The NHL’s Top 100 Prospects – Preseason Update

Now that we’re just a few weeks away from the start of the 2025-26 NHL season, it’s time to update our ranking of the top 100 drafted NHL prospects. In the last year we’ve seen top prospects like Macklin Celebrini, Lane Hutson and Matvei Michkov break into the NHL full-time, becoming important players for their respective teams. Celebrini in particular was excellent on a San Jose Sharks team that looks poised to jump up the NHL standings in the next few seasons, with many other high-end prospects still to come.

This year’s NHL rookie class is rightfully earning a lot of early attention as well, with a massive group of talented youngsters who each have a chance at the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s best rookie. Some of this year’s major contenders include Ivan Demidov, Matthew Schaefer, and Zeev Buium, but there will surely be a few lesser known players who earn Calder votes when it’s all said and done. Before we get into the top 100 prospect ranking update, here are a few notes on the criteria and content of this list.

Related: Ranking Every NHL Team’s Farm System

The criteria that makes a player a prospect can be a bit subjective, but for this list I will follow The Athletic’s Corey Pronman’s rules as a guide. Here are the criteria for this list: “A player is considered a prospect if he has played less than 25 games in one NHL campaign (regular season and playoffs combined), less than 50 NHL games total in their career, and is 25 years old by Sept 15.” (From: “Pronman: 2019-20 NHL Farm System Rankings”). Additionally, if a player has played at least six NHL games in at least two NHL seasons, they are no longer considered a prospect.

Some notable players from the most recent edition that are no longer eligible are: Denton Mateychuk, Frank Nazar, Lian Bichsel, and Elias Pettersson, to name just a few.

If you’re wondering why goalies weren’t included in this ranking, that’s because we have a separate article for that position. Our ranking of the top 10 NHL goalie prospects can be found here.

Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top 100 NHL prospects as well as a few honourable mentions.

Honourable Mentions:

HM. Fabian Lysell, RW, Boston Bruins 

An elite-level skater, Fabian Lysell plays with a great amount of skill. He’s quick, dynamic and always fun to watch when the puck is on his stick. He’s extremely deceptive when setting up his teammates and has a very underrated shot. Lysell has spent the last three seasons in the AHL where he has been good for the Providence Bruins. It will be fascinating to see if he can carve out an NHL role with his excellent skating, but progress has been slow for him in other areas.

HM. Roman Kantserov, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

Roman Kantserov was drafted on the back of two seasons as a top scoring forward in the MHL, as a highly skilled, though undersized, forward. After he was taken in the second round of the 2023 Draft by the Blackhawks, Kantserov has taken the step up to the KHL where he has quickly developed into a high-end offensive player in one of the world’s toughest pro leagues. His biggest hurdle will be his size, as a 5-foot-9 winger who isn’t exactly a high-end compete type. Kantserov has the skill to be an NHLer, but it takes more than just skill to play hockey at the highest level, and he’s got a little ways to go to prove that he has what it takes. 

HM. Eduard Sale, RW, Seattle Kraken

Eduard Sale is a great offensive winger who led all U20 players in scoring as a 17-year-old in the top Czechian professional league. He has struggled a bit against men, looking most comfortable while dictating play from the flanks at even strength and on the power play. Sale’s skill and passing are standout traits, making difficult passes through multiple layers of skates and sticks. He looks like he could be a hard-working middle-six winger who complements your top guys really well while providing decent offensive value on his own. He has shown flashes of greatness, particularly at the 2025 World Junior Championship, but those flashes have not been nearly consistent enough for me to expect him to reach his ultimate ceiling as a top-six winger.

HM. Felix Unger Sörum, RW, Carolina Hurricanes

Felix Unger Sörum is already looking like slight steal just two years out from the 2023 Draft where he was taken late in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Unger Sörum is an excellent playmaker, regularly feathering passes to teammates through traffic. He had strong showings for Sweden at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships where he was one of their best forwards each time, mainly due to his playmaking and his ability to out-maneuver defenders in the offensive zone to protect the puck and to manipulate their coverage to better set up his teammates for success. He’s still incredibly young, having been born just two days before the cutoff for the 2024 Draft, so there’s a ton of runway for him to develop into an NHL player.

HM. Joakim Kemell, RW, Nashville Predators 

There was a time when Joakim Kemell was seen as the second-best prospect in the 2022 Draft. His red-hot start in the Finnish Liiga in his draft year had NHL scouts salivating at his goal scoring potential, and while he ultimately cooled off quite significantly, that potential hasn’t disappeared entirely. Kemell had some inconsistent play in the Liiga since, but has largely been effective in the AHL in two seasons there. I’m still a believer in his shot and skill, which are strong enough to give him a chance to become a middle-six winger in Nashville.

HM. Hunter Brzustewicz, RD, Calgary Flames

Hunter Brzustewicz is an offensive defender who skates incredibly well and has a lot to give offensively. His skating is his best tool both on offense and on defense, but he could use some help defensively where he can get pushed around a bit. He has legitimate NHL-caliber offensive skill, especially if paired with a solid defensive defender who can make up for his deficiencies on that end.

HM. Otto Stenberg, C/LW, St. Louis Blues

The way Otto Stenberg dodges checks and evades pressure is impressive, but the way he attacks the middle of the ice is what I like most about him. Stenberg is never the biggest guy on the ice, but he’ll drop a shoulder and push his way to the dangerous areas of the ice without hesitation. I don’t see Stenberg having top-six potential, especially as a centerman, but I expect there will be an NHL role for him someday as a bottom-six forward.

HM. Aiden Fink, RW, Nashville Predators

Aiden Fink is an undersized winger with great skating and a shot that will challenge NHL goalies if he makes it to that level. Fink scored points at an absurd rate in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in his draft year, leading the league in scoring at age 18. After Nashville drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 Draft, Fink made the jump to the NCAA with Penn State University and hasn’t looked back. As a freshman last season, Fink scored 34 points in 34 games, was named to the B1G All-Rookie Team, and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player. I expect Fink to be a high-end offensive player in the AHL in the next few seasons, and I think that despite his size (5-foot-9), he plays a direct and hard enough game to earn a chance in the NHL.

Prospects #100-91

100. Fraser Minten, C, Boston Bruins

Fraser Minten has developed very well since being drafted 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in the 2022 Draft. He was drafted to be a two-way center with a strong shot and he’s not far from being just that in the NHL. Minten’s first WHL season after being drafted was a great showcase for his shot and his compete level, with Minten becoming a very important forechecker and defensive forward for the Kamloops Blazers. Two seasons ago, Minten cracked the Leafs’ lineup out of training camp, a testament to his off-ice training and his mature defensive game. He didn’t last very long and didn’t leave the biggest impact, but he’s still just 21 years old so every bit of pro experience and guidance he soaked up in those weeks was time well spent. I expect Minten to be a good bottom-sixer for the Bruins in short order.

99. Brad Lambert, C, Winnipeg Jets

Brad Lambert has been one of the least predictable NHL prospects over the past few years, alternating between games where he looks like a sure-fire top-six centreman and games where you are left frustrated with his apparent lack of effort. Lambert’s skating ability is elite and gives him a standout skill that will translate to the NHL someday. He also has tons of skill with the puck and can make great passes or dekes while at his remarkable top speed. Last season was another frustrating one for Lambert who followed up his 21 goals and 55 point 2023-24 season with just 7 goals and 35 points. 

98. Kasper Halttunen, RW, San Jose Sharks

Kasper Haltunnen is a big, goal scoring winger who is a shooting threat from nearly everywhere in the offensive zone. Haltunnen has an excellent shot and enough skill with the puck to beat NHL defenders someday, but his skating and decision making are the biggest hurdles between him and an NHL career. He is a powerful physical presence, especially when he’s on his A-game, and his potential as a goalscoring power forward was exciting enough for the Sharks to take him early in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Halttunen overpowered many OHL goaltenders with his booming shot, so it’ll be fascinating to watch how his game translates to the AHL this year with the San Jose Barracuda.

97. Andrew Gibson, RD, Nashville Predators

Andrew Gibson is a big defensive defenseman whose offensive ceiling will dictate his ultimate impact in the NHL. Gibson’s defensive game is really solid, leaning most heavily on his fluid skating and large reach. He is excellent at using his body to cut off attackers, and his feet are much better than most guys of his size. If Gibson can provide some offense in the NHL, he could work his way onto a second pairing, but at this point I think it’s more likely he ends up as a big minutes penalty killer who spends most of his even strength ice time stapled to an offensive creator on the backend. 

