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Height: 6'2 (188 cm)

Weight: 183 (83 kg)

Age At Draft: 17.8

Points per Game (normalized): 1.29

A/P Score: -3.98 (6^th)

Key Strength: Tremendous hockey intelligence, game awareness and skating ability

Key Question: How long will it take him to win his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman?

One of the greatest travesties of the 2024-2025 draft prospect season was seeing Matthew Schaefer leave Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships with a broken collarbone. Not only did Canada lose its best player and a likely chance at a gold medal, but everyone missed out on watching months of play from the most gifted defender (and probably most gifted player overall) in the draft class. Schaefer is also one of the youngest players in the class, with his September 5th birthday beating the cutoff by only nine days. Schaefer plays masterful hockey, the kind that catches the eye of everyone in the rink with the fluidity of his skating, the calm puck management and passing, and the loaded potential energy that can be released at any moment either as an end-to-end rush, a perfect long pass or a crashing slapshot. 

Schaefer uses elite four-way agility and smooth skating to cover a lot of ice in just two or three steps, giving him great positional advantages in his own end. With his size and lateral movement, he can strip away space from attacking forwards, preventing them from turning him or beating him to the net front. He keeps the play outside and forces puck carriers to make non-aggressive choices or suffer the consequences, and the consequences of turning the puck over to Schaefer can be harsh.

With his head up and eyes active all the time, Schaefer becomes a truly dominant player when he has the puck in his own end. He has so many ways to break down his opponents and get the puck up ice and into the offensive zone. He looks happy skating the puck out of his own end, and has the stickwork and puckhandling ability of a playmaking forward who can dip and duck and dive his way through traffic and easily win a zone entry. If the forecheckers attack him with aggression and prevent the skating transition, he will draw them in with easy backward skating, then snap a 100-foot pass to an open, streaking forward and then follow his pass up ice. If the breakout needs to be more methodical, he has the patience to slow the tempo, work the puck to his defensive partner and wait for the play to develop.

His vision and awareness are just as remarkable in the offensive zone. At the blue line, with or without the puck, Schaefer can be seen processing the play, making perfect choices on when and where to pass, when to drive down to the net, when to move the puck laterally or rip a shot on net. His offensive skills can be seen in his Age/Production Score which puts him among the best offensive blueliners of the last two decades (nestled in with NHL stars like Evan Bouchard, Victor Hedman and Bowen Byram).

Schaefer is a future Norris Trophy winner and cornerstone foundational blueliner with all of the tools and the hockey intelligence to be a superstar defenseman for the next fifteen years.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Absurdly talented. He just carried 200 feet, beat two US players clean, drove the net, scored low along the ice.”

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Height: 6’1 (185 cm)

Weight: 185 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.4

Points per Game (normalized): 2.06

A/P Score: -3.76 (13^th)

Key Strength: High-scoring multi-purpose forward with a sniper's instincts

Key Question: Should he be ranked first overall?

Michael Misa has been on the prospect radar for years. He hit the OHL level at age fifteen after having been granted exceptional status (only the ninth CHL player to receive that age exemption) and immediately started to make an impact. His first season with Saginaw he produced 22 goals and 34 assists in just 45 games, a 1.24 points-per-game production rate that was better than any previous 15-year-old player in the OHL--including John Tavares (1.18), Shane Wright (1.14), Jason Spezza (1.06) and Connor McDavid (1.05). Last season, Misa improved his totals, but his production rate dipped slightly to 1.12 points per game. This season, as he finally hit his draft year, Misa's rate exploded to 2.06 points per game, with a stunning 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games. His 62 goals are second-most for a draft year player in the last 25 years, behind only John Tavares' 72, and good enough for seventh place all-time in OHL goals by an under-18 player:

1. Toni Tanti: 81 goals in 1980-1981

2. Dino Ciccarelli: 72 goals in 1977-1978

3. John Tavares: 72 goals in 2006-2007

4. Eric Lindros: 71 goals in 1990-1991

5. Wayne Gretzky: 70 goals in 1977-1978

6. Marc Napier: 66 goals in 1974-1975

7. Michael Misa: 62 goals in 2024-2025

Of the six players above him on that list, one is the greatest player of all time, three are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, one (Tavares) is a lock to join them in the Hall, and the other two (both sub-5'11 players in the age when that was a rarity in the NHL) combined to score over 500 NHL goals. On the current Age/Production Score table for forwards, Misa ranks 13th overall, closely grouped with players like Jack Eichel, Macklin Celebrini, Alexis Lafreniere, Matvei Michkov and Dylan Guenther. 

With the puck on his stick, whether he is playing center or coming off the wing, Misa is a threat that defenses struggle to contain (as is glaringly obvious by his counting statistics). He plays the game at speed, but at times he looks like he is dancing through traffic. He can carry into the high danger area, deking his way into open space, then has the vision and game intelligence to recognize his best shot vs pass opportunities. Because he is so creative and patient with the puck, he can pass while puck handling, often showing a forehand-to-backhand combination as a launching pad for a slip pass to a wide open player or a snap wrist shot. His speed with the puck allows him to regularly turn defenders, either to cut to the crease or to curl behind the net where once again his hands and vision give him the options to spin out to the dot and shoot or to sizzle a pass to the slot for an open one-timer from a teammate. He creates offense on his own, and his 62 goals prove his shooting ability is world class, but his passing is equally as good. Misa is just a brilliant offensive player.

The thing that truly sets Misa apart from the rest of his class, however, is his tenacity and willingness to go just as hard on the backcheck as he does attacking the net. Multiple times per game he can be found chasing down opponent rushes, often winning the race back to his own end and setting up defensively before the attack gets established, or simply just stripping the puck away on the backcheck and counterattacking. He wins practically all of the puck races and has the size to outmuscle players in 50-50 puck battles on the boards. His work rate and hustle are elite, making him not only the best scorer of his draft class, but one of the top two-way forwards, as well.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Curves behind the net, angles out, then a beautiful feed to the top of the crease. Hands and vision are so freaking good.”

