2025 NHL Draft Preview
Quick write ups and highlights of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft, beginning Friday night from Los Angeles.
Quick Hits
Islanders look set to take Matthew Schaefer 1st overall, but will they find a way to land local prospect James Hagens too ?
Most 1st round picks - Philadelphia Flyers (6,22,31) & Nashville Predators (5,23,26)
The Mitch Marner sweepstakes looks to be underway, watch for teams in play look to free up cap space during draft weekend.
Recent Trades
Flyers make 1st splash of offseason, acquiring former top 10 pick C Trevor Zegras for C Ryan Poehling, a 25 2nd and a 26 4th to Anaheim.
JJ Peterka to Utah, signing a $7.7 x 5 years, for RW Josh Doan and D Michael Kesselring to the Sabres
LW Evander Kane to Vancouver for a 4th to Edmonton
Blackhawks get some offensive help acquiring LW Andre Burakovsky from Seattle for C Joe Veleno. Seattle acquired LW Mason Marchment earlier in month from Dallas for a 25 4th and 26 3rd
Devils move LW Erik Haula to Nashville for D Jeremy Hanzel and a 4th round pick
Rangers begin rebuild (of sorts) trading C Chris Kreider and a 25 4th to Anaheim for a 25 3rd and Carey Terrance
Top Prospects
Matthew Schaefer - Defenseman - Erie (OHL)
Injury at World Juniors cut Schaefer’s season short, was dominant and a top 3 player just 2 games into the tournament. A long stride, and feel for the game every puck rusher needs, a strong frame still developing at 6’2”. The most well rounded two-way defenseman with mobility and IQ.
Michael Misa - Center - Saginaw (OHL)
Arguably the top forward in the draft, Misa has the goal scorers touch + skating ability to exploit and operate at pace. Finished the regular season with 134 pts (62G 72A), leading all players in points and was awarded the OHL Most Outstanding Player Award and Scholastic Player of the Year. A goal scoring 6’1” center or wing.
Brady Martin - Center - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Martin hits everything in sight, and has be gaining a lot of traction this week approaching the draft. Took a step offensively with 72 pts (33G 39A) in the regular season + 2G 2A in 5 playoff games, has that puck winning, competitive nature.
James Hagens - Forward - Boston College (NCAA)
Hagens has slipped slightly in some rankings, a preseason top 2 pick but so much to like offensively. A cerebral puck transporter, gifted hands and feet in sync with playmaking ability. The former Mount St Charles and USNTDP product was a point per game as a Freshman at Boston College this season, with 9 pts (5G 4A) on Team USA’s golden run at the 2025 World Juniors.
Anton Frondell - Center / Wing - Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Despite missing some time with injuries this season, Frondell had a historic season with Djurgardens, earning promotion to the SHL. A strong 6’1” power forward who is tough to play against, heavy and competitive + was effective at both center and wing. Has played for Djurgardens since 21-22 at U16s, and was almost a point per game with 11G 14A in 29 games. + 3G 4A in 16 playoff games.
Porter Martone - Right Wing - Brampton (OHL)
Scouting reports on Martone include both power forward and playmaker, both are true for the 6’3” right wing. His skating is not elite but his understanding of the game and where to be puts him ahead of plays. A top 5 pick on most draft boards, Martone will be a compliment to any top 6 center.
Caleb Desnoyers - Center - Moncton (QMJHL)
A possible steal even in the top 10, an extremely well rounded player, reliable centerman. The QMJHL playoff MVP and champion has the footwork and vision to slow plays down or find the smallest lanes to create, almost doubled his goal production from his rookie season in 23-24 (20) with 35G this season and 49 assists. Desnoyers found another gear in playoffs with 9G 21A in 19 games.
Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford (OHL)
Keeps it simple but is so effective, a high IQ, all 3 zones type of player. A strong frame at 6’2”, and had a 30+ point jump in Brantford this season with 32G 66A in 66 games.
Radim Mrtka - Defenseman - Seattle (WHL)
Mrtka’s jump to the WHL was great for his development and stock value. A 6’6” right shot defender who showed he can produce offensively at almost a point per game + the footwork and balance to be a tough defender on the boards.
Roger McQueen - Center - Brandon (WHL)
McQueen has the unique 6’5” size + skill the NHL is continuously looking for. Was a point per game before his back injury, with 21G 30A in 23-24. So good on the puck and finds paths to the net with not just his body. Teams with multiple 1st rounders may hope he slides a bit for a possible steal.
