Updated B/R 2025 NHL Mock Draft After the Trade Deadline
It's been a week since the 2025 NHL trade deadline occurred on March 7. While several moves took place that could affect the race for the 2025 Stanley Cup, it could also determine the winner of this season's annual draft lottery, scheduled for April on a date to be announced.
Several draft picks were also swapped in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Some of them involved first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the NHL schedule now in the final stretch heading toward the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's time to revisit and revise our previous 2025 NHL Mock Draft.
This year's top prospects include Boston College center James Hagens, defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL's Erie Otters, and forwards Michael Misa of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit and Porter Martone of the OHL's Brampton Steelheads. One of them could be chosen first overall this year.
This mock draft is based on the NHL overall standings as of March 12, 2025. The player rankings were based on analysis by NHL Central Scouting, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, TSN's Bob McKenzie, Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino, Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis, and The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari.
Player stats and info (as of March 13) via Elite Prospects. Each team's roster needs are based on The Athletic's NHL Prospect Pool Rankings 2025 and our previous mock draft.
1. San Jose Sharks: Porter Martone
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Sitting last in the NHL standings as of March 13, the San Jose Sharks have the league's best prospect pipeline, according to The Athletic's Scott Wheeler. They could use a right-shot defenseman, but there aren't any who ranked among NHL Central Scouting's top five prospects.
The Sharks could opt for a center like James Hagens or Michael Misa or a left-shot defenseman like Matthew Schaefer. However, they lack a skilled right winger among their top five prospects. Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) could be an excellent fit.
Martone, 18, is No. 4 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings. The 6'3”, 207-pound Steelheads captain leads his team in scoring with 89 points in 51 games, sitting eighth among the OHL leading scorers.
TSN's Bob McKenzie said Martone's blend of size, belligerence and skills makes him highly coveted. It's not difficult picturing him skating alongside center Macklin Celebrini on the Sharks' top line in a few years.
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Schaefer
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Chicago has two right-shot defensemen (Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel) and left-shot blueliner Kevin Korchinski among their top five prospects. They could use a winger but the chance to select left-shot rearguard Matthew Schaefer of the OHL's Erie Otters could prove irresistible.
The 17-year-old Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone during the 2025 World Junior Championship but that hasn't hurt his value among the scouts. NHL Central Scouting, TSN's Bob McKenzie, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino, and Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis have him atop their respective rankings.
Schaefer has 22 points in 17 games with the Otters and two points in two games with Team Canada at the WJC before his injury. NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr called him “the best available prospect at his position”. He believes his size, speed and skills will transition well to the NHL.
A deep defense corps led by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook played a crucial role in Chicago's run of three Stanley Cups between 2010 and 2015. A blueline comprised of Schaefer, Levshunov, Rinzel and Korchinski could one day help bring the Stanley Cup back to the Windy City.
3. Buffalo Sabres: Jackson Smith
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The Buffalo Sabres could choose a forward like Porter Martone or James Hagens if available at this stage. Their lack of a defenseman among their top five prospects could also prompt them to select Matthew Schaefer if he drops to this stage in the draft.
We had the Sabres selecting Jackson Smith of the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in our previous mock draft. The 6'3”, 190-pounder was ranked sixth overall by Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis while The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari had him seventh on his list.
Ellis acknowledged the overall blueline depth in this year's draft isn't as good as last season's, but he still praised the 17-year-old Smith's mobility, physical play and hockey sense. Ferrari has seen more consistency in his game, citing his skating as a key factor in his performance.
With 46 points in 63 games, Smith far exceeded the 29 points of last season's rookie campaign. He's fourth among the Americans' leading scorers.
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4. Nashville Predators: James Hagens
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With three picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators are well-positioned to land some promising young prospects. They have only one defenseman among their top-10 prospects and could grab Matthew Schaefer if he's still available.
If Schaefer isn't available, they could opt for James Hagens. The Predators have four centers (David Edstrom, Fedor Svechkov, Yegor Surin and Felix Nilsson) among their top 10 prospects, but the 18-year-old Boston College star would immediately become their top prospect.
Hagens is third among Boston College scorers this season with 34 points in as many games. The 5'11”, 176-pounder was among the stars for Team USA's gold-medal team at the 2025 World Junior Championship, scoring five goals and four assists for nine points in seven games.