Height: 6’1 (185cm)

Weight: 204 (92 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.15

Points per Game (normalized): 1.80

A/P Score: -3.13 (29^th)

Key Strength: Intense two-way forward with scoring talent

Key Question: Will he be truly elite?

In the history of Sweden's second-tier men's league (Allsvensken), no under-18 player has produced at a higher rate than Anton Frondell did last season. His 25 points for Djurgardens (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games gave him a production rate of 0.86 points per game, a mark higher than the U18 seasons posted by previous bests William Nylander (0.77 points per game), David Pastrnak (0.67), Filip Forsberg (0.40) and Elias Pettersson (0.36). Frondell's eleven goals are second only to Nylander's fifteen (Nylander played in six more games). Frondell's fourteen assists are second only to Pastrnak's sixteen (Pastrnak played in seven more games). 

Frondell's two-way intensity stands out against the rest of the top forward prospects in this year's draft class (save, perhaps, Michael Misa). Frondell works just as hard on a back check as he does driving the puck up ice, both of which he does with a last-play-of-a-tied-game urgency, no matter the score. He uses his edges and turning abilities to cut off skating lanes for his opponents when he is on the forecheck, or dart into open space without the puck. Frondell does not look fast on the ice, but he plays with measured speed, using his skating as a precision tool to be applied as necessary, holding back or switching gears as the flow of the game requires it. A key to watching his skating is seeing that he is rarely out of position and he has the ability to chase down players if necessary. 

Frondell plays with his head up, constantly scanning he ice to read to the situation, and his high-level game intelligence gives him a clear advantage against his opponents. His vision lets him create with the puck and find the small, clever plays that often end up in prime scoring chances. Frondell also has NHL scoring talent, a heavy wrist shot and a snarling one-timer, both of which he can use to score from mid-distance or beyond. He has the size and physicality to score from the inside, too, using his solid frame and seeming relish for contact to dig into the high-danger scoring areas and outwork the defense. 

Frondell's mix of attributes and top-notch scoring ability gives him an ultra-high floor, almost guaranteeing him a second-line NHL role. The big question is whether or not he can push the floor higher to become a top-line NHL superstar power forward. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Plays with clarity and intelligence, taking away space, getting his body into the puck carrier's hands.”

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Height: 6'3 (191 cm)

Weight: 196 (89 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.68

Points per Game (normalized): 1.72

A/P Score: -2.63 (59^th)

Key Strength: Right winger with great size and scoring drive

Key Question: Will he eliminate the mental errors from his game to become a true All-Star in the NHL?

Porter Martone has all of the tools to become a highly successful first-line NHL winger, including determination and championship-level scoring drive. He is the prototype of the scoring forward with size that playoff-hockey-minded general managers crave, and that should make him a prized prospect in the 2025 draft. Martone led his Brampton Steelheads team both as captain and as the team's leading scorer, finishing the season with just under 100 points (37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games), putting him 7th overall in OHL scoring. 

Although Martone's small-space skating needs improvement, he has speed and easy acceleration that--at 6'3--is a major weapon in his arsenal. He uses his speed to fly up the right wing, create breakaway opportunities or push play up ice. He sometimes tries too much with the puck on his stick, attempting to drive and dangle through multiple defenders, but his confidence with the puck on his stick is understandable given his ability to generate offense. He has a tremendous variety in his shooting, wrist shots on the move, a blazing slap shot, one touches or deflections from in front of the net. He can create his own shooting space, too, with a quick lateral movement and snapping release. He is a creative passer, as well, often making highly deceptive plays with the puck that finds either the net or a teammates stick while the opponents are still trying to understand what is happening on the ice. 

Martone's defensive play still needs refinement, and he needs to dial back somewhat on the high-risk, low-reward singleton rushes, but he is a true talent who could get drafted in the top three this summer. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “His one-time slapshot is a screaming blur.”

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Height: 5'10 (178 cm)

Weight: 186 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.66

Points per Game (normalized): 1.24

A/P Score: -1.29 (317^th)

Key Strength: All-around talent with a scorer's mentality

Key Question: Is the relatively unsuccessful of his freshman year at Boston College an indication of trouble at the NHL level? 

After torching the U18 World Championships last year as an underaged player (and setting a tournament record with 22 points in just 7 games), James Hagens was the clear-cut  favorite to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 draft. However, after a less than equally destructive freshman season in the NCAA (Hagen's 37 points in 37 games was overshadowed by near 50-point seasons by his linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault), Hagens has drifted down the rankings a bit.   

The biggest concern for Hagens is his ability to be effective against bigger, stronger players. At Boston College, he still showed the dynamism that was constantly on display at the US National Development Program, but those moments were more infrequent. Often, Leonard and Perreault dominated play in the offensive zone while Hagens was more of a complementary player, joining their rushes, playing the third man in established offensive zone play, and generally trying to be impactful when he could. His speed and vision with the puck are world class, and he can expertly flick passes at distance through small cracks in the defense. His shot is good but is not as effective an offensive weapon as is his passing. 

Hagens is among the best skaters of the draft class, with effortless mobility all over the ice. His change of pace and direction is unparalleled, and watching defenders trying to keep track of him is like watching a bug collector trying to pin an electron. Hagens is not afraid to skate in amongst the traffic at the front of the net, but too often he was knocked and bounced out of position. In order to be successful there, he will need to get much stronger both physically and on his skates.

Balance and solidity are going to be determining factors in his ultimate NHL success. If he can improve both of those factors, and become a nuisance on the inside, he may become a feared offensive NHL center. At this point, he looks like a top-line player, but maybe one who shifts to the wing to be more effective, which is why we falls out of the top three or four players of this draft class.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “So much skill matched with skating and hard work in all three zones.”

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Height: 6'1 (185 cm)

Weight: 177 (80 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.04

Points per Game (normalized): 1.48

A/P Score: -2.31 (82^nd)

Key Strength: Pure play-making center who can shoot the puck

Key Question: Will his imaginative passing propel him to NHL stardom?

