m also not sold on him as a centre as opposed to a perimeter playmaker on the wing, but that’s something he’s fully capable of changing as well. It’s just a lot to ask.

C: Top-6 NHL C

P: NHL Bottom-6 W

F: AHL Top-6 F

NHL Comp: Mason Appleton

#49 - Haoxi Wang

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’6/209 lbs
Nationality: China
2024-25 Club: King Rebellion (OJHL) -> Oshawa Generals (OHL)

What do your favourite NHL team and your most down-bad friend have in common? They see a project, and want to fix them. In a draft full of #6s, Haoxi Wang offers a glimmer of hope to one day become a star. Wang is huge at 6’6, yet he moves like the wind. It’s an absurdly attractive combination for a defender, but it comes with a major caveat. Wang moved to Canada at 12, and with all due respect to the up-and-coming Chinese youth hockey system, I would consider the true start of Wang’s hockey career to correspond with his move to Canada. His notably raw play becomes insanely impressive when you consider that this is only Wang’s 4th season in Canada. This kid has put in the work. His movement is almost unfathomable given the combination of his size and inexperience. He is reportedly committed to learning and watching as much as he can, and making such a big jump across the world is indicative of this.

I’ll be realistic, the question with Wang is: How much hockey can one guy learn in such little time? Wang will need to make full use of his time in the OHL, and then full use of his time in the NCAA, and probably time in the AHL as well. I am more optimistic than others, though. I agree that the OHL game is too fast for him at times. However, I see a prospect who has ideas and just hasn’t had enough game time to figure out how to execute plays. I actually think he does have the capacity and creativity to succeed offensively, and I do think he has the right ideas defensively. However, it is going to take many, many mistakes for him to make it, and the team that drafts him must be comfortable with this. This level of catch up is why I’m uncomfortable if he plans to play at Boston University next year. I think Wang needs as much minutes as possible, even if I think the access to resources at BU will be huge as well. To say that this is a player who can become a Victor Hedman-like defender would be insanely optimistic, but teams will have that in the back of their mind. I see Wang’s comparable as a Mason Lohrei – a skilled, smooth-skating defenseman with size and offensive prowess, but not a star.

C: #3/4 NHL Defenseman

P: #5 NHL Defenseman

F: Kunlun Red Star Legend

NHL Comp: Mason Lohrei

#50 - Hayden Paupanekis

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’5/203 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Spokane Chiefs (WHL) -> Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

There comes a point in the draft where you have to consider that everyone grades out as a bottom-six guy, and at some point, it’s up to you to decide who is the most valuable. In Paupanekis, you get the rare 6’4 forward who can actually skate pretty well. He’s not perfect, but Paupanekis moves very well for his size, and he combines this mobility with his great reach to be a suffocating threat defensively. He reads plays fairly well and breaks them up using his strong, long stick. Offensively, he’s fine enough with the puck on his stick, comfortable and fluid, making the smart play consistently. His shot gives reason to be inspired, and he has some skills in him, but all of that is gravy for a player that I think grades as a bottom-6 play-killer. I admired how he handled a move from the stacked Chiefs to the young Rockets via the Andrew Cristall trade, and think that he will take a significant step along with the rest of the team this year. I would like to see him be more active, as I find his play to be a little nonchalant defensively at times, but he is an attractive option overall.

C: NHL 3C

P: NHL 4C

F: AHL Top-9

NHL Comp: Pierre Engvall

#51 - Sean Barnhill

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’5/214 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

It is a great sign when a prospect makes huge strides in improvement as the season goes on, and that is exactly what Sean Barnhill did this year. Teams love big defenseman, and the 6’5 Barnhill doesn’t just leave it there. Barnhill skates extremely well, not just relative to his size, but he has great skating period. He is also extremely athletic, which gives him a great foundation to build off of. As the year has gone on, Barnhill has become more confident and assertive, using his mobility to more effectively suppress the rush and also jumping into play more frequently.

At this point, though, Barnhill is still quite raw. He does not have a great arsenal in terms of puck skills, he rarely utilizes his shot, and I sometimes worry about his decision-making. However, he is quickly adapting and getting better. Barnhill needs to be more imposing defending the rush, as his power, reach, and speed combination should make him a top shutdown defender. I want his stick to become stronger, and I want him to become even more physical. However, I’ve seen Barnhill get better at every one of these things, and I’m confident that he is aware and consciously working on his weaknesses.

Barnhill’s base as a mobile, athletic, huge defenseman is the perfect base for a shutdown defenseman. He needs more time in junior, and he will probably need plenty of time with Northeastern University, but Barnhill has the potential to become an extremely valuable defenseman. Betting on a raw talent means that there is a risk that he doesn’t pan out at all, however, the progress that Barnhill has displayed this season makes me think that he is on an upward trajectory. If Barnhill can fully utilize his tools, there is a top-4 NHL defender here. More likely, though, is an extremely valuable bottom-pairing defender with range and mobility, with his decision-making as the only limiting factor.

C: NHL Top-4 D

P: NHL #6 D

F: AHL #6 D

#52 - Henry Brzustewicz

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’1/194 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: London Knights (OHL)

The London Knights are the best producer of NHL talent in the Canadian Hockey League, so naturally, the reigning OHL Champions’ top draft eligible is bound to get a look. In Brzustewicz, I see an intriguing defenseman. I like his physical profile, as he’s bulky while still maintaining good mobility. He wins battles, closes gaps, and displays strong stickwork. Overall, I see the foundation of a strong defensive defenseman. Additionally, he shows flashes of a strong offensive game. He’s gaining confidence with the puck on his stick and he’s finding ways to push play. I think he’s quite shaky under pressure with the puck, though. Also, I find his performances to be inconsistent. Brzustewicz offers an interesting physical and offensive dimension compared to his peers in this range, but it is a question of how much upside he can unlock. London will rely on him much more when Sam Dickinson inevitably leaves for San Jose, so this offseason will be crucial for Brzustewicz to improve his puck skills and game-to-game consistency.

C: #5 NHL D

P: #6 NHL D

F: Top-6 AHL D

Comp: Mario Ferraro

#53 - Matthew Gard

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’4/192 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Red Deer Rebels

Matthew Gard found himself in a tough position as a 17-year-old on the WHL’s 2nd lowest scoring team in Red Deer. He’s not the most talented, but his consistency and work ethic helped him become the team’s leading scorer amid an injury-plagued year for his teammates. Gard pairs his 6’4 frame with decent feet and very solid forechecking. He keeps his head up and makes smart, simple plays. I like his tenacity on the forecheck, the physicality is starting to come along, and he moves quite well. He has some skill, but he lacks a layer of dynamism and deception. He fights for position in front of the opposing goal and has good hand-eye to tip shots through on net. I like his positioning defensively, and think that added strength will go a long way for this player. I see a 4C projection with the potential to play 3rd line minutes, depending on if he can build on flashes of smooth puck play in the future.

C: NHL Bottom-6 C

P: NHL 4C

F: AHL Bottom-6 C

NHL Comp: Steven Lorentz

#54- Magomed Sharakanov**

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’1/205 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: Lada Togliatti (KHL)

On loan from Dynamo Moscow to a struggling Lada Togliatti organization, double-overager Magomed Sharakanov entered the season as a boy, and came out as a man. At his core, Sharakanov is a hilariously confident defenseman with a smooth stride and good puck skills. He likes using his skating to pinch, and he loves using his confidence to make plays with the puck. He doesn’t mind using his 6’1, 205 lbs frame to outmuscle guys, but prefers to use his skating and reach defensively.

Lada Togliatti needed more than an X-Factor, though, instead forcing Sharakanov into blooming as a stable, responsible defender at just 20 years old. The results were promising. Sharakanov’s mobility stood out, and he used his mind to become a playstopper and play a more anticipatory game as opposed to his usual aggressive, offensive game. He didn’t completely sacrifice his offensive game, which was most evident on the power play, but he proved that he could play a pro-style role when asked.

He wasn’t the KHL’s best defender, but the growth was notable. His mobility with a heavy frame is remarkable, as he can close gaps faster than most. His stick is pretty good, and I’m a fan of his retrievals. I do feel that he is still learning the defensive game at the KHL’s pace, though, and it’s not super rare to find Sharakanov caught flat-footed. I do think that there is a foundation set for a valuable NHL defender, though. He could use a few more years of experience to get more comfortable with the defensive side of the game and improve the details in his skating, but how often can you find a smooth-skating, heavy, skilled defenseman at this point in the draft? Any KHL defender who produces like Sharakanov with his size at his age goes on to have a lengthy, successful pro career, which could be more than most of the players in this draft will be able to say. The problem historically is bringing the player over for further development, but the fact that Sharakanov is represented by Gold Star Sports Management makes me think that the path is easier than you’d think.

I have trouble expecting Sharakanov to be a future top-4 defender, even if it would be sick to see him use his mobility and confidence at that level. More realistically, I see an X-Factor #5 defender who holds his own defensively, has potential to pop in on PP2, and can occasionally work magic and chip in offensively at 5v5. I’m sure a top-4 ceiling is possible, but to be honest, I have a hard time expecting a player like this to find the balance between aggression and anticipation at such a high level. Instead, I see an X-factor who will make things interesting in sheltered minutes and hold his own when he has to. Draft him, let him find his role with Dynamo Moscow (where he is returning next year), and bring him over when the time is right.

