The 2025 list is heavy on offence, with 14 players suiting up at centre or on the wing. There are eight defenders recognized, and unlike last year’s list, which only looked at skaters, this edition spans all positions — though only a single goaltender made the cut.

The majority of prospects are first-round selections, including 12 top-10 picks, and 14 different NHL teams have players represented. The New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals all boast two names in the top 23, while the Utah Mammoth have three.

Some of the players listed below are ready to jump straight into the pros. Others will get an extended look at camp, and maybe the chance to state their case with a short stint up with the big club, before being sent back to CHL squads or AHL affiliates. Still others have already committed to return to junior or the college ranks or will play overseas at least another year.

From future franchise cornerstones to soon-to-be everyday NHLers, here is our ranking of the top 23 NHL prospects under 23.

18 | 6-foot-2, 185 pounds | Drafted first overall in 2025

There’s no better way to rebuild on the fly than to jump nine spots in the Draft Lottery and land yourself a franchise cornerstone on the blue line — not to mention, a strong candidate for future captain. All eyes were on Schaefer in June, when the New York Islanders wasted no time calling the blue chip blueliner’s name with the first-overall pick, and he’s already turning heads in his new hockey home. The excitement around Schaefer hitting the ice is amplified by the fact that it’s been a while since he’s played — he was injured early in Team Canada’s round-robin game against Latvia at world juniors, limiting his season to just 17 games with the OHL’s Erie Otters. But while a broken clavicle derailed his all-important draft year, it did nothing to sway his stock. It’s easy to understand why. Schaefer has it all — elite hockey sense, pro-level skill, speed — and whether in pursuit of the puck in the corners or jumping into the play from the blue line, he simply never stops. He’s a complete player, and that also extends to his character. You can’t read about his immense talent without also hearing mention of his amazing leadership qualities, too. He has experience wearing a letter on both the international stage and with his junior club, and it’s a safe bet he’ll have a letter stitched on his sweater on Long Island soon, too.

18 | 6-foot-2, 172 pounds | Drafted fourth overall in 2025

Desnoyers took a little time to rise up the draft board last year, but there’s no doubting his game. The Mammoth’s top prospect is an incredibly well-rounded skater, able to generate offence without sacrificing defence, no matter the stakes or situation. His ceiling is high, but patience will be key for both the player and club. Desnoyers underwent wrist surgery earlier this off-season to repair an issue that plagued him all year, and while the ailment didn’t stop him from posting strong numbers with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats in 2024-25, it will delay his start to the upcoming campaign (and, ultimately, his NHL arrival). When Desnoyers does land with the Mammoth, he’s got “future fan favourite” written all over him thanks to pro-level talents that make him worthy of a top-six role, NHL size befitting the Mammoth name, and his intangibles, too. His competitive edge and leadership helped him get noticed at the top of the draft, and they’re what will endear him to his future teammates and fans, too.

19 | 5-foot-10, 174 pounds | Drafted eighth overall in 2024

For a player as talented as he is — and in possession of such an impressive junior and international resume — Catton still tends to fly under the radar when it comes to highly anticipated prospects looking to make the jump to the pros. A creative force in all situations and a well-rounded centreman who’s worn the ‘C’ for both his WHL club and Team Canada, Catton’s leadership is as impressive as his playmaking. After a breakout campaign in 2023-24, which saw him tally 54 goals and 116 points in 68 WHL games, he posted 38 goals and 109 points in 57 games with the Spokane Chiefs last season. Catton has proven himself to be a consistent threat in all situations and should get ample opportunity to prove exactly that in Seattle.

18 | 6-foot-1, 183 pounds | Drafted second overall in 2025

After finishing the 2024-25 season with the lowest goals-per-game average in the NHL, the Sharks went out and got themselves a gifted goal-scorer with the second-overall pick. Or, maybe “exceptional” is a better word to describe Misa’s skill. Granted exceptional status by the CHL in 2022, he wasted no opportunity to show everyone just what makes him so special in the three seasons that followed. It all came together in his draft year when, as captain of the Saginaw Spirit last season, Misa unleashed his full offensive firepower with 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games. His is the kind of skill that elevates everyone around him, and it’s hard not to get excited about what he might do in an eventual top-six role with the likes of Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith as potential linemates. He’s a strong candidate to make the big club out of camp. Can he stay?