Anyone who has watched Jake O'Brien with the puck on his stick will not be shocked to learn that in the last twenty five years, only twelve U18 players posted more assists than Jake O'Brien did this past season, putting him in a pack of NHL stars like McDavid, Marner, Tavares and Spezza. O'Brien's vision is elite-level stuff, and he has fast, dexterous hands that can payoff the openings that he sees unfolding on the ice. He routinely makes dazzling passes, dropping dimes and jaws all over the rink. His decision making is lightning fast, keeping everyone on their toes, ready to receive or defend something that almost no one sees coming. 

O'Brien is more than just a puck distributor, though. He skates well even if he is lacking the speed and agility of a Hagens or Misa, but he is also 6'1 and 186 pounds and plays a tempo-controlled pace that draws in defenders instead of blowing past them. He can carry through the neutral zone with command, using vision and hands to find the gaps in the coverage and exploiting them. He can make the right plays in tight spaces, or flare long passes to open ice. His 32 goals in 66 games shows he has the ability to get the puck past goaltenders, too. When the passing or shooting lanes do not open up for him, he has a series of deceptive puck and body fakes that he can throw against the defense to create just a tiny bit of hesitation, and then he will shred them with his playmaking. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Great job to handle under duress in the slot, spin away to space, and find Lardis far side.”

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Height: 6'2 (188 cm)

Weight: 179 (81 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.22

Points per Game (normalized): 1.50

A/P Score: -2.26 (85^th)

Key Strength: Size and elite vision at the Center position

Key Question: Can be become more consistent in his overall work rate to become an every-shift player?

Caleb Desnoyers might be the best overall playmaker in this year's draft, with only Michael Misa as a serious competitor in that category. Desnoyer's vision and ability to get the puck to the right place at the right time to create the most dangerous scoring chance is incredible, no matter what thicket of legs and sticks and moving players he needs to navigate. He can rip long bounce passes off the boards to hit a rushing winger in stride, or use his excellent first step to jump into a space and create a passing lane that was not available a moment earlier. He is magic with the puck on his stick, and seemingly makes pucks disappear only to reappear a second later on the tape of a scorer's stick. 

Desnoyer, at 6'2 and 179 pounds, has the combination of size and fantastic edgework that makes him a true NHL-caliber centerman prospect that could go in the top three of the 2025 draft. He is a player that rebuilding NHL general managers will be drooling over as they look for someone who can solidify their team down the middle and become a foundational offensive player. He has great speed, but better acceleration and agility, and his elite vision and hands makes him a threat in tight spaces as well as in open ice.

The main aspect of Desnoyers' game that will determine his draft position will be how the scouting teams feel about his overall work rate and competitive drive. At times, Desnoyers plays a physical game, making solid body checks and working hard at both ends of the ice. At other times, he looks only somewhat interested in engaging in tough defensive play and full effort backchecking. Sometimes he seems active in the defensive zone but more eager to rush up ice into offense than showing determination to remain focused on defending the home plate area in front of his net. If Desnoyers can be the player that can drive as hard in the defensive zone as he does in the offensive zone, he may become a top two or three player in this draft class and a first-line All-Star center. If not, he may be more of top six, powerplay wizard type who gets a lot of offensive zone time.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “He's at his best with the puck, on a glide, attacking off the left. He's a high-vision creative passer.”

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Height: 5'11 (180 cm)

Weight: 169 (77 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.74

Points per Game (normalized): 1.59

A/P Score: -2.22 (90^th)

Key Strength: Incredibly active offense generator

Key Question: Can his non-stop playing style withstand the rigorous physicality of the NHL? 

Victor Eklund is always on the move. Every shift, every stride, every motion is intensity personified, but more importantly his action is intelligent and efficient with little wasted effort. When his team does not have possession, he is an impossible forechecker, using his speed and agility to cut down lanes like a boxer cutting off the ring to hem in his opponent, or backchecking with more effort than anyone else to be found in the draft class. He wins puck races, regains lost position, uses physical play to check players off of pucks. Because he constantly scans the ice and has such high game intelligence, he reads and reacts among the best players in the draft. These traits alone would make him an NHL-caliber player suited for a bottom-six role and penalty killing specialist worthy of a late-first or early-second-round pick. 

When his team has puck possession, Eklund attacks with the same intensity and energy. The vision, the ice awareness, the incredible pace and skating, all come into play in the offensive zone. His statistics alone (he is just behind Anton Frondell and William Nylander for the best U19 production season in Allsvensken history, and is sixth all time for U18 scoring with 31 points in 42 games) do not illustrate fully the impact that Eklund makes on every shift. Instead of describing the details, here is a note from an Allsvensken game earlier this season:

Eklund's main obstacles for complete success in the NHL will be maintaining his incessant style of play within the rigors of NHL play, and refining his passing and puck management to match his otherwise elite skills. He could one day be looked upon as one of the top players in the draft if all goes well and he hits his true potential. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Buzz buzz buzz.”

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Height: 6'4 (193 cm)

Weight: 199 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.13

Points per Game (normalized): 0.79

A/P Score: -1.74 (116^th)

Key Strength: Smooth, fast mountain

Key Question: How much more room is there for development?

Jackson Smith is the second-best defender in the draft class and worthy of a top-ten pick in 2025. The size and the fluid mobility are enough to make him a NHL talent, but add to that his game intelligence, near point-per-game pace in the WHL and his hunger to win games and there is a star defenseman in the making. Smith's skating grants him the ability to be aggressive on both sides of the puck, something he utilizes at all times. Either joining a rush or stepping up to snap closed any potential time and space from an attacking opponent, Smith's acceleration and liquid pivots to backward skating with speed makes him able to cover ground easier than most forwards. He has a high scoring drive and a hard, biting shot to match. In transition, he makes smart passes into the neutral zone and follows on the heels of the attack. He is a great player with elite size and skating, but is much more than that. He can play with finesse or physicality, and sometimes both. He sees passing lanes and can make long passes on target. In fact, it is difficult to find a flaw in his game, and so the one lingering concern is whether or not there's room to improve. He will be an NHL defenseman, it is merely a question of how great he will become.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “He matches his skating ability with smart activity in his zone. Skips out to fight a board battle but then snaps back to net front position. He's good.”