C: NHL Top-4 Defenseman

P: NHL #5 Defenseman

F: KHL Top-4 Defenseman (He’s already here)

#55 - Max Psenicka

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’5/185 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga/Czech U20) -> Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

A mid-season move to Portland from the Czech Extraliga was the right one for Psenicka. The 6’5 defender quickly adapted to the smaller ice, and ended up excelling. I love his mobility, as his feet move very well for a player of his size and helps him suppress the rush. He uses his long reach quite well, as his long stick breaks up plays. He has developed a penchant for the breakout pass, and he does a pretty good job of getting the puck up the ice. I don’t really see much offensively, but he has shown flashes of high-end thinking that he should continue to expand on to extend his NHL ceiling. He has plenty of room for muscle, and should focus on his physical development to become a more imposing presence without slowing himself down. It was a big year for Psenicka, and I’m hoping that, with more refinement, he becomes an impactful NHL defender. He has top-4 upside, but I think he’s more likely to land as an impactful #6.

C: NHL Top-4 D

P: NHL #6 D

F: NHL Depth D

NHL Comp: Jan Rutta

#56 - Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/181 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: University of Michigan

An average-sized defender with elite mobility, Rheaume-Mullen brings pro-level skating with an ability to read and control gaps. Overall, though, his game is quite simple and a lack of on-puck prowess will limit his upside. In his defense, playing as an 18-year-old with Michigan at the NCAA level is a tough task, and DRM is holding his own. I see a bottom-pair defenseman, but an effective NHLer nonetheless.

C: NHL #6 Defenseman

P: NHL #6 Defenseman

F: NHL #6 Defenseman

#57 - Tyler Hopkins

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/181 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Tyler Hopkins is an intelligent player with the tools to become a bottom-6 NHLer. He’s fast, with a long, powerful stride and quick feet. He’s smart, identifying areas where he can pickpocket opponents while also knowing his duties defensively. He has a crisp shot and fine playmaking ability, and he is a great forechecker. Hopkins lacks the consistent dynamism/creativity that I want to see displayed at this level, but he has strong ideas of how to manipulate opponents. His puck skills lag behind his IQ, and he is better suited for a role as a supporting centre who can finish plays and do his job defensively than he is as a play-driver. Hopkins has bottom-6 written all over him, and he has the tools and IQ to make it happen. If he can add more nuance to his offensive game, then the ceiling is even higher.

C: NHL 3C

P: NHL Bottom-6 C

F: NHL Depth F

#58 - Carson Cameron

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’2/194 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Peterborough Petes (OHL)

It’s hard not to appreciate what Carson Cameron brings to the table. The Peterborough Petes are in the middle of a rebuild, and Cameron arguably had the toughest job in the league last year, carrying a huge workload on defense at the age of 16. At 17, he has not wavered, continuing to be one of the few shining spots on a struggling Petes team. Cameron isn’t flashy. In Cameron, I see a smooth-skating defenseman who has learned how to manage constant offensive pressure. His ability on retrievals stood out to me, and his breakout passes are becoming a strength. Offensively, it’s clear that he has ideas, but his defense-first role with the Petes means that there is no one there to bail him out, and therefore he has had little ability to develop in this area. Cameron’s high-level defending and above-average skating paired with his reach will only become more valuable as he matures physically. Whereas with similar prospects in this draft, you’re hoping that they can become a #6, I think Carson Cameron will become a #6 at the NHL level. I don’t see much upside beyond that, but this is exactly the type of defenseman that a competitive team would want on their bottom pair. I attribute his static development on his situation, but think this only limits his ceiling rather than impacting his projection. Hopefully, as Peterborough improves, Cameron can prove that he can become a top OHL defenseman and become stronger with the puck on his stick.

C: #6 NHL Defenseman

P: #6 NHL Defenseman

F: #4 AHL Defenseman

NHL Comparable: Colin Miller

#59 - Arvid Drott

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’0/187 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)

I like the physical profile that Arvid Drott brings to the profile as a power forward, which he complements with quick feet. I like his shot a lot, but I’m trying to find nuance in his playmaking. I see a high-level north-south game, but it is hard to play the north-south power forward game at the NHL level, and although I like Drott’s physicality, I wonder if he can be strong enough as he matures while maintaining his speed. I do see the power forward projection, but I would project Drott as more of a crash-and-bang 4th-line winger. What will put him higher for me, though, are his flashes of high-level skill. I think there’s a non-zero chance he has it in him to become an impact top-9 forward, I’m just not completely sold yet.

C: 3rd Line NHL W

P: 4th Line NHL W

F: 3rd Line SHL W

NHL Comp: Bobby McMann

#60 - Daniil Prokhorov

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’6/218 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

6’6’ Daniil Prokhorov plays the game like a maniac, and NHL teams are going to love that. He plays like he has two instructions: Hit man, hit net. Prokhorov is a freak of nature, a beefy, violent winger who generates a ton of force on his skates, giving him a great base to build on his skating. He occasionally shows off a howitzer of a shot, which is an unstoppable tool on the rush, as Prokhorov barrels in.

Prokhorov, however, is super raw, and everything else is a work in progress. Ideas aside from crashing the net and absolutely destroying a kid are few and far between, although he occasionally pulls out a move on the rush that leaves scouts intrigued. I would say there is an absence of a playmaking game, not much in terms of an intelligent defensive game, and there is still a lot more details to be learned offensively… but I don’t think NHL teams will care. Prokhorov is easily projectable as a GM’s favourite, crash-and-bang winger with infinite confidence to wreak havoc. There’s enough there already that teams will be willing to plug him in on his current trajectory, and any further details to make him more effective on either end will just be a plus.

My big concern with Prokhorov is that NHL teams must recognize the first step to unlocking Prokhorov: Get him out of his current system. MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg is an afterthought, irrelevant for NHL success thus far, and they rarely send players to a full-time KHL role. I wrote a huge article about this regarding Leafs prospect Nikolai Chebykin, but so many MHL teams simply do not have a clear pipeline to the KHL, and as a result, the lack of focus on nurturing toolsy players like Prokhorov can leave them focusing on fighting for a professional role rather than focusing on NHL-relevant development. Dynamo Moskva pulls from MHK Dynamo Moskva, with MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg simply serving as an affiliate for the VHL’s (2nd tier Russian pro) Dynamo St. Petersburg.

There are two ways to solve this: Get bought by a bigger KHL program who will be more invested in long-term development, or go the CHL Import Draft route. The easiest Prokhorov comparable is Alexei Toropchenko, another 6’6 winger who was drafted from Dynamo’s neglected MHL affiliate who swiftly moved to the CHL to further his development. An NHL team will have to be confident that there is a path for Prokhorov to develop, and it will have to be away from the program he’s been with since he was 13. It’s easier to ask of him than it is to convince him, so my ranking reflects cautious optimism that he’ll make the jump, but not full confidence. Who knows, maybe I’ll come in here and gaslight everyone by moving him up the second he goes to a CHL team. Any team will love to have this freight train on their roster, it’s just about finding the right way to develop him.

C: NHL Bottom-6 Weapon

P: ??? (Depends on development route)

F: KHL Journeyman

NHL Comp: Alexei Toropchenko/Nikolai Chebykin

Tier 7 - That’ll Play

Mid-round options who I think will get a shot at filling in full-time roles at the NHL level. Mostly 4th line projections with the potential to develop into 3rd line options, or #6 defensemen who will need to develop all-around to project higher. I also included some of my personal favourite projects in this tier — guys with extremely valuable potential who are a ways away from achieving it.

#61 - Eddie Genborg

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’2/205 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Linkoping HC (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Not super hard to understand why people like Eddie Genborg. He’s a heavy, north-south power forward with good IQ and great physicality. He’s a good forechecker but lacks play-driving abilities. I see a potential future bottom-6 forward but I’m worried that he could plateau quite early due to his early physical maturation. I’d also like to see more explosiveness in his skating to aid his forechecking. He fights for position and he’s always giving the play his all, making life easier for his teammates and worse for his opponents, but the lack of upside makes me think that this is a 4th liner at best. Which is fine, but he still needs to improve the explosion on his feet to get there. Good option for a team looking to leave the draft with a depth piece that is playable in the near future.

C: NHL 4th Line W

P: NHL 4th Line W

F: SHL Bottom-6 W

NHL Comp: Brandon Tanev Lite

#62 - Jamiro Reber*

Position: C/LW
Height/Weight: 5’10/181 lbs
Nationality: Switzerland
2024-25 Club: HV71 (SHL)

Reber got passed over last year, as one of the youngest players eligible, and he took it personally. A stellar start to the year in the SHL, paired with a good performance on a weaker Swiss team, put him in the spotlight. His production has slowed down significantly, but the core elements are undeniable. Reber’s relentless energy, paired with his quick feet, has made him a menace on the forecheck. He’s constantly hounding for pucks, doesn’t mind fighting for position in the slot, and has a solid finishing ability. I have seen glimpses of Reber being able to skate effectively with the puck in his possession, and while it is not a consistent quality of his, I find it very promising to see this from a young player at this level. My one big concern with Reber is his lack of command down the middle. I feel as if this is a player who will have more success on the wing unless he finds a way to become more imposing at centre. I would love having Reber in my organization as a potential 3rd line-level winger who can hound the puck carrier as the primary forechecker. If he can play how he played to start the season consistently, this is a player who is closer to making an impact at the NHL level than you’d think. I would love if the 5’10 centre could develop more deception and more consistent playmaking, but if this is what he is, the energy and pro instincts are enough for me to consider him high.

