NHL Entry Draft week is upon us, which means the final prospect rankings are here.
This report ranks the top 64 players, providing insights into their skills, areas for improvement, their standing among NHL scouts, and potential NHL roles. This final list incorporates combine results and gives more weight to scouting opinions and industry knowledge compared to previous rankings or projection models. While some players might be valued higher or lower than before, their current position reflects their likelihood of becoming NHL regulars based on their development needs and perception within the league.
Beyond the top two prospects, Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, there`s a significant lack of consensus in this draft class. For instance, some teams rank players in the 20s who aren`t even on other teams` draft boards. This discrepancy stems partly from teams prioritizing different attributes like skill, physicality, size, or playoff performance, and favoring players who align with their organizational philosophy. More so than in past years, a player might drop in the draft if another prospect is higher on a specific team`s priority list. This could potentially lead to teams trading up to secure players they feel have fallen unexpectedly.
It`s crucial to remember that a player`s career success isn`t determined solely by their draft position but by their development in the subsequent years. While earlier picks generally receive more opportunities regardless of raw talent, this doesn`t preclude finding valuable players later in the draft. Given the current emphasis on size, toughness, and `hard skills` over elite offensive talent, it`s plausible that we might see more successful NHL careers emerge from selections outside the first round this year compared to previous drafts.
Below are the top 64 prospects, including some honorable mentions.
1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
The defenseman from the Erie Otters is projected to become a foundational, true No. 1 defenseman for years to come. He is a dynamic player on both offense and defense. The 6-foot-2 blueliner possesses effortless skating and exceptional mobility, allowing him to effectively shut down opponents in any situation while generating offense through quality transition play.
Despite an injury at the IIHF World Junior Championships, where he was expected to play a significant role as a 17-year-old, which limited his season to just 26 games, Schaefer consistently logged over 25 minutes per contest and drove play in his team`s favor.
Executives and scouts see him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a cornerstone piece for a championship-contending roster. Schaefer`s capability to dictate play from the defensive zone, handle tough matchups, and quarterback a power play – combined with strong belief in his character and leadership qualities – leads many to believe he has the potential to be a top-10 defender in the league and wear a letter as part of a team`s leadership group.
2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)
Granted exceptional status in the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the most impressive goal-scoring performances in recent memory during the 2024-25 season, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He is projected to be a top-line forward capable of consistently achieving over 90 points per season in the NHL.
Misa`s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high speed and executes plays effectively. Scouts consider him NHL-ready and believe he has the potential to become an elite top-line center. Without the puck, Misa excels at finding open space in coverage and has a talent for performing in clutch situations. His blend of high-level playmaking and goal-scoring ability makes him a constant dual threat in the offensive zone.
His two-way game has significantly improved, showing better backchecking, defensive awareness, and commitment to playing a full 200-foot game. Combined with his explosive speed and offensive firepower, Misa projects as a foundational player.
3. James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA)
Hagens is projected to be a top-line center or one of the NHL`s best second-line centers. He doesn`t possess Misa`s dynamism, instead relying on a highly intelligent and efficient style of play. He brings a strong work ethic, excellent speed, and passing ability that should enable him to effectively drive play at the NHL level. Scouts and executives are impressed by the professional details in his game, such as puck support, winning battles, and defensive puck play, believing these attributes will ease his transition to the NHL while he continues to develop his offensive capabilities.
Another season at Boston College could be beneficial for him to further develop a more dynamic offensive element necessary for a top-line NHL center – the potential he showcased during his NTDP season with 102 points. After playing on one of college hockey`s top lines alongside Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, Hagens would now be expected to lead his own line, generate offense through his playmaking, and take on a significant matchup role.
Hagens has the potential to be a complete player in the NHL. His understanding of spacing and ability to anticipate plays are exceptional among his peers. He is smaller and slighter than some other prospects, which causes concern for certain teams, but his game shows elements of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in terms of transition play and creativity.
4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)
A big, smart forward, Martone is a dual-threat offensive player capable of both scoring and facilitating. He is projected to be a second-line scoring winger who should see significant time on the top power-play unit.
His competitive nature will make him an effective agitator as he learns to physically assert himself against opponents. He needs to refine his competitiveness and physicality to maximize their impact, but he fits the mold of player teams desire due to his rare combination of offensive skill and competitive drive.