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Height: 6’0 (183 cm)

Weight: 176 (80 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.65

Points per Game (normalized): 1.46

A/P Score: -1.92 (134^th)

Key Strength: Prototypical NHL winger suited for playoff intensity

Key Question: Does he have the scoring upside to be a first-line NHL winger?

Everything about Carter Bear's presence on the ice screams NHL playoffs. As a draft year player, Bear was an associate captain for the Silvertips, and led the team in scoring with 40 goals and 42 assists in just 56 games. He is always on the move, driving play in all zones, working hard and punishing opponents who try to make plays with the puck. He plays with speed with and without the puck and has great hockey sense and awareness. On defense, Bear's work rate makes him an important and effective forechecker, and his understanding a how a play will unfold gives him the ability to take the necessary angles to meet puck carriers at the boards and then drive a shoulder into their chests to dislodge the puck. He will hunt down counterattacks with backchecking effort and failing all of that, he takes good positions in the defensive zone. 

Bear's effectiveness extends to transition plays and offensive zone awareness, as well. Just as on defense, Bear persistently attacks the zone, moving into areas to support the play, and creates chances both on and off the puck by finding the right spots and doing what it takes to get to them. He has quality vision and is a good passer. The one limiting factor at this point is that Bear lacks to the high-end playmaking ability that would make him a top five pick, but the entire package looks like a top six NHL winger who can become a difference maker when the games get tight.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “There's an example of his competitive nature. Puck leaves the offensive zone, and his team turns it back in but he's caught offsides. He dove to try to make the line to clear the zone and negate the offsides.”

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Height: 6’5 (196 cm)

Weight: 198 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.74

Points per Game (normalized): 1.18

A/P Score: -1.06 (433^rd)

Key Strength: Massive size at the Center position who can play with skill

Key Question: How much do the injury concerns derail his development?

The most obvious discussion point regarding McQueen is the vertebrae stress fracture that caused him to miss almost all of his draft season in the WHL. Although McQueen was able to participate in the NHL combine and said that he has fully recovered, the main question revolves around the whether or not missing a year of development for a player that is the epitome of a raw star in the making will derail his overall progression. McQueen's significant and lofty potential makes him a valuable commodity, but the obvious risk is just as apparent. As a 6'5, nearly 200-pound center with skill, McQueen is the dream "size down the middle" player that NHL general managers always mention when discussing team construction, so his value could be sky high at the draft.

Prior to the injury, McQueen was a tall, rangy player with multivaried offensive skill set offset by the kind of mis-coordination that comes from being a seventeen-year-old player who has grown quickly into a towering human being. His acceleration was predictably awkward, and he struggled to get power out of his first few steps. However, with his long legs and full extensions, at speed he covered a tremendous amount of ice surface in few strides. McQueen has surprising balance and edgework, however, and gets extremely deep leans on his turns, giving him a much tighter turning radius than expected. The combination of top-end power and edgework gives the impression of a skater who will become much, much better over time.

His hands, however, look like a pro. McQueen makes crisp, clean passes on the move and sees the ice well. His puckhandling is high quality, and matched with his edgework makes him hard to defend in the offensive zone. Thus far in his junior career, he has not been a prolific scorer, but missing nearly full year of opportunity makes it difficult to establish a baseline beyond techniques. His rawness as a player both with his feet and scoring skills means that McQueen is a major wild card in this draft. If he hits peak potential, he will be a steal and one of the top talents available. If not, he will be an overreach and a cautionary tale for future drafts.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Heavy lean on his edges gives him a sharper turning radius than expected.”

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Height: 6'0 (183 cm)

Weight: 186 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.29

Points per Game (normalized): 1.26

A/P Score: -1.56 (213^th)

Key Strength: Smart offensively skilled center

Key Question: Can he increase his work rate to NHL levels and make the same plays at full speed?

Brady Martin improved throughout the season and culminated his draft year by sizzling at the World U18 championships in May. Martin finished with the team lead in assists in the tournament and was second in team scoring for the gold-medal winning Canada team. For his club team in the OHL, Martin was second among the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds in regular season scoring with 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points in 57 games. 

Martin's monster slap shot stands out amongst his many offensive skills, a big windup and cracking release that blurs the puck on net. He can step into his slapper or use it for a one-timer on the powerplay, forces goaltender to wince and shot blockers to drop to the ice in pain. Martin has a good wrist shot, too, that he will use with effectiveness from anywhere between the dots. His offensive awareness and tremendous scoring drive is easily translatable to the NHL.

Martin is a good skater and flashes excellent speed from time to time. However, he spends the majority of the game on the glide, coasting around in all three zones, almost hovering while waiting for something to open up for him. On defense, he seems to prefer a quick poke check or stick lift as his main tools to hassle opponents with the puck, and he does a good job of keeping position and keeping on task, but otherwise does not make the same impact in his own end as he does up ice. He is not a hustling back checker, but does show some effort on the forecheck when it appears he could recover a puck.

Because of the overall lack of apparent urgency, Martin sometimes appears disinterested or out of pace with the game, but then suddenly he will be making a long-distance pass spot on the tape, or unleashing his hellish slapshot that just electrifies the game. The biggest concern with Martin and his NHL future regards his ability to make the same kind of plays at NHL pace and become a player that works hard each shift.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Left side, takes a drop pass, cuts to the slot, dekes around a defender and lets loose with a wrist shot against the grain. Nice goal.”

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Height: 6’1 (185 cm)

Weight: 205 (93 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.60

Points per Game (normalized): 1.44

A/P Score: -1.88 (141^st)

Key Strength: Hustling, hard working two-way player

Key Question: Will he cut down on mental errors and improve his scoring touch to reach top-six potential?