C: 3rd Line NHL C

P: Bottom-6 NHL W

F: Top-6 SHL Winger

NHL Comp: Tyler Motte

#63 - Topias Hynninen*

Position: C/W
Height/Weight: 5’11/176 lbs
Nationality: Finland
2024-25 Club: Jukurit (Liiga)

I had Topias Hynninen ranked #49 last year after a solid season at the Finnish top flight, but GMs still overlooked the undersized forward. Hynninen took that personally. His breakout season in Liiga this year is the 4th most productive D+1 Liiga season in the last decade. Not only is Hynninen proving that he can compete against men, but he’s thriving, producing points while also maintaining great transition and forechecking numbers.

What jumps out about Hynninen is his speed and energy. He’s speedy and keeps his legs moving, always fighting for pucks. I think he could become a premier NHL forechecker, and he’s intelligent enough to make the right plays defensively. I like that Hynninen can make smart plays with pace, as this will be useful at the quicker NHL level. He’s an intelligent player with high-level off-puck play and positioning. I can’t help but think that Hynninen still has a level to unlock with his on-puck game. He shows high-level playmaking potential, but he’s still learning how to fully maximize it at the Liiga level. Nonetheless, it has translated quite well, and is a key factor in his breakout year. I think he has another layer of deception and handling ability in his arsenal, and I’m hoping more confidence will help with this. His shot is weak, but I’m hoping that will improve as he physically matures. Overall, this is a player that can become an energy forward, and I’m hoping that he hits his on-puck potential, as this would extend his ceiling. He’s a short guy, but I still think he has an NHL future thanks to his pace and motor. One thing I’ll note is that I do see his future at the wing, but perhaps his intelligence will have some teams try developing him as a centre (his natural position in junior).

C: Top-9 NHL W

P: Bottom-6 NHL W

F: Liiga All-Star

NHL Comp: Yanni Gourde/Tyler Motte

#64 - Tomas Pobezal

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’10/179 lbs
Nationality: Slovakia
2024-25 Club: HK Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)

I love what Tomas Pobezal is about. In Pobezal, teams are looking at one of the best energy forwards in the draft. Pobezal’s resume in the Slovak Extraliga has been impressive. He helped HK Nitra win the league in his D-1, becoming just the 2nd D-1 player in the league’s 40-year history to play more than 10 games in their team’s playoff run. This year, his production has put him in a class under Slovak legends Marian Gaborik and Marian Hossa, above NHL alumni such as Tomas Tatar, and alongside top-64 selections like Filip Mesar, Martin Misiak, and Adam Sykora.

I am greatly impressed by what Pobezal has done against men this season, but it should be noted that it is common for top Slovak players to play their DY in more established countries such as Finland (Slafkovsky), Canada (Honzek), Czechia (Panik), and Sweden (Dvorský). Still, I am always impressed when I see an undersized forward like Pobezal succeed against physically mature competition, and the Slovak Extraliga isn’t a beer league.

Pobezal’s energy is crazy. He’s a menace without the puck, relentlessly pursuing pucks, forechecking, backchecking, and overall just battling. I think he has a crisp shot that works well in tight spaces. He has extremely quick feet, although his skating mechanics could be refined. I like that Pobezal is capable of skating with the puck in his possession, and although I don’t see a huge rush threat yet, this confidence against men is necessary for him to make the next level. Pobezal lacks the next-level skills/creativity that you might want from a player with his production, but I’d also consider that this a player that has primarily played against men since 15/16 thanks to the Team Slovakia U18 program. Instead of relying on his skill as a smaller player, Pobezal has learned how to fight for his own space and get into the dirty areas to earn his pay. I don’t really see a high-level playmaker, but he can get the puck to his senior teammates after winning battles.

A lot of Pobezal observers will want him to come over to Kitchener of the OHL next year, as it is important to gauge if this is a player that has enough skill to be as good as someone like Yanni Gourde. I think he has enough command down the middle to stay at centre, but this is also a player who could be effective on the wing. If Pobezal can prove that he is consistently skilled enough to create plays while also remaining a menace to puck-carriers, he could become a highly-valued 3rd line option. As he is currently, I still see a Tyler Motte/Colin Blackwell-type player whose work ethic makes any team better.

C: Middle-6 NHL Centre

P: Bottom-6 NHL C

F: Depth NHL F

NHL Comp: Between Yanni Gourde and Tyler Motte

#65 - Bruno Osmanis

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5’11/170 lbs
Nationality: Latvia
2024-25 Club: IF Bjorkloven (Allsvenskan)

Osmanis caught the eyes of many during this year’s World Junior Championships as a standout player on the Latvian team that upset Team Canada before his tournament was cut short due to a scary eye injury. Osmanis has split the year between J20 and Allsvenskan, and I like what I see. I see a relentless forechecker with flashes of puck skill. He works super hard to battle and race for pucks, and when he gets the puck, he’s capable of finding high-level plays as a playmaker. At the junior level, I see a highly skilled forward, but I find that his ability to pair his skating and handling in motion is limited at the pro level. I see a high-level thinker, but his actual decision-making with the puck on his stick needs polishing. I’m a big fan of Osmanis, who could blossom into a middle-6 level player if he can project his on-puck game to the next level. Otherwise, I’d still love a puckhound like Osmanis in my bottom-6.

C: Middle-6 NHL W

P: 3rd Line NHL W

F: SHL Middle-6 F

NHL Comp: Tyler Motte

#66 - Harry Nansi

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’3/179 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Harry Nansi does not make sense. Sometimes, you’ll tune in and find a player that you can argue is one of the best playmakers in this draft class, with slick, creative passes paired with dangles and deception. If you catch Nansi there, you’ll see his 23 points in 67 games and have no idea what is going on. Most of the time, you’ll tune in and find a 6’3 workhorse, which explains the production, but doesn’t explain why he’s so high on some draft lists.

It’s hard to ignore Nansi’s tools. His creativity with the puck can be incredible, and this is the standout trait that brings him so high on my draft board. Every now and then, he pulls out a combination of puck skills and vision that blow your mind. Unfortunately, he is still figuring out how to consistently execute these moves, and his frequent attempts have made it harder for Owen Sound to give him big minutes. However, I don’t think there are many players in this draft who have the same ideas as Nansi, nor do they have the hands to execute them, so it’s a great base to build on. Nansi is a fierce forechecker, always playing with relentless effort, but his execution will need further refinement. Nansi is big and strong at 6’3, and has the foundation to be a reliable checker at the NHL level.

As stated before, there is much needed refinement in Nansi’s execution both on the puck and on the forecheck. Additionally, his shot should be a lot stronger, and his mechanics there must be refined. His skating is quite poor at this point, as he moves around almostly solely due to his hustle and raw power. An overhaul of Nansi’s stride could make him not only an unstoppable force away from the puck, but a more dynamic playmaker that can impose his will on defenders. I think Nansi could tighten up his puck skills further and he could use his stick better defensively, but I’m confident that these will come with time.

It’s just so hard to ignore what an NHL team can get with Nansi. He’s big, strong, hard worker which, in itself, already has great value if his stride can be cleaned up. Pair that with an unreal X-Factor in the form of his playmaking and creativity, and the package is impossible to ignore. Nansi, at worst, could peak as a 4th line grinder thanks to his work ethic and size. At best, this could be a Brandon Hagel-style player that ends up being the gritty but talented X-Factor in a playoff team. Nansi is built for the playoffs, not just to play, but to score. It will take many, many years of refinement, but an NHL team will throw all the resources they can at Nansi. At this point in the draft, you just have to take the shot. An NHL team will always have room for a guy who hustles like Nansi at 6’3, anything extra is gravy.

C: NHL Top-6 W

P: ???

F: AHL Bottom-6 W

NHL Comp: Brandon Hagel

#67 - Theo Stockselius

Position: W/C
Height/Weight: 6’3/196 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)

Stockselius is a skilled Swedish forward who plays a very junior-style game. He’s smart, but uses his intelligence to take his sweet time at the junior level and serve as an efficient connector for his talented linemates. He has puck skills, a crisp shot, and great playmaking. He has a strong stick and good reach which, paired with his intelligence, will make him a threat defensively. He has mastered the smart, simple play to find his teammates in good spots, and he finishes plays very well, whether it’s in front of the net or through his sharp shot. His skating is, frankly, really bad, as he lacks both power and mechanics in his stride. This is a serious limiting factor that must be addressed for him to reach the next level. He is very lanky, and will need to fill out his frame to become a more physical threat. He’s much better than he was to start the year, as he has clearly focused on improving his style of play mid-season. It will take a lot of effort, but he could one day become valuable at the pro level. I find it hard to bet against the intelligent, skilled, 6’3 forward. Stockselius could emerge as a 3rd line play-connector at the next level, one that is responsible but will provide value offensively and defensively. Whether his future is in the middle or on the wing is still unknown, but I wouldn’t mind him at the wing at the pro level. It will take a LOT of skating development, though.

C: NHL 3rd Line W

P: NHL Bottom-6 W

F: SHL Bottom-6 F

NHL Comp: Oskar Back

#68 - Jimmy Lombardi

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/179 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Flint Firebirds (OHL)

Jimmy Lombardi can be something of an enigma. Sometimes you check in, and he’s an intelligent, pro-style centreman with average size but good instincts and motor. Every now and then, though, he’s a highlight-reel machine who uses his creativity to dodge opposing sticks and undress players. Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine how these two will mesh together, but Lombardi showed flashes of a projectable off-puck game and an attractive on-puck game.

Away from the puck, the 6’ tall Lombardi keeps his legs moving and either attacks loose pucks or exposes opposing players by pickpocketing them. I like his reads defensively, I like that he keeps his legs moving, and I think his work with his stick is projectable to the NHL level.

