2025 NHL Draft Rankings

I just want to make some things clear off the jump, I am by no means an expert, I am just a washed up junior hockey guy who watches a ton of hockey. Also this is a draft ranking and not a mock draft. This list is how I would rank these prospects and not how I think they will go in the draft. I did the ranking based on what I have seen from these prospects and not just putting together an average consensus. I realize that I will most likely be wrong about a bunch of these players but that's part and parcel when you put yourself out there with public rankings. I did my best to blend high end skill and safer pro style projectable prospects. I could go on and on with most of these players but I tried to give a quick summary of my thoughts. Apologies if it comes off like rambling, I have not written anything long form in awhile.

1. Matthew Schaefer - LHD 6' 1" - Erie (OHL)

No surprises here. Schaefer uses his high end skating to jump into and start offensive rushes, and can also use it as a means to recover defensively and close gaps on attackers quickly. While he did not play much this year he certainly left an impression. I don't have many questions in regards to his game. He's got good puck skills that may potentially get better as they catch up to his feet. Schaefer sees both passing and skating lanes and a majority of the time chooses the right ones. He may not have the Celebrini or Bedard hype but seeing him as a number 1 defenseman seems like a pretty safe projection.

2. Michael Misa - C/W 6' 0" - Saginaw (OHL)

Misa is a high end playmaker who has some natural finishing ability as well. While I don't think he's a high end shooter I do think he puts himself in positions to score goals and I do not think that will change as he jumps up to higher levels of hockey. He has really good speed but can also control the pace of play with his skating. When he needs a burst he has it, when he needs to slow it down he can with his hands and vision. I think playing in a lesser role last year on a memorial cup winning team has actually helped him round out areas of his game like puck retrievals hunting pucks and doing a bit more of the underappreciated aspects of the game. He thinks the game at a high level. Playing with high end players will only help accentuate his game. Floor in my opinion is a second line winger.

3. Anton Frondell - 6' 1" C/W - Djurgårdens (Allsvenskan)

Here's where I think I may deviate from most lists. Frondell, while only 6 '1, he plays big. He's excellent below the goal line in puck battles and already has a good idea of how to use his body to protect pucks. He has some heavy skill. He does not have quick hands but has smooth skill that allows him to beat players one on one. He has slightly underrated vision in my opinion and finds teammates in space well. He also has one of the hardest shots in the draft. Frondell is able to get lost in space and when he does he often buries his chances. An injury last year really contributed to his slower start to the season but his Allsvenskan production is really impressive. Playing in a pro league in a draft year should not be underestimated. He drives the middle. Gets to the dirty areas and does the hard work that I feel NHL GMs will appreciate.

4. James Hagens - C 5' 10" - Boston College (NCAA)

A waterbug on the ice who can change direction on a dime. He's got the hands and vision to play at pace. I believe he'll be able to drive a line with his skating and playmaking abilities at the next level. While he needs to improve his ability to get to the middle of the ice, I think his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. His intelligence is high end. Hagens has great anticipation that benefits him with and without the puck. Offensively he can see passing lanes before they develop and can also find space without the puck. Defensively he anticipates those same passing lanes and often jumps passes. I think he has underrated puck support and timing in the contested puck battles and breakouts. Hagens has produced at every level and a ppg as a true freshman in the NCAA seems to be getting overlooked by some.

5. Caleb Desnoyers - C 6' 2" - Moncton (QMJHL)

A dawg. Desnoyers can play the game in a number of different ways. He can beat you with his speed and skill. He can be a pest on the puck finishing checks, and constantly taking it away. He could be a play driver or he could be a shutdown center. His skating is good but he moves through space better than average. Desnoyers has good puck skills. He has excellent playmaking, and while some believe he is the beneficiary of good older linemates, I believe on most nights he is the one driving the bus. On top of the skill I think what sets him apart is he just wants it. Desnoyers battles, he forechecks, backchecks, and competes every time he steps on to the ice.

6. Porter Martone - RW 6' 2" - Brampton (OHL)

A big kid who has high end puck skills. Martone is able to beat defenders one on one with his hand. I think he has good finishing ability but not great. Martone has a good shot but not a high end one. He plays well in small areas but doesn't necessarily use his size to do so. I think he could do a better job of protecting pucks with his size and length. Martone is not a perimeter player. He gets to the middle of the ice, he goes to the net. Martone does not have great skating. The stride looks inefficient and it looks like he is putting more effort in than he's getting out of it. I personally see flashes of the "power forward" archetype but I would like to see it on a more regular basis. Whether that's finishing checks or winning body positioning. I'd just like to see more pro details in his game. However, the skill is undoubtable and when combined with his size it is easy to see how he is a top 5 pick.

7. Roger McQueen - C 6' 5" - Brandon (WHL)

I was able to watch a lot of McQueen in his D -1 season last year because of Nate Danielson. McQueen oozes skill in my opinion. He's not a high end skater but at his size the way he gets around the ice is impressive. McQueen uses his body well and also uses his reach combined with his hands to beat defenders in one on ones. I think he sees the game and his teammates at a high level, creating a lot of shot assists. I believe he is more of a playmaker than a goalscorer but he can finish when given the opportunity. I think he potentially is a top 3 talent if it wasn't for the health concerns. This applies to most of the top 5 but I think McQueen doesn't look for space he creates it.

