Final B/R 32-Player Big Board for the 2025 NHL Draft
It's almost time for the NHL's first decentralized draft.
Only 50 prospects are invited. Do we want to lay bets on how long it takes for a team to draft someone who isn't in the building? It's unlikely, but it is possible.
Sometimes, for the final draft board or two, I like to pull a fast one and make some swaps weighted more toward gut feeling on a player after watching him all year. As opposed to previous boards, I try to take into account how NHL teams might be looking at the situation.
That's the reason for some movement you'll see here. Everyone's seasons are long over, but I've revisited notes and video from across the year and have interrogated myself and my process and research. Here's where I landed.
1. Michael Misa, LW, Saginaw Spirit
1 of 32
Strengths: Everything. But in all seriousness: vision, playmaking, skating
Weaknesses: Nothing glaring. Will need time and experience to move to the pros, but that's hardly a weakness, just a given at this age.
I've said so much about Michael Misa already, but you all are in luck because I could talk about him endlessly. I will start off by giving the caveat that I do not expect him to be selected first overall, but he is ranked here because he is a phenomenal talent—in terms of pure skill, he's the best forward available this year.
Translating his game to the NHL level, particularly his playmaking and scoring, isn't going to be an issue. He could step into a pro game right now and more than hold his own. This all starts with his elite skating and hockey sense.
That hockey sense supports his incredible attention to detail, the keystone of his game and what underpins the rest of what he brings to the ice each night.
Even when he isn't at his best, Misa is an absolute force. Processing the game at top speeds, his opponents often can't match with their feet, let alone their minds, giving him a significant advantage. Creating opportunities, dodging defenders, protecting the puck; you name it and his skating allows him to do it at a high pace of play.
2. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
2 of 32
Strengths: Game-breaking skill, decision-making, skating
Weaknesses: I want to see him in a consistent stretch at the pro level, but that's hardly a weakness.
I put Misa over Schaefer because I like his play better. If Schaefer goes first overall, it will be a good decision by the Islanders.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, Schaefer is an incredible defenseman, and one who could take control of an NHL game the way he does in the OHL sooner rather than later.
He only played 17 OHL games this season, thanks to the broken collarbone he sustained at World Juniors. And those 17 games were enough to prove he is a special player, the kind of defenseman you don't see often. It speaks very highly of him that the injury has not scared anyone off from ranking him and potentially picking him first overall.
He makes clear the kind of player he is every time he steps onto the ice. His tools are visible. Phenomenal skating, with excellent straight-line speeds and a quick first step. Puck possession from end to end without losing a step. Agility to support his quick decision-making.
What truly separates him is his ability to take over the game, and do so without sacrificing any one aspect of his play. His elite hockey IQ probably has something to do with that. It's a necessary factor when you play the kind of game he does. It allows him to read and process his options at top speed, something that is invaluable.
If you've seen Schaefer play, you understand why he's probably going first overall, even if you can't explain it. If you haven't seen Schaefer play, it's time to change that.
3. Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads
3 of 32
Strengths: Offensive instincts, stick-handling, reading the play
Weaknesses: Stays to the perimeter. Doesn't throw productive hits, but rather throws hits to start something. Needs to sharpen his focus on using his skill set consistently because it is extensive.
No player has driven me bananas more this season than Porter Martone, because I have not seen such a wide gap between who a player has the potential to be and who he chooses to be when he steps onto the ice each night.
He has an incredible offensive skill set. Even without remotely maxing out his abilities, he's still one of the best players in this draft class.
It's endlessly frustrating. But if he puts it together, oh boy, look out. The frustration will be more than worth it.
As we said in our scouting report, Martone "may have the best pure hockey sense in this year's draft class. Unfortunately, he's not always inclined to use it."
It's like he takes one look at the ice and projects how a play is going to end before it's even really begun, which allows him to best position his teammates for success. Unfortunately, this is also the skill that allows him to hang back around the edges until he swoops in to either receive or make the perfect pass. He also uses it to deceive opponents or find gaps in their coverage.