NHL Central Scouting has Hagens sitting second among North American skaters in their mid-term rankings. Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr praised his NHL-level skills, hockey IQ and composure.
5. Seattle Kraken: Michael Misa
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In our previous mock draft, we speculated that the Seattle Kraken might add a defenseman to their top 10 prospects. They still could if Matthew Schaefer drops into their laps. However, they're unlikely to let the opportunity to select Michael Misa pass if he's available.
Misa, 18, is a versatile offensive forward with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit who can play center or left wing. NHL Central Scouting has him at No. 3 on their mid-term ranking. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari put Misa atop his prospect ranking.
Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr called Misa a “highly skilled, smart Memorial Cup champion”. Ferrari believes the 6'1”, 185-pound forward is “one of junior hockey's most lethal and diversely skilled goal-scorers this season.”
Misa is tearing it up offensively this season. He leads the OHL with 124 points in 60 games.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins: Anton Frondell
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have 11 picks in this year's draft, including two in the first round. With their pick, they could add a center among their top five prospects by selecting Anton Frondell of Djurgårdens IF of Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan league.
Frondell was hampered by injuries earlier this season. However, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, Sportsnet's Sam Consentino and The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari observed his significant improvement as the season progressed. He's No. 2 among International skaters on NHL Central Scouting's mid-term rankings.
With 25 points in 29 games, Frondell sits ninth among Djurgårdens IF's leading scorers. He also had seven points in 10 games with their J20 Nationell squad.
Wheeler praised Frondell's offensive skills, noting he can play left wing but projects him as a center. Cosentino noted his recent improvement caught the attention of the scouting community. Ferrari believes he's faster, more center-driven, and more comfortable playing the pro game.
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Roger McQueen
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The Philadelphia Flyers possess three first-round picks in this year's draft. With their pick, they could add another center among their top 15 prospects by selecting Roger McQueen of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler noted that McQueen missed most of this season with a bulging disc in his lower back. He recently returned to action, picking up an assist in his second game back, giving him 12 points in 11 games since last fall.
Despite McQueen's back issue, NHL Central Scouting has the 6'5”, 192-pounder at No. 5 on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr said that, when healthy, the 18-year-old center “possesses all the attributes and intangibles to be a first-overall candidate.
Wheeler believes McQueen has the makings of a unique player, suggesting the payoff could be significant. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis praised his unique mix of size, playmaking, hockey sense, and outstanding shot.
8. Anaheim Ducks: Victor Eklund
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We had the Anaheim Ducks selecting Victor Eklund in our previous mock draft. Given their need for left-wing depth among their top 10 prospects, we see no reason to change that pick. He's a versatile forward who can play left or right wing.
Eklund, 18, is the younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund. The 5'11”, 161-pound winger skates for Djurgårdens IF of Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan league. He's played well in his first full season with the club, leading them with 19 goals in 42 games.
NHL Central Scouting has Eklund sitting atop their mid-term rankings of International skaters. NHL Director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen praised his confidence, intensity, skating and checking.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler singled out Eklund's smarts, skills and skating, calling him “a standout competitor who players hard for a 5'11” winger.” The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari cited his high level of energy and competitiveness.
9. New York Islanders: Radim Mrtka
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The New York Islanders lack a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. Radim Mrtka of the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds could help them address that need.
Mrtka, 17, began this season with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czecha Extraliga. The 6'6”, 198-pound blueliner transferred to Seattle, encountering little difficulty adjusting to the North American game. With 33 points in 38 games, he's fourth among the Thunderbirds' leading scorers.
NHL Central Scouting placed Mrtka at No. 6 in their mid-term rankings of North American skaters. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino noted he played big minutes and possesses a powerful shot from the point. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler praised his skating and ability to play well in all situations.
Mrtka' size, mobility and all-around skills on the blueline would make him a strong addition to the Islanders' draft pipeline. In a few years, he could become the linchpin of their defense corps.
10. Boston Bruins: Justin Carbonneau
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Years of sacrificing draft picks in trades to shore up their roster left the Bruins' prospect pipeline depleted. Fabian Lysell is their only natural right winger among their top prospects, and it remains to be seen if he becomes a full-time NHL player.
Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League could address that need for the Bruins. The 6'1”, 192-pound right wing leads the Armada with 46 goals and 87 points in 58 games, sitting second among QMJHL scorers.
NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old Carbonneau at No. 13 on their mid-term rankings of North American skaters. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked him 10th on his list, citing his strong skating and offensive skills, including his quick release.
The limited depth among quality right wingers among this season's top prospects leave the Bruins with few options to address that issue. Unless Porter Martone is still available at this stage, they should snap up Carbonneau with this pick.
11. Detroit Red Wings: Cameron Schmidt
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Detroit Red Wings fans could be growing impatient waiting for their club's long-anticipated breakthrough season as a perennial playoff club. Nevertheless, they continue to patiently stock up on young talent, possessing one of the best stockpiles of prospects in the league.
The Wings could use another right wing among their top-10 prospects. One possibility could be Cameron Schmidt of the WHL's Vancouver Giants. The 5'7”, 157-pounder may be undersized, but he leads the Giants with 36 goals and 71 points in 56 games.
NHL Central Scouting has Schmidt ranked at No. 30 among North American skaters in their mid-term rankings. However, The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari has him at No. 13 on his list, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked him 16th, and Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis placed him at No. 17.
Ferrrari believes Schmidt's tenacity and elite shot make up for his lack of size. Wheeler cited his skating, puckhandling and goal-scoring ability, while Ellis also praised his offensive skills.
12. New York Rangers: Logan Hensler
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On Jan. 31, the Vancouver Canucks acquired the New York Rangers' 2025 first-rounder in the J.T. Miller. The following day, the Canucks shipped it to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Marcus Pettersson deal. The pick is top-13 protected, meaning it will remain with the Rangers with the Penguins getting their 2016 first-rounder.
The Rangers have one right-shot defenseman within their top 15 prospects. They could add another like Logan Hensler of the University of Wisconsin.
Hensler, 18, has had a solid rookie campaign with the Badgers, netting 12 points in 32 games. The 6'2”, 192-pounder blueliner was part of Team USA's gold-medal team at the 2025 World Junior Championship.
NHL Central Scouting has Hensler sitting 10th on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler called him a “smooth, mobile, balanced skater.” Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino praised his quickness, size and stick positioning.
13. Utah Hockey Club: Caleb Desnoyers
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We speculated in our previous mock draft that the Utah Hockey Club might pursue a center after trading away prospect Morgan Geekie last summer. One possibility for them in this draft is Caleb Desnoyers of the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats.
Desnoyers, 17, sits seventh on NHL Central Scouting's mid-term ranking of North American skaters. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino and The Athletic's Scott Wheeler have him at No. 5 on their respective rankings.
The 6'2”, 172-pound Desnoyers leads the Wildcats with 80 points in 54 games. He's sixth among the QMJHL's scoring leaders.
Cosentino praised Desnoyers' high level of skill and competitiveness. Wheeler noted he's also committed to the defensive game and stays involved in the play.
14. St. Louis Blues: Joshua Ravensbergen
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The St. Louis Blues lack a goaltender among their top 15 prospects. They could address that issue by choosing Joshua Ravensbergen of the WHL's Prince George Cougars.
Ranked as the top North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting, the 6'5”, 192-pound Ravensbergen has a record of 32 wins, 12 losses and 4 overtime losses, putting him among the WHL's top goalies. He has a 2.95 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis liked Ravensbergen's size, mobility and ability to track pucks. He pointed out the 18-year-old has had a few bad games but that's to be expected when he's leading the Cougars to wins. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler believes he has the highest ceiling of potential among goalies in this draft.
The Blues can afford to allow Ravensbergen time to develop and improve his game. He could be ready to become an NHL-caliber starter in a few years.
15. Montreal Canadiens: Carter Bear
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Rebuilding their roster over the past three seasons, the Montreal Canadiens possess one of the deepest prospect pools in the league. However, they have only one left wing among their top 15 prospects.
Carter Bear of the WHL's Everett Silvertips could be an option for the Canadiens. A versatile forward who can play left wing or center, the 6'0”, 176-pounder leads the Silvertips with 40 goals and 82 points in 56 games.
NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old Bear at No. 11 on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari has him at No. 7 on his prospect ranking. while Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino ranked him eighth on his list.
Ferrari cited Bear's energy, playmaking skills and relentlessness at both ends of the ice. Consentino noted he moves well, creating disturbances and turnovers. Those efforts could make Bear an effective two-way, middle-six forward for the Canadiens.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Lynden Lakovic
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The Columbus Blue Jackets lack a natural left wing among their top 15 prospects. Lyndon Lakovic of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors could be someone on their radar to address that need.