96. Adam Jiricek, RD, St. Louis Blues

Adam Jiricek is very engaged physically, and has a penchant for taking big point shots. Jiricek produces a ton of chances on offense from the blueline, readily activating into play to support his teammates and keep the puck moving. Unfortunately, his excitement to join the play offensively means that he takes a lot of risks, leaving himself in really poor positions to recover defensively if things don’t go according to plan. Jiricek is really great at scanning the play off puck and he persists through pressure quite well so I think he will be able to cut down on the over-the-top risks in time. I like him as a two-way defensive prospect and his right-handed shot and 6-foot-2 frame will help him out on draft day. Despite his long injury absence, I really liked what I saw from Jiricek at the 2025 World Junior Championship, as an engaged two-way player.

95. David Edstrom, C, Nashville Predators

David Edstrom is someone I was quite high on in the 2022 draft. He’s a big center (6-foot-3) who is incredibly well-rounded and competes very hard. Edstrom isn’t the flashiest player offensively, but he skates well for his size and wins tons of battles, clearing the way for his linemates to produce more offense. I expect he’ll earn time on both special teams units in the NHL, and has some middle-six center potential if he continues to grow offensively like has over the past two years or so. After being sent to Nashville in the Yaroslav Askarov trade, I think Edstrom can realistically project into the Pred’s third-line center slot in due time.

94. Riley Heidt, C, Minnesota Wild 

Riley Heidt’s excellent acceleration and edge work make him a natural choice as the lead puck carrier for zone entries and he excelled in that role with the Prince George Cougars throughout his junior career. His playmaking skills either at full speed or after settling in the offensive zone are impressive and make him a very mobile and shifty threat whenever he has the puck. Good habits away from the puck give me some confidence that he’ll become a full-time NHLer as well. Heidt is set to make his pro debut with the Iowa Wild this Fall, and I expect he’ll score at a good rate and likely factor into their power play.

93. Yegor Surin, C/RW, Nashville Predators

Yegor Surin is a hardworking, offensive player, constantly fighting through checks and winning innumerable puck battles. He was one of the MHL’s top scorers and added over 100 penalty minutes over the course of his draft season. Surin skates well, has NHL size (6-foot-1), and has a motor that doesn’t quit. He’ll surely be a fan favorite type in the NHL someday, likely as a middle-six winger or a bottom-six center. After spending most of last season in the KHL, Surin is set to be a full-time pro player this year and has another year after that on his KHL contract meaning he’ll likely be on the Predators’ radar for the 2027-28 season.

92. Gavin Brindley, RW, Colorado Avalanche

Gavin Brindley is a 5-foot-9 forward who was excellent in the NCAA as an 18-year-old freshman in his draft year. His skating is great and his high energy level makes him a possession beast. Brindley’s combination of speed and effort will make him a very flexible player who can fill in whatever role is needed of him, which has earned him lots of ice time. He is a coach’s dream as a player with great skills on both sides of the puck and a never-quit mentality. Brindley was phenomenal at the 2024 World Juniors where he was often one of the best and hardest working American players each and every game. He made the surprising decision to join the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL last season (I still believe he would’ve been better off with another NCAA season), and struggled quite a bit with the physicality of the pro game.

91. Logan Hensler, RD, Ottawa Senators

Logan Hensler has been a difficult evaluation over the past two years or so, going from being one of the earliest big names out of the 2025 Draft to being selected in the late first round. When he’s on his game, it’s easy to see the NHL potential with Hensler as a 6-foot-3 defender with a right-handed shot and a strong skating foundation. However, he has looked a bit tentative at times, but when he takes charge he can do a lot of damage coming off the blueline. Hensler has the potential to be a strong, mobile, two-way defender for the Senators, but he is going to need to become more assertive on both ends of the ice, something we’ll hopefully get a better taste of with the University of Wisconsin this coming season.

Prospects #90-81

90. Jagger Firkus, RW, Seattle Kraken

Jagger Firkus had a phenomenal final season at the junior level, leading the entire CHL in scoring (goals and points), and being named MVP of the WHL and CHL. Firkus is so quick to adapt to what the defense is showing him that bigger and stronger defenders don’t often have much of an advantage despite his 5-foot-11 frame. He’s got the work ethic, speed, and shot to end up as a top-six player in the NHL, but his size and some questions about his ability to keep up with the mental pace of the NHL will determine whether he can hit that lofty ceiling or not. He looked good in the AHL last season, but there’s a chance he tops out as an elite AHL guy who can’t quite earn a consistent NHL gig.

89. Danny Nelson, C, New York Islanders

Danny Nelson is a fascinating prospect, playing most of his draft season on the second line in the NTDP after spending most of his life as a defenseman. There were some minor questions if he would be a center or defender as a pro during his draft year, but those have since been answered by his solid play down the middle with the University of Notre Dame. While he won’t likely ever be a big offense type, Nelson’s defensive awareness and physicality are both major assets and I could see him being a strong bottom-six center in the NHL someday.

88. Terik Parascak, RW, Washington Capitals

Terik Parascak was one of the most pleasant surprises in the CHL during his draft season, bursting out of the gates with 15 goals and 25 points in his first 12 games. Nobody expected Parascak to keep it up for long but he did just that, finishing the season in the top-10 for goals and points in the WHL. He’s not the best skater and his puck skills aren’t exceptional, but his finishing touch and his sense of timing offensively have been excellent over the past two years. I think his best case scenario for Parascak would be becoming a player like Tyler Toffoli who is not known to be a good skater but has the mental game and uncanny sense of timing needed to end up as a great middle-six contributor anyway.

87. Matthew Wood, RW, Nashville Predators

I was eager to see how Matthew Wood would adjust to the college game after he dominated the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) several years ago, leading the league in goals and points as a 16-year-old. His freshman results were extremely positive with Wood being one of the top rookie point scorers and one of the top scorers on his team despite being the youngest player in all of men’s NCAA hockey during his draft year. Wood’s calling card is his shot which is excellent in terms of deception and power. His skating projects as a major limiting factor at this point, but he has shown that his timing and puck protection skills were strong enough for him to succeed in college. As he goes pro this year, it’ll be fascinating to see how he handles the pace of the pro game and if his size, shot, and hands are enough for him to continue to stand out in a good way.

86. Sacha Boisvert, C, Chicago Blackhawks

Sacha Boisvert is another in a growing line of Canadian prospects who opted for the USHL/NCAA route rather than playing in the CHL. The 12th overall pick in the 2022 QMJHL Draft was excellent in the USHL as a rookie, and was able to improve on those numbers significantly in his draft season. Boisvert is a big center (6-foot-2) with tons of skill with the puck and above average skating. He looks like a pro and has a ton of NHL-level qualities, including a really dangerous shot, that make me confident he’ll find a role in the middle-six forward group of an NHL team someday. He had a strong freshman season with the University of North Dakota, but opted to transfer to Boston University for the 2025-26 season, a program that will be in serious need of an offensive leader in the absence of recent stars like Cole Eiserman and Macklin Celebrini.

85. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LD, San Jose Sharks

Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a two-way defender who skates well and competes harder than most. He measures at 6-feet tall but he doesn’t play like a small defender, constantly moving his feet and battling for possession along the boards and in front of his own net. While he shoots left, Sahlin Wallenius has experience playing both sides on defense which will surely help him establish himself as a pro. Sahlin Wallenius’ skating is excellent, and it is the tool that allows him to be effective all over the ice, from breaking the puck out of the zone on his own to staying in front of oncoming attackers. He had an incredibly chaotic season last year, playing in four different leagues throughout Sweden and Finland. It appears he’s set to start this coming season with Växjö in the SHL so hopefully a bit of stability helps steady his development path a bit.

84. Brennan Othmann, LW, New York Rangers

Brennan Othmann is a high-octane offensive force on the ice that is also known not to back down from the nastier parts of the game. Othmann has made the transition from the junior to the AHL look trivial as he has scored points at a very impressive rate with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. His physical and tenacious style should translate well to the NHL, though results have been mixed through his 25 NHL games (spread across the last two seasons). Othmann looked great in the AHL once again last season, in a smaller sample size, and should soon be on the shortlist for call-ups to the NHL club next season.

83. Logan Mailloux, RD, Montreal Canadiens 

Logan Mailloux’s game has improved consistently since being drafted back in the 2021 Draft. He has the size, skating, and strength to be a meaningful NHL defender, and his offensive skills are quite good, as showcased by his impressive point totals through two AHL seasons. I see a defender who could become a good offensively minded third-pairing defender who excels in transition. There are still some issues he’ll need to smooth out a bit, mainly in his decision making which can lead to turnovers under pressure and lackadaisical defensive positioning, but I see an NHL defenseman.