On the puck, Lombardi is a gifted playmaker with great creativity. He doesn’t have the softest hands, but undresses opponents with his confidence and creativity, with 1-on-1 moves that come off as controlled chaos. He shows good deception with the puck on his stick, and his passes are creative and generally accurate. His shot is sharp, but he doesn’t utilize it as much as you’d want.

Lombardi comes with his fair share of concerns, though. For one, his skating breaks down easily at the end of a shift due to fatigue. He already has a will-powered stride and it just completely lets him down when he gets tired. His pace overall is already lacking, but I think his defensive game would hit a new level with better skating, and unlocked speed would give him the option to unlock a better on-puck game. With the puck, Lombardi is guilty of taking his time. Even though he has proven that he can force the play onto his opponents, he prefers to delay and take the time that the OHL allows him to take. Additionally, there is a lot more to be desired in terms of physical maturity, but I’m not super worried about that. Lombardi will mature and fill out his frame, which will aid his puck protection ability, strength in his shot, and overall power in his stride.

I am concerned about the inconsistency in Lombardi’s offensive game, but I think it is something that will resolve. Lombardi has the potential to blossom into one of the OHL’s top scorers, but the production didn’t reflect that this year. Lombardi’s messy, loose handles paired with his confidence to take on the 1-on-1 allows him to be easily neutralized at times. Lombardi might be able to clean it up enough to tear up the OHL one day, but for an NHL projection, I’d like him to focus on playmaking and using creativity as a secret weapon.

There’s a new level to be unlocked with Lombardi, and a lot of it relies on refined mechanics. Lombardi could emerge into a top OHLer, and he has the base of an energetic bottom-6 centre. His creativity could make him extremely valuable as an x-factor in the bottom-6, and, theoretically, he could emerge into something more than a bottom-6 guy. However, I find that unfair to expect right now. This is a project player who requires patience, but could be a valuable piece of an NHL team.

C: NHL Middle-6 C

P: NHL Bottom-6 C

F: AHL Middle-6 F

NHL Comp: Evan Rodrigues

#69 - Shamar Moses

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6’1/203 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: North Bay Battalion (OHL)

Moses is one of my favourite projects in this draft. He has a heavy shot, great puck skills, and high-level playmaking aided by his vision with the puck on his stick. There comes a point very early on in this draft where you just cannot find players with this level of ability with the puck. Despite the fact that he has the shot of a sniper, he’s more comfortable holding onto the puck, manipulating opponents, and finding his teammates in dangerous spots. His physical intensity is also extremely admirable, as he uses his strong frame to play a checking role and muscle opponents around.

There is a catch, though. I find Moses to be extremely raw. His feet are notably heavy, as he struggles to keep up with pace and use his strength to build speed. This limits him from pushing and creating chances off the rush, as well as in forechecking as he tries to use his great physique to smother opponents. I find this to be mostly a mechanical issue that will take time to fix, but I think it is fixable and can be turned into a strength thanks to the force that he generates with his legs. That in itself, though, is a project. I also find that Moses really struggles away from the puck. While he directs play with confidence on the puck, he is often caught coasting without it, as if he’s just waiting for the puck to get to him. Offensively, I need him to figure out how to become more of a threat and put himself in better positions overall without the puck, rather than fading to the background. Defensively, I think a lot of his woes will improve with improved skating, as he demonstrates good ideas, but struggles to execute as a physical forward due to his lack of pace.

A patient but engaged team could get a player in the mould of Tyler Toffoli. It’s high praise to compare Moses to a 30-goal scorer, but it speaks to my belief in Moses’ on-puck prowess and finishing ability. Moses lags behind the benchmarks that Toffoli set at this age, but I will give some grace to Moses and say that dedication to improving on his weaknesses will open up this level of upside. More realistically, an NHL team will be happy if Moses improves his skating enough to become a crash-and-bang NHL winger with flashes of offensive upside. His physicality is quite valuable, but I’m really hoping a team doesn’t let this type of on-puck potential go to waste. Either way, Moses is a long-term project, and could use the resources of an NCAA program to continue to hone his game.

C: NHL Top-6 F

P: NHL Top-9/AHL Top-9

F: Europe Standout

#70 - Bruno Idzan

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/194 lbs
Nationality: Croatia
2024-25 Club: KHL Sisak (AlpsHL) -> Lincoln Stars (USHL)

In Hustle (2022) starring Adam Sandler and Raptors legend Juancho Hernangómez, Sandler’s character finds a prospect playing street ball in Spain and the movie showcases the pair’s journey to making the NBA. If you asked me in October, that movie might as well have been about me using my Elite Prospects addiction paired with a total disregard for my university assignments as I scoured the web for statistical anomalies from this draft class around the world. In Croatia, the best player out of a Golden Generation of kids inspired by Medveščak Zagreb’s stint in the KHL had pretty much given up. He took a step back in the Swedish junior league in his draft year, went undrafted, and chose to sign in Croatia to play with his older brother Vito, effectively ending his NHL hopes.

That was the case, at least, until an 18-year-old Idzan tore up the AlpsHL, the 2nd highest level of professional hockey in Central Europe, with 21 goals in 19 games. When he hit 17 goals in 12 games, I took notice. Sure, the AlpsHL is pretty much the definition of a farmer’s league, but this is a kid who is clearly levels ahead of these grown men. Heck, he was already Croatia’s best player at the Senior level and was instrumental in the promotions of their U18, U20, and Senior teams at the IIHF level. A couple of weeks after I sent the first tweet out about Idzan being a legitimate 2025 NHL Draft prospect, Lincoln of the USHL came to the same conclusion. What followed was a brilliant year for Idzan, who put himself on the map for NHL teams by boasting the 2nd highest scoring clip among all regular USHLers.

Idzan isn’t just a Cinderella story, but he’s going to go down as one of the most interesting development case studies out there. Having to play away from home to have a shot at the NHL, Idzan flamed out after playing in 4 different systems in 2 different countries. The training abroad helped him, but it wasn’t until he lit it up at home that he earned a shot to light up the USHL, whereas a year before, he couldn’t carve out a consistent role in two separate Swedish systems.

Okay, enough narrative, here’s the stuff you’re looking for. What I like most about Idzan is that he actually has an identity, a role that could take him to the NHL level. He is a natural goalscorer, with a heavy shot no matter where he is. He is a threat with the puck, with both deadly goalscoring and crisp passing, but he also demonstrates great off-puck routes that allow him to sneak in and get wide open undetected. He is built quite well, isn’t afraid to use his body, and has pretty solid defensive instincts.

There’s always a catch, though, and with Idzan, I have a couple of big ones. For starters, his skating is legitimately Bad. Too choppy, too slow, it needs to be completely rehauled. It holds him back significantly, and it is actually very impressive that he performs the way he does in spite of it. There is power in his legs, he just needs to work on completely restructuring the way he skates. Also, Idzan is extremely prone to coasting. He can completely disappear, which is good for his sneaky scoring chances, but he’s often a non-factor in pushing play up the ice. I think improving his skating will help Idzan a lot in this department, but it means that there is a clear main focus for Idzan as he accesses all the resources he can get at the University of Wisconsin.

At his best, Idzan could develop into the Croatian Tyler Toffoli, a goalscorer with some skating issues who finds open ice and always finds a way to bury the puck. It’s an optimistic projection, and will require not just significant skating development, but also steady progression in his offensive game. More realistically, an NHL team will be happy if Idzan’s skating and engagement improves to the level that he can become a physical bottom-6 winger with a knack for scoring goals. Idzan has the potential to become Croatia’s greatest hockey player (sorry, Borna Rendulic), and an NHL team should be willing to give him all the resources he needs to get it done.

C: NHL Middle-6 F

P: ??? (Between NHL Bottom-6 and AHL Middle-6 depending on the skating progression)

F: Croatian NT Superstar

#71 - LJ Mooney

Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5’7/157 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

LJ Mooney is one of the most talented players in this draft. Mooney pairs high-level deception and creativity with blazing pace and sharp awareness. I find that he can both make space for himself or find open ice through dangerous off-puck routes. Mooney is a playmaker, and he often makes passes that few players have either the confidence, talent, or vision to connect. His shot is a threat too, as he is perfectly capable of finishing plays on his own.

There’s a lot to consider with Mooney, tough. The most discussed factor is his 5’7 stature. Mooney has the tools to play an impactful game at the NHL level, though, so although his height is a limiting factor, he is one of the most talented prospects to come through at this height, so I would be willing to take a swing here. My main worry actually isn’t shared by too many in this space, but I’ll mention it anyway. Mooney was taken out by an illegal knee-on-knee earlier this year, and it took him a while after returning to get back up to speed. There is something about Mooney’s style of play where he holds onto the puck to manipulate opponents that makes him more prone to contact in my opinion, as I see him as more calculated than slippery. A notable knee injury this year already wasn’t a great sign, and while most call it bad luck, it’s something I think will continue to come up as Mooney moves up to play bigger and stronger players. I honestly admire Mooney’s assertiveness, though, and think it sets him apart.

He does try a fair share of creative passes through bodies, so I’m curious to see how such plays translate to higher levels. If he can continue to execute such dangerous plays thanks to his high-level playmaking, then it will be extremely dangerous. If not, it will drive his coaches nuts until he tones it down.

Everything depends on how Mooney’s game translates to the next level, and he will have to continue workshopping his ideas to succeed against stronger competition. He could serve to get stronger technically in all areas to improve his odds of making the league at this size, but the path isn’t impossible as is. In my opinion, a reasonable projection for Mooney is that of someone like Rocco Grimaldi, the 5’6 forward who once scored 31 points for the Predators – inspiring short kings like yours truly worldwide – before remaining in the AHL as one of its best players. That is the comparable if Mooney has to tone down his game to play against the pros, but if Mooney can find a way to use both his pace and his deception against pro competition while avoiding injury, there is a dangerous player here. This is a draft where I would take the shot pretty early, but I have him ranked relatively low due to my injury concerns.