8. Victor Eklund - LW 5' 11" - Djurgårdens (Allsvenskan)

Eklund is one of the older players in this draft but he's also one of my favorites. This is due to his endless motor and his doggedness on pucks. While his size and frame(161 lbs) may be concerns, his ability to win board battles, net front battles and overall willingness to get to the hard areas quells some of that apprehension. Eklund produced at a high level in his draft year against men and he did so in a variety of ways. Eklund can score on a pretty shot from the slot or with a nice move on a breakaway but he can also score in a net front scrum against a defenseman who's half a foot taller than him. He has really good hands, and high level skating. Eklund has a way of wiggling through checks and coming out of board battles with the puck. He has shown he can deal with the physicality at the Allsvenskan level but the question will be whether he can sustain that in North America.

9. Jake O'Brien - C 6' 1" - Brantford (OHL)

One of the best puckhandlers in the top ten. O'Brien has high end playmaking ability along with soft area passes into space. The positive outlook on O'Brien is that he lets the game come to him. He plays the game in a rocking chair never looking like he is fully exerting himself. The pace isn't ever very quick but the play for a majority of the time gets to where it needs to go. Whether that means he dangles through a couple sticks before making a pass or waiting for a lane to open up before making a pass. I am personally a bit more skeptical of how it will work at higher levels, O'Brien's skating and frame are slight concerns for me but I think the skill is worth the bet.

10. Brady Martin - C 6' 0" - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

A tone setter. The type of player who can change momentum with a physical shift. Martin does not have high end skill or high end playmaking but he can drag his team into the game. Martin has a physical nature that is evident on almost every shift. He constantly finishes his checks, wins battles and uses his skating and high end compete to exert his dominance. I don't think his hands are smooth but they are effective enough for him to beat defensemen. I think his shot is on the higher end of this draft class but there are some accuracy issues at times. Martin is constantly getting to the hard areas, constantly applying pressure and constantly being a pain to play against. In terms of playmaking, I have not seen many examples of high end skill passing plays but he makes the simple play and shows flashes of more. Martin is the type of player a coach will be thankful to have around playoff time.

11. Carter Bear - LW 6' 0" - Everett (WHL)

High motor, whose skill and constant "go" pops when you watch Everett. While he's not a violent hitter, he is a physical player who drives to the inside of the ice and finishes checks on the forecheck. Bear has really good hands which are on par with some of the top 5 in this class. I personally do not see him as a center as some do but I think as a winger he is pretty projectable. He has good defensive attributes and does not fall into some of the lazy backchecking you can sometimes find in the CHL. I don't think that his playmaking ability is on the same level with a majority of the players ahead of him but he is a player who is average to good at just about everything. His off puck movement is good and teammates find him in optimum positions, then he can beat one guy or create enough space to get a shot off.

12. Jackson Smith - LHD 6' 3" - Tri-City (WHL)

I'll be honest, outside of the number one overall pick, I do not think this is a good draft for defensemen in the 1st round specifically. That being said, I like the potential project that Jackson Smith presents. Smith is a big kid who skates extremely well, especially for his size. He already uses his length well in gap control and has a pretty active stick to knock pucks away. At this point it seems like Smith doesn't exactly know what type of defenseman he is/wants to be. His skating gets him in and out of trouble jumping into rushes maybe he shouldn't but also back and into position by recovering with pace. Smith is not what I would describe as a big hitter but he uses his body well to separate the opponent from the puck. Also some decision making issues at times. I think he's got a good point shot that he showcased in the u18 Worlds and in the WHL. I personally don't see him as a power play quarterback/point-man. I do think the size, skating, and hands are tantalizing. Smith comes across as a player who is just waiting for a development team to mold into an effective two way defenseman.

13. Radim Mrtka - RHD 6' 5" - Seattle (WHL)

A large player who obviously catches your eye when he is on the ice. Mrtka is a good passer and already looks like an NHLer. He shows flashes of some tremendous power with heavy hits but I personally have not seen it consistently. I think Mrtka is a very good North-South skater when he gets up to speed but I do think his overall mobility and acceleration could be potential deficiencies. Some examples like how he turns to go get pucks in behind him or how sometimes he doesn't move his feet in the defensive zone and relies on his size/length. Mrtka has a bomb of a shot from the point. I would not say that he has smooth hands but they are capable of getting him out of traffic and able to make the next play. I think his size and skating are the traits that will make him a defenseman that GMs take in the top 10.

14. Cole Reschny - C 5' 10" - Victoria (WHL)

To begin I am not convinced that Reschny will become a center at the higher levels. I don't think he's a burner or high end skater but I think he moves through traffic well, good edge work is able to stop/start and turn quickly. Reschny makes a lot of smart reads on and off the puck. I think he has a high hockey IQ. Reschny does seem to get knocked off pucks quite a bit and size will always be a concern for him as he moves up levels. The shot mechanics look a bit weird to me. It's deceptive but looks like it lacks some power. His production really started to pop late in the season and into the playoffs. It is always nice to see a prospect perform during the second half of the season and playoffs when the games get tighter.

15. Ben Kindel - RW 5' 10" - Calgary (WHL)

Extremely exciting player to watch. In each game I've watched him there is at least one moment where he gives you a wow moment. He has good acceleration and once he's up to speed the skating looks good as well. Kindel is really creative but not a constant east/west creative like some players, he's direct. He wants to move toward the net. Kindel has really smooth hands. They aren't choppy; he cups the puck with constant drags around sticks. I think he does well to get lost in the offensive zone off the puck and find himself in scoring positions. For a smaller player he is willing to go to the net. I think he has a good but not great shot. For a high scoring junior player he is also pretty responsible defensively in terms of active engagement in the defensive zone and back checking. I think he has a high motor that will help compensate for some of the size he gives up to opponents. In the playoffs he has also shown that he has a bit of the clutch gene as well.