82. Jani Nyman, RW, Seattle Kraken 

The Seattle Kraken have done a good job of building a high-end prospect pool from scratch, and drafting Jani Nyman in the second round of the 2022 Draft was an early step in the right direction. Nyman is a big Finnish winger with the size and strength to compete against men in Liiga (the top Finnish pro league) without looking out of place. He has a great shot and playmaking vision but could use some work on his speed to help him separate from defenders on the rush. Nyman scored 26 goals and 43 points in 48 Liiga games two seasons ago and made the jump to the AHL last season where he scored 28 goals for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the second most among all U-21 players. He even earned 12 games with the big club where he displayed a really heavy slapshot from the right circle on the powerplay, a trait that I expect will make him a special teams fixture in Seattle this coming Fall. 

81. Nick Lardis, LW, Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Lardis has been one of the best goalscorers in the OHL over the past two or three seasons, but he finished his junior career with a ridiculous stat line of 82 goals in a combined 72 regular season and playoff games with the Brantford Bulldogs. Lardis’ shot is great, and he can get it off quickly (and powerfully) from a variety of positions which makes him a threat with the puck from anywhere in the offensive zone. He is also an incredibly quick straight-line skater who can do a lot of damage off the rush. Lardis measures at 5-foot-11 and isn’t a particularly physical player either so he may need to find another dimension or two in his game to earn a full-time role with Chicago, but his speed and shot show enough potential that I’d bet the Blackhawks are excited to help him round out his skill set.

Prospects #80-71

80. Cameron Reid, LD, Nashville Predators

Cameron Reid is a great two-way defensive prospect, capable of creating offense and shutting down opponents with his explosive skating. With high hockey IQ and mobility, Reid is impactful in all areas of the game. While he doesn’t have high-end physicality or flashy point totals, he was an incredibly steady two-way presence for the Kitchener Rangers last season, scoring 12 more points than their next highest scoring defenseman while also defending the rush well with an active stick and his great feet. At this moment, Reid doesn’t project as a high-end NHLer, but I expect he’ll have a long pro career nonetheless.

79. Samuel Honzek, C/LW, Calgary Flames

After being selected 10th overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft by the Vancouver Giants, Samuel Honzek has done nothing but impress through three seasons in North America. He uses his big body to protect the puck really well, and has good finesse when it comes to subtle fakes and creating space for himself in the offensive zone. Honzek has played and succeeded on both special teams and his size and strength have made him too much for opposing defenders to handle on more than a few occasions. He is a great skater, which makes him a pest on the forecheck where he does a lot of damage both with his high motor and his large frame. Honzek looked strong in the preseason last year, even earning a short stint with the Flames before spending the rest of his year with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. 

78. Seamus Casey, RD, New Jersey Devils

Seamus Casey is an offensive defenseman who might have already become a full-time NHL player last year if he wasn’t in the Devils’ system that already has young defenders like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec fighting for lineup spots. Casey is an excellent offensive driver, creating chances with his feet as well as his hands. He is undersized (5-foot-9), and not the most powerful player, but after some time he developed into a reliable defender in the NCAA. If he can eventually make that same developmental step on defense in the NHL, Casey could be a reliable offensive creator at even strength, and a power play quarterback. He was a high-end offensive player in the AHL last season as a rookie, and I think he’s got the inside track to making New Jersey’s opening night lineup in October.

77. Elias Salomonsson, LD, Winnipeg Jets

Elias Salomonsson is a big two-way defenseman who loves to join the rush off the backend and has the mobility and physicality to be a menacing body-checker in the NHL. He’s got a heavy shot from the point, but he doesn’t make a lot of plays with the puck, often opting for his shot or a safe play with a low chance of creating anything dangerous. Salomonsson’s skating makes him a consistent defensive factor, though his decision making on body checks could still use some work as he’s run into discipline issues at just about every level he has played in the past few years including a suspension at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

76. Quentin Musty, LW, San Jose Sharks

After a solid showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer of 2022, Quentin Musty was considered by many to be the best U.S. born prospect in the 2023 draft class. After an up and down draft year, Musty has earned back a lot of the respect he once had. He’s an athletic winger who can beat goalies with his hard shot or by crashing the net and scoring in tight. He doesn’t project to be much of a factor defensively, but his shot and playmaking are his best tools and they could make him a great NHL player someday. However, some critics remain, particularly ones who question Musty’s compete level and/or decision making and his play as a first-year pro this coming season will go a long way in shaping the narrative around him. 

75. Luca Cagnoni, LD, San Jose Sharks

Luca Cagnoni is an undersized offensive defenseman who has done nothing but prove his doubters wrong at every turn. After being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft, he blew the doors off of the WHL the following season, scoring 90 points as a 5-foot-9 defender, good enough for 18th in the league and 1st among WHL defenders. Last year, Cagnoni proved a lot of his doubters wrong by not only playing full time in the AHL, but by excelling at that level and earning 12 NHL games as well. He’s a remarkable skater and he thinks the game at a high level, so while he’ll never overpower many NHL opponents, he can out-plan and out-maneuver them. If he keeps developing like this, I think he could end up on the Sharks’ second pairing and earning significant power play minutes. 

74. Owen Beck, C, Montreal Canadiens

Owen Beck is an incredibly reliable and versatile two-way centerman who has increased his stock considerably ever since being selected in the 2022 NHL Draft at the beginning of the second round. He is smart, skates well, wins faceoffs, back-checks hard, and has already begun to grow into more of his offensive potential. Beck is going to be a player that coaches love because he works hard and has tons of skill. In his final junior season, Beck scored at a higher rate than ever and was a strong play driver for the Saginaw Spirit throughout the regular season, OHL playoffs, and their Memorial Cup victory. Last season, he looked strong in the AHL, and I expect he’ll become a good energy forward who kills penalties in Montreal soon.

73. Colby Barlow, LW, Winnipeg Jets

Ever since scoring 30 goals as a rookie in the OHL, Colby Barlow has been on my radar as a pro-sized winger with a legit NHL-caliber shot. He’s got good tools all around with solid speed, stick skills, and defensive play. Barlow was also named captain of the Owen Sound Attack at just 17 which speaks to his maturity and leadership capabilities. His numbers dipped a bit as he adjusted to a new team in the Oshawa Generals last season, but he was electric for them in the OHL playoffs. I see a high-character, goal scoring winger who could realistically kill penalties as a middle-six winger for the Jets in the next 18-months or so.

72. Igor Chernyshov, LW, San Jose Sharks

Igor Chernyshov is a strong winger with great size, skating and puck skill. He was great in the MHL during his draft year, even earning himself a five game tryout in the KHL as a 17-year-old. Chernyshov plays a very direct style, charging the net frequently whether he has the puck or not. After an offseason surgery kept him out of the early months of the 2024-25 season, Chernyshov joined the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL where he absolutely lit the league up alongside his future Sharks teammate Michael Misa to the tune of 55 points in just 23 games. With two high-end center prospects in Celebrini and Misa both coming in at 6-feet tall, adding wingers with size has clearly been a priority for the Sharks and Chernyshov fits that bill. 

71. Carson Rehkopf, LW, Seattle Kraken

Carson Rehkopf is a well-rounded forward with the size, skating, skill, and shot of an NHL player. Rehkopf scored over 160 goals in his OHL career (regular season and playoffs), establishing him as a legit goalscoring prosepct.. His power and ability to play both on the wing and at center are intriguing as well, though I expect he’ll be a winger in Seattle, especially given their many talented centers. Rehkopf’s goalscoring is high-end, and his speed makes him a dangerous threat in transition.

Prospects #70-61

70. Liam Öhgren, LW, Minnesota Wild 

Liam Öhgren is a “jack of all trades, master of none” type of player who will excel in the NHL one day as a complementary winger. He is one of the hardest-working players on the ice every time he plays, and he can do just about anything asked of him. Öhgren has a great shot, good hands, legit playmaking skill, and has made some solid improvements to his skating since being drafted. He is great at finding open space off the puck and he rewards teammates for passing to him by charging the middle of the ice or ripping a puck mid-stride. He spent most of last season in the AHL where he scored nearly a point per game, though he did get an extended tryout in the NHL where his work ethic stood out despite the lack of counting stats (five points in 23 NHL games). Öhgren’s ability to out-work opponents stands out, even at the pro level.