C: NHL Top-6 W

P: ???

F: AHL Star

NHL Comp: Bobby Brink/Rocco Grimaldi

#72 - Kristian Epperson*

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’0/185 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Epperson turned heads with a massive breakout year in Saginaw after going undrafted last year. He clicked almost perfectly beside top prospects Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov. Epperson is a fierce forechecker with a never-ending motor. He has solid tools, including a crisp shot and good passing.

It is impossible to ignore that he shares the ice with 3 top NHL prospects (Misa, Chernyshov, Parekh) at all times, and a lot of the manipulation/deception is usually done for him. Yes, Epperson has some skill of his own, but I find his puck skills to be loose and junior-style. His skating is lacking for a player with his motor-heavy game, and added mechanics would help him prove that he can push play with pace. This added skating ability is necessary for him to play his energetic style of play at the NHL level without size.

And yet, I find it hard to ignore that Epperson was able to play with those three stars, even if they made life easier for him offensively. Epperson put himself in the right spots and put the puck in the right areas for his talented teammates to take advantage of, proving to me that his mind can keep up enough with some high-octane players. I really like his defensive stick, as he is a menace to play against and has the strength to back it. He can make hits and he can pickpocket players, and he is dedicated to forechecking and backchecking. I think the offensive upside has been inflated, and maybe teams should prepare to watch this player without Misa, Parekh, and Chernyshov, but this can become a capable bottom-6 presence. Increased focus on skating is necessary, but the path is there.

C: NHL 3rd Line W

P: NHL Bottom-6 W

F: AHL Bottom-6 W

#73 - Charlie Trethewey

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’2/201 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

A big, right-handed defenseman, I can see the appeal with Trethewey. I like his habits defending the rush, he’s very physical, and he’s pretty mobile. I don’t like his on-puck game at all, but he’s developing better habits. I don’t really care for any “flashes” of skill from him, as I would rather see consistency from a defenseman of this profile, and I want him to feel comfortable looking for the right play. I see why he could be a #4 right-handed defender, but he will have to take many steps and hone his decision-making at Boston University before I can project him there. He will go higher thanks to his profile, but he will require a lot of patience and guidance.

C: #4 NHL Defenseman

P: #6 NHL Defenseman

F: #6 AHL Defenseman

NHL Comp: Justin Holl

#74 - Vojtěch Čihař

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’0/181 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: HC Energie Harlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga)

It’s hard to find a prospect that executes simplicity better than Vojtech Cihar. Cihar is a speedy winger who has earned his coaches’ trust at the Czech top flight. I see a player who is far from a playdriver, but rather a winger who can plug in as a reliable forechecker and connector. He doesn’t mind getting physical and his work ethic is admirable. However, he lacks high-end skills and plays with little creativity, which greatly limits his ceiling. Despite this, he’s having one of the most productive DY seasons in Czech Extraliga history. His solid shot, ability to battle men in front of the net, and relentless puck pursuit have helped him here, and I think they could help him to the NHL level. I see a bottom-6 winger whose lack of deceptiveness caps his ceiling there, but this is overall a safe pick for a player whose work ethic is attractive to any organization.

C: 4th Line NHL W

P: 4th Line NHL W

F: Czech League Top-6

NHL Comparable: Jakub Lauko

#75 - Conrad Fondrk

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/192 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: US National U18 Team

It’s been a tough year for Fondrk due to injury. He wasn’t able to take the lead on a weaker NTDP class, and every time he finds momentum, an injury takes him out. Here’s what I can tell though: Fondrk has demonstrated an ability to keep up with high-octane creators wih the NTDP, which I can appreciate. He supports his teammates well on the rush and he likes applying pressure on opposing players. I see an average player, though. He has quick feet but I think his pace will need to become a defining trait to snag an NHL role, but that will require improved mechanics. I think his puck skills are underrated, but it’s more like an occasional, flashy dimension than a tool he uses to create plays. He has a heavy shot and solid playmaking ability. I’ll come back to Fondrk, whose offensive tools show potential as a supporting cast centreman, but the injury issues are tough. He could be a decent NHL B6 C, and I value his demonstrated ability to keep up and actively support the flashier players.

C: NHL 3C

P: NHL Bottom-6 C

F: AHL Top-9 C

#76 - Ethan Czata

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/174 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)

A perfectly average centreman who does a fine job of complementing highly-touted prospect Ryan Roobroeck in Niagara. He’s intelligent on both sides of the puck, and I like the level of physicality that he brings to the game. I think he needs to improve the explosiveness in his skating, but he builds speed well after a few strides. He will need to incorporate more pace in his game to match the NHL level, but I like his dedication defensively and his vision offensively to make smart plays. I don’t see more than a 4C in this player, but I do think he will get games at the NHL level.

C: NHL Bottom-6 C

P: NHL 4C

F: AHL Bottom-6 C

#77 - Owen Martin

Position: C/W
Height/Weight: 6’0/183 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Owen Martin is detailed and dedicated. He is a fierce forechecker, always keeping his legs moving and his stick is always actively making his opponents miserable. He has very sharp, active defensive instincts which, paired with his work ethic, makes his off-puck game easily projectable to the NHL. I thought Martin did a good job of getting the puck to his talented, younger teammates in Mathis Preston and Chase Harrington in good spots. In Spokane, Martin is relied upon to do the dirty work while his linemates with more on-puck prowess do the rest. Martin doesn’t have great puck skills and he doesn’t pretend to be a dangler, but he can finish plays and is an intelligent playmaker. One thing I did like later in the year was that he is willing to be a lot more creative when it makes sense, and I was happy to see some creative plays in the playoffs bear fruit. Martin needs more explosivity and efficiency in his skating to support his diligent forechecking, and he could benefit from tightening up his puck skills. However, it is easy to see why Martin is a coach’s favourite, and he has the potential to make any team happy on their fourth line as a reliable grinder. Any development in his on-puck game next year will be gravy, and I would love to see him bulk and become more of a physical threat.

C: NHL B6 F

P: NHL 4th Line F

F: AHL Bottom-6 F

#78 - Alex Huang

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/161 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

Huang is an incredibly mobile defender with average size and inconsistent decision-making ability. He’s becoming more physical and he has good puck skill, which brings him up to bottom-pair upside with the potential to be a #5 thanks to his ability with the puck. I would like to see more consistency in his hockey IQ, but his shiftiness and mobility will be very handy once he gets more comfortable defensively. I do think he might need more focus on the details of his skating, but there is an outline of a mobile defenseman who can close gaps and retrieve pucks. Additionally, thanks to his ability with the puck and passing ability, he could be a #5 who can fill in on PP2, but that will take further refinement.

C: #5 NHL Defenseman

P: #6 NHL Defenseman

F: AHL Top-6 D

#79 - Tomas Galvas*

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 5’10/154 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: Bili Tygri Liberec (Czech Extraliga)

As a scout, you get a little alarmed when your #44-ranked skater goes undrafted. So, I re-evaluated my process, thought more about Galvas’ projectability rather than how much better he is than his peers, and adjusted accordingly… but he’s still in my top 100 in his D+1. The level of composure that Galvas plays with at the top Czech level is remarkable. His high-level mobility and confidence with the puck on his stick helped him become one of the most successful U19 defenders in Czech history. He still gets beat in some puck battles due to a lack of mass and he’s not immune from gaffes with the puck on his stick. However, the combination of intelligence, confidence, and mobility will take him to new heights (metaphorically) at the professional level. I like Galvas as a puck-mover, but I think he is guilty of playing it too safe at this level, probably because he’s one of the only players his age to ever have a prominent role on a contending Czech Extraliga team. I like that he can make quick plays with confidence in the offensive zone, but I feel as if he can use his puck possession ability and high-level skating to add more dynamism to his game. However, he is instead playing more like how he would play at the NHL level, and he’s doing a fairly good job. I don’t love the lofty point shots that he likes to take, but for him, it serves as a safer option than pushing up into play.

Obviously, Galvas’ 5’10 frame as a defender must be considered, and while it is difficult for a blueliner his size to make the league, it isn’t impossible. Only 13/298 defenders who have played a game in the NHL this year measure 5’10 or under, and it gives us a pretty good range of examples to work with. He’s not dynamic enough to be a Quinn Hughes/Lane Hutson-type mould, but the most optimistic of projections will point you towards Jared Spurgeon, the undersized Wild captain who has remained a high-level NHL defender for over a decade using his elite IQ and mobility. I think Galvas projects closer to the likes of Matt Grzelcyk or Troy Stecher, two of a handful of undersized defenders who have made a living as bottom-pair NHL defensemen with high-level mobility and puck-moving ability to overcome their lack of size. Perhaps Galvas doesn’t even need to look much further than his own country. Countryman Marek Židlický was drafted at age 24 (back when you could do that) after a breakout year in Finland, going on to play 800+ NHL games.

Perhaps what isn’t working in Galvas’ favour is his refusal to go to the OHL with Brampton, who hold his rights through the import draft. As someone who grew up in Brampton, I get it. Personally, I do value Galvas’ ability to compete against men, displaying his poise and mobility at a high level, more than I would value seeing Galvas rely on his raw tools to stat pad, especially given that he’s likely further along his development curve than his junior peers. Galvas turned many heads at the World Juniors. We already know how much better he is than his peers. The issue is, will his peers leave him behind as they develop? Or can Galvas prove that his intelligence and mobility are enough to become an NHL option? If a team gives him a chance, I think the second option is good value.