20 | 5-foot-11, 185 pounds | Drafted 17th overall in 2023

After three productive seasons in Sweden’s top pro league, Sandin-Pellikka made the jump to North America last spring with a late-season assignment to AHL Grand Rapids for his first taste of the pros this side of the Atlantic. There’s no denying his talent. He’s an elite skater, projected as a top-pair defenceman and has power-play quarterback written all over him. And while he’s expected to see some NHL time this year, it’s still unclear whether the organization will keep him with the big club or opt to further his development in the AHL.

21 | 5-foot-11, 190 pounds | Drafted 31st overall in 2022 (Tampa Bay)

Howard’s coming off a Hobey Baker Award-winning season and is about to open up his NHL career alongside the best player in the game, a perennial MVP candidate, or both. Not a bad run for the young winger, who was selected by Tampa Bay three years ago and traded to Edmonton in July in a swap of top prospects after it became clear he didn’t intend to sign with the Lightning. With a game best described as equal parts shooter and distributor, his strong transition game and ability to seek the puck in traffic might just make him the perfect addition to the Oilers’ top six. While that’s a lot of pressure for a rookie just finding his footing in the league, Howard’s confidence — on full display on the draft stage, yes, but also on the ice — should have Edmonton feeling confident the first-year pro can bring a strong (and with that ELC, affordable) jolt of energy to the back-to-back Stanley Cup runners-up.

18 | 6-foot-1, 205 pounds | Drafted third overall in 2025

Frondell’s roller-coaster ride up and down the mock drafts made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 class, but it’s not hard to see why the Blackhawks snatched him up at third overall. Impressive in his first pro season in Sweden last year, Frondell plays a versatile game that is as defensively sound as it is offensively prolific. Boasting NHL size and a one-timer already tailor-made for the pros, he has all the tools to be a top-six forward either at centre or on the wing. He won’t be taking that skillset to the NHL just yet, though. Frondell will play another year in his home country before making the jump to the North American circuit as early as this spring.

19 | 6-foot-3, 209 pounds | Drafted 11th overall in 2024

Talk of the Sharks taking a meaningful step up and out of their rebuild tends to focus on offence. But as much as there could be something special brewing up front, the Sharks have plenty of promise on the blue line, too, thanks in large part to Dickinson’s push to make the roster. While that’s no sure thing, Dickinson’s NHL-ready size, offensive upside, and ability to log marathon minutes with the OHL’s London Knights last year all make him a strong candidate for a long look coming out of camp. Dickinson was named the CHL’s top defenceman last season and was pivotal in the Knights’ Memorial Cup victory. Because of all that, he has top-pairing projections in the NHL.

19 | 6-foot-4, 194 pounds | Drafted third overall in 2024

Sennecke is best known for his viral reaction to hearing his name called third overall in 2024. Watch him hit the ice, though, and it’s easy to see why the Ducks had the winger so high on their draft board. He boasts NHL size, and between his stature and his vision (not to mention the lethal release on his shot), he’s got all the makings of a real-deal top-six forward in Anaheim. His skillset was on full display this past spring, when he tallied 14 goals and 32 points in 18 playoff games with Oshawa. He’s shown flashes of his full potential at camp with the Ducks, but his talent is still raw, which means his route to the NHL most likely includes another OHL season before jumping into the pros.

21 | 6-foot-1, 176 pounds | Drafted 24th overall in 2022

Over the past four seasons, Yurov has proven he can produce offence at the pro level in the KHL, giving Wild fans ample reason to get excited about the prospect of him finally trading in his Metallurg Magnitogorsk sweater for Minnesota threads. His points-per-game pace took a noticeable step back last year, but he made strong strides in terms of his defensive awareness and commitment to playing a 200-foot game. Yurov signed his entry-level deal with Minnesota last spring, and should jump into a middle-six spot off the hop, with the expectation that he’ll grow into a top-six role for a Wild team on the rise.