69. Isaac Howard, LW, Edmonton Oilers

After a very disappointing freshman season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Isaac Howard has been a leading offensive player in the NCAA for two seasons now following his transfer to Michigan State University. Howard is a bit undersized (measures around 5-foot-10/11), but has a strong enough frame that he’s not as easy to knock off of pucks as you might expect. While he’s a good skater, Howard’s skill is his defining trait, making defenders miss their checks and leaving a lot of opponents reaching in. There’s a chance Howard really clicks in the NHL for Edmonton in the near future, possibly even earning a spot next to either of their superstar centermen. However, if they don’t give him that opportunity, Howard has had difficulties creating plays for himself at other levels and Edmonton’s bottom-six isn’t exactly full of high-end players these days. There’s quite a bit of boom or bust potential in Howard’s projection at this point.

68. Benjamin Kindel, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Benjamin Kindel will be a fascinating prospect to watch in the coming years, with a lot more boom/bust potential than many other players in this range. Kindel has scored a ton of points as a junior player, both as the set-up man and as a goalscorer with an incredibly quick wristshot. He works hard, has good skill with the puck, and makes smart decisions as a playmaker, but the biggest worry I have is about his pace. Kindel has a tendency to slow plays down once he receives the puck and while that has worked for him in the WHL, I’m not confident just yet that he will be able to make his decisions quick enough to be a high-end NHL player. However, there’s a chance he works on his pace enough and becomes a great 2C for the next era of Penguins hockey.

67. Braeden Cootes, C, Vancouver Canucks 

Braeden Cootes is a center prospect who earned a ton of admirers following his remarkable performance for Team Canada at the U18s where he captained Canada to a gold medal. He was also Canada’s top scorer in the tourney which was encouraging because it proved what a lot of people already believed which was that his relatively low scoring in the WHL last season was due to the dearth of offensive talent surrounding him and that he has more to show on that end of the ice. Cootes is a coach’s dream as a hard-worker who never drops his coverage and who forechecks as hard as he can.

66. Theo Lindstein, LD, St. Louis Blues

Theo Lindstein looks to be about as steady of a defenseman as you could ask for. He may not have the offensive skill to wow you, or the size and physicality to excite NHL GMs, but Lindstein has a steadiness and consistency that is so rare for a U20 player. He’s definitely a high-floor/low ceiling type of prospect, but landing a player late in the first round (29th overall in the 2023 Draft) who can easily project to play solid minutes as your fourth or fifth defender is absolutely a win.

65. Rutger McGroarty, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Rutger McGroarty is a true power forward, strong and determined enough to win pucks with great playmaking skills that allow him to make smart plays with the puck once he wins it. He is a very complete prospect who is a natural leader, shoots well, and does just about everything else you could hope for from a first-round pick. McGroarty won’t lead your team in scoring, but he’ll do a whole lot of other things at a very high level. He had a pretty slow start in the AHL last season for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, but I thought McGroarty adapted quite well to the pace of the pro game by the season’s end.

64. Maveric Lamoureux, LD, Utah Mammoth

I’ll admit, I was a bit of a Maveric Lamoureux hater in his draft year. I saw the massive frame and good skating and understood why he would be drafted in the first round (29th overall in the 2022 Draft) despite his very questionable decision making, but I didn’t expect him to develop so well, so quickly. Lamoureux has made some really big strides in a positive direction since being drafted, with his play improving in all phases of the game. His first-touch passing has improved, making him a more dangerous puck carrier in his own end, and his defensive decision making has made him a serious presence on defense. Lamoureux looks to be ready for the NHL, though he’ll likely need to wait for an injury or two to hit the Mammoth’s d-core before he lands a spot again.

63. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Washington Capitals

Lynden Lakovic is a 6-foot-4 winger who is a strong skater and can create a ton of offense with his skill and shot. He scored 27 goals in just 47 WHL games last season, a 39-goal pace had he not been sidelined for roughly two months with a collarbone injury. If he can learn to use his big frame a bit better, Lacovic could become a good second-line winger who is incredibly tough to play against. Lakovic reminds me a bit of former Capital Anthony Mantha, as a big-bodied winger who can score, skates fast, but has some questions surrounding his consistency and physicality.

62. Cullen Potter, C, Calgary Flames

Cullen Potter is an elite skater who left the NTDP mid-season in his draft year to jump ahead to the NCAA at 17. As a young 5-foot-10 center entering a league full of players in their early 20’s, expectations were quite low for Potter. His slow start seemed to confirm those expectations, but after the first months of the season he really came into his own, scoring 13 goals and 22 points as a young freshman. Potter has true separation speed which makes him a dynamic threat on the rush. If Potter can translate his finishing ability to the pro level, then he will likely have a ton of value as a middle-six burner.

61. Trevor Connelly, LW, Vegas Golden Knights

Trevor Connelly is a skilled winger with dynamic skating and a penchant for making the most jaw-dropping move possible. His hands are really quick and he plays with a ton of deception which makes him dangerous with the puck even when it looks like there’s no play to be made. However, Connelly has had some high-profile discipline issues, and will need to reign in his decision making if he wants to be given consistent high deployment in the NHL.

Prospects #60-51

60. Daniil But, LW/C, Utah Mammoth

Daniil But is one of the biggest players on this list, standing at 6-foot-5. He has the size that NHL general managers dream of, and he has great puck skills and shooting mechanics for a player of his size. His skating has grown on me since his draft year, with enough speed and agility to really use his size to his advantage, powering through defenders and protecting the puck well. It may be a little while before we see him playing in the NHL, but I’m sure Utah is more than willing to wait as they look to establish themselves in the NHL.

59. Noah Östlund, C, Buffalo Sabres

Noah Östlund is one of the best pure playmakers on this list as his ability to keep track of his teammates’ locations all over the ice leads to plenty of brilliant passes that nobody else seems to see coming. His ability to anticipate the play and make the right play to maximize the scoring chance for his team is remarkable. Östlund is also a skilled puck handler with the speed and agility to make plays happen both on and off the puck. He works hard in all phases of the game and could become a great middle-six center if all goes well in his development. Östlund didn’t light up the AHL last year, but he was quite involved offensively for them and with a few other callups around him I expect he’ll play a starring role for the Rochester Americans in the 2025-26 season.

58. Brayden Yager, C, Winnipeg Jets

Brayden Yager was talked about in the scouting world for nearly as long as Connor Bedard, being drafted third overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft and winning the CHL Rookie of the Year award following the 2021-22 season on the back of a remarkable 34-goal, 59-point rookie season. His transition game, defensive play, and wicked wrist shot make him an all around threat at the junior level. After being traded one-for-one for Rutger McGroarty to the Jets, Yager looks poised to remain in the Canadian Prairies for the foreseeable future. He grew up in Saskatchewan, played his junior hockey there (in Moose Jaw and now Lethbridge, Alberta), and will now make the jump to the AHL (Manitoba Moose) with his WHL career behind him.

57. Jett Luchanko, C, Philadelphia Flyers

Jett Luchanko is going to be a fan favorite in Philadelphia someday soon, with impressive tenacity and work ethic. Luchanko has good skill with the puck and skates quite well, making him a dangerous player with the puck in transition. However, he’s always willing to give up some of the glory by making another pass and finding a better option if it’s there. Luchanko reads plays really well and has that knack for timing and finding openings in defensive coverage that is difficult to teach. He doesn’t really have any offensive traits that pop at this point so I don’t know that he’ll end up all that high in the Flyers’ lineup, but he has the motor to be a valuable middle six piece who kills penalties and plays as a connective piece all throughout the lineup.

56. Jackson Smith, LD, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jackson Smith is a big defender (6-foot-3) who has shown enough offensive skill in the WHL to establish himself as a high-potential defenseman despite having a defensive game with some warts. He doesn’t project as an elite offensive type, but his ability to make stretch passes and anticipate routes of his teammates pairs really well with his strong skating and large frame. Smith has shown some clever playmaking from the backend, and has a heavy shot that he can use to cause a bit of havoc in the offensive zone. He could be a second-pairing defenseman with room to grow on both ends of the ice.

55. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Detroit Red Wings

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (MBN) is a Norwegian winger who is known for his high work ethic and his shot. He isn’t going to produce a ton of highlight reel plays with his skill, but he works harder than just about anyone all over the ice. Brandsegg-Nygård’s best attribute is his shot, which he gets off quickly and powerfully. He didn’t score a ton in the SHL last season, though his scoring rate skyrocketed once the playoffs came around, a trend he replicated in a brief AHL debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Red Wings have been in dire need of players willing to get to the guts of the ice and create offense through grit and power, and thankfully MBN has those qualities in spades.