Martone`s ability to score and create plays will make him a challenging player to defend in the NHL. There are some concerns regarding Martone`s speed and skating technique. His speed has improved this season, but Martone needs to develop more explosiveness in his skating to reach his full potential.
His unique blend of scoring ability, size, and hard skills makes him a very appealing prospect. While his most likely projection is as a top-six forward, Martone has a genuine chance to develop into a top-line winger if his skating continues to improve.
5. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Frondell is a versatile two-way forward who can play both center and right wing. His adaptability is attractive to teams, although many believe he is most likely to reach his potential as a winger in the NHL.
Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward. He is a cerebral player who dissects defenders in one-on-one situations and finds openings in defensive coverage in the offensive zone. The refined details of Frondell`s game are highly translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, willingness to attack the middle of the ice, and high-level anticipation on both sides of the puck.
He has demonstrated the ability to drive play against professional men in the Allsvenskan, which has been a successful indicator for other prospects in the past. He is projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His playing style translates effectively and has executives excited about his potential to step into the league within the next 18 months.
He performed well during the physical testing and interview portions of the scouting combine, leaving many teams impressed. His two-way capability, combined with great anticipation and a high-end shot, makes him one of the more exciting prospects in this draft class.
6. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)
Described as `a unicorn` because he is a 6-5 center who skates with the speed and agility typically seen in smaller players, McQueen has been a hot topic throughout the season.
He fits the profile of a prototypical modern power forward, blending soft skills with physical play. Elite right-handed centers are uncommon in the NHL, and McQueen`s size coupled with his willingness to physically dictate play adds undeniable value. He possesses professional defensive habits that are translatable to the NHL and has unique offensive upside that is still developing due to missed playing time from injury during his draft year.
McQueen dominates the cycle game, generates offense on the rush, and utilizes his physical attributes to control the cycle and protect the puck. His projection as an elite top-line center is less certain due to limited playing time caused by his back injury. Without the injury, McQueen might be discussed near the top of this draft class because his combination of skating, skill, and physical gifts is rare – a toolbox executives dream of.
He represents a textbook high-risk, high-reward player; however, his performance at the scouting combine helped demonstrate that his back injury had fully healed. Playing against tougher competition, where McQueen will need to develop his ability to protect himself, along with his puck control and capacity to create offense against larger bodies, will be crucial. If he develops without setbacks, he could become a two-way force in the NHL for years.
7. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)
Desnoyers might be selected much higher than where he is ranked here, as he could be one of the draft`s premier two-way players. Described as a `coach`s dream` due to his consistent ability to execute offensive or checking assignments. He makes smart, simple plays, provides a physical presence on the forecheck, and generally makes life difficult for defenders by being disruptive.
He is projected to be a high-quality second-line center with a decent chance of developing into a first-line player. He is intelligent, with quick hands and playmaking ability. He isn`t flashy but is consistently effective and makes intelligent decisions with the puck.
Executives appreciate hearing the word `reliable` from scouts, and that word perfectly describes Desnoyers. He performs best in high-pressure games because he consistently finds ways to make the necessary plays to win. Many scouts believe he will be an NHL leader, known for solid two-way play in all situations.
As one scouting director put it, `he`s the type of player you win with.` Some have quietly drawn comparisons to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, which are certainly high compliments.
8. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
Smith is a large, physical defenseman with untapped offensive potential and is widely considered the second-best defender in this draft class, behind Schaefer.
He possesses all the attributes of a top-four shutdown defenseman. He defends the rush effectively, closes gaps, and controls play in transition, making him one of the best neutral-zone transition defenders in the class. Given the importance of transition defense in a shutdown role, Smith has a genuine opportunity to become the player coaches rely on for heavy minutes against top opponents.
His combination of skating, size, and composure, along with an offensive game that improved positively throughout the season, leads me to believe he has more to offer, and playing at Penn State next season should aid his development.
Smith stands 6-3, and executives appreciate the simplicity of his game: reading pressure, disrupting plays, and making effective passes to exit the zone. He lacks explosive skating and the consistent creativity needed to be a high-level offensive contributor in the NHL, but his reading of the game indicates he can be a strong transition player and join the rush as support.