18 | 6-foot-3, 209 pounds | Drafted sixth overall in 2025

The Flyers got themselves a true power forward with the sixth-overall pick in June, though they’ll have to wait a little while to see him suit up in Philadelphia. After spending his draft year lighting up the score sheet as captain of OHL Brampton (37 goals and 98 points in 57 games), Martone opted to continue his development on the NCAA circuit at Michigan State this season. His pro-ready size and ability to win puck battles should set him up well for instant success against older college opponents. His net-front skillset should be on full display, too, as he enters this next phase of his career.

18 | 5-foot-10, 185 pounds | Drafted seventh overall in 2025

It wasn’t so long ago that Hagens topped draft boards for the class of 2025. That he wound up dropping to seventh, where he was scooped up by the Bruins, makes him an early candidate to the be one of the best steals of the bunch. As a freshman at Boston College last year, Hagens recorded a point per game through 37 matchups, and is expected to make an even bigger impact in Year 2. What Bruins fans will really love about Hagens, though — aside from his high-end vision and skill, of course — is his dogged puck-hunting and sandpaper edge in front of the net.

20 | 6-foot-2, 214 pounds | Drafted 69th overall 2023

Goalies don’t tend to follow the same development timelines as their puck-moving peers, which makes Fowler — just 20 years old, and looking pro-ready — a special prospect. Everywhere he goes, he wins: USHL Goalie of the Year in 2022-23, NCAA (Hockey East) champion and world junior gold medallist in 2023-24, and recipient of the Mike Richter Award as college hockey’s top netminder last year. Fowler turned pro late last season and impressed in the playoffs with AHL Laval. It’ll be fun to see what he can do with a full campaign backstopping the club this year.

20 | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds | Drafted 11th overall in 2023

After getting a taste of the pro circuit in Sweden, Willander opted to continue his development in college with a two-year stint at Boston University. A smooth skater with a flair for offence — straight out of the Swedish defensive mould — he’s now taking the next step in his journey as he embarks on his first pro season. The Canucks’ blue line is going to be extra interesting this season thanks not just to Willander’s development but fellow rookie Elias Pettersson (D-Petey, as he’s called) out there, too. If both make the roster, it could mean an all-rookie pairing.

20 | 6-foot, 190 pounds | Drafted 28th overall in 2023

Considered the crown jewel in the Maple Leafs’ system, Cowan has done and won just about everything at the junior level. He’s an OHL champion twice over with the London Knights. He earned most outstanding player of the 2024 season followed by playoff MVP, scored more points than his peers in back-to-back Memorial Cup tournaments and, en route to London’s win last spring, earned MVP honours there, too. He’s checked all the boxes, and then some, with two world junior stints also to his name. As much as he’s known for being a prolific point-producer at the junior level, Cowan has a reputation for being relentless when in pursuit of the puck — and it’s that quality that will earn him all the looks in camp as Toronto looks to fill some important offensive roles in-house.

20 | 6-foot-2, 187 pounds | Drafted ninth overall in 2023

Danielson can do it all. While he isn’t projected as an elite top-line goal-scorer, he plays a complete game that coaches love — and teams need. Billed as a defensively trustworthy middle-six forward, Danielson is proficient at winning draws and consistent when it comes to his production. He made the jump to the AHL last year, posting 39 points in 71 games in his first pro season, and if he doesn’t crack the NHL roster out of camp, he could be on call-up watch early.

20 | 6-foot-2, 194 pounds | Drafted fifth overall in 2023

“Reinbacher watch” was on last fall in Montreal, as the Austrian defender’s name was among those expected to challenge for a spot on the Canadiens’ increasingly young, increasingly skilled, and increasingly crowded blue line. But a significant pre-season knee injury hindered his hopes of jumping into the NHL in 2024-25. Limited to just 10 games with the AHL Rocket last season, Reinbacher’s hunt for a Habs roster spot is also a comeback campaign, his development a focal point among Canadiens brass and fans alike. Known as much for his offensive contributions as his ability to use his size and elite hockey instincts to his advantage, Reinbacher is expected to land in the NHL this year. The only question is when.