16. Kashawn Aitcheson - LHD 6' 1" - Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson plays hockey with a swagger most players do not have. Andrew Gibson also had a bit of it in the OHL a couple years ago. Aitcheson had a huge pop in production this year which in my opinion is due to his smart off puck movement. He is a physical defenseman who can produce some highlight level hits. However, I don't think he is as physical as the narrative around him suggests. I personally would like to see him be a bit more physical in the net front battles and stopping cycles by pinning forwards along the boards. Aitcheson has a good point shot. Both his slap shot and wrist shot are very effective and heavy. I think his hands are fine, a bit choppy at times but effective enough. I do think he struggles with decision making with the puck at times and when or when not to pinch. I think Aitcheson will be a good middle pair defenseman but I do think the narratives around him might be exaggerated.

17. Logan Hensler - RHD 6' 2" - Wisconsin (NCAA)

Hensler is a good skating puck moving defenseman. It is hard to judge his offensive upside. He shows flashes of good offense like beating his man at the offensive zone blue line or jumping into a rush and creating a chance. It's hard to judge because Wisconsin had a pretty terrible year and their system does not really allow for offensive spontaneity. Hensler breaks out pucks well with good reads under pressure and skating pucks out. I don't think he's very physical or hard to play against but again he was a true freshman in college hockey so again hard to judge. Hensler has a pretty good stick defensively and gap control. I'm not a big fan of player comparisons but he does remind me a bit of former badger Justin Schultz.

18. Václav Nestrašil - RW 6' 5" - Muskegon (USHL)

I am much higher on this player than most. Nestrašil is a presence on the ice. Besides his stature he plays big, something I think other big guys in this class don't do. Nestrašil has a bit of an edge to him. He is mean and capable of a huge hit while also not passing up opportunities to finish a check. He's got a deceptive release and the puck comes off heavy and hard. Nestrasil has a good shot but he does need to work on accuracy. He has got really effective hands paired with protecting the puck well with his size and length. This allows him to beat a man and attack the net. His skating is good for his size and once he is up to speed he can really move. However, I'm sure coaches have to remind him to be moving his feet especially defensively. Nestrašil can improve his decision making in terms of his passing options and when to use them. I think he has the potential to be a real top six power forward.

19. Braedon Cootes - C 5' 11" - Seattle (WHL)

Cootes is a high energy two way center who has some real creativity and playmaking ability. His stride may be a bit inefficient to my eye but he's got energy to burn and gets around the ice really well. I think with some work and strength his skating could be really good and a huge strength. Don't get me wrong Cootes is a very good skater that has potential to become better. He is a feisty player and shows signs of physicality for his size. Both his hands and shot are ok but not strengths in my opinion. I don't think he'll be a high end producer at the next levels.

20. Cullen Potter - LW/C 5' 10" - Arizona State (NCAA)

Cullen Potter for me is one of the few players outside the top seven who has an elite trait. Potter is the fastest player in this draft. He is an incredible skater, his edge work is awesome, his stride is powerful, his foot speed is quick. Sometimes it feels as though the rest of his game hasn't caught up to the speed that his skating allows him to play at. Potter often doesn't see passing lanes or takes the wrong one. I think Potter has good smooth hands and puck skills but sometimes his hands can't keep up with his speed. I don't think that Potter or really most of the NCAA prospects in this class are getting the credit they deserve for the level they are playing at in their draft year. 13 goals as a freshman is nothing to sneeze at. Potter is going to be a great puck transporter at the next level. He carries the puck through the neutral zone and also gets a ton of controlled zone entries. Another knock on him is his perimeter play, I think that's slightly overblown but I do think he does need to get to the middle third of the ice more. I think Potter has an NHL shot. He's a risk but whoever takes the gamble is betting on an elite trait.

21. Cameron Reid - LHD 6' 0" - Kitchener (OHL)

Reid is a very talented skater. His stride is fluid, he has quick footspeed and gets up to top speed quickly. Reid has a quick first few steps that will allow him to get to loose pucks in the defensive zone quickly. Reid seemingly knows that he is on the smaller side as a defenseman and tries to make up for that with his high motor and competitiveness. When watching Reid you can tell there is a will to play physically. Sometimes he is simply out muscled or the size is too much of a differentiator but he is making the effort. I think he creates more turnovers/stops than he gets credit for in the defensive zone. Reid makes a lot of simple but effective plays that coaches will love. I don't think he makes a ton of high end offensive plays. I think he has a pretty good shot and is good both offensively and defensively in transition.

22. Lynden Lakovic - LW 6' 4" - Moose Jaw (WHL)

Lakovic has a really good shot. I think he could beat NHL goalies clean from mid range. Lakovic is a good transition playmaker. He has average skating but for a 6 '4 player it's good and you hope that it improves with more strength. I have him rated this high because he can score goals and he's pretty creative. Lakovic uses teammates for one two's cutting to the net. However for me there are real concerns. I think for his size he does not play big or like a power forward. I do not think he is very middle driven, but more of a perimeter player as of right now. Lakovic needs to improve his puck possession game in the offensive zone. I also have seen a lot of "fly by" plays on the forecheck where he has the opportunity to finish a check but doesn't. Like most bigger prospects at 6 '4 Lakovic is a bit of a project and unrefined but there are still enough traits that make him a worthy gamble.

23. Justin Carbonneau - RW 6' 1" - Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

A shooter who scored almost at will this season. Carbonneau skates well north-south but doesn't have above average edgework and is more of a straight line player. Carbonneau has a NHL level shot who can beat goalies clean from distance. I think he has effective hands and often beats defenders one on one but doesn't have the dangler hands; they're not overly fast or smooth. I don't think Carbonneau has a ton of playmaking ability. I think he'll be a high end shooter who battles in the corners and can be a good puck retriever.

24. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak - C/RW 6' 3" - Luleå (SHL/J20)

At his size Jakob Ihs-Wozniak moves pretty smoothly. He isn't a burner and he's not a quick twitch player but he gets around the ice well and covers even more of it with his length and size. At the J20 level I thought he really controlled the pace and could speed the game up and slow it down. In his very few SHL games I thought he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. I think he is an excellent finisher. Ihs-Wozniak has a great shot and has a way of finishing broken plays as well as beating a goalie clean. At his size I really think he is going to have to learn how to play with more physicality and to be able to get to the middle more. Luleå won the SHL this season so his opportunities weren't at a premium or at the top of the lineups and with big minutes but it is a good place for his development.

25. Blake Fiddler - RHD 6' 4" - Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler is a big kid, who for his size moves well. At 6'4 he is very good at using his length to close lanes in transition and force opponents to the outside. He is also physical, he gets a lot of defensive zone stops by pinning forwards to the boards and tying them up. At times he looks like a bully in the net front area clearing the line of vision for the goalie. Defensively there is a lot to like. Offensively in my opinion there is still a lot of room for growth. Fiddler's hands aren't great. His decision making with the puck also leaves something to desire. It looks like he is trying to do way too much instead of making the simple play. I think it's easier to reel him in than it would be to get him to do more. Fiddler works hard. He is constantly moving his feet and trying to make an impact. Fiddler has a good point shot but I don't see him as a power play guy.

26. Sascha Boumedienne - LHD 6' 1" - Boston University (NCAA)

Boumedienne is a beautiful skater. He's fluid, he's fast and he can break out a team on his own by using his feet. He has good edge work and walks the blue line well. Boumedienne has pretty good hands but he also struggles with doing too much. Often stickhandling himself into trouble. I don't think he always makes the best reads with the puck and finding passing lanes. Boumedienne is not overly physical and the defensive stops that he does get are often because of his skating ability and his stick. In my opinion his skating is close to an elite trait and that's what you'd be betting on.

27. Daniil Prokhorov - RW 6 '5 - Dynamo (MHL)

A big guy who skates pretty well for his size. Prokhorov plays big, protects the puck well, finishes his checks on the forecheck. Prokhorov can really finish, he scores around the net and he can really shoot the puck. However in my opinion the lack of playmaking is a concern. I wouldn't go as far as saying he is a selfish player but it's clear that at the MHL level he feels that he is the main option. There are quite a few plays where he tries to do everything himself. On the flip side at this level he tends to be the best option. Prokhorov is a North/South direct line player. If he has the puck he is trying to come down hill and attack the net and the middle of the ice. Prokhorov had almost half a goal a game in the regular season and did have half a goal a game in the playoffs. At 6' 5" I think it is easy to see the upside of a potential top six power forward that can play in the hard areas at the business end of the season.

28. Milton Gästrin - C 6' 0" - MoDo (J20/SHL)

Jack of all trades, master of none. Gästrin is a super competitive guy who battles every shift. At the J20 level I thought he showed off a bit more skill and scoring ability but at the u18 Worlds I think you could see how he is a very projectable bottom six center. He played the penalty kill for Sweden. He was involved in net front scrums. Gästrin as captain for Sweden was the one trying to pull the team into the fight. Winning battles and puck retrievals but he also put up decent production. The production almost is almost an afterthought because he just quietly goes about doing his job in the cliche playing the right way. While he did not produce in his SHL games this year he did not look out of place. I think once Gästrin gets comfortable in the SHL next year more of that skill will come out.

29. Malcolm Spence - LW 6' 1" - Erie (OHL)

A competitive winger who plays hard in the hard areas. Spence plays a good all around game. In the defensive zone winning his board battles against pinching defenseman and in the offensive zone playing a good possession game working pucks to the net or low to high and getting to the net. Spence has shown flashes of good transition offense as well. He uses his skating well to transport pucks well through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone. Spence has decent hands but I wouldn't call him a skill player. I don't think he will be able to drive a line or be the guy creating offense on a line. I think you can easily see a coach loving him as a middle six winger but I can also see him being a complementary player in the top six. The type of player who might not necessarily be a first line player on skill but possibly one based on fit, similarly to a Bertuzzi or Hyman. A player who can keep up with the line drivers, win battles/retrievals and get to the net.

30. William Horcoff - C/LW 6' 4" - Michigan (NCAA)

Horcoff is a big kid who is still learning to play in his body. He really bought into and found his role when he moved to UofM half way through the season. Playing the net front role on the power play and buying into being a guy who can hold his own in the corners and get the puck to some of the more skilled players. He showed real flashes of playmaking at Michigan including a behind the back assist from below the goal line in the outdoor game. At U18 Worlds he had two really flashy goals one where he just beat the goalie straight up from distance against Germany and one where Horcoff dropped the shoulder and beat a defenseman, put the puck around the defenders stick and went far side. These are the types of flashes that make you consider the potential upside. Horcoff has decent hands and uses his body to his advantage. At Michigan he realized he needs to get to the net to score the dirty goals. The skating has a very long way to go and you hope that some of that is just becoming comfortable at his size.