I need him to stop floating around the perimeter and cherry-picking. But if he can give that up and throw himself into the meat of play, well, that's another matter entirely.
I'll need to see some real movement next season to be convinced Martone is going to hit his ceiling. But take the swing anyway. He's got the potential to be special.
.png?w=256 "Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions")
4. James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
4 of 32
Strengths: Skating, hockey IQ, vision both on and off of the puck
Weaknesses: Decision-making can be questionable at times—he defers too often—and he has a higher gear than he showed this season
Although Porter Martone's potential and high ceiling get him the third spot over James Hagens, I feel more confident the latter will reach his ceiling. He was the consensus number one last summer, but being at No. 4 on our board is not a slight on him; just commentary on how much impressive work we've seen from the three players ahead of him this season. He's going to be an excellent player with development and time.
He just isn't that player yet. The guys ahead of him have shown they can put the pieces together. Hagens hasn't, at least so far. I expected more from him in this NCAA season than we got. With that in mind, though, it isn't a reason to pass him up as he still brings a lot to the table.
Hagens was, after all, a point-per-game player in his first NCAA season as a true freshman. That in itself is an accomplishment, and he made it happen with his fantastic skill set: incredible skating, high-octane motor, and phenomenal playmaking skills.
He makes setting up his teammates look like a breeze. I wanted to see him shoot more, but he spent most of the season playing with shoot-first-and-shoot-often Ryan Leonard. Between the two, Hagens is going to be the one facilitating rather than taking the shot.
His passing skills were, as such, on full display. I have no qualms about saying that this aspect of his game will translate well to the pro level. He knows how to set up a play so that it finds his teammates where they need to be rather than where they are, thanks to his terrific hockey sense. He also utilizes that hockey sense off the puck to get himself in the right position.
Hagens has the potential to control the play himself, and he has the potential to become a more deceptive player. His vision drives both of those things, and it is more than high-end enough for him to further explore adding these layers to his game. I would even argue that adding those layers is necessary to thrive at the NHL level.
Regardless, though, he will be an excellent addition to whatever team selects him on Friday.
5. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
5 of 32
Strengths: Hockey IQ, puck-handling
Weaknesses: Skating mechanics
Yes. We are still ranking Roger McQueen at No. 5. In reality, he will probably go much lower than that; whatever team is lucky enough to snag him at that too-low pick is going to look like a genius down the line.
Sure, it's a risk taking a player this high who played so little, and McQueen isn't Schaefer. But he has such special potential that the gamble is worth it.
While McQueen only played 17 total WHL games this season, with 20 points in those appearances, he was a point-per-game player after his return from injury.
I'm not worried about what he brings to the table offensively. Frankly, I'm not worried about what he brings to the table at all. His hockey IQ and puck skills are through the roof, for one thing. His skill set is broad, with a range of shots, high-end passing abilities and the ability to beat defenders in myriad ways. He's never just relying on one move to score.
The only real knock on his game at present is his skating mechanics. He looks a little clunky out there sometimes. But there are a lot of players that is true of in this draft, and skating is something that can be worked on. His engagement level is high at both ends of the ice, including physically, though there could be improvement in his details in his own end. That's the kind of thing that comes with maturity.
McQueen's hockey sense allows him to understand and read the play at such a high level, and this shows up in his playmaking. He's able to identify the right opportunity, creating advantages for himself and teammates. I'm reserving judgment on this aspect of his game until I see him in longer stretches next season, but some moments make me wonder if he could add a deceptive layer to that playmaking as well.
Whatever team takes a swing on McQueen, it's going to work out in their favor.
6. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
6 of 32
Strengths: Skating, puck-moving skills
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his decision-making
Jackson Smith is a special player. Between his smooth skating, puck-moving skills, offensive abilities and pest-like qualities, there's not an aspect of his game not to like.
Smith's skating supports excellent puck skills and mobility that are necessary for an offensive defenseman in today's game. On the other side of that, he's an incredible pain in his end, limiting any chances that opponents might try to create and re-establish puck possession.