Lakovic sits 12th on NHL Central Scouting's mid-term ranking of North American skaters. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari ranked him ninth on his overall prospect list while Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis has him at No. 10.
Ferrari singled out the 6'4”, 190-pound Lakovic for his speed, puckhandling and lethal shot. Ellis cited a recent injury that could derail his progress a little but felt his skating, puckhandling and hockey smarts made him too good to ignore, calling him an all-around threat.
Despite being sidelined by an injury, Lakovic still leads the Warriors with 23 goals and 52 points in 42 games. He exceeded his 39-point performance in 68 games as a rookie last season. That improvement should make him an enticing prospect for teams seeking left wing depth among their prospects.
17. Vancouver Canucks: Malcolm Spence
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Listed at No. 14 on NHL Central Scouting's mid-term ranking of North American skaters, Malcolm Spence is having another solid season with the OHL's Erie Otters. With 66 points in 60 games, the 18-year-old left wing sits third among their scoring leaders.
Spence could be among the prospects being monitored by the Vancouver Canucks in this year's draft. They're lacking a left winger among their top 15 prospects.
Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino indicated the 6'2”, 201-pound Spence competes at all three zones. He believes he has the skill to produce at least mid-level offense at the next level.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis noted that Spence may not be flashy but praised his work ethic and physicality. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari called him one of the most projectable players in the draft, praising his quick release and excellent snap shot.
18. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Kashawn Aitcheson
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The Montreal Canadiens received the Calgary Flames 2026 first-rounder as part of the conditions of the Sean Monahan trade in 2022. We have them selecting left wing Carter Bear with their own first-round pick.
With this selection, the Canadiens could consider adding a physical left-shot defenseman to their prospect pool. Kashawn Aitcheson of the OHL's Barrie Colts could fit the bill.
Aitcheson, 18, has had a strong performance with the Colts. The 6'1”, 198-pound blueliner exceeded last season's 39-point performance, sitting second among the Colts with 54 points in 60 games.
NHL Central Scouting has Aitcheson at No. 15 in their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis believes his physical style could make him an intimidating force in the NHL. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic singled out his penalty-killing, shot-blocking, strong skating and hard shot.
19. Ottawa Senators: Benjamin Kindel
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A versatile forward who can play right wing or center, Benjamin Kindel has made significant strides in his sophomore season with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. The 17-year-old exceeded last season's promising 64-point performance, sitting second among the Hitmen with 96 points in 60 games.
The Ottawa Senators must replenish their prospect pool after graduating players like Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson, and Ridly Greig into their ranks in recent years. Kindel could fill their need to add more right wingers among their top-15 players.
NHL Central Scouting has Kindel at No. 20 on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino called the 5'10”, 176-pound winger a “buzz saw type of player” who reads the play well.
The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari singled out Kindel's playmaking, passing ability and his energetic style. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic observed he accumulated most of his points this season at even strength, praising his hockey smarts and hardworking style.
20. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Jake O'Brien
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The Calgary Flames received this pick from the New Jersey Devils as part of the return in the Jacob Markstrom trade last June. This pick is top-10 protected, but that doesn't apply in this instance, given their current position in the standings.
Calgary is well stocked with defensemen among its top 10 prospects but has only four forwards among them. Jake O'Brien of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs could be available to the Flames at this point of the first round.
O'Brien, 17, is following up a solid debut effort with the Bulldogs last season with an impressive sophomore performance. The 6'2”, 170-pound center sits third among their leading scorers with 93 points in 62 games.
NHL Central Scouting has O'Brien sitting eighth on the mid-term ranking of North American skaters. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino called him a cerebral player who can control the pace of a game. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler praised his finesse, high hockey IQ and high-end passing ability.
21. Los Angeles Kings: Cameron Reid
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Cameron Reid of the OHL's Kitchener Rangers is having a fine sophomore season. The 17-year-old left-shot defenseman sits third among the Rangers' scoring leaders with 52 points in 63 games.
Reid's performance could draw the attention of the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. They have only two defensemen among their top 15 prospects.
NHL Central Scouting has the 6'0”, 174-pound Reid sitting 27th among North American skaters in their mid-term ranking. However, Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino has him 17th on his overall list of top prospects.