Victor Eklund - Right Wing - Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Extremelly skilled, Eklund has the creativity and edgework to constantly be moving and once he gets on the puck, look out. He can make things happen out of nowhere and has the IQ and scanning ability to know where teammates are. Has the accuracy on his shot with power still coming in his game.
Milton Gastrin - Center - Modo (Sweden Jr / SHL)
Sweden’s captain at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky and 2025 U18 World Championships, a consistent play driver / playmaker all for the past 2 seasons. Did appear in 8 SHL games but was a point per game player for Modo, but will be interesting to see if he stays next season after Modo’s drop to Sweden’s 2nd division, Allsvenskan
Vojtech Cihar - Left Wing - Czechia
Has been a driver for Czechia at international tournaments the past 2 seasons, hardworking and competitive on the boards with a quick release. Listed at 6’0”, a mixed back of supportive wing play and offensive creator. Played in Czechia pro league this season with 4G 5A, as well as Czechia at U18 and U20 events.
Notable Prospects / Possible Gems
Cullen Potter - Center - Arizona State (NCAA)
Potter has top 10 speed and playmaking ability, but his size at 5’9” is the question mark or hesitation for teams. The former USTNDP standout jumped in the NCAA early and put up an impressive 22 pts (13G 9A) in 35 games + 4G 4A over 7 games at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Could be a late 1st round to mid 2nd round pick.
Jakob Ihs Wozniak - Center - Lulea HF (Sweden Jr/SHL)
Caught our attention at the 2024 Hlinka and Jr A Challenge, has continued to show he can get his shot off from almost anywhere, scoring different ways with quick hands and an accurate 1-T. 5 goals at U18 World Championships as well. Has some growing into 6’2” frame but a goal scoring prospect who may be early 2nd, ranking boards having him in the 23-60 range.
Cole McKinney - Forward - USNTDP
McKinney had a great 2 games in the USNTDP/CHL Challenge despite the tough losses, and was one of the top players for the USNTDP this season, 45G 47A in 90 games. Has the quick scamper ability and puck handling skill to create open space, deceptive in stride and attacking on odd man chances. Some concerns if skills will translate the same way in NHL but already an aggressive player. Will be a top prospect to keep an eye on next year at Michigan.
Vaclav Nestrasil - Right Wing - Muskegon (USHL)
Not an overly powerful forward yet but as the strength and power comes, Nestrasil has the skill both around the net and off the rush to be a producer. Tough to find 6’6” wings who have the touch like he does. Has the work ethic and compete off the puck to harrass and win pucks. Joined Muskegon late last season, appearing in 11 games with 0 pts but 42 pts (19G 23A) in 61 games this season.
Haoxi Simon Wang - Defenseman - Oshawa (OHL)
The China native has developed in the OJHL the past 2 seasons before jumping to the OHL from King Rebellion of the OJHL this season. Its taken some time to adjust to the higher level of play, but Wang found his way. 6’6” and already has a balanced step and stride, he may be a project but will have some of the best at Boston University next year, after progressing quickly this season.
Filip Ekberg - Left Wing - Ottawa (OHL)
Ignore the NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of #178 amongst North American skaters, Ekberg made the jump from Sweden to the OHL this season and was close to a point per game (16G 29A in 53 games). He was the top producer at U18 world championships, a great mix of offensive skill and IQ.
Joshua Ravensbergen - Goaltender - Prince George (WHL)
Top goaltending prospect of the draft, and could even be a 1st round pick, especially for the teams with 2-3 1st rounders. An athletic yet technical 6’5”, very tough to beat on 1st shot chances, very imposing.
Ryan Cameron - Goaltender - Lone Star (NAHL)
The USA Hockey goaltender of the year has been the US’s top prospect at his age group for a couple of seasons. The starter at the Hlinka Gretzky, and a standout making the jump from U18s to the NAHL, a 1.24 GAA and .948 save %. A very precise mover, technical yet rarely rattled or out of position.
Family Connections
David Rozsival, son of former NHLer Michal Rozsival
William Horcoff, son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff
Blade Fiddler, son of former NHLer Vernon Fiddler
Artem Gonchar, son of former NHLer Sergei Gonchar
Michael Misa, brother of Calgary draft pick Luke Misa
Victor Eklund, brother of San Jose’s William Eklund
Caleb Desnoyers, brother of Philadelphia draft prospect Elliot Desnoyers
Henry Brzustewicz, brother of Calgary prospect Hunter Brzustewicz
Nicholas Sykora, son of former NHLer Petr Sykora
Full list provided by the NHL media team here