Facing him one-on-one feels like a nightmare. His specific combination of pure skill and the ability to be a pest without sacrificing it is such a useful one.
He's had flashes of creativity that I would like to see him develop further next season, as it would only add another layer to an already excellent skill set. I would also like to see him further refine his decision-making in tight moments.
7. Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
7 of 32
Strengths: Never-quit motor, awareness, playmaking
Weaknesses: His mechanics are average, but he's doing OK despite that
Carter Bear simply doesn't stop. Pair that with terrific offensive instincts and playmaking abilities and you have the potential for a dangerous player.
I could watch Bear play for hours on end. His motor doesn't have an off switch; he's relentless. He has tenacity in spades. He's involved every time he steps on the ice; that level of engagement can be refined and encouraged, but there's something about seeing it be such an integral part of a player's game so young that I find very promising.
His playmaking abilities still have room to grow; the fact that he was on such an offensive tear before his Achilles laceration, even before that growth occurs, bodes well for his NHL future. He's not some one-trick pony; he uses his awareness and hockey sense to identify and select the precise play that is right for the moment, and he doesn't slow down while doing it.
We'll see his scoring take another step next season, especially if he continues to refine and utilize those playmaking skills.
8. Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
8 of 32
Strengths: Attention to detail, work ethic, playmaking
Weaknesses: A lot is happening in his head, which can occasionally affect his execution
Victor Eklund won't be the first Swede chosen; that will be Anton Frondell. But at the end of the day, I believe Eklund is the better player. He's the type who could easily go inside the top five, and his attention to detail and intelligence are only two of the reasons why.
That intelligence is both a blessing and a curse at times. It allows him to process and execute the game quickly and effectively, but sometimes he's just got a little too much going on up there and his execution suffers. It's not as frequent as you might expect that problem to be from a player at this level, though.
Saying he plays with intention is one of the biggest compliments you can give a draft-eligible player. His attention to detail is excellent and his playmaking abilities have unfolded wonderfully across this season—we're going to see that progress even more in the coming year.
Eklund has a never-quit motor to add to it, and his reliability and willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice rounds out what is a solid skill set.
9. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
9 of 32
Strengths: Hockey IQ, skating skills (specifically his edgework/agility)
Weaknesses: Could afford to boost his motor/pace of play
I flip-flopped Desnoyers and O'Brien from our last board, and if I had this to do over I might flip them again. There isn't a wrong choice between the two, and chatter is that the league is liking the former lately.
Finishing the QMJHL regular season with 84 points in 56 games is nothing to sneeze at, but to do so without pouncing on opponents' blatant mistakes and instead relying largely on your ability to create is a good sign for a player's ability to jump from the junior level to the pros.
Desnoyers' hockey IQ and vision drive that offensive ability, alongside his puck skills. He reads passing options and selects the most effective one, making it happen before opponents realize what's going on.
His edgework and agility allow him to move effectively in close, protecting the puck and creating opportunities for his teammates. He's also got a nice element of physicality that he uses when called for. He's constantly engaged—physically and mentally—regardless of whether he's creating offensive opportunities, forechecking or what have you.
He needs to up the pace next season, because he has a lot more in him than just 84 points.
10. Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
10 of 32
Strengths: Playmaking, passing
Weaknesses: Skating mechanics
Jake O'Brien is another player in this draft I could just sit and watch for a good while. Watch one game with him in it and you'll be hooked.
His approach is underpinned by creativity and generosity; he knows how to create a good passing opportunity and loves setting up his teammates. His playmaking abilities are so special.
His vision and hockey sense often have him freezing up opponents with the passes he selects. He's always scanning the ice for the right opportunity, identifying the tiniest gaps in his opponent's defense to pass through and find teammates. And he's not solely focused on offense.
His defensive responsibility is top-notch. It's another place that vision comes into play; it allows him to ensure he's always in the right spot in his end of the ice, and he's got a never-ending work ethic that has him hounding opponents when his team doesn't have the puck.