C: #5 NHL Defenseman

P: #5/6/7 NHL Defenseman

F: Czech National Team Defenseman

NHL Comp: Marek Zidlicky/Troy Stecher

#80 - Quinn Beauchesne

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/187 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Guelph Storm (OHL)

It’s not the easiest time being a young defender on the 2nd worst team in the league, but I thought Quinn Beauchesne made it work. I’m a fan of Beauchesne’s skating, as he moves around quite effortlessly with both power and agility in his stride. He saw a high volume of chances in his direction, and I thought he did a fine job of closing gaps and using his stick effectively. Beauchesne is an extremely aggressive defenseman whose focus is generally on the other end of the ice, though. He’s constantly thinking about how to move the puck up, and he’s pretty good at it too. Laser breakout passes and smooth pinches have bore fruit for Beauchesne this year. However, this style of play on a weaker team made for plenty of missteps, and it will worry some teams about how willing they are to play him. I think he will be fine, though. The skating lays the foundation for him to develop a more mature defensive game that will help him suffocate any player on the rush. I think more deception and tighter puck skills overall will really complement his on-puck aggression, and he could develop into a top OHL defenseman as Guelph gets better. On the path he’s on, I could see a player in the mould of Travis Dermott before his shoulder injury – someone who is highly effective in a sheltered role as a mobile defenseman. Beauchesne has potential to be an offensive threat in a sheltered role, but teams will want to see more from his defensive game first.

C: NHL #5 Defenseman

P: NHL #6 Defenseman

F: AHL Top-6 D

NHL Comp: Travis Dermott

#81 - Daniil Skvortsov

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’4/214 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: Guelph Storm (OHL)

Skvortsov is big, aggressive, and quite mobile. In a tough year for the Guelph Storm, I felt that, in his first season in North America, Skvortsov held his ground quite well. His feet move very well for his height, and he uses it to close gaps with ease and push up the ice. His size allows him to seal guys off, and he does a good job of using his reach. I find him quite raw, as he can find himself out of place and he can look quite uncoordinated, but he faced a high volume of chances against on a struggling team. I want to see more from Skvortsov with the puck, as I’ve seen flashes of fluidity and good ideas, but not a ton of execution. I think he’s already a good puck mover, but I want to see more consistent decision-making as he spends more time getting used to his new surroundings in Canada. There are quite a few tools here in his reach, aggression, and mobility, but it will take patience and refinement to get Skvortsov to his peak. There is a non-zero chance he becomes a top-4 defender, but I see him more likely to get minutes on a team’s bottom pairing.

C: NHL #4 D

P: NHL #6 D

F: AHL Top-6 D

NHL Comp: Yegor Zamula

#82 - Bryce Pickford

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/190 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Immediately, I have to acknowledge that Bryce Pickford has one of the sexiest point shots I’ve ever seen. Pickford’ laser sharp wrister from the blue line has made him the 2nd highest goalscorer in the playoffs for a Medicine Hat superteam that won the WHL Championship. He scored so much that he tied the record for most goals in a year for a defenseman in WHL Playoffs history.

Pickford is a strong, two-way defenseman. He closes gaps well on the rush, using his mobility and strong stick well. Pickford moves the puck well, and doesn’t do anything too fancy with it, sending crisp passes to his teammates. I think his breakout passes are getting better and better, and will continue to develop into a point of strength. He’s not afraid to get physical and has the muscle to back it up, even if his 6’ height isn’t the most intimidating.

I think Pickford could be more agile, as this would greatly help him improve an already solid defensive game. Additionally, I sometimes worry about his play under pressure, but I also don’t think this is a huge deal. The elephant in the room, though, is that defensemen simply don’t make the league because of their goalscoring ability. Every aspect of Pickford’s game will need to continue to improve to boost his NHL odds, and having a great shot is just gravy on top. A good shot is usually only prioritized on the power play for defensemen, and Pickford will need to prove that he’s good enough at everything else to merit a chance on special teams.

If his skating continues to progress, it’s hard not to see a little bit of Brandon Montour in Pickford, but Montour’s development is an outlier and can’t be the expectation. I think a team picking Pickford will be extremely satisfied with a Colin Miller projection – a smooth-skating, all-around defenseman who happens to have a howitzer of a shot.

C: NHL #4 Defenseman

P: NHL #6 Defenseman

F: AHL Top-6 Defenseman

NHL Comp: Colin Miller

#83 - Luca Romano

Position: C/W
Height/Weight: 5’11/176 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

At 5’11 and 176 lbs, Romano is light, and he’s not a highlight reel player. Instead, Romano has turned heads with his relentless hustle and projectable play. I like Romano’s play in tight, which I think will translate well to the professional level. He has a crisp shot and good vision for playmaking. Romano’s skating is solid, but I would like to see a bit more speed off of him to support his pacy play. I see a fierce forechecker who isn’t afraid to dig for pucks, but I would like to see him add more muscle. His off-puck game is admirable and his engine is always running. The lack of dynamic offensive ability despite his tools makes me struggle to project him high, but this is a player who has the potential to become a 3rd line forward in my opinion. For a better projection, I want to see more puck skills as he blossoms into a dynamic threat at the OHL level. For now, I see a play-connector and fierce forechecker at the NHL level.

C: NHL 3rd Line F

P: NHL Bottom-6 F

F: AHL Bottom-6 F

NHL Comp: Evan Rodrigues

#84 - Ashton Schultz

Position: W/C
Height/Weight: 5’11/181 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Chicago Steel (USHL)

Schultz is a detailed winger with flashes of high-level skill. His work ethic, mobility, and hockey IQ makes him extremely difficult to play against. He is dedicated to the forecheck and the backcheck. He has a good stick and breaks up plays quite well, and has demonstrated both intelligence and tenacity on the forecheck. He’s quick and demonstrates flashes of confidence and skill with the puck, occasionally dangling and dekeing opponents. I like his complementary game, as he has good IQ and good playmaking skill to find his teammates in dangerous spots. He isn’t afraid to get physical, even if his 5’11 frame means he isn’t the most imposing presence.

I like Schultz’ mobility, as he has good control of his feet and quick skating. However, to take the role he will need to fight for in the NHL, I want him to get even more agile and even more powerful on his feet. He will need to add more strength, which will help make his shot and defensive stick more dangerous and also help him battle against bigger, stronger players at the next level. I want him to keep working on tightening up his puck skills to match his creativity. He is headed to UND this fall, and he will be forced to pick his spots for creativity wisely at the NCAA level. I think there is potential for a valuable bottom-6 player with flashes of offensive upside, and he has the potential to grow into a top NCAA player in the meantime.

C: NHL 3rd Line W

P: NHL Bottom-6 W

F: AHL Top-9 W

NHL Comp: Evan Rodrigues

#85 - Owen Griffin

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’10/172 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Owen Griffin ticks some personal preference checkboxes for me. He works his tail off, he got noticeably better as the year went on, and he stepped up big time in the playoffs. Griffin has amazing instincts away from the puck, and this stood out to me in the playoffs. Defensively, he works relentlessly, whether it’s on the forecheck or supporting his defensemen down low in his own end. Offensively, I thought he excelled as the glue to support two talented linemates in Colby Barlow and Noah Powell. Griffin pretty much always knows where he needs to be to find/create space or to support his teammates. With the puck, it’s like he always knows where his teammates are and he finds them with ease. He excels at making the quick play, but I’ve seen him make some great passes to find his teammates in dangerous spots. I find that his shot has become a solid weapon, he has decent shot selection, and he does a great job of finding space in front of the net while his puck-dominant teammates do their thing. I think his puck skills and creativity lag behind what you expect from a 5’10 forward with his production, though, and it would be nice to see him show off some of that next year. I really appreciate that Griffin’s skating is getting better, but I would love to see even more agility and power from him to get to the NHL level. He is already fighting an upwards battle at his size, but I think Griffin can become a reliable bottom-6 player at the NHL level. He is proving that he can support two talented wingers at an elite level, but I also think he will be a reliable 4th liner in the mould of Colin Blackwell if the offense doesn’t shine through.

C: NHL Bottom-6 C

P: NHL 4C

F: AHL Middle-6 C

NHL Comp: Alex Kerfoot

#86 - Aron Dahlqvist

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’4/187 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Brynas IF (SHL/J20 Nationell)

It’s hard not to be intrigued by Aron Dahlqvist, who is a smooth-skating, violent defenseman with a 6’4 frame. There really aren’t that many defensemen at Dahlqvist’s size who move like him, and that stood out to me immediately. This, paired with his reach, allows him to close gaps and stop plays in their tracks. His main priority often isn’t to stop plays using his stick, though, as Dahlqvist lives for lining up hits and obliterating his opponents. He loves throwing his body around, will always defend the crease, and gets his shots in after the whistle. Additionally, Dahlqvist has confidence with the puck and isn’t afraid to hold onto it, which lays the foundation for a player that could succeed at the NHL level.

The downside of this poise with the puck is that Dahlqvist can be quite overconfident. He is picked off quite easily, due to his loose handling and penchant for doing a little too much. This can be ironed out, though, and Dahlqvist has showed that he can make the simple, smart play with consistency. The fact that Dahlqvist doesn’t just throw the puck away puts him a step above the majority of stay-at-home defenders, who have already been conditioned to treat the puck like a grenade.

