With the conclusion of the 2024 NHL draft and following the free agency frenzy, hockey entered its summer hibernation. That hibernation is finally ending, as the European hockey season has started its pre-season, and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup has been played. Therefore it’s time to look forward to a brand new season, and like always one of the highlights is the draft. So without further ado, let’s look at the top 15 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Top 15 Prospects For the 2025 NHL Draft
1) James Hagens, Centre, Boston College, NCAA, 5’10″ 172 lbs
The frontrunner this season is James Hagens by some distance. The 17-year-old was a revolution last season, as he was getting on the scoresheet almost every time he was on the ice. Last season he had 47 points in 26 USHL games and 102 points in 58 games in the NTDP. He also had an insane U18 World Championship, with 22 points in just 7 games, which was enough to become the tournament’s MVP.
What stands out with Hagens is his playmaking with incredible skill. It’s a joy to watch him make dazzling plays with a mix of unbelievable stickhandling and vision. Effortlessly moving the puck into areas where passing or shooting lanes open up. He also plays a direct style where he will look to middle or cross-ice passes which can spring open the defensive structure in a flash. His shot is also incredibly powerful and accurate, which makes him an amazing duel threat offensively.
In transition, he skates incredibly well. His stickhandling and skating allow him to move the puck up ice with speed. While this is a strong thing, he can have bad habits creep into his game, where he opts for the flashy play rather than the smart one. This combined with a slight disinterest in the defensive aspects of the game will need some work in the NCAA. However, with age and more pro-level opposition, maturity should follow.
2) Porter Martone, Right Wing, Brampton Steelheads, OHL, 6’3″ 170 lbs
Our next of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft is the runner up. The biggest suiter to James Hagens first overall spot is Porter Martone. The captain of Team Canada, who beat Hagens and Team USA in the final of the 2024 U18 World Championship and a player who had 17 points in seven games. He also had 71 points in 60 games during his first full season with the Mississauga Steelheads. 33 of which were goals, despite being a pass-first type player. Something that shows that he can create offensive chances in multiple ways. Add to this his 6-foot-3 frame and the smooth although unrefined skating, and the build is there for an excellent power forward in the NHL.
One of the main qualities of Martone is his work rates. He has a motor like no other and he is able to be a factor no matter what the situation calls for. Both on the powerplay and shorthanded he can dominate with great positioning, awareness and physicality. His isn’t as flashy as Hagens, but he plays an effective and smart game, with a lot of leadership qualities, which makes up for the lack of high-end skill.
The primary weakness of Martone tends to be his undisciplined nature. He has a lot of heart and eagerness to win the puck and does use an active stick, but that comes with a high risk of taking some bad penalties. Especially tripping minors. Another area is that he can get too eager to cheat in his own zone to be a breakout option, which can leave him struggling to get back into position. With a few tweaks and a bit more maturity and patience in his game, Martone would be a perfect option for a team looking for a future captain.
3) Anton Frondell, Winger, Djurgården, J20 Nationell, 6’0″ 196 lbs
The next of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft is another winger. Last year was a weak draft class for Sweden with not a single selection in the first round. However this year, one of the players hoping to make his mark and enter the top 3 is the Swedish center, Anton Frondell. The Swede will be one of the younger players at the draft given his May birthday, and is hoping to see action in a professional men’s league this season. While he probably will be staying in the J20 Nationell for Djurgårdens under 20 team, he should also get chances in the men’s team this season. If he can establish himself in the HockeyAllsvenskan, he could become the next branch of a long list of top talent developed in the Swedish capital.
One of the first things that is noticeable about Anton Frondell is his speed. In a footrace, he can beat just about anyone, with a top-end speed that can burn defenders. However, his skating overall is incredibly inconsistent. It’s something that needs a lot of work, especially in terms of his acceleration as it’s below average. Same with his edges, which limits his potential as a lightning-fast skater with decent size.