Cosentino cited Reid's elite skating ability among the reasons he's making strides toward the top half of this draft class. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis pointed out he does a good job shutting down opponents, making him more well-rounded than some scouts expected heading into this season.
22. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Jakob Ihs-Wozniak
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The Columbus Blue Jackets received this pick from the Minnesota Wild as part of the return in last November's trade of David Jiříček. We had the Jackets selecting left wing Lynden Lakovic with their own pick earlier in this round.
With this pick, the Blue Jackets could again attempt to bolster their depth among their prospect wingers. They could be willing to take a chance on Jakob Ihs-Wozniak of Luleå HF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He has 56 points in 39 games with Luleå's J20 Nationell team.
NHL Central Scouting has the 6'3”, 185-pound winger sitting seventh among International skaters in their mid-term ranking. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino has him 24th among his rankings while The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked him 27th.
Wheeler noted that an inconsistent start to this season left scouts underwhelmed, but he's significantly improved since. He considers the 18-year-old center a compelling, talented player. Cosentino also noted his improvement, suggesting he needs skilled players around him to be effective.
23. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Sascha Boumedienne
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The Philadelphia Flyers got this pick from the Edmonton Oilers during the first round of last year's draft. We have them selecting centers Roger McQueen with their earlier pick in this round.
With this selection, the Flyers could attempt to add another left-shot defenseman among their top prospects. One option could be Boston University's Sascha Boumedienne.
The 6'2”, 183-pound Boumedienne put up 10 points in his 34 games as a rookie with the Terriers this season. NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old defenseman at No. 18 among North American skaters in their mid-term ranking.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic cited Boumedienne's improvement throughout the season, singling out his skating, vision and poise. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino believes he can become a mid-pairing defenseman at the next level with ample seasoning.
24. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Blake Fiddler
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The Nashville Predators got the second of their three picks in this round from the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the Tanner Jeannot trade in February 2023. It is top-10 protected but that doesn't apply in this case, given the Lightning's current place in the overall standings.
With their own first-rounder, we had the Predators selecting center James Hagens. They could use this selection to add a right-shot defenseman among their top 10 prospects.
Blake Fiddler of the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings could be an option available to the Predators. The 17-year-old blueliner sits at No. 24 on NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American skaters. He has 230 points in 60 games this season with the Oil Kings.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler calls the 6'4”, 209-pound Fiddler a big, smart blueliner who defends at a high level. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis observes he logs big minutes per game and is improving his offensive game. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari praised his skating, physicality and defensive instincts.
25. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Brady Martin
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We have the Philadelphia Flyers selecting center Roger McQueen and Sascha Boumedienne with their previous two picks in this round. They received the Colorado Avalanche's first-rounder as part of the return in last season's Sean Walker trade.
The Flyers could continue to shore up their depth among their center prospects by pursuing Brady Martin of the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He's listed at No. 17 on NHL Central Scouting's mid-term ranking of North American skaters.
Martin, 17, has made notable improvement over his 28-point rookie performance last season. The 6'0”, 174-pounder sits second on the Greyhounds with 29 goals and 61 points in 52 games.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis singled out Martin's play without the puck, including his physical play and willingness to battle for pucks. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler called him a well-rounded, pro-style forward whose competitiveness and strength endeared him to scouts.
26. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Cullen Potter
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Chicago landed this pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Sam Lafferty trade in Feb. 2023. The pick is top-10 protected but that won't apply here given the Leafs' high placement in the overall standings.
We have Chicago selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer with their own pick earlier in this round. They could use this pick to add more depth among their prospect wingers.
Cullen Potter of Arizona State University could be an appealing option. The 18-year-old is a versatile forward who can play center or left wing. He's had a solid NCAA debut this season with 13 goals and 21 points, sitting among the Sun Devils' top five goal scorers.
NHL Central Scouting has the 5'9”, 168-pound Potter sitting 22nd on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari praised his speed, skill and offensive IQ, while The Athletic's Scott Wheeler called him the best-skating forward in this age group.
27. Carolina Hurricanes: Ivan Ryabkin
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After spending nearly half the season playing in Russia, Ivan Ryabkin joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The 17-year-old center has adjusted to the North American game, sitting ninth among the Lumberjacks with 16 points in as many games.