I think Dahlqvist has work to do to fully harness his tools, as he doesn’t take full advantage of his skating/size combination. More coaching will be necessary to bring his defensive game to the highest level, but it will be hard for NHL teams not to bite on this project. Every team wants a big, violent defenseman, so how about one who can actually skate? Dahlqvist will continue to add more muscle, and I will look to see him take a role in the SHL. However, players like this can plateau, and there’s no guarantee that he even makes the SHL full time, so… baby steps.

C: NHL #6 D

P: NHL #7 D

F: Allsvenskan Top-4 D

#87 - Michal Svrcek

Position: LW/C
Height/Weight: 5’10/176 lbs
Nationality: Slovakia
2024-25 Club: Brynas IF (SHL/J20 Nationell)

Seeing Svrcek emerge into a waterbug of a forechecker at the SHL level was extremely admirable this season. Svrcek is undersized at 5’10, but plays with blazing speed that made Brynas trust him with consistent time in the SHL playoffs. I love the pace that he brings to the game, always firing on all cylinders, but his stick must become stronger and his forecheck must become more calculated to fully harness this ability.

For an undersized forward, Svrcek lacks the offensive firepower that is generally expected, but he displays intelligent playmaking in stride and he has admirable off-puck routes. However, a lack of dynamism and a weak shot will hold him back. I know he has creativity, but they are not displayed as much as I’d like, and he needs to learn how to consistently handle the puck in speed and through pressure.

Being the Swedish Paul Byron can be a tough sell, as many players in this mould will simply stay in the SHL, with NHL teams unwilling to bring them over without more offensive upside at this height. However, I think Svrcek is zippy enough that I’m waiting to see if his creativity catches up to his speed, and more confidence now that he has started to gain the trust of the staff at Brynas might unlock a new gear out of this player. Svrcek could plug in as a bottom-6 NHL forward one day if he displays enough with the puck on his stick, or he will float somewhere between an NHL depth option and an SHL regular.

C: NHL Bottom-6 F

P: NHL Depth F

F: SHL Top-6 F

NHL Comp: Paul Byron

#88 - Reese Hamilton

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’1/170 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Regina Pats (WHL)

The good news for Reese Hamilton is that he’s not just one of this draft’s best skaters, but he might already be one of the better skaters in hockey. His mechanics are pretty much flawless, his mobility is impeccable, and his skating overall just looks effortless. For many, this already puts him at an NHL level in a crucial trait, and he came into this year as a highly-touted prospect. The bad news, though, is that nothing else has really come together the way many expected.

Offensively, Hamilton was a non-factor with Calgary to start the year, and an increased role with the struggling Regina Pats didn’t bear much fruit either. He has shown flashes of good playmaking, but more often than not sends bad passes and makes poor reads overall. His shot isn’t really a factor either, as he rarely shoots, and when he does, it isn’t that crisp. This is a player who could make space using his mobility, but didn’t display any of that this year.

Defensively, Hamilton’s skating gives him the potential to be the WHL’s most feared play-killer. Instead, I find that Hamilton is almost guaranteed to leave an inch too much of room. He isn’t afraid to lay the body, but I really do need the focus to be on using him mobility to become an elite rush defender. He needs to improve his reads overall and his understanding of how to best play a defensive game. I also think gaining more strength and having a stronger stick as a result will help him become more imposing.

Where can you find a guy with an NHL-level skill in this draft outside of the first round? Or the second? Hamilton leaves a lot to be desired, but at some point, you have to consider that he has one of hockey’s most important traits to build around. Coaching and physical development should give him the opportunity to become a very useful bottom-pairing defender, but fighting from a step behind on reads will cap his ceiling there. I’d take the bet higher than most, but there’s a lot of work to be done.

C: NHL #6 D

P: NHL #6 D

F: AHL Top-6 D

Tier 8 - The Other Guys

Long-shot projections mixed in with my favourite depth projections. I had, like, 25 guys who I thought about putting in this tier.

#89 - Viktor Klingsell

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5’10/187 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Skellefteå AIK (J20Nationell/SHL)

Watching the highlights, it’s not hard to understand the hype with Klingsell. On his A game, this is a player who I greatly enjoy watching. He’s a smooth, skilled, but patient and calculated forward. He has some inconsistent efforts, but it is clear that Klingsell should be in the conversation as one of the most offensively inclined of his peers. He has high-level vision and playmaking ability, paired with smooth hands and a breezy stride.

There’s a few red flags, though. The biggest one is that, at 5’10, Klingsell isn’t a pacy player at all. His stride is smooth, but he doesn’t play with the pace needed to entice NHL teams into playing him. At the NHL level, you need to make the right play, fast. There’s less time, and time is what Klingsell takes at the junior level. It’s also hard to justify picking a small player like this high when he isn’t dominant AND he isn’t a high-end forechecker, which is usually what teams want from their smaller players. Klingsell is prone to fading into the background at the club level, and I really want to see more consistent performances and engagement from him. I get worried about a Junior-style of hockey from him, and he will need to find a way to succeed at the next level for me to buy into the hype.

I think I’m underselling how good Klingsell can be, though. His puck skills can be mesmerizing, and he has pro-level vision to elevate his teammates and drive play. Klingsell’s strengths are mostly prevalent at the International level, though, and I need to see these high-end traits consistently on a game-to-game basis, especially at the U20 level. Klingsell plays like he sees a lot of Jesper Bratt in himself, which is a funny way for me to name his NHL comparable, but it’s true. In his high-level poise, smooth puck skills, and top-tier playmaking, Klingsell could draw comparisons to Jesper Bratt. What Klingsell is missing, though, is one of the best parts of Bratt’s game: Elite skating and pace of play. As is, Klingsell could become a 3rd line winger supporting a north-south forward on his line, but it’s really hard to convince a coach to play a 5’10 playmaker in the bottom-6 without high-level forechecking. Instead, Klingsell will need to work extensively on his agility to succeed at the SHL level, which could potentially catapult him to a career as a top-line NHL winger. It’s a lot to ask, though.

C: NHL Top-6 Winger

P: NHL 3rd Line W/SHL Star

F: SHL Top-6

NHL Comp: Outline of Jesper Bratt

#90 - Ivan Ryabkin

Position: LW/C
Height/Weight: 5’11/209 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) -> Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Last year, Ryabkin put himself into conversations with future NHL stars Ivan Demidov and Matvei Michkov, as he had the 2nd most productive D-1 year in MHL history. Ryabkin’s ability with the puck on his stick was crazy, and he was for sure primed to be one of Russia’s biggest stars. This year, though, has been rough. He fell out of favour with Dynamo Moscow, and while he’s put up good numbers since moving to Muskegon of the USHL, I don’t see it… at all. I don’t see a player who is motivated and displaying his best abilities. I see a player who is heavy, slow, disengaged… sorry, this is getting rude, but it’s because I think he has so much more to offer. The only way I can justify his performances this year is if he is tanking to play with Ovechkin in Washington or Kucherov in Tampa.

Ryabkin’s production has come mostly in front of the net on the power play in the USHL. I know he’s a talented playmaker, and I know he has the puck skills to be electric, but he’s not. He’s slow, rarely engaged, and way too nonchalant. I just haven’t seen any improvement in his feet this year, and a lack of progression is a really bad sign. An NHL team should pick him knowing that he’s a wildcard that they will need to really reign in. I have concerns about his fitness and mentality (entirely based on his on-ice play), but there is a real player in here somewhere. An NHL team picking him high will be hoping for a wild-card like Kuznetsov, but there is a high chance that, at this rate, Ryabkin won’t even be a KHL star. With the right surroundings, Ryabkin can still be a top-9 winger. It will take great leaps in his mobility and motor, but he can be a threat to find teammates. I don’t see a future for him at centre, but he can develop into a useful 3rd line offensive winger. It will take a lot, though, and I have not seen anything that convinces me this is likely.

C: NHL Top-6 Winger

P: KHL Top-6 W

F: KHL Washout

#91 - Anthony Allain-Samake

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’0/165 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

In a draft full of safe depth options, it’s exciting when you find a project pick that could be available quite late. Allain-Samake has taken one of the more untraditional paths in this draft class. He’s gone from U18 AAA, to NCDC, to the USHL in the last 3 years, unconventional for a Canadian. No NCDC defender has ever made the NHL, but many think that AAS could be the exception. There’s a few things going his way. He’s very raw, but he has one of the latest birthdays in the draft class. He has amazing mobility, with great skating form and quick feet. He is developing confidence with the puck (even if the plays don’t always work out), and a great understanding of how to break up plays on the rush. I think he will benefit from physical maturity to get a more imposing body as a defenseman and a much stronger stick overall. Strength will give power to a shot that has been a non-factor and more zip to his passes. I like his ideas, and the high-level thinking is there, but I feel as if he needs more time at this level to make the right decisions at the pace he can play at. Instead, he is projected to go to UConn this fall, which will be great for his development, but I wonder how he will adjust to his fourth step up in as many years. There’s a lot of refinement needed, but he could become an impact bottom-pairing defender. It will just take a lot of patience and maybe some proactivity from the team that drafts him.

C: NHL Top-6 D

P: ???

F: Europe

#92 - Jacob Rombach

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’6/209 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Lincoln Stars (USHL)

Rombach is 6’6 with fairly quick legs, and that goes a long way for me. He seems quite aware of his defensive responsibilities and I can easily see this guy becoming a stay-at-home defenseman. He has a strong stick and smothering defense at the USHL level. I need more confidence from him with the puck on his stick for him to be a legit option at the NHL level. Rombach must get more comfortable making split-second decisions consistently. His stride needs to get better, as although he has the legs to set him up for success, it does not always give him great mobility and control. He has the canvas of a valuable #6 NHL defenseman, but it will take a lot of development to get him there. Luckily, he will get time at the University of Minnesota, where he will have plenty of resources to become better overall and reach his NHL potential.