In terms of any weaknesses, his hands are more agile than his feet. I would like to see him work on his skating mechanics to the point where his feet can match and add some strength (there are a lot of guys in this class with similar issues).
11. Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
11 of 32
Strengths: Intelligence, tenacity
Weaknesses: Skating (especially posture)
I said before that Brady Martin "is going to both bless and stress whatever NHL team drafts him," and I stand by that. I've been so impressed with him across the course of the season—his work ethic, his hockey sense, the relentless drive he brings to each shift.
He pairs high-end intelligence with an engagement level not many players in this year's draft can match. He's constantly involved, no matter what area of the ice he's in, and he uses his physicality to dominate opponents. There's no such thing as the word "quit" in his vocabulary.
Sometimes this is a negative; he can occasionally end up trying to do too much. But as mentioned, I would much rather have to scale a player back than try to motivate a player whose engagement level is low or who prefers to float around the edges waiting to pick his moment.
"Cleverness paired with chaos" is the best way to describe Martin. Thanks to his offensive instincts and intelligence, he tries things with the puck that his opponents won't even consider—and that sometimes maybe he shouldn't.
12. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
12 of 32
Strengths: Playmaking, vision, precise shot
Weaknesses: Does too much sometimes
There are a lot of players in this year's first round who have high potential when it comes to creative playmaking and dynamic offense, and the number one thing we want to see from them moving forward is maturity concerning decision-making.
Justin Carbonneau is one of those players. He's a threat in every area of the ice, with the puck and without it. His combination of vision and playmaking abilities, alongside his quick release, makes him dangerous offensively. His skating speed and the way he uses it to chase loose pucks or burn opponents make him dangerous defensively.
The problem—again, a common one—is that he can try to do it all himself. And this is so often where mistakes happen. When you're only relying on yourself, you miss opportunities. You turn the puck over. You get intercepted by an opponent who may not have been an issue if you'd made a pass moments before.
If Carbonneau can rein in his desire to do it by himself and utilize his playmaking abilities and vision more to find teammates and set them up, he'll have no trouble in the NHL.
13. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (Allsvenskan)
13 of 32
Strengths: Puck skills, physicality
Weaknesses: Consistency, deceptive abilities
Anton Frondell will likely be selected higher than 13th, but I'm confident in this ranking nonetheless. It's not a slight on him, either. He has excellent puck skills, especially in the small-area game—this is something that I love seeing in a junior-age player. What I don't love is that while we've seen his playmaking at lower levels this year, we didn't see it when he played up.
It's possible this was because of a coaching decision; it's possible he felt the pace of play at the higher level required him to focus on other areas of his game. We've seen strength and intelligence from him, regardless, and improvement in his physicality, including his ability to retrieve pucks. We've even seen flashes of puck protection skills. I just want more consistency.
At times, he chooses to dump the puck in transition instead of making a play, and that's not what NHL teams are looking for from players of his caliber.
Frondell is so smart. That means we need more playmaking from him, especially as he is playing center. We know he can do it; he just needs to put it into action more.
14. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
14 of 32
Strengths: Excellent shot, speed
Weaknesses: Could engage more physically
Lynden Lakovic didn't fall because of anything he did or didn't do; it's just another case of other players impressing more. This year is a case of "player X has a ton of potential, but he's still raw," and Lakovic is no exception. I believe in his potential, though, and that the progress we saw across the season will continue.
One reason to believe in his potential is that his floor is so high. His skill set is terrific—high-end shot, excellent use of his stick to disrupt opponents' plays and protect the puck, above-average skating—and he can further add to that skill set moving forward. One way I'd love to see him do that is by adding a bit more pace and, of course, consistency.
He's got another gear we haven't seen yet (recall that he missed part of this season with injury). If he can utilize that gear next season, and work on adding a layer of physicality to his game, we'll see that consistency come naturally. Netting 58 points in only 47 games in your draft year is pretty good; expect to see that rise next season.
15. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
15 of 32
Strengths: Awareness, stick skills
Weaknesses: Mobility could improve
On our last full board, I said that Radim Mrtka was "someone we're going to be watching closely the rest of the way." I'm so glad that we did. Watching his growth across the season was a particularly enjoyable part of this draft journey, and I think I'm even more intrigued to see what he does next season.