54. Oliver Moore, C, Chicago Blackhawks

Oliver Moore was the best skater from the 2023 draft class with blazing speed and excellent agility. The combination of his skating, shot, and quick hands makes him a really fun two-way player. He is agile enough that I expect he’ll be very successful on zone entries in the NHL some day, giving the Blackhawks a chance to control play in the offensive zone every time he touches the puck. He has produced consistent offense in his first two years in the NCAA, but there are questions about his ability to finish the plentiful chances he creates that will linger until he proves he can put the puck in the net more consistently as a pro. Moore’s floor is likely as a high-octane bottom-six forward, though I think he’s got enough skill to push for more of a middle-six role in Chicago. 

53. Stian Solberg, LD, Anaheim Ducks

Stian Solberg is a big, physical defender who skates well for his size and made a big splash as a top player for Norway at the Men’s World Championship over each of the past two summers. Solberg doesn’t project to have a ton of offense in the NHL, but he can make a solid first pass and his mobility will help carry him to the next level. The biggest draw of his game is his powerful defensive play. He wins tons of pucks with his stick and body, closing gaps confidently while defending in transition. Solberg has the potential to be a meaningful second pair defender in the NHL, complementing many of the offensively-minded defenders in Anaheim’s system with his bruising style that is always focused to winning the puck over for his team.

52. Konsta Helenius, C/RW, Buffalo Sabres

Konsta Helenius is an excellent playmaker who competes hard enough to succeed in the Finnish Liiga as a 17-year-old. Helenius is level-headed under pressure and makes remarkable passes look routine, setting his teammates up for success. He was good for Finland at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championship tournaments, though he wasn’t nearly as dominant as I expected him to be. Helenius’ two-way play against pros as a teenager has been very impressive, especially in transition where he is able to keep up with the pace of play both physically and mentally. He has managed the transition from Liiga to the AHL well, but wasn’t exactly a star as a rookie. Helenius’ ceiling in the NHL may be a bit lower than I thought a year ago, but I still expect him to become a strong middle-six forward for a long time.

51. Kashawn Aitcheson, LD, New York Islanders

Aitcheson is a very physical and competitive defender, battling hard along the boards and at the net-front. His physical play earned him over 200 penalty minutes in the past two OHL seasons and that physical edge was very appealing to the Islanders, especially given his strong skating and good grades across his offensive skills. Aitcheson will never be asked to do too much with the Isles considering they landed another lefty two-way defender in Matthew Schaefer in the 2025 Draft. He should be right at home as a second-pairing guy with two-way, special teams value, especially if his knack for goalscoring in Junior translates to the pro game.

Prospects #50-41

50. Carter Bear, LW, Detroit Red Wings

Carter Bear was a major riser in the 2025 Draft, and was one of the WHL’s top scorers before he sustained a skate laceration on his leg that took him out of the final months of his draft year. He’s got good strength for a 18-year-old, making him a bit of a wrecking ball against junior competition. Bear scored 40 goals (something only nine players managed) despite missing time and showed that he could drive play and score consistently. His compete level is his biggest strength in my opinion, carrying the puck into the middle of the ice and causing chaos with his energy. 

49. Matthew Savoie, C, Edmonton Oilers

Drafted ninth overall by the Sabres at the 2022 draft, Matt Savoie is a highly creative forward with a high-end skill set. The combination of speed, hands and tenacity makes him an offensive catalyst and he maintains offensive zone possession extremely well. Savoie has excellent vision to spot a lane to engage or find his teammates with a well executed pass and he’s a dynamic skater as well. After being traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Savoie spent all of last season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring at nearly a point-per-game rate. Savoie has a ton of potential, but a lot of it will come down to how well he fares against the quicker and stronger opponents of the NHL. If his offense translates, then I could see him earning time with one of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, at least on the power play.

48. Easton Cowan, C/W, Toronto Maple Leafs 

The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised the hockey world when they selected Easton Cowan with the 28th pick in the 2023 Draft. He wasn’t seen as a first round candidate by many people, but he has already paid back the Leafs for their belief in him. Cowan is a quick and hardworking winger whose offensive production skyrocketed in the OHL following his draft year, nearly doubling his production from the prior season in fewer games. He has proven that the OHL isn’t enough of a challenge, scoring 108 points across just 63 combined regular season and playoff games this year, so it makes sense that he’s set to go pro this Fall.

47. Liam Greentree, RW, Los Angeles Kings 

Liam Greentree is a big winger who looks like he could be a great all-round player in the NHL someday if he can make some improvements to his speed and acceleration. Greentree does most things well, fighting hard in puck battles, making smart passes, and handling defensive responsibilities well. His greatest strength is his shot which looks like a quality NHL tool though his skill with the puck is worthy of mention as well. The biggest barrier in the way of NHL success for Greentree at the moment is his skating. He’s got okay speed once he gets going, but his first few steps are sluggish and he could use some explosiveness to help him accelerate more quickly. Greentree has was a dominant offensive force in the OHL last season, scoring 49 goals and 119 points, good enough for 3rd in league scoring.

46. Cole Reschny, C, Calgary Flames

Cole Reschny is a highly skilled forward who was excellent for the Victoria Royals last season, leading the team in scoring despite being just 17 for most of the season. Reschny earned significant time on both special teams, and his combination of playmaking and hockey sense made him an effective addition to both. His best trait is his excellent passing, but he also has the kind of edgework that makes him really slippery in open ice, dodging hits and making checkers look silly. Reschny strikes me as one of those players who would have been talked about in the top-10 of the 2025 Draft if he had been just an inch or two taller so I think the Flames made out well getting him at 18. 

45. Nate Danielson, C, Detroit Red Wings

Nate Danielson is great at attacking the middle of the ice, he works hard, wins puck battles, and has an underrated shot which I think will give him a great chance of being a solid top-six, two-way center in the mold of a guy like Bo Horvat. I will be a massive Danielson apologist until he’s a full time NHLer, something that I think is very close. He spent this season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and improved consistently as the season continued, scoring 39 points as a first-time pro, pretty good for someone who isn’t expected to become a high-end offensive type. 

44. Scott Morrow, RD, New York Rangers

Who doesn’t love a dynamic puck-moving defenseman who is always in attack mode? Scott Morrow plays a high-octane style and he’s quick and decisive in transition. He shows great speed, edges, and confidence in his movement when attacking off the rush and he always has the opposition on their heels trying to predict his next move. Morrow had an excellent rookie season in the AHL, scoring nearly a point per game as a first-time pro. He’s still a bit of a mixed bag defensively, defending the rush remarkably well while struggling a little bit when in-zone, though his offensive 

43. David Reinbacher, RD, Montreal Canadiens

David Reinbacher is a 6-foot-2 defender with a right-handed shot and great mobility who played lots of minutes in the National League (NL), Switzerland’s top professional men’s league, during his draft year. He’s a very responsible defender who shuts down tons of rush attempts with an active stick and stellar positioning. Reinbacher is looking like a potential top-four defender following some great play in the AHL despite missing nearly all of this season with a knee injury. His ultimate potential might not be exceedingly high, but I think he could be an excellent complementary piece on Montreal’s second pairing someday.

42. Oliver Bonk, RD, Philadelphia Flyers

Oliver Bonk is a strong two-way defender who has the size and skating NHL teams look for, and the hockey sense to be a meaningful contributor in the modern NHL. He anticipates play really well, and is vocal with his teammates, coordinating play at both ends of the ice. Bonk isn’t necessarily a highly skilled defender so I don’t think he’ll be fighting for lots of power play minutes with Jamie Drysdale, but I expect he’ll be a strong second pairing defender who can tilt the ice in Philly’s favor.

41. Tanner Molendyk, LD, Nashville Predators

Tanner Molendyk was one of the best skaters in the 2023 draft, with excellent edgework and speed. Molendyk’s edgework makes him incredibly mobile in all directions, capable of acting on new information at a moment’s notice. He isn’t the biggest defenseman (just under 6-feet) but he competes hard and defends well as a result of his energy and skating. Molendyk was one of Canada’s best players in their disappointing tournament that saw them eliminated by Czechia in the quarterfinals for the second straight year.

Prospects #40-31

40. Michael Hage, C, Montreal Canadiens

Despite missing nearly all of his draft-1 season to injury, Michael Hage has re-established himself as a high end prospect, and was drafted 21st overall in the 2024 Draft. He has a really well-rounded tool kit as a 6-foot-1 center who skates well, has excellent skill with the puck and created chances at will in the USHL and NCAA over the past two seasons. Hage doesn’t have the most dangerous shot but it’s not a weakness by any means, and he competes well on defense and through traffic in the offensive zone. Ultimately, a lack of elite traits holds him back a little but Hage certainly has a chance to be a top-six forward in the NHL.