Smith`s future development will focus on using his excellent mobility to prevent rush opportunities and becoming a more consistent offensive threat through better puck management. If Smith can drive play on both ends in transition and develop into a power-play option, there is a real possibility he becomes a No. 2 defenseman at the NHL level.
9. Jake O`Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)
Deceptive and remarkably smooth, O`Brien is projected to be a point-producing, top-six center with the potential to become a top-line center. The right-handed pivot is one of the draft`s best playmakers, regularly creating high-danger scoring chances; in my opinion, he is the best pure creator in this class.
He consistently manipulates defenders, distributes the puck effectively with both forehand and backhand passes, and uses dekes that leave defenders and goaltenders out of position. Development areas include simplifying offensive plays to reduce turnovers caused by holding onto the puck too long.
O`Brien`s shot is an area that needs development if his passing is to become an elite threat in the NHL. There is some risk here, as he is slighter than other center prospects available, but he has room to physically mature over the next few years. O`Brien`s elite playmaking skills will become even more valuable if he can improve his speed and enhance his shooting threat.
He is likely two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, and patience will be key for O`Brien to reach his potential as a top-line center. If he does, he will be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver.
10. Victor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Eklund is projected as a top-six forward with a solid chance of becoming a top-line contributor. There`s a distinct possibility he could fall out of the top 10 this week, which would represent excellent value for whichever team selects him. Despite concerns about his size (5-11, 161 pounds), Eklund`s playing style translates very well to the NHL. He plays much bigger than his measurements suggest, and there is room for him to add strength. Should he grow, as has happened with other prospects, Eklund`s projection as a 70-point producer with a high-end motor and excellent forechecking ability becomes more confident.
Eklund is outstanding in transition, attacking defenders with speed and fearlessness, driving to the inside, and positioning his body to win or protect pucks. His smaller size has compelled him to learn how to protect the puck effectively using body positioning. If he develops a larger, stronger frame, these skills will make him even more difficult to defend in the offensive zone.
His off-puck play is mature and will quickly earn the trust of NHL coaches. Eklund has the potential to be a difference-maker in a second-line role, and his blend of hard-nosed play and soft skills should translate more smoothly than for many other players.
11. Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)
Bear is the kind of player highly sought after by teams prioritizing high-end instincts and playmaking. Before a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the CHL`s most dangerous offensive players and a reliable defensive forward. He is versatile, capable of playing both center and wing, and is projected as a 65-to-75-point second-line player, most likely on the wing.
He is a skilled playmaker who uses various passes to create advantages in high-danger areas. His ability to manipulate defenders and create space for teammates while drawing coverage towards him should translate well in the NHL. He possesses good hands in tight spaces, making him a threat around the net, and is one of the best offensive facilitators in the draft class.
In addition to his offensive gifts, Bear`s defensive play makes him a quality two-way player. His stick positioning allows him to disrupt passes, and he is a relentless forechecker who tracks effectively on the backcheck and finishes hits. His skating posture needs adjustment to become more upright, which would help him develop a more explosive stride to leverage his offensive skills in transition, but his instincts and execution are already present.
Bear offers a good mix of soft and hard skills with projectable traits on both sides of the puck, and he is the type of player who should excel in a matchup role while contributing offensively.
12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
A 6-6, right-handed defenseman with good mobility who plays in all situations has scouts very excited, and he could be the second defenseman selected on Friday. He is very difficult to bypass, regularly stopping attackers in their tracks and killing plays. He is projected as a top-four shutdown defenseman thanks to his excellent stick work, mobility, and transition defense. Mrtka uses his mobility to escape pressure, activate in the rush, and make high-quality passes to the middle of the ice.
Mrtka should develop into a strong transition defender, a reliable penalty killer, and an efficient puck mover. He shoots the puck hard and could become more of a scoring threat if he learns to pick his spots to get pucks through. While everything flowed through him in Seattle, there are valid concerns about his lack of offense.
His size and physicality provide him with the tools to develop into a minute-eating shutdown defender if his mobility continues to improve. His late birthday gives him significant development time to refine his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality across all areas of the ice.
13. Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
A versatile `Swiss Army knife` type of player who will be most effective on the wing due to his strong play along the boards, Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals regularly, with upside as a second-line forward.