Mrtka projects as a shutdown-type defenseman, trusted in big minutes for his team and smothering opportunities for his opponents—this is where he truly shines. His awareness of where everyone is on the ice and how a play is going to unfold, is a highlight of his game, whether he has the puck or not.
He does have flashes of offensive ability, using that same awareness to create opportunities for his teammates. The ability to do so is an added benefit on top of the rest of his game, and one that I would love to see unfold further next season, though not to the detriment of his other strengths.
16. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
16 of 32
Strengths: Constantly engaged, excellent off-puck, speed
Weaknesses: Size is a concern, as well as the question of whether his skill is enough for the next level
Another riser thanks to his performance at the U18 World Championships? Seattle Thunderbirds forward Braeden Cootes. Finishing the WHL regular season at a better than point-per-game pace wasn't enough; he needed to go out and show off the parts of his skill set that we're most fond of.
He's such a fearless player, with a motor that doesn't quit and speed and agility to match. Channel that correctly and that makes you a dangerous player indeed. He has the potential to add even more to the playmaking side of his game than we saw this year, and I hope he does. We know he's excellent off the puck, applying pressure on the forecheck, and utilizing that agility to evade defenders once he gets the puck back. I question whether his size will affect his ability to translate his skill set to the next level (and it's not something I question often) but if we see more of that playmaking game next season, I won't be nearly as concerned. Cootes grew quite a lot across this year, and I fully anticipate that continuing.
17. Logan Hensler, D, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
17 of 32
Strengths: Mobility, stick work
Weaknesses: Decision-making under pressure
I do not love what we saw from Logan Hensler this season; I am also inclined to give him grace because playing as a true freshman in NCAA hockey is difficult on its own, but particularly as a defenseman. Much like James Hagens, this is a case of "I still believe in his skill set; he just isn't where I wanted him to be at this point".
There's a lot to like about Hensler; his awareness and decision-making suffered this season, but were highlights of his game before this year, and I cannot imagine instincts like that disappearing entirely. I wouldn't be surprised if we see that part of his game surge again next season as he comes into the season more used to the environment and to his opponents. He activates well, and he shows signs of being able to incorporate offense into his game. With awareness being a past strength, offensive opportunities are another area he could channel that into, and adding that to his skill set could elevate him further.
I still believe that Hensler projects as a top-four NHL defenseman. I just think it's going to take slightly longer to get there than we thought.
18. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
18 of 32
Strengths: Physicality, puck moving
Weaknesses: Isn't the most creative or dynamic
I think Kashawn Aitcheson won't be around at 18, even though I'm ranking him here. One big reason for that? He's extremely projectable. Sit down and watch one Barrie Colts game and you find yourself picturing precisely the kind of NHL defenseman he's going to be. He isn't the most creative dynamic defenseman on the ice and never will be, but frankly, that doesn't matter—he doesn't need to be to do what he does best.
With Aitcheson, what you see is what you get, and this is one of those occasions where that is a very good thing. He's a physical force each time he steps onto the ice, and he has excellent puck-moving abilities. His engagement level is high; he's constantly scanning the ice for opportunities or obstacles. He's so effective, reading lanes and suffocating opponents' chances, fully in their space. He's extremely fun and would be an excellent balance on a pair with a more freewheeling rover-type defenseman. This tracks, as we project him as someone who will be counted on to eat those big minutes at the professional level.
19. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
19 of 32
Strengths: Skating, stick work
Weaknesses: Size, inconsistency in several areas
On our last board, I said that the way I would sum up Cameron Reid as a prospect currently is "the potential is high but the runway is long", and I stand by that. I like so much about his game; he's constantly activating, his rush defense is great, and his skating and stick work are huge pluses. All good things to see from a draft-eligible defender for sure.