39. Tom Willander, RD, Vancouver Canucks

Tom Willander is a high end skater, which allows him to carry the puck out of his own zone and lets him take some risks offensively while still recovering quickly enough on the back-check. Willander burst onto the mainstream stage following his excellent showing at the U18s in his draft year where he anchored Sweden’s second pairing and competed with Axel Sandin Pellikka for the title of the best defender on the team. His skating is so strong and his motor runs high enough that even in games where he’s quiet offensively, he still provides a ton of value on the defensive end. Now that he has officially signed an ELC, it’s hard not to dream of what a Quinn Hughes – Willander pairing could look like down the line.

38. Danila Yurov, RW, Minnesota Wild

Danila Yurov is a great two-way winger with excellent skating and enough energy on the forecheck to frustrate opponents even in the KHL although he is at least a decade younger than most of his opposition. Yurov spent three full seasons in the KHL after being drafted, but has now signed with the Wild and should very much be on their radar at training camp. In the past I’ve labeled Yurov as a Jack of all trades, master of none, which can be seen as a bad thing, but in his case it is very much a compliment. There are simply no holes in his game, from playmaking, to winning puck battles, to off puck play he is great at it all. While Yurov may not have elite traits, he is absolutely going to be a very effective, and reliable, NHLer.

37.  Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Vancouver Canucks

Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a really tough post-draft season, with multiple injuries/illnesses ruining any momentum he tried to build. That was true all year until the Allsvenskan playoffs where he seemed to finally look like his old self again, scoring 15 points in 15 games. In the ensuing offseason, he was signed by the Canucks and loaned to the SHL where he played with Örebro HK and led all U20 SHL players in goals and points. Lekkerimäki has since made his North American debut with the Canucks’ AHL and NHL squads, showing the skill and killer instinct as a shooter that made him such a high draft pick. He got pushed around a bit on Abbotsford’s championship run to the AHL’s Calder Cup, but the Canucks seem confident he can continue to put on muscle and take another step forward with his skating. 

36. Cole Hutson, LD, Washington Capitals

Cole Hutson is an undersized offensive defenseman who skates beautifully and was the most exciting defender at last year’s World Junior Championship. He looks pretty similar on the ice to his older brother Lane, but Cole is a more physical defender and might not be quite as potent of an offensive force in the NHL. Cole is great at using small fakes and shifts of his edges to evade pressure, opening up new opportunities. He can weave through traffic, seeking open space to create chances for his teammates. Cole led the World Juniors in scoring last year as a defenseman, and is eligible to return as Team USA looks for a three-peat. 

35. Dmitri Simashev, LD, Utah Mammoth

Dmitri Simashev is a very intriguing prospect with the size/skating combo (6-foot-4) that is so coveted in the modern NHL. He has every physical tool you could hope for, and uses each of them well, with the speed, strength, and reach to be a really great top-four defender in the NHL. However, his offensive production has left much to be desired, leaving many questions about if he will have much offense to provide in the NHL someday. Utah will have a great opportunity to oversee his development now that they’ve signed him to an ELC that will see him make his North American debut this Fall, most likely with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.

34. Justin Carbonneau, RW, St. Louis Blues

Justin Carbonneau is a powerful winger who dominated the QMJHL in his draft season with his lightning-fast hands and his ability to change the point of release on his wrist shot at the last moment. While he’s not the most cerebral player, sometimes relying on the playmaking and decision making of teammates, he has the skill to create excellent chances out of thin air. A right-handed sniper is valuable in today’s NHL, and one who scored 46 in the Q while filling out an athletic, powerful frame is doubly so. 

33. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, St. Louis Blues

Dalibor Dvorsky was very impressive in his draft year against men, playing in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-tier Swedish professional league. He scored a bit below a half point per game there and spent a few games in the J20 Nationell as well, Sweden’s top junior league, where he showed that he was clearly a step above his age group, scoring over two points per game. Once he’s in the offensive zone, Dvorsky’s ability to maintain control of the puck, create shots at will and make smart passes at an efficient rate makes him a consistent threat. He made the move to North America and absolutely schooled the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves two years ago, before making the jump to the AHL this past season.

32. Cole Eiserman, LW, New York Islanders

Cole Eiserman was the 2024 Draft’s premier goal scoring prospect, and he was by far the most polarizing player in the group. He can play physically, but can sometimes get caught chasing hits and losing track of defensive coverage. The reason people were so high on Eiserman was that he scored 72 goals in 69 games during his draft season for the NTDP. Those are some absolutely absurd numbers, and the goals kept coming in his freshman season where he netted 25 goals for Boston University. While he may not be the most reliable player when it comes to play driving or defensive results, he is an incredibly reliable goal scorer and projects to be a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL someday. Pair him with your best playmaking center and watch him do the hardest thing there is in hockey, score goals. 

31. Bradly Nadeau, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Bradly Nadeau had a dominant draft season in the BCHL, with the goals and points accumulating until they were impossible to ignore. He led the league in goals, assists, and points as a 17-year-old. Nadeau’s game translated well to the NCAA, scoring 46 points in 37 games as a freshman before making the leap to the AHL where he excelled, scoring 32 goals and being in the top-20 for league-wide scoring as a 19 year old. He’s got a wicked shot and the speed to be an absolute terror in transition. The only thing standing in the way of Nadeau becoming a goalscoring top-six winger could be his size, standing at 5-foot-10, though his skating and compete level are strong and he plays for one of the few teams in the NHL who aren’t afraid of players under 6-feet.

Prospects #30-21

30. Calum Ritchie, C, New York Islanders

Calum Ritchie has great puck skills and sometimes it looks like he’s glued the puck to his stick while carving through defenders or when he’s on a breakaway. His tools make him very well suited as a center at the next level with good size, a coveted right-handed shot, good defensive habits (kills penalties quite well), and solid faceoff results. He has the tools to be a strong second line center, and playing behind guys like Matt Barzal and Bo Horvat over the next few years should give him a few really good role models. 

29. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Columbus Blue Jackets

Cayden Lindstrom has been a favorite of mine from the 2024 Draft class going back a few years now. He’s a massive power forward (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) who is incredibly quick and difficult to knock off the puck. His size advantage is part of what made him a nearly immovable object in the WHL, but he also has great hands, a strong shot, and really good puck protection instincts. Lindstrom has missed significant time in two consecutive campaigns due to a back injury, and that missed time has really started to add up. Based on talent, I think Lindstrom could push for the top-10 of this list, but I’m trying to be a bit cautious with his ranking, considering he has only played 40 total games over the last two seasons, with only four of those coming in the 2024-25 season. I sincerely hope he recovers and gets back on track because making the move to the NCAA next season (with Michigan State University) seems like a great move. 

28. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues

Since being selected 23rd overall in the 2022 Draft, Jimmy Snuggerud has proven to be an excellent choice for the St. Louis Blues. His shot is the first thing that stands out about his game, as the power and accuracy of his wrist shot make it a very dangerous tool, but the real reason his shot is so potent is the way he can disguise or alter his shot by suddenly changing the release point. He has smooth hands but doesn’t make a ton of plays as a distributor, though his finishing ability typically makes up for that. Snuggerud is a responsible defensive player which isn’t typical for a shoot-first winger. He joined the Blues and I thought he looked great right from the start. 

27. Jake O’Brien, C, Seattle Kraken

Jake O’Brien is a center prospect with the size, skill, and playmaking ability to become an important member of the Kraken. He has great hockey IQ, especially when it comes to his playmaking, finding teammates easily through traffic or off of no-look plays, though it also shows itself in the routes he takes off the puck, which put him in great position to receive passes or two intercept them. While he already has a pro-sized frame, O’Brien’s June birthday means he was on the younger side for the 2025 Draft class and has a bit of extra runway to put on some muscle.

26. Andrew Cristall, LW, Washington Capitals 

Andrew Cristall is one of the most creative and slippery prospects in the hockey world, and he was one of the only draft eligible players in the WHL who was able to roughly keep pace with Bedard in terms of production in the 2023 draft season. Cristall has been frankly dominant offensively in the WHL, scoring a total of 332 points in just 173 games over the past three seasons (1.92 points per game). He draws tons of attention in the offensive zone and is great at making smart plays under pressure to help open teammates up, making their jobs much easier. Only time will tell if his game will translate to the pro level given his 5-foot-10 frame, but he was the last cut for the Capitals in their training camp last season so I don’t think it’ll take long for him to make their roster, and I expect he’ll end up factoring into their top-six soon.