He is a powerful force who will bring value in all three zones, both with and without the puck. Martin has drawn significant praise from scouts after an excellent performance at the IIHF Under-18 Championship, with many suggesting he could be selected very early in the first round. He is a tireless worker without an off switch, combining physicality with hard skills. He is a nightmare to contain due to his brute strength and forces defenders into difficult situations with good speed and a willingness to make `winning` plays.
Martin finds ways to be physically involved even when his offensive game isn`t at its peak, a quality executives appreciate. If Martin`s scoring doesn`t fully translate, he will still be a valuable third-line pest.
Several teams noted how impressive Martin was during combine interviews. Combining an appealing personality with his hard-nosed style creates a rare mix that is highly valued by many scouts who believe he is the type of player needed to win in the playoffs. His mention of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a role model surely captured attention. He is likely to be selected well before the early teens, but this does not diminish the value of the players who will be chosen after him.
14. Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Carbonneau possesses an offensive skill set that teams covet, including powerful skating and impressive creativity. He is projected as a second-line scoring forward with significant potential but also variance, likely settling in as a middle-six player who excels against secondary opponents. Carbonneau can drive offense through his playmaking and shooting and plays a comprehensive offensive game that includes playing through contact, excellent puckhandling, and above-average skating.
As with any player boasting incredible upside, there is inherent risk. He has a physically mature build (6-1, 191 pounds) and will need to adapt to the speed of the professional game. He thrives with time and space, and his growth will involve learning to simplify his offensive approach and make quicker decisions with the puck. He possesses the tools to become a very effective power forward in the NHL who can score 25 goals if he adds a more cerebral element to his game.
15. Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
The 6-4 left winger has translatable scoring ability and excellent speed for his size. With room to add strength to his frame, Lakovic is an appealing prospect.
He attacks defenders using linear crossovers and leverages his large frame to protect the puck, making plays with good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger at the NHL level if his passing develops as many believe his shooting will. Lakovic projects confidently as a middle-six winger due to his scoring ability, speed, and size, but there is a chance he could become a second-line scoring threat.
Lakovic`s development will require physical growth. While he is supremely skilled, he needs to lean on defenders and drive to the middle of the ice to capitalize on his quick hands and shot. If he does, he becomes significantly more dangerous, posing a threat in transition and off the cycle. This is a skill that can certainly be developed and, combined with quality offensive instincts and skill, could see Lakovic become a dual-threat, 65-point winger.
16. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)
The 6-2 defender is projected to become a second-pair blueliner who excels in transition. He is one of the best neutral-zone defenders and puck movers in the draft class, steadily improving as a true freshman in the NCAA. His puck retrievals, breakout passes, and offensive-zone passes consistently put his team in more favorable attacking positions. Being a right-handed defender with excellent mobility and an easily translatable game makes Hensler a very attractive prospect in this class.
There are concerns among NHL scouts regarding Hensler`s offensive abilities and how they might translate to the NHL. However, Hensler showed flashes in the latter half of the NCAA season, drawing defenders in and making clever plays for high-danger scoring opportunities. He is unlikely to become a 60-point defenseman, but a projection of 35-45 points as a reliable transition defender playing a shutdown role seems appropriate.
His NHL-ready frame is a plus and will only improve throughout his collegiate career, which is likely to span another two seasons.
17. Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)
Cootes is likely to be the first center selected in the latter half of the first round and will be a target for teams seeking a two-way, high-motor center. He lacks explosive offense currently, but with some development of his shooting mechanics, he could become a 60-point, two-way center. Scouts appreciate his consistent footwork throughout his shifts, his drive to play through the middle of the ice, and his ability to create advantages with his skating and compete level.
His ability to create space for teammates and move the puck to advantageous areas is highly translatable. He is proactive with physical contact, moves the puck towards the middle, and is reliable on both sides of the puck in every zone. A strong skater and leader, his floor is likely a third-line checking center, but the potential to become a two-way, second-line center should appeal to teams willing to gamble on offensive development.
18. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
There`s a lot to admire about Reid`s game, and a wide range of opinions among scouts. Some view him as a top-15 pick, others closer to the mid-20s, with their assessment largely dependent on their confidence in his offensive game. Reid is a play driver from the back end with excellent puck-moving skills and exceptional skating. He occasionally showcases high-end offensive ability through setups and creating passing lanes to dangerous areas; however, his shot will need to become more of a threat to prevent defenses from neutralizing his distribution in the NHL.