20 | 5-foot-10, 183 pounds | Drafted 40th overall in 2023

Cristall turned heads in training camp last year before Washington sent him back to the WHL as one of the final roster cuts, and his elite offensive skill and creative playmaking should earn him an extra-long look again this fall. Just as his play jumps off the screen, so do his numbers: 1.66 points per matchup across his 248-game WHL career, including a league-topping 132 last year, split between Kelowna and Spokane. He also turned in a 41-point effort through 19 playoff games to close out his junior career. The Capitals don’t tend to rush prospects onto the NHL roster, so an AHL season is most likely Cristall’s next move — especially if it means easing him into the pros and giving him a chance to get his skating up to NHL levels. But with pro-ready vision and a dangerous shot, it’s a safe bet he’ll make the most of every opportunity.

20 | 6-foot-5, 203 pounds | Drafted sixth overall in 2023

The first of two towering skaters selected by the franchise early in the first round of the 2023 draft (while still operating as the Arizona Coyotes), Simashev stands out not just for his NHL-ready size but his skating, too — his stride is incredibly rare for a player of his stature. With time, he’s got top-pairing potential, but he isn’t projected as a top point-getter at his position. Simashev isn’t going to pile up points, but that’s never been his game. In an era of the NHL that values offensive contributions, the Mammoth have themselves a big, fast, stay-at-home rearguard that can clean things up in his own zone and help set his teammates up for success.

19 | 6-foot, 194 pounds | Drafted sixth overall in 2024

Utah’s first draft pick after moving from Arizona and rebranding, Iginla followed up his draft year with a season of uncertainty as a pair of hip surgeries held him off the ice for much of the 2024-25 campaign. The games he did play, though, were impressive — 14 goals and 32 points in 21 matchups; his NHL pedigree on full display. Son of Jarome Iginla, Tij is able to play both the wing and centre. After being cleared for the season ahead, he’ll look to make up for the lost playing time. Whether that’s with the big club or back with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets will be a subject of much interest in the NHL’s newest market as the Mammoth look to emerge from a long rebuild.

19 | 5-foot-11, 172 pounds | Drafted 43rd overall in 2024

Thanks to older brother Lane’s Calder-winning rookie season in Montreal, the younger Hutson enters his second season since being drafted with a few extra eyes on him. Check out his resume to this point and he looks more than able to handle the added attention. The similarities between the brothers are almost uncanny. Both were drafted in the second round, two years apart. Both posted 48 points as freshmen D-men at Boston University the season after, with both accruing a long list of individual awards to go with that production. Just like his brother, Cole excels when he’s got the puck on his stick. He can win puck battles and drive offence from the blue line, and is a power-play quarterback in the making. Another year on the college circuit will do his development plenty of good.

20 | 6-foot-2, 198 pounds | Drafted 22nd overall in 2023

Bonk put up some impressive offensive numbers over his three seasons with the OHL’s London Knights, headlined by 67 points in 60 games in 2023-24 and a combined 30 points in back-to-back trips to the Memorial Cup. But that production isn’t the only thing that makes him such an enticing prospect for the Flyers. The two-way D-man, who’s dealing with an upper-body injury that’s kept him out of camp, plays a versatile game. Once he gains his footing, he should thrive in a number of situations, including in more of shutdown role.

20 | 6-foot-3, 216 pounds | Drafted 49th overall in 2023

Entering his third year at Notre Dame, Nelson is a jack of all trades. A true 200-foot player, he’s got a winning resume with back-to-back world junior gold medals and a U18 gold, too, with Team USA. He’s currently projected as a second-line scorer, but it’s the other details of his game — the draw wins, the matchup abilities, the controlled exits — that should make him an NHL mainstay on Long Island once his college career comes to a close.