2025 NHL Draft: Top 15 Prospects to Watch
With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, the anticipation is building for the league's future stars. Here's an updated look at the top 15 prospects and their potential impact:
Position: Center | Team: Boston College (NCAA) | Ht/Wt: 5’10"/168 lbs
Scouting Report: Hagens continues to impress as a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and puck-handling skills. His ability to control the pace of play has scouts labeling him a future franchise cornerstone. Hagens has dominated in his NCAA season, solidifying his spot at the top of the draft.
Position: Right Wing | Team: Brampton (OHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’3"/170 lbs
Scouting Report: Martone’s size and scoring touch evoke comparisons to a young Corey Perry. His combination of physicality and offensive skill has him climbing draft boards, and he’s seen as a player who could anchor a team’s top-six for years.
Position: Left Defense | Team: Erie (OHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’1"/161 lbs
Scouting Report: Schaefer was a standout before suffering a broken collarbone during the World Juniors. His skating and puck-moving abilities make him one of the best defensemen in this draft. Teams in need of a blue-line cornerstone may prioritize him as high as second overall.
Position: Center/Left Wing | Team: Saginaw (OHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’0"/174 lbs
Scouting Report: Known for his speed and versatility, Misa is a dual-position forward who can drive play in all zones. His quick acceleration and strong hockey sense make him a constant offensive threat.
Position: Center | Team: Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell) | Ht/Wt: 6’0"/196 lbs
Scouting Report: Frondell’s two-way game, physicality, and defensive reliability make him an appealing option for teams looking for a strong middle-six center with leadership qualities.
Position: Center | Team: Dynamo (MHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’0"/170 lbs
Scouting Report: Ryabkin’s creativity and elite passing make him an offensive catalyst. His hockey IQ and ability to find seams in the defense set him apart, making him a high-ceiling prospect.
Position: Center | Team: Brandon (WHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’5"/190 lbs
Scouting Report: McQueen’s size and strength make him a dominant force in the faceoff circle. His physicality and reach are major assets, and he could develop into an excellent shutdown center with offensive upside.
Position: Center | Team: Moncton (QMJHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’1"/163 lbs
Scouting Report: Desnoyers continues to impress with his creativity and ability to generate offense. His vision and passing skills make him a standout playmaker in this draft class.
Position: Right Defense | Team: Wisconsin (NCAA) | Ht/Wt: 6’2"/196 lbs
Scouting Report: Hensler is a well-rounded defenseman with strong leadership qualities. His defensive reliability and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable prospect for teams looking to solidify their blue line.
Position: Left Wing | Team: Erie (OHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’2"/192 lbs
Scouting Report: Spence’s power-forward style and net-front presence are his calling cards. His ability to battle in tight spaces and finish plays make him a key offensive contributor.
Position: Left Defense | Team: Youngstown (USHL) | Ht/Wt: 6’2"/183 lbs
Scouting Report: Boumedienne’s physicality and shutdown ability have been the focus of his game. His no-nonsense defensive play makes him an ideal choice for teams seeking a stabilizing presence.
Position: Right Defense | Team: USNTDP | Ht/Wt: 6’1"/190 lbs
Scouting Report: Trethewey’s ability to join the rush and contribute offensively complements his strong defensive instincts. His well-rounded game makes him a reliable option on the blue line.
Position: Center | Team: USNTDP | Ht/Wt: 6’2"/161 lbs
Scouting Report: Moore’s size, hockey sense, and offensive touch make him a valuable prospect. He excels in reading the game and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Position: Center | Team: Victoria (WHL) | Ht/Wt: 5’9"/161 lbs
Scouting Report: Reschny’s speed and knack for finding open ice keep him in the mix as an offensive spark plug. His ability to generate scoring chances consistently is a key strength.
Position: Center | Team: USNTDP | Ht/Wt: 6’0"/190 lbs
Scouting Report: McKinney’s faceoff prowess and defensive reliability make him an excellent two-way center. His ability to excel in all situations makes him a dependable choice late in the first round.