Here's the thing: his size has the potential to limit him (and it isn't often that I worry about a player's size). His lack of consistency in key areas worries me more, particularly because it happens in areas where he should be showing strong throughlines. It's not just his physicality without the puck that can take a night off; his playmaking and offensive reads also struggle sometimes. If he can improve that, he'll have a nice long NHL career. Right now, however, I'm still emphasizing the "if".
20. Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
20 of 32
Strengths: Hockey sense, creativity
Weaknesses: Consistency, decision-making on occasion
Calgary Hitmen forward Benjamin Kindel nearly broke the 100-point mark (only one shy) in 65 games this season, and when you take a closer look at his skill set, that's not a surprise. As far as pure raw skill and potential go, Kindel has it in spades. Can he put those tools together on a nightly basis at the professional level? That remains to be seen.
His high-end hockey sense is a highlight for me. Kindel can create for himself and teammates, but he's also engaged physically, battling for the puck and backchecking. Strength is not a strong suit currently, and I would like to see him improve his shot. I also think there's a layer of deception he could add to his game; he has the creativity and hockey sense required, if he can use them efficiently at the game's top speeds. Decision-making will hopefully mature with time, but right now, there are occasions where it feels lacking.
21. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
21 of 32
Strengths: Goal-scoring, speed
Weaknesses: Consistency, play without the puck
One of my favorite aspects of Cameron Schmidt's game is his vision. He reads the play at such a high level and isn't shy about using that vision to burn his opponents for any mistakes they've made. We aren't seeing it consistently enough, particularly when he isn't the one with the puck, but consistency is something that can be improved on. And when you score 78 points in 61 games while taking nights off, well, you owe it to yourself and your team to improve that consistency and see what you're truly capable of.
Between his excellent shot and high-end speed, Schmidt can score some highlight goals. He's also shown flashes of playmaking potential. But my biggest gripe with him is consistency. If he can bring those offensive skills nightly and combine them with smarter decision-making, we could see his offensive numbers shoot up. He has a layer of physicality to his game, but it isn't something I would hang my hat on as a strength.
22. Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL)
22 of 32
Strengths: Tenacity, physicality, instincts
Weaknesses: Lack of agility and dynamism
I like Malcolm Spence, but I don't love Malcolm Spence. Fortunately, he doesn't need my approval. His floor is so high, and he's got very real potential even without improving aspects of his gam,e such as, his agility (other parts of his skating too, but that's the primary area of need in my view).
Even though he's not a flashy playmaker, Spence finished the regular season for the Erie Otters with 73 points in 65 games. His tenacity is unreal; combining his physicality with a work ethic that never runs out of battery means he is constantly engaged on the ice. Add to that his ability to finish off a pass or be exactly where a teammate needs and you have a very appealing combination of skills. He doesn't need the flashy creativity; he's making waves without it. If his agility improves, he could even take that to the next level, pestering an opponent in one area of the ice and then turning on a dime to complete a play.
23. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
23 of 32
Strengths: Always involved and activating, good offensive instincts
Weaknesses: Has issues with misreads and timing
Blake Fiddler—yes, Vern's son, do you feel old now?—has stayed right below the middle of the first round on our boards across the season. I still think he could be selected inside the top 20, depending on what teams are looking for. He's got such an appealing approach to the game, with strong defensive instincts and the ability to smother his opponents' chances. His mobile skating — a necessity in today's NHL — is also an asset.
Misreads are his fatal flaw right now; misreading plays, misreading timing. Giving him more of a development runway to refine his habits in those areas is going to be a must for whatever team selects him. His offensive instincts are very good, and I would like to see him use them more next season. His future, though, projects as a shutdown-style defenseman, and with some focus and maturity, he should turn out to be a very good one.
24. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars
24 of 32
Strengths: Size, puck-tracking
Weaknesses: Struggles with layered screens (who doesn't?)
While I do not personally see the need to select a goaltender high in the first round, I have been wondering whether Prince George's Cougars netminder Joshua Ravensbergen will be selected higher than we have him ranked, maybe even inside the top 20. (No other goaltenders rose to the first round for us, though we did watch Brampton Steelheads goalie Jack Ivankovic closely all year.)