31. Alexander Zharovsky - RW 6' 1" - Salavat Ufa (MHL/KHL)

Zharovksy has high end skill and playmaking ability. At the MHL level I thought he was probably the most dominant draft year player. He has hands that can create something out of nothing. Zharovsky at the MHL level could beat multiple defenders before creating a scoring chance for himself or a teammate. At the KHL level in the playoffs I did not think Zharovsky looked out of place. He was able to keep up with the pace and had quite a few shot assists. Zharovsky had one assist in the KHL playoffs for his first KHL point. The skating has been questioned by a lot of people and while he is hunched over a bit and the stride isn't ideal, he still moves around the ice well and has a good first three steps in my opinion. The shot needs to improve. Zharovsky has the ability to finish but the shot is not very powerful and it won't beat goalies from distance without improvement. Zharovsky has an instinctual playmaking ability. It just seems like he knows where the passing lanes always are and when the correct timing is to lay a puck into space for his teammate or when to hit them with a tape to tape pass.

32. Henry Brzustewicz - RHD 6' 1" - London (OHL)

A competent two way defenseman, who played on an extremely strong team often paired with debatably the best defenseman in the OHL. For his size Brzustewicz skates pretty well. He can jump into the rush and create offense or stay at home when Dickinson jumps into the rush. I'd like to see him stop on more pucks, I feel like he sometimes over skates the play specifically in the defensive zone. Brzustewicz has good touch with the puck, and his hands are good for a defenseman. I don't see him running a power play at the NHL level but I think he will be a good penalty killer. He has moments of physicality but I would like to see it more often.

For Rounds 2-3 I'm just going to give a couple words on players.

33. Ivan Ryabkin - C/W 5' 11" - Muskegon (USHL)

High risk, high reward. Super skilled and physical but doesn't always bring his game. When he is on he's on but definitely some questions off the ice.

34. Bill Zonnon - C/RW 6' 1" - Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

Very projectable bottom six energy guy with some skill.

35. Ryker Lee - RW 6'0 - Madison (USHL)

High end finishing and skill. I love this player but skating is still a weakness.

36. Joshua Ravensbergen - G 6'5 - Prince George (WHL)

I am not a fan of taking a goalie in the 1st. He is the best goalie in the draft. He took a step back this year in my opinion but he was excellent last year against Danielson and in the playoffs in general.

37. Shane Vansaghi - RW 6' 2" - Michigan State (NCAA)

A potential middle six power forward. Forechecks hard, and has some decent skill and finishing ability.

38. Jack Nesbitt - C 6' 4" - Windsor (OHL)

Most people will have him much higher. I expect him to be taken in the first round but this is one where I don't see it. The feet look heavy. He has a good shot and some playmaking but I personally do not see the compete level. I'll probably be wrong on this one.

39. Cole McKinney - C 6'0 - NTDP (USHL)

Does a bit of everything. I think he drove play for his NTDP line. Puck carrier, playmaker and gets to the net for greasy goals. Responsible defensively. I could see him carving out a bottom six center role and playing PK and possibly net front on the powerplay.

40. Jack Murtagh - LW 6' 1" - NTDP (USHL)

6' 1" but plays even bigger. He wins a lot of puck battles. Also shows a tendency to be direct and cut to the net. Flashes of skill.

41. Kurban Limatov - LHD 6' 3" - Dynamo Moskva (MHL/KHL)

A big rangey defenseman who is aggressive without the puck closing gaps and finishing checks. Long term project.

42. Carter Amico - RHD 6'5 - NTDP (USHL)

Huge defenseman with high IQ. In my opinion probably would have been a top 20 pick without the injury.

43. Michal Svrcek - LW - 5'10" - Brynäs IF (SHL)

PPG in J20 which isn't anything to get excited about but when he got moved up to the SHL I thought that he didn't look out of place at all. In the playoffs I thought he really popped against Skellefteå.

44. William Moore - C - 6'2" - NTDP (USHL)

For a bigger kid I would like to see some more physicality and willingness to engage. Moore does bring some skill and good playmaking ability.

45. Eddie Genborg - RW - 6'2" - Linköping (SHL/J20)

High energy power forward who has some snarl to his game. Easy to see him being able to have an impact in an NHL bottom six.

46. Benjamin Kevan - RW/C - 6' - Des Moines (USHL)

High volume shooter who skates pretty well. I thought he had a pretty good u18's despite not having a ton of production.

47. Gustav Hillström - C/W - 6'2" - Brynäs IF (J20/SHL)

A big responsible two way center. I think there is some playmaking ability there but there are some questions around pace. In the SHL games I saw it did look like sometimes he struggled to keep up.

48. Semyon Frolov - G - 6'3" - Spartak (MHL)

I am certainly not a goalie expert, but throughout the MHL playoffs Frolov has come across as an athletic goalie, who looks calm and has quiet feet. He is having a tough MHL final but he's looked good for the most part.

49. Cameron Schmidt - RW - 5'7" - Vancouver (WHL)

Another player that is likely higher on other lists. The acceleration and speed are great. He can finish and has a nasty wrist shot. The size and lack of an overall game are concerns for me. Schmidt looked great in the WHL but went missing at the u18's

50. Eric Nilson - C - 6' - Djurgården IF (J20/Allsvenskan)

Responsible player who has high end IQ. Really good passer. Nilson going to MSU is super interesting; they have a great strength program and that's one of his biggest weaknesses. Needs to become more of a scoring threat as well.

51. Nathan Behm - W - 6'2" - Kamloops (WHL)

I watched a lot of Behm, watching Emmitt Finnie. I think Behm has a great shot and some pretty good playmaking ability but I have concerns over the pace he plays at.

52. Charlie Trethewey - RHD - 6'2" - NTDP (USHL)

Plays bigger than his size. Closes down space well. I think there is more offense than he has shown so far.

53. Topias Hynninen - C/W - 5'11" - Jukurit (Liiga)

Re-entry player. Hynninen was one of the few draft eligible prospects I saw in Liiga this year that popped for me. Works off teammates well. Creates plays. Produced at a decent rate on a bad team.