Ryabkin could be among the promising youngsters on the Carolina Hurricanes' radar in this draft class. They lack a center among their top 10 prospects.
NHL Central Scouting has Ryabkin at No. 3 among International skaters in their mid-term rankings. Sportsnet's Sam Consentino ranked the 6'0, 198-pound center at No. 12 on his overall list while The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked him 17th on his listing.
Cosentino observed that Ryabkin can impact the game on multiple fronts, suggesting an improvement in his defensive game could move him into the top 10. Wheeler cited his inconsistency but also praised his skill and offensive sense.
28. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Jack Nesbitt
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The Calgary Flames received this pick from the Florida Panthers as part of the return in the Matthew Tkachuk trade in July 2022. With this selection, they could continue stocking up on forwards.
We had the Flames choosing center Jake O'Brien with the pick they received from the New Jersey Devils earlier in this round. They could use this one to select center Jack Nesbitt of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.
Listed at No. 16 on NHL Central Scouting's mid-season ranking of North American skaters, the 18-year-old Nesbitt sits fifth among the Spitfires with 22 goals and 59 points in 60 games.
Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino calls the 6'4”, 183-pound Nesbitt an all-situations player. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler considers him to be one of the most improved players in the OHL this season.
29. Nashville Predators (via San Jose Sharks & Vegas Golden Knights): Bill Zonnon
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The Nashville Predators received their third pick in this round from the San Jose Sharks as part of the return in last August's Yaroslav Askarov trade. The Sharks acquired the pick from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Tomáš Hertl deal at the March 2024 trade deadline.
We have the Predators selecting James Hagens and Blake Fiddler with their previous two picks in this round. They could use this selection to add another right winger among their top 10 prospects.
NHL Central Scouting ranked Bill Zonnon of the QMJHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at No. 29 on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters. A versatile forward who can play either wing, the 6'2”, 190-pounder is second among Huskies scorers with 79 points in 60 games.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis called Zonnon a physical, smart and an excellent passer. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari cited his size, playmaking and willingness to get involved in the forecheck.
30. San Jose Sharks (via Vegas Golden Knights): Jack Murtagh
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The San Jose Sharks received this pick from the Dallas Stars as part of the return in the Mikael Granlund trade on Feb. 1. We have the Sharks selecting Porter Martone with their selection earlier in this round.
With this pick, the Sharks could consider adding a left winger such as Jack Murtagh of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). A versatile forward who can play center or left wing, the 18-year-old is committed to playing for Boston University next season.
Listed at No. 25 by NHL Central Scouting's mid-term ranking of North American skaters, the 6'1”, 198-pound Murtagh has 42 points in 40 games with the USNTDP U-18 squad. He also has 14 points in 17 games with their USHL Junior team.
Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino believes he has the enviable combination of will and skill. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis cited his puck-handling, hard shot and work ethic.
31. Winnipeg Jets: Henry Brzustewicz
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NHL Central Scouting has Henry Brzustewicz of the OHL's London Knights at No. 19 on the mid-term ranking of North American skaters. The 6'1”, 194-pound defenseman has 10 goals and 39 points in 62 games this season, sitting 10th among the Knights' leading scorers.
Brzustewicz would draw the attention of the Winnipeg Jets. With two defensemen among their top 12 prospects, they could consider adding another, especially one with a right-hand shot.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis noted that Brzustewicz's older brother Hunter was selected by the Vancouver Canucks two years ago. Henry is slightly bigger than his older brother and is also a decent playmaker.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler observed the Knights have been giving Brzustewicz more minutes and a larger role this season. He pointed out that the young rearguard skates well, plays with confidence and is a strong skater.
32. Washington Capitals: Braeden Cootes
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The Washington Capitals have one center among their top 15 prospects. They could look at Braeden Cootes of the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds to address that issue.
Captain of the Thunderbirds, the 18-year-old Cootes leads his club with 58 points in 55 games. NHL Central Scouting has him at No. 21 on their mid-term ranking of North American skaters.
The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari has Cootes at No.12 of his ranking of this season's top prospects. He called the 6'0”, 183-pounder a smart, consistent, hardworking center who could reach middle-six forward level in the NHL.
Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis believes Cootes could become an energy forward at the NHL level. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino said he's no fun to play against, as he's constantly in the opposition's grill creating havoc all over the ice.
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