Carbonneau is a quick, heady player who contributes at both ends of the ice. He is a great skater, strong on his feet and has the ability to change gears at pace to hustle to loose pucks or close down puck carriers along the outside. He is a dangerous breakaway player who jumps into the attack with his speed and awareness. He uses smart body position to get into the hands of opponent puck carriers and create turnovers, and has that same physical control with the puck, as well. He can handle well, and uses his feet and deft puck control to work his way out of congestion to make plays with either a pass or a hard wrist shot. He shows great confidence in his ability to get pucks on net and his 46 goals for the Armada not only led the team but tied him for second in QMJHL goal scoring last year. Carbonneau is at his best driving through the offensive zone, where he uses a variety of moves and deception to shift defenders and goalies to create opportunities. Carbonneau looks like a player who still has a lot of room for improvement as he progresses up the hockey ladder, and he should become a talented NHL winger with top-line potential.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Gets the puck, and immediately notice his dexterous hands on his stick, top hand very active.”

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Height: 5'10 (178 cm)

Weight: 180 (81 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.20

Points per Game (normalized): 1.52

A/P Score: -2.34 (78^th)

Key Strength: Highly competitive player with scoring talent

Key Question: How much will his smaller size inhibit his potential?

To put it bluntly, Benjamin Kindel is a Hockey Prophets favorite in this draft class, and is ranked higher here than in any other major draft ranking publication. Most tend to see Kindel as too small and lacking elite skating to make up for his 5'10, 180-pound stature. However, Kindel is the kind of player that hits all of the major prerequisites for a quality prospect: intelligence, high competitive drive and work rate, excellent scoring instincts and effective skating abilities. Perhaps his aggressive style of play at this size is a concern for some, but his intelligence and willingness to do what it takes to win results in a player willing to adapt as necessary to make an impact. 

Kindel's scoring is not in question. He finished second in WHL scoring by a U18 player this season, behind only the guaranteed first-overall pick in the 2026 draft, Gavin McKenna. Kindel's 35 goals and 64 assists left him one point shy of the 100 mark, but put him above other top 2025 prospects such as Cole Reschny, Cameron Schmidt, Nathan Behm and Braeden Cootes. Kindel has that innate ability to slow the game when he has the puck, holding and freezing defenders until the passing lane opens, then finding the one player with the speed and timing advantage. He can thread passes through traffic over long distances, or drive hard while under pressure and then dish to the open shooter.  With the puck he will fight through opponents' checks to make plays, typically out-working the opposition and beating them in puck races, board battles or gaining position on the right side of the puck. He is an intense competitor, and that is true on defense, as well. An opposing player with the puck seems like a personal affront to Kindel, who will chase them down to break up scoring chances. While his skating may not be elite, his smart awareness and hustle consistently gets him to the right spot on the ice when he needs to be there.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Gets a head-man pass but had to turn back for the puck, manages to turn as he enters the zone, gets a partial breakaway, drives under pressure, backhand forehand and lifts the puck over the pad, goal.”

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Height: 6’1 (185 cm)

Weight: 199 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.77

Points per Game (normalized): 0.92

A/P Score: -1.90 (97^th)

Key Strength: Hard-hitting two-way defender with true offensive ability

Key Question: Will he be the same physical presence in the NHL?

Kashawn Aitcheson might be the most physical player among the first-round prospects, but his game is much more than that. Aitcheson uses his excellent footwork and mobility to set up everything in his overall game. In the defensive end, he can take chances and step up against speedy opponents because he has the quickness and balance he needs to get back into position if his aggressive play does not work out. He uses his speed and balance to close gaps and deliver well-timed, punishing hits in the neutral zone or at the blue line. He can also use his skating ability when he has the puck. In his own end, he will hold the puck and withdraw deeper into the zone to compel forecheckers forward, bringing them closer to then step away a fire a clean breakout pass. He is also capable of skating the puck through neutral zone traffic or joining the rush and keeping up with fast forwards. He has clean forward to backward pivots, too, allowing for rapid retreats to regain position after turnovers.

Aitcheson has great game awareness and hockey iq. He reads plays with accuracy and anticipation, giving him plenty of opportunities to intercept passes or again making a well-timed body check. He is the complete package of an NHL defenseman, with a solid frame, the excellent skating and the intelligence to easily become a middle pair--if not a top pair--defender who can be used in all situations.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Reads the Swedish breakout pass, goes to the point and throws a big hit on the pass receiver to disrupt everything.”

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Height: 5'10 (178 cm)

Weight: 180 (81 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.23

Points per Game (normalized): 1.48

A/P Score: -2.21 (91^st)

Key Strength: NHL-quality distribution and great skating

Key Question: What will he do without the puck?

Reschny is a multifaceted attacking forward with superb skating and vision, but who--like Kindel--is smaller than preferred by most NHL scouts and front offices. Reschny and Kindel are similar in a lot of ways, both have great passing skills and the ability to see plays developing in ways that allows them to make excellent reads in while in motion. Reschny is a better skater than Kindel, which will garner him more attention come draft day. However, one downside to Reschny's game is his lack of physical play, and his relative weakness on the puck. He can stickhandle, no question, and as mentioned he can pass effectively and accurately even at speed, but he has a tendency to be knocked off the puck too easily or to lose puck battles to more determined opponents. Off the puck, Reschny can float, waiting for plays to develop before engaging, and as such he can at times disappear for several shifts. He will need to up his consistency and start making an impact on each shift, and his commitment to North Dakota and the NCAA career path should help him tremendously to improve in that area. A couple of seasons of playing against bigger, faster college players in the harsh conditions of the NCHC will teach him to play harder off the puck or see his ice time severely limited.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Good high-vision pass from below the goal line to the player at the top of the crease for a one-time goal.”

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Height: 6'5 (196 cm)

Weight: 218 (99 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.06

Points per Game (normalized): 0.81

A/P Score: -1.87 (102^nd)

Key Strength: Mobility and strength in a massive frame

Key Question: Will he develop offensive prowess to become a powerplay contributor?

Any time an 18-year-old, 6'5, 220-pound defenseman who can skate hits the draft list, all general managers prick up their ears.

The next Zdeno Chara. Franchise cornerstone at the back end. Unicorn.

And so on. 