In transition, he is one of the best on both ends. His smooth puck retrievals, where he constantly checks over his shoulder to avoid pressure, lead to efficient breakouts. Under pressure, he uses elite edge work to escape and evade defenders, following up with a quick outlet pass to beat the forecheck. The general consensus is that he is a middle-pairing, transition defender who could evolve into a legitimate No. 3 if he develops his offense and potentially adds an inch or two in height; he is currently listed at 5-11.
19. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
There is a real possibility that Aitcheson is drafted near the top 10 given his playing style and the NHL`s desire for physicality on the blue line. His projection as a No. 4/5 defender places him below others with higher offensive upside. Aitcheson plays with considerable grit and aggression, possessing an aura of confidence both with and without the puck. He has all the makings of being a disruptive force who can handle tough minutes as a No. 4 defenseman.
Whether it`s a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson employs the same tough style and is unafraid to deliver hard hits. He needs to be more disciplined in picking his spots to avoid unnecessary penalties, but he is the type of player who makes opponents aware of his presence on the ice. Scouts see him as a hard-nosed, two-way defender with significant bite who can shift momentum with his physical play. He requires development time, as his skating and playmaking are quite raw, but his competitive traits and development trajectory this season are highly promising. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement increased as the season progressed; he began rotating effectively with teammates, driving towards high-danger areas, and becoming more dangerous with open ice. He is likely two or three years away from being NHL-ready. But when he does arrive, he is exactly the type of defenseman every coach and general manager wants on their team.
20. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)
The two-way center brings an excellent combination of hockey sense, playmaking, and creativity, projecting as a middle-six contributor capable of consistently producing 60 points. He lacks elite skating speed, but his combine results were noteworthy, tying for the top VO2 max score with Frondell. While not a direct predictor of NHL success, it indicates significant dedication to conditioning, which NHL circles pay attention to. Reschny is smaller (5-10, 183 pounds) and relies on his intelligent approach and excellent passing abilities to create advantages across the ice. He processes the game better than many in the draft class, allowing him to handle pressure and position himself better for puck protection. Defensively, Reschny`s instincts lead to positionally sound play; he regularly plays above the puck, disrupts passes, and communicates assignment switches. He has the potential to be a valuable two-way complementary center who creates offense without requiring breakaway speed. His reading of the game will almost certainly earn him a penalty-killing role and someone relied upon when his team needs to protect a lead.
21. Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)
Kindel is a scoring force. Following a 60-point rookie campaign in the WHL in 2023-24, he became an elite player this season, finishing seventh in overall scoring and excelling at even strength. Although undersized at 5-10, 176 pounds, Kindel combines pace, vision, and excellent instincts, projecting as a middle-six winger with two-way capabilities. Kindel`s motor is relentless, compensating for his lack of top speed and enabling him to weave through traffic and execute give-and-gos seamlessly. A dual-threat attacker, he pairs an accurate shot with dangerous passing ability. His elite hockey sense allows him to consistently outsmart opponents and set up teammates with creative plays in high-danger areas with time and space, while also playing positionally sound defense off the puck. Defensively and on the forecheck, Kindel uses his intelligence, anticipation, and effort to win battles despite size disadvantages. He will need to refine his skating posture and puck control while adding another gear of speed to succeed in the NHL. While the potential for Kindel to become a top-six NHL player exists, he is more likely to find a role in the middle-six as a complementary piece.
22. Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA)
Potter is a dynamic skater who is the fastest straight-line skater in this draft class, and his explosive mobility ranks among the draft`s best. Making an uncommon jump from the NTDP`s U17 team directly to NCAA play, Potter demonstrated elite acceleration and agility, effortlessly transitioning from stride to crossover and cutting sharply around defenders. Initially relying heavily on raw skill, Potter often avoided physical battles and attempted risky `hope plays,` which limited his effectiveness in the first half of the NCAA season. Potter`s development in the second half of the season dramatically elevated his game, making it impossible to ignore. He embraced defensive responsibilities, improved his physical play despite his 5-10 frame, won puck battles, and filled lanes on the backcheck. Potter`s positional play improved, leading to better performance without the puck. This added defensive dimension complements his offensive talents, raising his floor to a bottom-six checker while his upside remains very high as a top-six forward due to his rapid development curve. Improving his transition play and learning to utilize his explosive skating and accurate shot while changing speeds will make him a more dangerous offensive threat.
23. Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)
Spence projects with confidence as a high-energy, two-way winger perfectly suited for a Stanley Cup contender`s third line. He possesses a relentless motor, physical tenacity, and professional defensive habits. There are valid concerns that his game lacks a truly dynamic offensive element, but his current playing style translates easily to the NHL, providing a higher floor than other players in this range of the draft. At his best, Spence is a disruptive force, ferocious on the forecheck, tenacious along the boards, and defensively reliable. He thrives alongside skilled teammates, creating space through his effort and capitalizing on scoring opportunities in dangerous areas. Scouts appreciate Spence`s ability to impact the game, particularly his forechecking, success in puck battles, and knack for drawing penalties. His offensive growth plateaued this season, moderating expectations about his offensive ceiling. His projection as a third-line winger with a bottom-six floor is linked to this scoring plateau. If Spence can assert physical dominance, achieve greater playmaking consistency, and see an increase in scoring, there is a possibility he could become a secondary contributor in the middle six. Regardless, Spence`s combination of competitiveness, professional details, and defensive reliability makes him a solid bet to become a key complementary piece on a contending team, likely excelling as games become more physical.
24. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)
Ravensbergen is the undisputed top goaltender prospect in this draft. He exhibits a composed, confident demeanor and is confidently projected as a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload. At 6-foot-5, he leverages his size, elite anticipation, and sharp lateral agility, consistently positioning himself perfectly to deny shooters without resorting to unnecessary flash. He tracks the puck at a level above his peers, enabling him to confidently challenge shooters and effectively cut down angles. He is particularly susceptible through the five-hole, which is not unusual for large goaltenders who hold their sticks slightly above the ice. As he develops and refines his technique, this weakness should be corrected well before he reaches the NHL. A reliable presence for Prince George, Ravensbergen`s .901 save percentage is even more impressive considering the high volume of high-danger chances he regularly faced. His rebound control is significantly above average, and he has an above-average glove hand. He consistently angles his blocker effectively, allowing him to direct shots safely away from danger. It is likely that Ravensbergen will initially be a platoon starter until his mid-20s, when he could become a full-time NHL starter playing 60-65 games per season.
25. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
Fiddler is one of the draft`s most intriguing defensemen due to his combination of size (6-4), mobility, and untapped upside. With NHL family connections (Vernon Fiddler is his father), he performed well on the international stage, leading scouts and executives to believe his defensive zone dominance and transition skills will ease his NHL transition. Fiddler`s defensive toolkit is impressive. His mobility allows for tight gap control, balanced pivots, and high-quality neutral-zone defense. Physically imposing, he consistently disrupts opposing attacks, maintains strong body positioning, and proactively eliminates threats away from the puck while remaining positionally sound. Defense is clearly his primary strength, but Fiddler occasionally shows flashes of offensive creativity. He manipulates defenders with fakes, executes challenging breakout passes under pressure, and displays high-end puck skills on occasion. To reach his potential as a second-pairing defenseman, Fiddler will need to refine his reads, timing, and decision-making to minimize errors with the puck. He will likely require patience over the next few years, but with continued development in gap control, awareness, and physical engagement, he projects confidently as a reliable second-pair shutdown defender capable of driving play in transition.
26. Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)
Nesbitt is an intelligent, two-way center whose game is built on competitiveness, defensive reliability, and off-puck hockey IQ. He excels defensively by using his 6-4 frame to break up plays with physical engagement and smart stick positioning to intercept pucks. His hockey sense consistently puts him in strong positions in all three zones, allowing him to create turnovers and execute quick passes to generate dangerous chances off those turnovers. His offensive potential depends on his skating, which is currently a concern. His stiff stride and lack of demonstrated flexibility at the combine might limit how much it can improve. Despite occasional flashes of skill, he struggles to maneuver past defenders, and his inconsistent puck handling under pressure often hinders his playmaking. Nesbitt showed improvement throughout the season, better utilizing his size offensively and initiating contact more consistently. If these improvements continue, and he can refine his skating stride, he projects confidently as a dependable middle-six center who can anchor a defensive line and support skilled players higher in the lineup.
27. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
One of the most debated defensemen in the draft, Boumedienne is projected as a second-pair, two-way defender. Already known for his excellent breakout passing, heavy slap shot, and strong stick play, Boumedienne`s defensive game significantly improved at Boston University. Aided by steady progress in addressing his skating weaknesses, particularly agility and edge work, he began to look like a modern shutdown defenseman, especially in transition. He developed greater stability, allowing for more effective gap control and quicker pivots. Proactive reads, strong positioning, physicality, and effective disruption of passing lanes helped his defensive game flourish. While his offensive game remains primarily driven by transition rather than offensive zone creativity, Boumedienne`s willingness to experiment with fakes and deception significantly enhanced his impact in transition. The uncertainty surrounding his projection remains high, but Boumedienne`s substantial in-season growth, defensive reliability, and improved skating offer realistic upside as an effective second-pair, two-way defender in the NHL capable of producing secondary offense.
28. Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)
One of the most skilled and creative forwards in the draft, Lee is ranked in the late teens by some scouts who believe in his upside. Lee is a dynamic offensive player who consistently penetrates defensive coverage with elite puckhandling and deceptive passes. His one-timer is among the best in the draft class. Equipped with a full array of high-end tools, Lee possesses a rare ability to create offense in tight spaces with limited room and stood out among his USHL peers. He manipulates defenders and delivers elite passes under pressure. He consistently makes translatable plays like one-touch breakouts, fake receptions, and quick releases in scoring areas. As the season progressed, he demonstrated a willingness to forecheck, battle, and apply defensive pressure. The most significant question mark is his skating. His stride is stiff and lacks explosiveness. Lee will need considerable improvement in mobility to maximize his offensive toolkit at the NHL level. That said, if he adds a step or two to complement his skill, Lee has the ability to become a creative, middle-six playmaker with top-six potential.
29. Jack Murtagh, F, USNTDP (USHL)
Murtagh emerged as a versatile, energetic winger and solidified his position as the USNTDP`s most compelling prospect in a relatively weaker year for the program. He plays with a relentless style and possesses an explosive stride, excelling in puck battles and consistently using his straight-line speed and physicality to drive through opponents and generate scoring chances. He has a strong shot repertoire, including an explosive one-timer, and Murtagh is equally dangerous off the rush. Murtagh`s development as a playmaker raised his stock with scouts. He regularly displayed above-average awareness and impressive passing skills to move the puck into the most dangerous areas of the ice. His ability to combine scoring with high-level distribution should continue to develop at the NCAA level at Boston University. To reach a clear NHL middle-six potential, Murtagh must diversify his transition approach, involve teammates more consistently, and rely less exclusively on raw speed and power. Even without dynamic creativity, his tenacious style, goal-scoring instincts, and improved playmaking project safely to a third-line power forward role in the NHL.
30. Bill Zonnon, F, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
Zonnon is a relentless and detail-oriented two-way forward who has earned a reputation as one of the CHL`s hardest-working players. With an 83-point breakout campaign in his first full season playing center, Zonnon combined a high-end motor, raw but effective playmaking, and relentless puck pursuit that made him a play driver in all three zones. He excels on the forecheck, pressuring defenders into rushed decisions, winning battles, and moving pucks to teammates in scoring areas. Offensively, he makes good reads under pressure, threads pucks through tight lanes, and consistently puts his team in advantageous positions. His ability to provide defensive support, facilitate transitions, and physically assert himself makes him the ideal type of forward teams seek in the playoffs. His skating remains a limiting factor, and he will need to improve his agility and posture to reach his offensive potential. If Zonnon can refine his stride and continue to develop his playmaking, he projects as a middle-six driver who blends tenacity and has the makings of a valuable third-liner coveted by playoff teams.
31. Shane Vansaghi, F, Michigan State (NCAA)
A consistent riser throughout the season, Vansaghi is a tenacious power winger whose physical dominance and competitive drive make him one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft. Many nights, he appeared dominant, excelling on the forecheck, delivering punishing checks to defenders retrieving pucks, and bulldozing through contact to establish inside position. Offensively, Vansaghi showed flashes of legitimate upside, with good puckhandling, a heavy shot that surprised goaltenders, and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. His play around the net and ability to win body position in tight areas suggest he could be an effective net-front player at the NHL level if he can successfully deflect pucks and score rebounds. His skating lacks explosiveness and agility and will require significant improvement, which might be challenging given his frame.