C: NHL #6 Defenseman

P: NHL Depth D

F: AHL Top-6 D

#93 - Lev Katzin

Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’8/176 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Guelph Storm (OHL)

Lev Katzin is a little ball of energy, fun, and chaos. The NCAA rule change allowed Katzin to ditch a slow start in Green Bay to take on a big role in Guelph. 15 points in his first 8 games put him on the map, and he ended up having a great season in Guelph topped off by a top-10 points finish at the U18 WJC.

Katzin has above-average puck skills, with a fine shot and great playmaking ability. He’s a treat to watch, and he’s one of a limited number of junior scorers who is actually willing to take the play to his opponents. I like the relentless pace he brings with and without the puck. He bounces off of anything moving and works to make life difficult for every one of his opponents.

There are obviously a few concerns, though. He is quite small at 5’8, which already limits his chances at the NHL. He is an agile skater, but the mechanics need work, as he requires more explosiveness and an overall more efficient stride to fully harness his pace. I like his playmaking, but I think it suffers in speed, but looks really good when he’s more stationary. His shot is weak, and he had a tough time finding a way to make an impact in the defensive zone this year.

There were nine NHLers with a height of 174cm or lower who played full-time in the NHL last year. Katzin isn’t a dominant on-puck presence, and he isn’t an elite skater, which are both crucial for a player of his size to succeed. However, his elite aggression/edge and a relentless motor paired with flashes of creativity open up an avenue for him. He has an outside chance of forcing his way through the ranks like a Conor Garland to become a legit top-9 presence, and a much better chance of improving his skating and becoming a relentless hustler like Colin Blackwell and Blake Lizotte. If he can put his skill and edge together at centre enough to become a Yanni Gourde, an NHL team would be absolutely ecstatic. He’s a long-shot, but Katzin will have all the resources at Penn State to improve his odds. More likely is that he becomes an AHL/Europe league star, but I’m willing to see the value here.

C: NHL 3C (Yanni Gourde)

P: AHL Star

F: AHL Top-6

#94 - Mateo Nobert

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’0/168 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Nobert is a detailed player with good vision and a well-rounded toolbox. He is a deceptive playmaker and has pro-style traits as a centre. I thought he put a lot of effort into developing a responsible, diligent defensive game this year. However, a lack of strength has impacted many facets of his game. His stick could be a lot stronger, which would help his defensive game and his shot offensively. His skating is effort-based, which allows him to pick up speed in bursts, but his lack of explosiveness holds those bursts back. He is willing to be physical, but a stronger frame would help his projection there. Overall, this could be a bottom-6 C with the right development, but I want to see more.

C: NHL B6 C

P: NHL Depth C

F: AHL Top-9 C

#95 - Melvin Novotny

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/187 lbs
Nationality: Sweden
2024-25 Club: Leksands IF (J20 Nationell)

Novotny has a great understanding of the game from a support perspective, which will serve him well at the professional level. His routes are deceptive, he has confidence with the puck, and he has a strong release. He retrieves the puck and gets it to his teammates, and he has solid reads defensively. His playmaking is inconsistent at times, and I’m still trying to figure out if he’ll be a physical presence at the next level. His mobility is intriguing, but his skating stride holds his speed back big time. With refinement, this could be a solid 4th line option, but I’m not 100% sold. Still worthy of a pick to see how he develops in Sweden.

C: NHL Bottom-6 F

P: SHL Top-6 F

F: SHL Bottom-6 F

#96 - Luka Radivojevic

Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 5’10/168 lbs
Nationality: Slovakia
2024-25 Club: Orebro HK (SHL/J20 Nationell) -> Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Radivojevic is an extremely mobile, talented, and intelligent transition defenseman. I’m not sold on him in either zone, though. He has talent, but hasn’t demonstrated a game-breaking offensive ability at the USHL level. Still, he’s a very good puck distributor. Defensively, although he is quite mobile and shows signs of feistiness, he is still figuring out how to be effective in his own zone. Radivojevic is extremely talented, but a lack of size and a lack of elite offensive upside caps his ceiling, in my opinion. There is potential for a legitimate NHL defender here, but I see him panning out more like Mac Hollowell, an undersized transition specialist who spent the bulk of his time in the AHL.

C: NHL Top-6 D

P: NHL Depth D

F: SHL Top-4 D

#97 - Mason Moe

Position: C/LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/185 lbs
Nationality: USA
2024-25 Club: Madison Capitols (USHL)

Mason Moe is a detailed, fluid-skating forward who puts on good pressure. He has flashes of creativity, but don’t see consistent execution. He’s strong and has a decent toolset including a sharp shot, but lacks high-end dynamism. He is an intelligent player and did really well supporting Ryker Lee this year. I think he has the layout to become a bottom-6 forward, although a lack of a standout trait means he needs to consistently develop every part of his game at the University of Minnesota to reach the next level. More quickness and overall pace in his game will do him wonders as well.

C: NHL 4th Line F

P: NHL Depth F

F: AHL Bottom-6 F

#98 - David Lewandowski

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/176 lbs
Nationality: Germany
2024-25 Club: Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Lewandowski is a physically mature player with strong hands and a solid toolbox. He has good puck control and flashes of deceptiveness. His shot is a legitimate threat, with both strength and accuracy. His shot is heavy, but so are his feet, and a lack of agility will really hold him back. He could be a fine complementary player at the professional level, but I worry that he is too far down his physical development curve, as he already looks like a man playing against boys in the WHL. Significant skating work is needed, but he has the offensive, defensive, and physical tool set to play a bottom-6 role in the NHL.

C: NHL Bottom-6 W

P: NHL Depth W

F: DEL Star

#99 - Owen Conrad

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 6’3/209 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Charlottetown Islanders (OHL)

Conrad has all the parts to be an effective bottom-pair shutdown defenseman at the NHL level. He’s tall, mobile, calm, and intelligent. Unfortunately, I do find him too calm, to the point that he looks sluggish. He plays too nonchalant for my liking, and I’d like to see him develop a voluntary sense of urgency that he can turn on. He plays a very reactive game, whereas I want him to be more active. He also doesn’t have the juice with the puck on his stick, despite playing with confidence and poise. There’s a player here, and I would draft him, but I’d love to see more.

C: NHL #6 Defenseman

P: NHL Depth D

F: AHL Top-6 D

#100 - Tomas Poletin

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’1/205 lbs
Nationality: Czechia
2024-25 Club: Pelicans U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

A pro-style winger, Poletin pairs a remarkable work ethic with great defensive instincts. His stick is strong and he is great at making the simple, smart play to advance play in transition. I think his offensive tools are too simple, his skating is a little awkward for a guy whose strength is forechecking, and he overall lacks a gear of dynamism required to become a standout player. He protects the puck well, and has decent size at 6’1. Additionally, he’s always battling for pucks and getting himself in front of the net. More importantly, at just 17, he consistently won these battles. This is a player who will definitely become a long-term pro. Poletin is a prospect who I would want in my organization to one day round out my bottom-6, but would greatly benefit from more layers offensively. Still, an NHL team will consider that he’s only a few tweaks away from taking minutes on an entry-level deal.

C: NHL 4L W

P: NHL Depth W

F: Liiga Bottom-6 W

2026 Breakout Candidates

Three guys who didn’t crack my top 100, but I think are worth highlighting, as they could have some huge seasons next year and put themselves on the map.

Zachary Morin

Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6’2/174 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

Zachary Morin knows it’s time to lock in. Morin is one of the more gifted players in this draft class. His vision, puck skills, shot, and playmaking all project him as an impact player in the NHL. However, a lack of pace and engagement paired with an overall nonchalant style of play has plagued him for years now. He could be a middle-6 forward, but the NHL is so much faster than the Q, and Morin needs to prepare himself for this. Morin has pledged to play with edge, and has acknowledged his tumble down the ranks as a wakeup call. He did well when he moved from Youngstown to Saint John, but slumped heavily after the Sea Dogs traded Eriks Mateiko. Will we see a new, improved, and more engaged Morin next year, as he seeks to become a power forward in the Q? Well, there’s a point in this draft class where there’s not much else you can do but believe him, and I would probably bite earlier than most.

Makar Fomin

Position: LHD
Height/Weight: 5’11/165 lbs
Nationality: Russia
2024-25 Club: Severstal Cherepovets/Almaz Cherepovets (KHL/MHL)

Fomin impressed me in his cup of coffee in the KHL. He’s a very mobile, confident defender who uses his skating and puck skills to be dangerous even at the KHL level. He is undersized and gets exposed defensively, but he is progressing in this area of learning how to use his skating and stickwork for better defense. He’s a solid 50 lbs away from his only NHL comparable in Dmitri Orlov, but his confidence is beyond his years, and he’s a rare player in this part of the draft with upside.

Kieren Dervin

Position: C
Height/Weight: 6’1/183 lbs
Nationality: Canada
2024-25 Club: St. Andrew’s College (Canadian HS) -> Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

I thought Dervin looked like a pro as soon as he stepped into the Frontenacs’ lineup out of St. Andrew’s College, not what I tend to expect from a guy stepping in out of high school. I’m excited to see what he does in Kingston next year, as I’m a fan of his size, mobility, and intelligence combination.

Closing Thoughts

This guide is horrifyingly long. If you made it down here, even if you just skimmed down, thank you! I love what I do, and I do it for free. Please feel free to send me a text or leave a comment if you want to discuss anything about this draft, I’m always down.

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