Whether Radim Mrtka can become that is yet to be seen, but the basic building blocks are all there. Mrtka's standout rush at the World U18s where he carried the puck from his own goal line, wended his way through the neutral zone, cut inside the defender and wired a wrist shot far side is the kind of play that everyone will want to see him repeat over and over again at the NHL level. Mrtka does have very good skating and balance for such a big player, can manipulate his edges well enough on the move to make himself an elusive target, and he uses his remarkably long reach to increase and decrease distances between the puck and opponents. He can unleash big shots with good accuracy and he moves the puck well even if he tries to force passes at times. 

On the defensive side of the puck, Mrtka shines. His uses his reach and long steps to shut down huge areas of the ice, and is a conservative and smart positional player. He looks composed under pressure and typically makes clean breakout passes. He is a right-hand shot defenseman, which will increase his value, as well. 

Mrtka will almost certainly be selected within the top ten of the draft as general managers throw out the adage regarding the impossibility of trading for a franchise defender. Mrtka has some development work to do to become that franchise blueliner, but as mentioned, the basic foundation is there. If he improves his agility, becomes a more refined puck manager outside of the defensive zone, and is able to blend of all of his many quality parts, he could become just that. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “So big, takes huge strides and covers a lot of ice with them. If he develops more agility (he's already okay) and better puck skills (he can already handle and pass), he could be devastating. Otherwise, he's a good stay-at-home, pass-first blueliner.”

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Height: 6'4 (193 cm)

Weight: 200 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.55

Points per Game (normalized): 1.23

A/P Score: -1.33 (297^th)

Key Strength: Potential power forward with great size and good skating

Key Question: Will he follow the power forward development curve or just be a big forward?

Yet another WHL prospect in the top part of the draft, Lakovic has a lot of tools that portend a future NHL power winger who can dominate down low and battle even big defenders for territory at the crease. With his 6'4 frame, Lakovic's has solid straightline speed due to his long-push strides. He has good edges and balance, although both will continue to improve and look more comfortable over time. He shows the capacity to open up for passes, and his hip pivots are quite good for such a large player. He has exhibited a tendency to glide or stand in the zone, so upping his work rate will be an development item for him as he progresses. Players like Lakovic can take a while to round into power form, and if he does he could become a rangy, granite power winger. Otherwise, he will likely top at as a bottom six shut down forward.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Puckhandles through the neutral zone, then slides a pass left to the forward with speed.”

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Height: 6'0 (1183 cm)

Weight: 183 (83 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.23

Points per Game (normalized): 0.81

A/P Score: -1.74 (119^th)

Key Strength: Speedy offensive defenseman

Key Question: Will his defensive zone play improve enough to be a reliable all-situations blueliner?

The fifth-ranked defenseman in the 2025 draft class is Cameron Reid, the fast, super-agile offense-first defender from the OHL's Kitchener Rangers. Reid was the top-scoring U18 defenseman in the OHL last season with 14 goals and 40 assists. He is a great skater, with effortless acceleration, turns and excellent top speed. When his team gets possession, he sprints up ice to join the attack (sometimes getting caught leaving a bit too early), and shows high offensive instincts and passing abilities. He can wire long breakout passes, works the top of the zone well on powerplays, and looks to be able become a true NHL powerplay quarterback. On the other side of the puck, Reid struggles at times in his own end, often deferring to poke checks over body checks, but he will absorb contact and can get feisty at times with some post-whistle scrumming. One other quality aspect about Reid's game is the leadership that he brings. He can be heard calling out instructions, organizing responses to attacks, and generally being a vocal leader on the ice. He is a quality defensive prospect who will likely top at as a second-pair guy with a lot of powerplay time.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Good hand eye to bat down a high cross-ice pass attempt.”

Height: 6'3 (191 cm)

Weight: 185 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.41

Points per Game (normalized): 1.09

A/P Score: -1.01 (475^th)

Key Strength: Smart, all-around forward

Key Question: How much upside is there for him as an NHL player?

Australian-born Swedish forward Jakob Ihs-Wozniak plays solid, blue collar hockey with a penchant for hard body checks, intelligent possession play and steady defensive awareness. Ihs-Wozniak has come up through the Lulea HF system, starting with the U16 club at the age of 14, and culminating (thus far) with 13 games played last season with the top SHL squad. He spent the majority of last year playing for the U20 team, leading them in total points with 57 in just 40 games and finishing second for U18 players in the league (only 2026 prospect Viggo Bjorck scored more). Ihs-Wozniak measured in at 6'3 and 185 pounds at the recent NHL combine, and he uses every bit of the excellent size to his advantage. He is relentless when the other team has the puck, throwing smart hit after smart hit, creating turnovers and pummeling the opposition. He has good skating mechanics which complements his style of play, and makes clever small-space passes to create room and split seams in the defense. He has an excellent shot that he will fire from the dots, but he is also highly effective at the crease. He probably lacks the dynamism to become a 80-point NHLer, but he will be a player whose team relies on him to get the job done when it is necessary and do the difficult, greasy work in the playoffs.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Playing a hard, physical game. He's had at least ten solid hits through the first period and a half.”

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Height: 6’2 (188 cm)

Weight: 194 (88 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.39

Points per Game (normalized): 0.63

A/P Score: -0.90 (294^th)

Key Strength: Reliable, two-way defense

Key Question: Will he generate offense at the upper levels?

Henry Brzustewicz seems invisible in most of the games he plays. Typically, that is a major slight for a hockey prospect, but in his case, it is a ringing endorsement. Brzustewicz does all of the small things well, plays practically mistake-free hockey and makes great decisions with and--most importantly--without the puck. His game is so quiet that even when trying to watch for him, he is unnoticeable. But as the game goes on, his small plays start to accumulate: there's a crashing one-timer on net, there's a rush against that he completely shuts down, there's a nifty pass that sets up a goal. He becomes more of a presence than a player, haunting the ice and making everything much harder for his opponents than it otherwise would be. He has NHL size at 6'2 and 194 pounds, and moves very well. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Easy moving, reliable, smart right-handed defenseman. Two-way player. Every NHL general manager wants one of these.”