54. Luca Romano - C - 5'11" - Kitchener (OHL)

High motor, but potentially has top six skill as well. I think he has good hands and often can create something for a teammate like a shot assist. I think he moves well enough and doesn't quit on plays. If he became more of a shooter his potential would be even higher.

55. Conrad Fondrk - C/W - 6' - NTDP (USHL)

He plays a responsible game. Has one of those shots where it looks heavy coming off the blade. I think he does well in the corners and is always on the right side of the puck. Could easily see him becoming a bottom six penalty killer.

56. Matthew Gard - W - 6'4" - Red Deer (WHL)

Projectable pro game, he competes hard, he gets to the middle of the ice, and he forechecks hard. Gard does a lot of the dirty work for the more skilled players. You would hope that he pops a bit more offensively.

57. Max Psnicka - RHD - 6'4" - Portland (WHL)

Psnicka plays big, throwing his body around well. Closes gaps well. Makes simple plays with the puck on his stick. Heavy feet are the big concern.

58. Jacob Rombach - LHD - 6'6" - Lincoln (USHL)

I was able to watch quite a bit of USHL this year on FloHockey, and Rombach was one of the better draft eligible defensive defensemen in the league this year. He uses his size and length well and reads the game well.

59. Tomas Popezal - C - 5'10" - HK Nitra (Slovakia)

I have not seen any of Popezal at the club level besides highlights. But I thought he had quite a few nice moments in the World Junior Championships this year. I thought he was constantly popping up in good positions and playing a good 2 way game.

60. Michal Pradel - G - 6'5" - Tri-City (USHL)

A big athletic goalie that moves well but doesn't over rely on his size. I thought he was incredible at the U18's and while the numbers are not amazing at the USHL level, I think it is a hard league for goaltenders.

61. Ethan Czata - C - 6'1" - Niagara (OHL)

I personally see him becoming a utility winger who can win battles, get in on the forecheck and create offense for others by turning pucks over. I think the skating and skill are probably not at a top six projection but I could see him carving out a role in the bottom six. I think he has a good floor.

62. Tomas Poletin - LW - 6'1" - Pelicans (J20/Liiga)

Another player that I thought really showed well at u18's. He captained Czechia. Poletin plays a physical game. He does well in the corners and battling in front of the net. I do think there is some skill there as well. Poletin has good hands and can finish a bit as well. Skating will have to improve a bit.

63. Mason West - W - 6'6" - Fargo (USHL)

I checked out quite a few of his games once he made the move to the USHL. I see why people are excited but I'm not as fully bought in as others. The playmaking ability I think is there. The skating looks ok when he reaches full speed but the feet are heavy and the mobility as a whole is not great but at 6'6" it is understandable. The hands are pretty decent as well.

64. Kristian Epperson - LW - 6'1" - Saginaw (OHL)

A player who got more opportunities away from the NTDP and has blossomed. He has skill, he is excellent being the guy who his teammates use to get open for give and go plays and he also can also play as the one getting the puck back for an offensive opportunity. Like MBN last year I think he does well popping off the cycle into the slot area for shots. I think he has a lot of offensive ability and the kind that will translate at the next level. Epperson committing to Denver should only help further his development.

65. Hayden Paupanekis - C/W - 6'5" - Kelowna (WHL)

While I think he is still growing into his body, Paupanekis has pretty good skating and all around mobility. He's not just a straight line player, he has some agility and his hands help him move through and around players. I think he has a good off puck game. I think he does the dirty work well. I think he is good in front of the net. He's improved quite a bit since last year in the WHL and I think he still has a huge runway to improve.

66. Malte Vass - LHD - 6'2" - Färjestad BK (J20/SHL)

Simple with the puck not overextending himself. Vass reads the defensive zone well. He gets into passing lanes well. Battles hard clearing the net front area. Vass is a pretty physical defender who gets a lot of stops just pinning his man to the boards.

67. Bruno Osmanis - RW - 5'10" - IF Björklöven (J20/Allsvenskan)

I was able to catch a good bit of Osmanis while watching LDN. I think that he is an extremely gifted playmaker who plays at pace. When he was moved up to the Allsvenskan team he did not look out of place. Osmanis can finish as well as create. He had an impressive WJC. I think he will have to bulk up and be more willing to get to the middle of the ice to become successful enough for North America but the playmaking, the hands and the pace are all strengths that are worthy of a gamble.

68. Lasse Boelius - LHD - 6'1" - Assät (U20/Liiga)

A calm mobile defenseman. I think Boelius showed well at the U18's where he quietly produced while playing a simple effective game. I think he is a smooth skater who pivots well to go get pucks dumped in behind him. It feels to me like he reads situations well defensively as well. Boelius is a calm presence which is good but sometimes you'd like to see him be a bit meaner at times and a bit more physical.

69. Viktor Klingsell - LW - 5'10" - Skellefteå AIK (J20/SHL)

Great hands. Klingsell has great offensive instincts, whether that's threading a pass in between multiple sticks or finishing a chance with accuracy and a quick release. Klingsell impressed throughout the J20 season, getting a few games in the SHL team. He had an excellent J20 playoffs and then impressed at the U18's. I would and probably should have him higher but the lack of physicality and dealing with it along with the size and slightly perimeter game is a concern.

70. Harry Nansi - C - 6'3" - Owen Sound (OHL)

Nansi is a big body that already knows how to use it. He protects pucks well in the offensive zone, often fending off opponents before making a pass to a teammate in an advantageous position. I think Nansi has a lot of compete in his game that makes up for his wonky skating stride. The production is not anything that jumps off the page but I think that there might be more offense there.