25. Tij Iginla, C, Utah Mammoth

Tij Iginla was a very pleasant surprise in the WHL during his draft season. After scoring just 18 points with the Seattle Thunderbirds the season before, Iginla flourished with the Kelowna Rockets, scoring an incredible 47 goals as a draft eligible player. His game relies heavily on speed and he’s able to do a ton of damage on the rush at the junior level because of it. Iginla has an excellent wrist shot as well, but he isn’t the most gifted playmaker or defensive presence just yet. Regardless, he works hard and is often the first guy in on the forecheck. Despite missing most of this past season with a hip injury, Iginla showed well in a small sample and displayed a bit more of the power and strength that made his dad such a special player, which would seriously raise his ceiling if it became his calling card.

24. Brady Martin, C, Nashville Predators

Brady Martin is a highly competitive and physical center prospect who endeared himself to NHL scouts in his draft year through his tenacity and tendency to throw absolutely show-stopping hits. Don’t try to put Martin into a box as just a hard worker with minimal skill, however, because he has enough skill and finesse with the puck to create good looks for himself and his teammates. Martin has a ton of hallmarks of an excellent do-it-all power forward, battling hard for pucks, making opponents look twice over their shoulders with his physicality, and creating tons of offense down the middle of the ice, especially near the crease. 

23. Anton Silayev, LD, New Jersey Devils

Anton Silayev was the early story of the 2024 Draft going from an unknown defender in Russia’s junior system the prior year to an elite defensive prospect who was tearing up the KHL. Silayev is 6-foot-7, but he moves like he’s 6-foot-2, and he has shown great two-way play across two full KHL season. He is signed for another season with Torpedo in the KHL, but North America could be on his radar a year from now when I’m sure New Jersey would be thrilled to add such a potent defensive presence. Silayev’s combination of length and skating makes him a true outlier in the hockey world, and one capable of becoming a one-man defensive unit in his prime.

22. Sam Rinzel, RD, Chicago Blackhawks

Sam Rinzel was drafted 25th overall by the Blackhawks back in 2022, largely for the massive potential he brought to the table as a lanky defender who could skate like the wind through transition. As a 6-foot-4, right-shot defender, Rinzel had a raw toolset that showed he was just scratching the surface of the level of player he could be. Rinzel has made some big steps in terms of his defensive timing and decision making on both sides of the puck, and has really rounded into a high-end prospect whom I expect to become a legit top-four defender for Chicago, likely with some power play minutes sprinkled in too. He is a strong skater, really gets after the play on both ends, and is making good progress in filling out his once-lanky frame. 

21. Roger McQueen, C, Anaheim Ducks

Roger McQueen is a 6-foot-5 center with excellent hands and strong skating. He missed nearly all of his draft season, playing just 17 games, as a result of a nagging back injury that his camp believes is behind him. In an NHL landscape where each team is looking for the next Tage Thompson, there were a lot of teams interested in McQueen very early on in the 2025 NHL Draft, but ultimately it was the durability question that saw him slide slightly to 10th overall. As you’d expect of a player his size, McQueen is strong around the net physically, and he has uncommon dexterity for a big man. If he reaches anything near his ceiling, then the Ducks have added another excellent forward to their future top-six.

Prospects #20-11

20. Radim Mrtka, RD, Buffalo Sabres

Radim Mrtka did himself a big favor at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last Summer. Mrtka is a massive (6-foot-6), right-shot defender who played massive minutes in all-situations for Czechia in that tournament, helping drive them to a silver medal finish. He is a very natural puck carrier and mover in the offensive zone, walking the blueline better than you’d expect for a 17-year-old of his size. Mrtka made the move to North American this past year to join the Seattle Thunderbirds, and became an absolute two-way work horse for them. He was on the first power play unit and the first penalty killing group as well, regularly logging ice times exceeding 30 minutes a night! Mrtka’s defensive potential is sky high given his massive size and strong skating, but his offensive game inspires some confidence as well.

19. Victor Eklund, RW, New York Islanders

Victor Eklund is a skilled and competitive winger who had an excellent showing in the Allsvenskan this season. He impressed in a small sample against men the season before and earned himself a spot in the opening night lineup for Djurgårdens in Sweden’s second-tier pro league for his draft year. Eklund’s skill and skating are strong traits, but it’s his compete level that makes him a special prospect. There isn’t a puck battle that Eklund won’t give his all to, a race for a free puck that he won’t throw himself into. Eklund is a dog and he’ll be a favorite of fans and coaches for the Islanders very soon.

18. Carter Yakemchuk, RD, Ottawa Senators

Carter Yakemchuk has an enviable physical makeup as a right-shot defender who already measures at 6-foot-4 (was 6-foot-2 to start his draft year), 207 pounds and he has produced a ton of offense for the Calgary Hitmen. His skill is impressive for a defender of his size and his size and physicality combine to make him intriguing as an NHL prospect. Yakemchuk challenges opposing players one-on-one like a forward, constantly setting himself up for incredible dekes. The problem is, he doesn’t succeed 100% of the time and can put himself in tough positions to recover defensively when things go wrong. He has the length and strength to be a strong defender, but a quicker skating stride would likely help him become a difference maker on the back-end as well.

17.  Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks

Beckett Sennecke is a lanky winger with extremely impressive puck skill that allows him to regularly deke through several layers of defense. He has a solid playmaking game, with good enough sense to spot difficult lanes and make smart passes, but can get caught up playing hero-puck at times, trying to deke through defenders when a pass would serve him better. Sennecke has continued to grow, now over 6-foot-4, and has made some progress filling out his skinny frame over the past year. Guys his size don’t usually move through opponents like he does, constantly dodging between checks to find space, but Sennecke’s skating is strong enough to let him duck and weave through traffic. 

16. Axel Sandin Pellikka, RD, Detroit Red Wings 

Axel Sandin Pellikka is a right-handed offensive defenseman who has been an offensive leader in the SHL as a teenaged defenseman. Sandin Pellikka had a great showing for Sweden at the World Juniors in his draft year, improving his draft stock considerably, and has represented Sweden in two more World Junior Championships since, even being named the tourney’s top defender in 2025. He is a force on offense but don’t let that fool you, he is a hard-working defender who makes a lot of stops despite his 5-foot-11 frame, especially off the rush. I expect he’ll join the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL for the 2025-26 season before making his NHL debut behind Detroit’s high-end top pairing of Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider.

15. Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers 

Gabe Perrault looks like someone who could be a power play specialist at the next level with great skill and smarts in the offensive zone. He can pick apart opposing defenses with pin-point passes, creative dangles and sly fakes, and his effort level is admirable. Perreault was one of the most creative and intelligent players from the 2023 Draft and he is great at weaving his way out of trouble when defenders collapse around him, either with a pass or his lightning-quick hands. Perreault has scored at an absurd rate in the NCAA, with 108 points in just 73 games. He has also been a huge piece of Team USA’s offense in each of their back-to-back gold medal victories at the World Junior Championship.

14. Ryan Leonard, LW/C, Washington Capitals 

Ryan Leonard is a high energy winger who never takes his foot off the gas in terms of both speed and effort. He uses his speed and skill to blow by defenders in the neutral zone and pressure in-zone defenders who struggle to anticipate his next move. His playmaking and shot aren’t exceptional, but they’re both going to serve him well in the NHL. He has a very versatile skill set and should become a strong top-six winger who adds some grit and goalscoring to his line, similar to a Tyler Bertuzzi-type player (or Matthew Tkachuk if you think his offense will really pop in the NHL). 

13. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Utah Mammoth

Caleb Desnoyers is a really well-rounded prospect who impressed for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer with his hardworking style earning him a major role. Desnoyers has been heavily relied upon in the QMJHL due to his responsible play in all zones and his success in the faceoff dot. I don’t think his skill is elite, but he’s got more than enough skill to produce given his strong hockey sense that allows him to involve himself in plays at just the right moment. Desnoyers competes hard and will be an effective pro on both sides of the puck. He doesn’t exactly project as an elite point-scoring center in the NHL, but he should be an excellent connective piece down the middle in Utah’s top-six.

12. Anton Frondell, C, Chicago Blackhawks

Anton Frondell is a two-way center who is built for the pro game. His size, shot, and two-way consistency make him a great bet to help steady the top-six forward group for the Chicago Blackhawks down the line. Frondell racked up points at a remarkable rate for his age in the Swedish Allsvenskan last season, and was an integral piece of Djurgårdens’ promotion to the SHL. His international play has been inconsistent over the past few years, but such a strong season in a great pro league earned him lots of attention, and his ability to protect the puck against bigger and older competition will serve him well when he joins the Blackhawks. 