One of the reasons Ravensbergen will be selected high is, of course, his size—he's 6'5" and NHL teams love themselves a big goalie. But his key valuable traits include his composure and sense of calm in the net and, perhaps the most important, his puck-tracking ability. He's always one step ahead of his opponents, able to see the play unfold before it happens and utilize his athleticism to get to the right place to stop it. Absorbing rebounds isn't his strongest suit, but it's not a true weakness either, and that's something that can improve with time and experience.
25. Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
25 of 32
Strengths: Reading the play and exploiting opponents' mistakes
Weaknesses: Offensive play isn't as dynamic or high-end as others (but is effective)
Okay, Cole Reschny. I see you. He's been moved up after extensive reviewing of video across the season, because frankly, I enjoy his offensive skill set. He isn't a dynamic, shifty guy who will go out and manipulate opponents or create high-skill plays that blindside opponents, but he doesn't need to. He's quick with his feet, hands, and brain, creating plays on a dime that exploit the mistakes of his opponents. If he can continue that kind of reading the play and creation at a higher level, he's going to thrive.
Those opportunistic moments aren't his only contribution, though. He's got a high-end motor and is constantly engaged in the game in all areas of the ice. He might be smaller, but he's not afraid to take hits or get involved physically for the sake of a play. He projects as more middle-six than top-six for me, but you need those guys too, and the way that Reschny can lay in wait to strike while remaining involved in the game (rather than floating around the edges) is valuable.
26. Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State University (NCAA)
26 of 32
Strengths: Puck skills, physicality, relentless work ethic
Weaknesses: Skating, offensive consistency
Another member of the draft-eligible NCAA club, Shane Vansaghi, is one of the younger players in NCAA hockey period, though his size belies that at 6'2" and 216 pounds. Vansaghi is another player whose potential we're betting on more than direct impact in his draft season; he finished his first year at Michigan State with 16 points in 37 games.
Vansaghi combines terrific puck skills with high-level battling and productive physical play (in other words, he's not out here hitting just to hit—he's hitting to make something happen). His pace without the puck is high, as is his work ethic. Because he has above-average hockey sense and vision, I'm expecting to see him combine that and his puck skills to take a significant step forward next season. His skating can be clunky, but that's a skill that can be improved (and he is not remotely alone in that area in this draft class). For his potential to bear out, we'll see more consistency and the aforementioned skating improvement, but he's worth a swing.
27. Vaclav Nestrasil RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
27 of 32
Strengths: Physicality, offensive impact
Weaknesses: Consistency, certain aspects of his skating (i.e. quickness and agility)
Every year, there's a guy who has high raw potential but high risk. This year, we have more than just a couple of those guys, but one I caution people not to ignore is Vaclav Nestrasil. He's got very real potential to become a valuable power forward; we're not sure if he'll put it all together yet, but there are too many facets that shine not to take a chance on him.
Defensive awareness and offensive impact are both areas of strength for Nestrasil, and he can put together creative plays quickly. Physicality is a strong suit—some have used the word "violence", but positively and productively. I just really want to see more consistency from Nestrasil. If he can apply these facets of his game night in and night out, he's going to be a dangerous player, and whatever team selects him will look like a genius. He needs to improve his quickness and agility, but I see no issue with the rest of his skating.
28. Jack Murtagh, C, USNTDP
28 of 32
Strengths: Work ethic, motor, playmaking
Weaknesses: Could be more creative, and could showcase manipulation abilities more consistently
Jack Murtagh is possibly going to end up being the only NTDP draft-eligible taken in the first round Friday (William Moore is another possibility) in what is a slow year for an otherwise prolific run for the program. It's been fun to watch him grow as a player across the season, particularly in his playmaking. The addition of manipulation into his skill set is an excellent one, and one I would prefer to see more consistently. I also think he has some creativity that he hasn't tapped into quite yet.
Part of what drives his playmaking ability is his relentless motor—it underpins his entire game, and is what allows him to create space to set up his teammates. College hockey is going to be a good environment for him, and I think we'll have a better sense of just how his game will translate to the NHL after a couple of years playing against NCAA competition.
29. Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
29 of 32
Strengths: Work ethic, motor, playmaking
Weaknesses: Skating, though it is improving
Bill Zonnon is the kind of player with raw potential that, if refined through a good development environment, could end up outplaying his draft position. His high floor paired with a fantastic work ethic, alone are great selling points. Add to that his engagement level and awareness and you've got a promising prospect indeed.
It's that awareness, and the way he snags primary points, that tells me there is so much more to unfold in terms of Zonnon's offensive abilities. His playmaking and hockey sense are two aspects of that skill set that come to mind. Get him in the right environment and we may see an offensive explosion moving forward.
The beautiful thing is: even if he doesn't explode offensively from here, he's still an excellent player. His defensive game has grown quite a bit over the season, and he clearly heard criticism of his skating and began working to improve it.
30. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
30 of 32
Strengths: Passing, defensive awareness
Weaknesses: Edgework and other mobility aspects of his skating
I fought with myself about whether to bring Sascha Boumedienne back into the first round rankings and Boumedienne won. He was the youngest defenseman in college hockey this season, and that's tough all on its own. Growing pains aside, though, I think making the move to NCAA rather than major-junior was the right decision for him and will pay off in the long run. He has so much potential to mine, and I think we may see a very different player in his sophomore season.
His confidence and approach to the more detailed aspects of the game were two aspects we saw improve across the season, something that I find promising for his play moving forward. Boumedienne's motor is relentless, and he's one of the better distributors in this year's draft—his passing on the breakout is especially nice, but it's not limited to that.
Earlier in the year, I said I wasn't sure who he was going to be in the NHL. I'm becoming more confident that he can be an effective and skilled two-way defenseman at the pro level after watching him across a full season. I do want to see him improve his edgework and mobility when it comes to his skating; I like the rest of his skating and don't want to see that part hold him back.
31. Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)
31 of 32
Strengths: Speed, mobility, tenacity
Weaknesses: Play under pressure, especially reading the ice
Any time a player comes into the NCAA as a true freshman—especially when they're still 17 at the start of it—the adjustment can be difficult. Cullen Potter has done an excellent job making that move and growing as a player across the season.
He brings electric speed and mobility in transition to the table, and pairs it with a never-quit sense of tenacity that will serve him well moving forward both in the NCAA and at the pro level. It's easy to look at his 22 points in 35 games and find that underwhelming, but you would be wrong to do so. Compare that to his eight points in seven games at the U18 World Championships and you can infer that his offensive abilities are still there—he just needs to adjust further to the NCAA.
This year was a season of growth and transition for Potter, and he will only continue to grow further. We've seen his playmaking abilities develop across the year and, importantly, his defensive play. I'd love to see him continue to improve his decision-making under pressure, as that can be an area of weakness. The NCAA environment is an excellent place for him to do that.
32. Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops Blazers
32 of 32
Strengths: NHL ready shot, passing, creativity
Weaknesses: Consistency and physicality
Breaking the 30-goal mark in your draft-eligible WHL season is nothing to sneeze at. Nathan Behm started the season at a tearing pace, with 29 points in his first 18 games, and while that leveled out across the season, his production in those initial games wasn't a fluke. We saw the elements that underpinned it each time he stepped onto the ice.
Behm has an NHL-ready shot, for one thing. My particular favorite part of his game is his deceptive playmaking elements, including his puck skills and creativity. He has an innate awareness that allows him to get off deceptive passes to teammates and, on the next shift, quickly identify and take advantage of any mistakes made by an opponent.
I'm still undecided on whether his full game will translate to the NHL level, but the promise is there. Adding more to the physical side of his game and becoming more consistent—particularly on the forecheck—will go a long way toward fulfilling that promise.
.png?w=480 "Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions")
.jpg?w=600 "Could Leafs Trade for McDavid in 2027? 🤔")
.jpg?w=600 "Could Sharks Trade for Jason Robertson? 🤔")