71. Max Westergård - W - 5'11" - Frölunda HC (J20/SHL)

Westergård is a great skater both in a straight line fashion as well as his edge work and agility. He thinks the game at a high level. Max is more of a playmaker than a finisher often laying pucks into a space where teammates are going to be. During the SHL playoffs I thought he was really good, not looking out of place. Westergård didn't shy away from physicality in board battles or driving the net. To show that in the playoffs against men is quite the feat. He also had a strong u18's.

72. Francesco Dell'Elce - LHD - 6'1" - UMass (NCAA)

I've seen Dell'Elce for a few years now, being paired with Larry Keenan at Penticton and now UMass. I think his elusiveness and blue line footwork are at a high level. In possession at the offensive blue line he's capable of making a winger look silly. This year I saw a lot of growth in his defensive game. Closing gaps quicker with his skating and a quick stick. Dell'Elce also showed more physicality. UMass churns out NHL defensemen and I wouldn't bet against seeing Dell'Elce in the NHL.

73. Filip Ekberg - LW - 5'10" - Ottawa (OHL)

I had not seen much of Ekberg before the U18's but with a performance everyone was put on notice. I think he finds space really well off the puck. Finding soft areas where teammates can find him for goal scoring opportunities. I think he has pretty good playmaking ability as well. Ekberg has a quick first couple of steps that help him win puck races. Some concerns are dealing with physicality and his all around game when his team doesn't have the puck.

74. LJ Mooney - RW/C - 5'7" - NTDP (USHL)

One of my favorite players in the draft. Mooney is an absolute dog. He is super competitive, he isn't afraid of anything or anyone. Mooney is a great skater, he has silky hands and he can make a cross ice pass through three opponents. He can finish a play as well but I wouldn't say shooting is a strength or a weakness. Mooney is 5'7" but he doesn't play small, he is a pest out there finishing checks on the forecheck and constantly chasing oppositions down on the backcheck. Mooney was coming off a tough injury this year which I feel led to a slow start but toward the end of the season and at the U18's he showed what he is all about. I think he could be a Conor Garland type of player with a bit more skill. His size will always be a limitation but I think Mooney will beat the odds.

75. Adam Benák - C/W - 5'7" - Youngstown (USHL)

Extremely skilled playmaker that wants the puck and can orchestrate the pace of play while the puck is on his stick. He drives a line, teammates look for him to give him the puck and then try to find space for him to give it back to them. I think he has good skating, good hands and great hockey sense. I don't think he has the same competitiveness or physicality as Mooney but he has more natural skill.

76. Drew Schock - LHD - 6' - NTDP (USHL)

I think Schock has really good skating and ability with the puck. His issues for me are down to him being a raw prospect and not exactly sure what type of defenseman he is. Schock often tries to do too much in my opinion. He is capable of being a two way defenseman who jumps into the rush occasionally and can contribute offensively. Schock just needs to take the simple play sometimes in the defensive zone.

77. Theo Stockselius - W - 6'3" - Djurgården IF (J20)

Stockselius has good size combined with high IQ. I think he could be a goal scorer at the next level. He sees where a play is going before it goes there. Stockselius has a good shot and seems to be an efficient scorer. Stockselius will have to gain strength and a willingness to fight off physicality. He'll need to get to the middle of the ice more and win more contested battles.

78. Luka Radivojevic - RHD - 5'10" - Muskegon (USHL)

An offensively gifted defenseman that uses his edge work pace and vision to his advantage. His competitiveness often helps him win battles against much larger opponents. I don't think he has a great point shot, hopefully it improves with strength.

79. Jan Chovan - C/RW - 6'3" - Tappara (U20)

A big body who has good puck protection skills. Jan can also dangle an opponent one on one. Chovan is a good offensive player overall. He has good passing ability and has a sneaky shot as well. I thought he looked good at the WJC but he really popped and stood out at the U18's.

80. Charlie Cerrato - C/W - 6'0 - Penn State (NCAA)

A supremely gifted offensive player that thrives in rush/transition offense. Cerrato is willing to cut and play in the middle while not being the biggest of prospects. He also has no problem beating a defenseman wide. Cerrato has really silky hands and plays well in traffic. He often has good puck touches. Cerrato has a decent two way game and is a bit of a pest without the puck. He's a double re-entry player but the production at the NCAA level is something to be excited about.

81. Arvid Drott - RW - 6'1" - Djurgården (J20)

I really like this prospect. I think he skates well. He's quick in his first three strides. Drott battles he does a lot for the more skilled players on the team. Puck retrievals, board battles and willingness to do graft for the team are all areas he excels at. Drott also has some offensive skill, he has had flashes of things like backhand toe drag around a defenseman and then scoring. I think he has good playmaking ability, give and goes/finding a shooting option off the cycle ect. I think he plays a playoff style game going to the net and being a physical player.

82. Richard Gallant - W - 5'8" - NTDP (USHL)

Gallant likely will go late in the draft if it all but I really rate him. He has a great stick, defensively and on the forecheck he takes tons of pucks off opponents. Gallant is capable of a highlight move with his hands. As a smaller player he does not play on the perimeter he drives the middle. Gallant is a finisher, I don't think his shot is high end but he has a knack for finding the back of the net. Obviously the concerns are over his size and not being an elite skater but I think his compete can take him further than people might think.

83. Melvin Novotony - F - 6'1" - Leksands IF (J20)

An extremely cerebral player. Novotony has good size and has a well rounded responsible two way game. His playmaking ability is what for me separates him from a lot of the other draft eligible J20 league players. He's good in both transition offense and finding lanes during sustained offensive shifts. I think he has a good shot but in my opinion he is a pass first player and could benefit from having more of a shooting mentality.

