Time is ticking on the 2025 NHL draft class. Regular seasons are coming to a close, playoffs are coming up, and the U18 international tournament is on the horizon. Scouting staffs are going into overdrive getting in the last viewings before they have to make their final lists in preparation for the 2025 NHL Draft.
A general assessment of this draft class sees some level of certainty amongst the top 10-15 players who will be taken in the first round. There will be some variation in the order of that group amongst prognosticators, but the names should all look the same. Where this draft class gets interesting, and where predicting order of selection gets more blurry, is in the second half of Round 1.
Once we approach the midway point of the opening round, the number of players who could get picked opens up greatly. This trend isn’t uncommon, but it usually starts later than the midway point. Some say that proves this is a mediocre draft class, and while that may prove to be true, a wide-open segment that starts earlier allows more teams to lean towards drafting for need as opposed to the best player available. When that happens, there’s less pressure to push the player forward, leaving more room and time for a patient developmental plan.
While some may be down on the depth of skaters this draft class has to offer, the goaltending situation looks bright. There are a number of options who are playing in Europe this year, while a host of others have dotted the North American landscape. Because of his size, I still believe WHL Prince George netminder Josh Ravensbergen will be the first netminder off the board, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see as many as three goalies go in the opening round. Surely, some of that will depend on how many teams have multiple picks, and which teams have those picks.
There are a number of interesting questions in regards to this draft class. After Matthew Schaefer, who will be the next defenceman off the board? Despite being injured for most of the season, will Schaefer indeed go first overall?
Speaking of injury, will Roger McQueen have enough time to prove he is medically fit to earn a position back inside the top five of this draft class?
Sticking with the injury theme, where will Carter Bear end up? He was on a steep trajectory moving inside the top 10 when his season came to a close thanks to an Achilles injury. I believe he’ll maintain a top 10 position, but there is a cautionary tale with that injury. Thinking back to the 2019 draft, Vegas picked Peyton Krebs 17th overall after sustaining a similar injury. In-season, Krebs was thought to be a top 10 prospect, slid back at the draft, and has struggled to find his stride almost 300 games into his NHL career.
And how will the smaller, gifted forwards be handled by NHL teams? Who emerges from the pack? Where do they get picked?
What about the CHL/NCAA situation? How, if at all, will that dynamic impact the draft?
Will the signing period for CHL players remain at two years or will the time period extend to four years, as it is with players picked out of the NCAA? Will NHL teams have this information before the draft in Los Angeles?
Will the NCAA bend on whether or not signed players can participate in NCAA hockey, or will all professionally signed players have to remain in their respective junior leagues or the AHL?
At this point there seems to be more questions than answers. In the meantime, here are my March draft rankings.
No. 1: Matthew Schaefer, D, 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL)
Continues to rehab and will be re-evaluated in early April. He probably doesn’t have to play another game this season to maintain this spot, but there will be interest in seeing him if Erie is able to extend its playoff fortunes.
No. 2: Michael Misa, C, 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Has definitely lived up to the Exceptional Player Status reputation. As of writing, he’s tied for the CHL lead with 126 points, and second in the CHL with 59 goals. He’s having a season for the ages with a little time left to hit the 60-goal milestone.
No. 3: Caleb Desnoyers, C, 6-foot-2, 178 pounds, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Continues to impress with his professional approach to the game. He’s the type of player a coach can trust in any situation.
No. 4: James Hagens, C, 5-foot-11, 177 pounds, Boston College (NCAA)
Playing NCAA hockey this season has proven that he can still excel against bigger, stronger competition. He needed that to show scouts he belongs amongst the top of this draft class.
No. 5: Anton Frondell, C, 6-foot-1, 198 pounds, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
An amazing progression this season based on dealing with injuries dating back to the summer. You could argue he’s had the best second half of any player on this list.
No. 6: Porter Martone, RW, 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
In his draft minus-one season, Martone made his mark as a shooter and a scorer. While he continues to do that, his playmaking has improved and now presents a more balanced dual-threat game with a nice dose of toughness.
No. 7: Roger McQueen, C, 6-foot-5, 197 pounds, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Doing his best to make up for lost time with eight points in his six games back from injury. The NHL Combine will ultimately determine his fate.
No. 8: Victor Eklund, LW, 5-foot-11, 161 pounds, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Perpetual motion is the best way to describe his play. If he’s not lurking around the offensive zone, he’s finding a way to track pucks.
No. 9: Radim Mrtka, D, 6-foot-6, 207 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Has cooled off from his point per game start after arriving in North America. A first-round match-up with league leading Everett will be a great test and measuring stick for scouts.