11. Porter Martone, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

Porter Martone is a skilled power forward who dominated the OHL in his draft season. His size and high-end skill make him a handful for junior defenses, and I think it was a great decision for him to move on to the NCAA next season with Michigan State University. Martone’s size is great and all (6-foot-3), but the real reason it excites scouts is his excellent playmaking, high-end compete level, and his great hands. In the draft process, Martone compared himself to the Tkachuk brothers, and while I think he’s got a lot of their DNA as a high-skill power forward, he isn’t a pest like the Tkachuks. He battles hard for pucks and doesn’t back down from a challenge, but he doesn’t quite have that Rat X-Factor to get under opponents’ skin.

Prospects #10-1

10. James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins

James Hagens is a dynamic skater with a ton of skill, giving him a tool kit that brings to mind recent NTDP stars like Jack Hughes, Logan Cooley, and Will Smith. His edgework is phenomenal, which makes his movements in open ice extremely difficult to anticipate. Hagens uses his edges, as well as subtle fakes, to make defenders miss and burst into space with possession. 

Hagens is an excellent playmaker, drawing eyes and bodies to himself before placing a perfect pass on a teammate’s blade. I think he’s also more physical than he gets credit for, working hard in puck battles and not backing down in scrums after the whistle. Being 5-foot-10 certainly didn’t help Hagens’ draft stock with NHL teams, but I think he’s a skilled enough player who skates so well that it won’t be a significant hindrance to him when he goes pro. 

9. Berkly Catton, C, Seattle Kraken

Berkly Catton is a remarkably intelligent player, creating chances and advantages for his teammates through clever manipulations rather than through physical force. The Spokane Chiefs have lacked high-end talent during Catton’s entire WHL tenure (until they traded for Andrew Cristall this past season), so he has been leaned upon heavily for the past three seasons. Luckily for the Chiefs, Catton has more than been up to the task of leading the team, scoring over 100 points in consecutive seasons.

Catton has been great for Team Canada at a handful of different tournaments, and I expect he’ll be a major player for them at the 2026 World Junior Championship this coming December. He is a very skilled player with a ton of speed and a high-end motor. I think his offensive versatility and his potential while attacking off the rush will make him an excellent addition for the Kraken.

8. Zayne Parekh, RD, Calgary Flames

Zayne Parekh has been a really fun player to follow throughout his junior career, constantly involving himself on offense, pinching in along the boards when needed, and creating a ton of chances for himself and his teammates as a result. For my money, he was the most talented offensive creator on the backend in the 2024 Draft, however, Parekh’s defensive game leaves a bit to be desired. He is smart enough to anticipate opposing attackers, and can make good checks with his stick, but the physicality is lacking at this point, which I expect will lead to some struggles in puck battles at the NHL level at least early in his career.

I do think he’s a solid defender when he’s properly engaged, cutting off passes and angling opponents toward the boards, there’s just some room for growth. Parekh is a remarkable talent, with Quinn Hughes-like offensive upside if things go well. 

7. Artyom Levshunov, RD, Chicago Blackhawks

Artyom Levshunov has an incredibly exciting toolkit as a big, right-handed defender who skates incredibly well. Levshunov has a very projectable game, with the size, skating, and offense to be a great NHL defender. He involves himself in every play possible, which can be a double-edged sword as he reacts and activates before thinking sometimes. Levshunov’s offensive game is dynamic, with his smooth skating serving as the catalyst for each thing he does well. He’s strong in breakout/entry situations, has some clever stretch passes in his toolkit, and walks the blueline with confidence. 

His decision making is still a bit raw, but he has made encouraging strides there since being drafted out of the NCAA. Levshunov was a poor defender in the USHL when he first arrived there, but finished that season as a strong two-way player. His first NCAA season mirrored that closely, with an increased defensive responsibility as the year wore on. Levshunov made the jump to the AHL last season, and while his defensive game wasn’t excellent there right off the bat, he’s shown himself to be a quick study and I think he’ll be ready for big NHL minutes in the near future.

6. Sam Dickinson, LD, San Jose Sharks

Sam Dickinson is a big two-way defender with a tool kit that NHL General Managers dream of. He’s a 6-foot-3 defender who defends well, has shown flashes of great puck skills, and competes incredibly hard. Dickinson skates well for his size which bodes well for his NHL projection, though he will need to continue developing his offensive game to be worthy of big power play minutes in the NHL someday. 

Dickinson’s defensive game has shone in an increased role over the past two years and his offense has improved as well, with his points-per-game rate going from 0.37 in his draft-1 season, to 1.03 in his draft year, and finally to 1.65 in the 2024-25 season. There’s a ton of two-way, top-four defender potential in his game, and room for something more if his offensive numbers from this year are to be believed and he can become a high-end power play quarterback.

5. Zeev Buium, LD, Minnesota Wild 

Zeev Buium is a complete defenseman who has had a ton of success early in his collegiate career, scoring well above a point-per-game and winning an NCAA championship as a freshman defender in the 2023-24 season. He is an excellent skater and has excellent hockey sense which allows him to defend incredibly well in the NCAA, and likely in the NHL as well. It’s becoming increasingly common to see NHL defenders succeed through puck skills and clever positioning rather than simply through physicality and I think Buium could fit that mold. 

Buium has a great motor and always finds himself in the thick of the action on both ends of the ice. He has good skill with the puck but his calling card will be his skating and sense which he uses to his advantage best on the rush both as a passer and a scoring threat. There is a little bit of Quinn Hughes in Buium’s game, mainly in the edge-work and his ability to head-fake attackers with possession to create a ton of space. Buium falling to 12th in the 2024 Draft could make a few teams look really silly if he becomes the player I expect he will be.

4. Alexander Nikishin, LD, Carolina Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin has put the hockey world on notice over the past few seasons, establishing himself as one of the very best young players outside of the NHL with back-to-back-to-back seasons as one of the best two-way defenders in the KHL. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, he kept re-signing with SKA-St. Petersburg of the KHL throughout these breakout years, but he has finally arrived and looks poised to be an NHL regular next season in Carolina.

Nikishin is a remarkable defensive prospect who has become an explosive offensive talent, leading all KHL defenders in scoring in two of the past three seasons. He is big (6-foot-4), has a heavy slapshot, and skates remarkably well for someone of his size. Nikishin was also the captain of SKA for the past two seasons, leading the biggest KHL team both on and off the ice.

3. Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Ivan Demidov is an incredibly talented offensive player, with great hands, a zippy shot, and some sneaky-good playmaking instincts. Demidov is a legit top-end talent who has clear top-line potential in the NHL. One thing he and fellow Russian super-prospect Matvei Michkov had in common was a difficulty earning minutes in the KHL as a draft eligible player. Demidov sat out many games to start his draft year but scored tons the following year despite his limited minutes.

There aren’t many players who can handle the puck quite like Demidov. He led all U20 KHL players in scoring, and I’m increasingly confident he’ll score a ton of points in the NHL, it’s just a question of how effective of a player he can be at even strength given his smaller frame and slightly odd skating stride. It won’t be long before we find out, since Demidov looked electrifying offensively in his brief NHL debut in Montreal last Spring.

2. Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks

Two years after we saw Connor Bedard going first overall, and three after Shane Wright went fourth overall, another CHL exceptional status player has gone in the top-5 of the NHL draft with Michael Misa being selected second overall by the Sharks. Misa plays an extremely well rounded game, with a really strong foundation of skills that should make him a great top-six forward in the NHL. Misa is an excellent skater, with the skill and hockey sense to be a great power play asset for San Jose

The biggest question around Misa to start his draft year was if he could really step up offensively and become “the guy” in Saginaw. Well, Misa’s 62 goals and 134 points in 65 OHL games have soundly answered that. Misa’s fit is going to be very interesting with the Sharks, given they have Macklin Celebrini as a no-doubt first line center and Will Smith as a possible 2C for the future. Smith showed signs of great chemistry with Celebrini as a winger as last season went on so I think that opens the door for Misa to stay at center in the NHL.

1. Matthew Schaefer, LD, New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer was the clear top player in the 2025 Draft for me, largely due to his high-end skating that makes him a strong defensive presence at all times. His offensive skill has come a long way in the past 12 months or so, and as a result Schaefer set a new career high in points despite only playing 17 games this season between a bout of Mono and a broken collarbone that he sustained at the World Junior Championship. 

Schaefer’s skating and defensive play were on full display at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament last summer where he was Canada’s captain and number one defender. Schaefer also had an excellent showing at the CHL/USA prospect tournament, and quickly put himself into the conversation for the first overall pick considering his position, age (weeks away from being a 2026 Draft eligible), and size. Schaefer hasn’t played since the World Junior Championship, but his play in various tournaments and in the OHL were phenomenal, giving the New York Islanders the confidence that they’ve found a high-end, first pairing defender with the first overall pick.

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Who’s too low? Who’s too high? Who do you think should have made the list? Leave a comment below!

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