84. Mason Moe - F - 6'1" - Madison (USHL)

Mason is someone who I thought popped while I was watching Ryker Lee. Moe had a really strong playoffs, although I do think he needed to be a bit more physical at times. I think he plays a disciplined game. I think he finds and creates space for himself and has good playmaking traits, vision, passing, deception.

85. Yegor Borikov - W - 6' - Dinamo Minsk (KHL)

Double Re-entry player who had an outstanding year in the KHL and in the KHL playoffs. He has a really good shot. It is quick, it's a deceptive release. I think he creates shots for himself with his hands and changing angles. I think he has a good first couple steps and is a pretty good skater. Obviously he's further along in his development then the DY players but I think he is worth a pick.

86. William Belle - W - 6'4" - NTDP (USHL)

Belle is another one of the big kids in this draft that will get attention as everyone looks to replicate the Panthers physical nature. His skating is pretty good for his frame and similar to MBN and others in this draft he is a straight line player. I think his puck possession along the boards is strong. I don't think there is a ton of offensive upside but I could see him carving out a bottom 6 role.

87. Jamiro Reber - LW/C - 5'10" - HV71 (SHL)

As a Re-entry player Reber has really popped in the SHL this year. While he does not have a big frame he was able to produce in the playoffs. Reber has high compete and a good level of play making ability. Reber is a pesky player, he gets in on the forecheck and disrupts play. He is also willing to be physical.

88. Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen - LHD - 6' - Michigan (NCAA)

Dakoda plays a simple game. He isn't a high end offensive defenseman and he isn't a gritty physical defenseman either. He is a good skater who defends well with his skating and stick. Dakoda breaks pucks out and makes simple passes in the offensive zone. I think he plays a pretty simple but effective game.

89. Vojtêch Čihar - LW - 6'1" - HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia)

I was honestly expecting him to pop a bit more at the U18's. He looked good but I was expecting a bit more. He is a great skater and that is what stands out most about him but I don't think his playmaking or skill is that great. People will have him higher on their lists.

90. Zeb Lindgren - LHD - 6'2" - Skellefteå AIK (J20/SHL)

Zeb got a few games with the senior squad in the SHL and he didn't look out of place. But in the Champions League he looked really good in my opinion. Lindgren showcased flashes of some real offense. I think he has a high hockey IQ. He is defensively reliable, and while he's not throwing huge hits he is physical and he does take the body. Lindgren is a good skater, and has good passing ability. Lindgren often jumps into rushes and is good offensively and defensively in transition.

91. Maxim Agafonov - RHD - 6'2" - Tolpar UFA (MHL/VHL)

Maxim is teammates with Zharovsky, so I saw quite a bit of him. I think there are some really good offensive instincts but unlike others I don't think the defense is that great. Agafonov is not very physical, I don't think he reads passing lanes well. Sometimes he gets lost in d-zone coverage.

92. Brandon Gorzynski - W - 6'2" - Calgary (WHL)

Gorzynski played on a line with Kindel, and while I think Kindel was the line driver Gorzynski definitely played his part. He is a good two way forward, who improved a lot this year. Gorzynski can keep up with a skilled player like Kindel and provides puck retrievals, getting to the net, forechecking ability. I think he has more offensive potential.

93. Tommy Lafrenière - C/W - 5'11" - Kamloops (WHL)

A teammate of Emmitt Finnie, Tommy Lafrenière quietly had a really good year. He is a bit of a waterbug out there on the ice. Tommy skates well and has really good agility, he has great edge work. I think he has really smooth hands and can operate well in traffic. Lafrenière has a good shot and gets it off quick. I think his vision with the puck is really good and operates well in transition. His two way game and overall strength are in need of improvement. Tommy reminds me a bit of Amadeus Lombardi.

94. David Lewandowski - W - 6'1" - Saskatoon (WHL)

Lewandowski was one of the standout players on the German WJC and u18's this year. I think he has good skill and I think he can finish a lot of scoring chances without having a great shot. I think he skates at a pretty average to good level. Good compete.

95. Owen Griffin - C/W - 5'10" - Oshawa (OHL)

After an insane playoff run I think Griffin will be climbing some lists. Griffin is a really good skater with a quick first few strides. He plays well at pace and can beat defenders with his skating and his hands. I think he finds space well in the offensive zone often resulting in the puck finding him in scoring areas. I think his defensive game is ok but needs improvement and he'll also have to learn how to deal with physicality better.

96. Kirill Yemelyanov - C - 6' - Loko Yaroslavl

If you follow me you know that I like this player. He has really good timing as a center whether it's in the defensive zone on breakouts, neutral zone stretch passes or transition offense. I think he is responsible defensively. Yemelyanov can dangle. He can use his hands to create something for himself or make a move and then has the ability to find an open teammate. Kirill also has a pretty good shot. I think this is a very smart prospect who reads the game really well.

Honorable Mentions

(No order)

• Brendan McMorrow

• Makar Fomin

• Lev Katzin

• Daniil Ustinkov

• David Granberg

• Ethan Wyttenbach

• Leo Sundqvist

• Rio Kaiser

• German Suzdorf

• Julius Sumpf

• Maxim Schafer

• Vit Záhejsky

• Cole Temple

• Jeremy Loranger

• Nikita Tyurin

• Bryce Pickford

• Daniil Skvortsov

• Peyton Kettles

• Philippe Veilleux

• Matteo Nobert

• Sam Laurila

• Jimmy Lombardi

• Daniil Petrenko