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Height: 5'11 (180 cm)

Weight: 186 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.39

Points per Game (normalized): 1.05

A/P Score: -0.90 (547^th)

Key Strength: Leadership and intensity

Key Question: Will he peak above the middle six?

Scrappy is best way to describe Braedon Cootes. Put him on the ice, and he will not stop fighting for the puck until it is in the net and he is celebrating with his teammates. Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn, when asked in a predraft interview why the team should draft him, famously answered, "Because I will score touchdowns for you," and that is the same kind of attitude that Cootes seems to have. Why should a team draft him? Because when he is on the ice, he will lead his team into scoring chance after scoring chance.

He led the Seattle Thunderbirds in scoring (26 goals and 37 assists in 60 games) while wearing the captain's C.

He led Canada's U18 team at the World Championships in scoring (6 goals and 6 assists in 7 games) while wearing the captain's C.

He will run the powerplay or anchor the penalty kill. He will hit, chase down, harangue and outwork the opposition until his squad has full possession in the offensive zone, and then he will contribute to point production. He may not have the elite skills of Misa, Martone or some of the other top centers in this year's draft class, but the general manager who drafts him will look like a hero when Cootes is the fan favorite for his team.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Scrappy, intense, all effort.”

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Height: 6'2 (188 cm)

Weight: 190 (86 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.74

Points per Game (normalized): 1.30

A/P Score: -1.40 (273^rd)

Key Strength: Multipurpose center with size

Key Question: What will he look like when his development is compete?

Bill Zonnon can play any situation and add something to the game. He has the size at 6'2 and 190 pounds to be effective in the corners and in front of the net, and the determination to be disruptive in the defensive zone and on the penalty kill. He shows strength on his skates and is well-balanced under contact and has a high work rate. All of the basic fundamentals of hockey play are apparent in his game. However, at this time Zonnon is still a work in progress. He has good speed, but his pivots are a bit sloppy and hoppy and his stride mechanics are unrefined. His shot is quality and he finds great passes in the offensive zone to set up teammates (he had 28 goals and 55 assists and was second on the Huskies in scoring), but his shot selection and accuracy looks average at times. Zonnon needs time to simmer, but another year in juniors, a couple of years at the AHL level, and he will be ready to become a steady NHL contributor, and perhaps a second-line center who plays with a physical edge.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Top of the left circle, steps into a hard wrist shot that beats the screened goaltender.”

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Height: 6’4 (193 cm)

Weight: 220 (100 kg)

Age At Draft: 17.98

Points per Game (normalized): 1.52

A/P Score: -0.67 (379^th)

Key Strength: Mountainous first-pass defender

Key Question: Middle-six stay at home or top pair crusher?

Blake Fiddler marks the ninth player from the WHL in the Hockey Prophets ranking, and the 6'4, 220-pound blueliner and son of former NHL player Vernon Fiddler may be the most projectible of them so far. He plays a more stay-at-home style of defense, making smart positional choices and using his size and good skating to dominant the defensive zone. Like his fellow WHL defender Radim Mrtka, Fiddler uses his long reach to take up space, but he also plays a strong physical game, leaning on smaller players, clearing his crease area of traffic, and immobilizing opponent puck carriers at the boards. He makes a trip to the danger area a painful place for opposing forwards to travel. He will bump, crosscheck, crash and bruise players in his space. When he gets the puck, he looks to make clean exit passes and get the play out of his own zone well before he looks to get up ice. Once established in the offensive zone, he is a capable distributor and has a hard, high-tension shot that splashes pucks around the slot area. He will almost certainly become a long-time NHL defenseman, with the main question being how much he will improve his transition abilities and whether he can become a top pair on a championship team, or just a key member of the supporting cast that chews minutes in tight games.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Excellent job to pin the elusive Stenberg against the boards behind the net.”

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Height: 6’0 (183 cm)

Weight: 198 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 17.86

Points per Game (normalized): 0.92

A/P Score: -0.82 (616^th)

Key Strength: Strong, competitive power forward with skill

Key Question: What will his development curve look like?

Jack Murtagh plays with hunger, using his solid 6'0, 198-pound frame and strong legs to drive up the wings with power and speed, and then crash around the offensive zone until he can make something happen. His has high hockey intelligence and reads plays accurately, giving him great anticipation in all zones, making him an effective force on every shift. He has a lot of room to improve, particularly the finer aspects of play: fewer puck handling mistakes, getting shots away more quickly, working on agility and edge manipulation. His shot is hard, and mostly accurate, and his passes are good, but he needs to time to develop. Murtagh is going to Boston University next season, where he will receive excellent coaching, see plenty of quality competition, and have as much development time as he needs.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Great read in the neutral zone to intercept, then wisely turns back to reset to his defense.”

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Height: 6'0 (183 cm)

Weight: 200 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.29

Points per Game (normalized): 0.99

A/P Score: -0.80 (644^th)

Key Strength: Fiery, hard-shooting center 

Key Question: Will he be better than Murtagh?

Cole McKinney has many more similarities to teammate Jack Murtagh than he has differences. The two are very similar in size and attitude, both playing a hard, aggressive style with determination to get into the offensive zone. McKinney is the better shooter, with a fast-release, powerful wrist shot that can beat goaltenders at distance. He shows quality agility and edgework, but maybe lacks the same explosive speed that Murtagh can generate. Playing the center position, McKinney also shows more defensive responsibility, and his persistence off the puck often causes trouble for the other team, and he excels in creating turnovers. A quality player who should become a steady middle-six center after some time playing for the Wolverines at the University of Michigan.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Gets a lot of power on his wrist shot, the puck just flies off of his stick.”

Height: 6’0 (183 cm)

Weight: 185 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.64

Points per Game (normalized): 1.07

A/P Score: -0.83 (607^th)

Key Strength: Hustle and scoring off the wing

Key Question: Can he add more deception and creativity to his game?