No. 10: Jake O’Brien, C, 6-foot-2, 172 pounds, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Once he adds weight and strength, he will be able to hold on to pucks longer, fight off defenders and create even more havoc for opponents than he does now.
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No. 11: Carter Bear, LW, 6-feet, 179 pounds, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Injury has ruled him out of the rest of the season, but he has made an indelible mark on the scouting community with his electric pace of play, high-compete and well above average production.
No. 12: Logan Hensler, D, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, Wisconsin (NCAA)
Reminds me of Brandon Carlo in a slightly smaller package. He’s long, rangy, has good, quick feet and is adept at making a good first pass.
No. 13: Jackson Smith, D, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
An excellent skater who exhibits agility in all directions. He is most effective when playing in the opponent’s face and transitioning pucks.
No. 14: Justin Carbonneau, RW, 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
He’s not likely to take a shooting percentage of 14 to the next level, but it won’t be because he’s not shooting the puck. He leads the Q in shot attempts and shots on goal and is the league’s second-best point-getter.
No. 15: Jack Nesbitt, C, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Is all-in for playing a “big-man’s game,” which means staking claim to the net front and making opponents aware of his presence on the forecheck.
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No. 16: Brady Martin, C, 6-feet, 178 pounds, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
An above-average player in all areas, but not elite in any of them. This is why he remains a sleeper and someone who has potential to upset the top 10.
No. 17: Ben Kindel, C, 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Has a great sense for the game and is capable of adapting his play to fit what a particular situation requires. He’s benefitted greatly from the tutelage of Paul McFarland and is just two points away from a 100-point season.
No. 18: Ivan Ryabkin, C, 5-foot-11, 201 pounds, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
One of the most interesting players this draft class has to offer. He’s a dynamic offensive player who can hold his own. Some leeway must be given considering he came to North America part-way through this season.
No. 19: Cameron Reid, D, 6-feet, 193 pounds, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
His elite skating ability, edge-work and agility make him an effective player all over the ice. He is deceptive along the blue line, can get pucks to the net and this will allow him to be an effective PP player at the next level.
No. 20: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Has points in 10 of his past 11 games, and is now up to 25 goals. Those numbers can’t be taken lightly. Add in the old-school nastiness and you have a unique combination.
No. 21: Malcolm Spence, LW, 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL)
Remarkably consistent in his play and production. Spence can make plays, he can score and he is responsible on the defensive side. A projected middle six player with some special teams upside.
No. 22: Cole Reschny, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Is similar to Ben Kindel in stature and style of play. He brings a ton of energy, has some vinegar to his game and produces top-line offence.
No. 23: Braeden Cootes, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
This player falls into a group after the middle of the first round. A team will love his energy, his passion and the details in his game. He won’t be a burner offensively, but he’s the type of player teams need and win with.
No. 24: Sascha Boumedienne, D, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Boston University (NCAA)
Has enjoyed a steady path forward as the youngest player in college hockey. There’s been a slight up-tick in offensive production recently. He will be fun to track the rest of the way as his confidence has seemingly grown.
No. 25: Jack Murtagh, LW, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, USNTDP
When he’s not doing the dirty work on the forecheck or along the wall, you will find him hanging around the net front. He is strong enough and skilled enough to hold position to tip pucks or to find loose pucks.
No. 26: William Moore, C, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, USNTDP
An elite offensive brain, Moore is great at deceiving defenders, getting to open ice and creating plays. At this level he can do all of these things on demand. Projecting him to be the same player when the intensity, physicality and difficulty is ramped-up is the big question scouts need to figure out.
No. 27: Lynden Lakovic, LW, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Scouts will gravitate to his personality, they will like his size and his skill, but will wonder if there’s enough jam to make those things work when he’s in a league where he doesn’t quite have the same size advantage he currently enjoys.
No. 28: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Has been on a very successful run since February, having allowed more than three goals just once in a 14-game stretch.
No. 29: Cole McKinney, C, 6-feet, 200 pounds, USNTDP
Has a solid two-way game, with a lean to the offensive side. Since missing a few games in the middle of January, he has produced 11 goals and 10 assists in his past 13 games.
No. 30: Bill Zonnon, C, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
This prospect has massive growth potential. There’s plenty of room to fill out his physical profile and there’s refinement to be had in his skill set.
No. 31: Cullen Potter, C, 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Arizona State (NCAA)
There is a dynamism to his game that is based on elite skating and edge-work. He can dazzle opponents, especially off the rush, and he’s helping put ASU on the map.
No. 32: Eric Nilson, C, 5-foot-110, 156 pounds, Djurgardens (SWE J20)
He will need to pack on the pounds and add strength, but he’s got an excellent hockey brain and uses all of his tools to be an effective point producer while still being able to handle his defensive responsibilities.