Ryker Lee plays fast and hard off the right wing and is an extremely competitive player. He led the Madison Capitols in scoring last year with 31 goals and 37 assists in 58 games, and was fourth overall in USHL scoring. Lee does a lot of things well. In addition to his overall high work rate, he has a hard shot that uses to full effect, has quality vision and passing and has very good balance and agility. What he lacks in top-end speed he makes up for with his effort, either when attacking or defending. Lee will go off to Michigan State next season to join a good Spartans team.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Super effort on the back check to chase down a potential two-on-one against.”

Height: 6’0 (183 cm)

Weight: 194 (88 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.08

Points per Game (normalized): 0.80

A/P Score: -0.38 (1,052^nd)

Key Strength: Smart two-way forward

Key Question: Will he be able to put up respectable points in the NHL?

Milton Gastrin is a quintessential role player forward who will do the hard, dirty work at both ends of the ice. He plays with great intelligence, processing the play and getting into places on the ice where he can maximize his effectiveness. He can quickly recognize breakdowns in his team's defense and fill holes or cover gaps. He steps into lanes and intercepts passes, or will backcheck to create turnovers. Up ice, he will go hard to the low slot area, camping in front of the net and battling for rebounds and loose pucks. The biggest flaw in Gastrin's game at this time is his overall offensive game. He needs to improve shot mechanics and accuracy to become an NHL shooter, but the pass recognition and desire are there. 

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Carrying in on a two-on-one, opens his hips and loads the puck until Mrtka commits to defend him, then feeds Klingsell for a beauty goal.” 

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Height: 6'4 (193 cm)

Weight: 186 (84 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.46

Points per Game (normalized): 0.98

A/P Score: -0.68 (752^nd)

Key Strength: Tall, rangy battler

Key Question: Will he become more than just his height and reach?

Jack Nesbitt might weigh 186 pounds, but at 6'4 plus skates, he looks lanky on the ice. However, when he bodies up against an opponent one realizes just how big and strong he is. Nesbitt plays with quality hockey sense, particularly in his own zone where he can use his reach and height differential to its true advantage. His skating is still a bit awkward, and he often hunches over instead of getting good bends in his ankles, knees and hips. He can reach good top speed, though, with his long strides carrying him over the ice. At this point, he is definitely a work in progress, but it is hard to deny that frame, and as he ages into his body and adds muscle and increased strength he will find a spot on an NHL roster.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Good work low on the end boards, battling with the defender for control, lifts a stick, grabs the puck, backhands to the top of the circle to set up the point man.”

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Height: 6'2 (188 cm)

Weight: 174 (79 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.27

Points per Game (normalized): 0.80

A/P Score: -0.26 (1,196^th)

Key Strength: Smart, detailed work down the middle

Key Question: Can he step his game up another level?

Much has been made about William Moore's concert piano skills--an unusual and therefore interesting trait for a hockey player--but beyond being just an fun fact, the kind of precision and attention to details required to play the intricate beauty of Rachmaninoff shows itself in Moore's on ice play, as well. Moore has good speed and effort off the puck, but it is his overall hockey sense and attention to detail that stands out. He is smart on the forecheck, always anticipating opposing players' routes instead of chasing the puck, and is excellent at stealing pucks. He will go to the front of the net and get into high traffic areas, stick always on the ice and ready, making him a great target for cross-crease passes or deflections on net. Moore works just as hard on defense, too. So far, he has not shown an electrifying element to his game, though. He is a steady contributor on offense, and a good scorer, but if he can kick his offensive skills up to another level and fill out his frame with more muscle while he is at Boston College, he could turn into a bona fide top six NHL center.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Dives to get a touch on a puck to negate what would otherwise have been an icing call. Used all of his lanky frame to get a piece of the puck.” 

Height: 6’3 (193 cm)

Weight: 190 (86 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.28

Points per Game (normalized): 0.40

A/P Score: -0.03 (776^th)

Key Strength: Another big, easy-skating blueliner

Key Question: How much will his offense improve?

Kurban Limatov fills the mold of the large (he is 6'3, 190 pounds), mobile two-way defensemen that Russia has been consistently producing over the last few years (think Levshunov, Simashev, Nikishin). He has big, powerful skating strides and a deceptive, effective change of speed while on the move. His first step acceleration stands out, too. In addition, he shows exceptional body and ice awareness and will take efficient skating lines best suited to the moment. Side to side, forward or backward, Limatov is highly mobile. He also uses his size to advantage, especially along the boards and in the corners. Pinning, hitting, frustrating attacking players. He should become a middle pair blueliner in the NHL based on these aspects alone. Limatov is still working on developing his offensive game. He did have 8 goals and 15 assists in his 46 MHL games last season and led Dynamo Moskva in scoring by a defenseman, so the base is there. However, he does not look as comfortable in the offensive zone as he does in his own end. Right now, he is the player relied on to be the first one back to thwart a counterattack, and the last one out of the defensive zone when his team pushes up ice. If he can establish an offensive zone presense and become a bit more aggressive on the rush, he could raise his stock well above his middle-six potential.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Loose puck in the crease, he seals the SKA forward so the goalie can easily grab the puck.”

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Height: 6’2 (188 cm)

Weight: 198 (90 kg)

Age At Draft: 18.71

Points per Game (normalized): 0.47

A/P Score: -0.07 (739^th)

Key Strength: Right-handed stay-at-home blueliner

Key Question: How much will his puck play improve?

Rounding out the Hockey Prophets Top 32 is the defenseman from the University of Wisconsin, Logan Hensler. Another big blueliner in the 2025 draft class, Hensler brings good skating and defensive awareness to the ice. He shows good ability to hold the blue line in the offensive zone, and being a right-handed defenseman playing on the right side only helps ease his path to the NHL. He shows good offensive awareness and times his pinches and moves into space well, helping his team improve puck possession and zone time. He needs to work on his overall puck handling and polish his game, but he is a quality blue line prospect and a fine way to end the first round.

Brian’s Favorite In-Game Note: “Joins the rush, but not at the cost of defense. He doesn’t cheat up ice, but his speed gets him to the zone at the right time anyway.”