As an offensive threat, he plays a conservative but smart game, where he will stay back and be an option, which allows for defenders to move up into the play, while he can direct traffic with simple but effective puckmovement. His hands are strong, and he is able to get into open areas for shots, which with time should develop into a great weapon. Defensively he a classic swedish forward in the best way possible. He understands and values the defensive side of hockey. As a two-way centre with a lot of potential offensively and fast skating, Frondell is at the top of the class for now.
4) Michael Misa, Winger, Saginaw Spirit, OHL, 6’0″ 174 lbs
It wasn’t long ago, that some viewed Michael Misa as a potential first-overall pick in this upcoming NHL draft. While that hype has died down a little, Misa is still a great talent with a ton to offer. His skating is powerful and well-balanced, which offsets its lack of quickness. All this makes his skating extremely effective as it is almost impossible to knock off the puck when he drives the net. His off-the-puck movement is also another asset, as he scans the ice well, and allows the puck to come to him, rather than chase it. Usually finding the openings in tight and around the net for high-danger scoring chances.
His defensive and all-around game is also above average when it comes to prospects. While he can be inconsistent in his involvement in his own zone, he will often provide a transitional outlet, and strong support down low with good physicality. All in all, Misa is a very good player but lacks the high-end offensive ceiling that some were projecting him to have. The shot is fine and so is the passing, but it’s not standout. It doesn’t scream first-overall pick, which is why he has dropped a bit in the rankings.
5) Ivan Ryabkin, Centre, MHK Dynamo Moskva, MHL, 6’0″ 170 lbs
Over the past few seasons, Russian hockey has developed some of the most anticipated and hyped-up prospects. From Matvei Michkov in 2023 to Ivan Demidov in 2024, Russian prospects are viewed as some of the best in the class. In 2025, it’s Ivan Ryabkin, who is the Russian to watch. Not quite as hyped as Michkov or Demidov, Ryabkin offers a lot of speed and offensive skill. His skating is both balanced and fast, with incredible edges which allow him to glide into open ice. Especially with his smooth hands and dangles, which offer a lot of creativity as soon as he gets the puck.
However, his greatest weapon is his shot which is the best in the draft class. The release is lightning quick and the puck is an absolute laser both in accuracy and power. His passing is also good enough where it allows him to make passes to open teammates when the shooting lane is blocked. Offensively he is a delight, but his lack of engagement defensively, outright poor defensive awareness and his off-the-puck movement do bring him down. This is where he needs to change to fit into a pro game. If he can do that, he could be a sniper of an elite quality in the NHL.
6) Logan Hensler, Defenceman, USNTDP, USHL, 6’2″ 196 lbs
This next of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft comes from the back end. The first defenceman on our list is Logan Hensler. A player that is the embodiment of a modern defenceman, as he plays a mobile, puck-moving two-way game at an incredibly refined level. The skating is balanced, strong and with great edges to allow him to control the breakout and transition. An area where it’s rare to see him make a mistake. Offensively his shot is extremely intelligent, as he uses accuracy over power. This means the puck is on target which allows for screens, tips, and rebounds to be far more effective overall. His passing is fairly safe and conservative, as he won’t be the player who splits the ice to set up a one-timer. Instead, he tends to move the play along the perimeter, waiting for a lane to open up.
Defensively he is very reliable. His positioning is superb and he is a master at keeping the play to the outside. His active stick breaks up a lot of passes and shots, and his gap control is a joy to watch. In many ways, he is very similar to Brock Faber, although he needs to take similar steps forward offensively as a playmaker to reach the heights of the runner-up in last year’s Calder race.
7) Matthew Schaefer, Defenceman, Erie Otters, OHL, 6’1″ 174 lbs
Matthew Schaefer is our second defenceman off the boards. The Canadian is another incredible skater who adds a great blend strong mix of size and speed to the game. He is always active and moving and has a high motor and a ton of energy. His fast and quick on his feet, which allows for some solid movement with the puck. He controls the game from his own zone and similar to Hensler it’s very reminiscent of Brock Faber.
However, he is a step behind Hensler as he still has to unlock his offensive upside. The shot gets blocked a bit too often and his passing is very safe. While he is a better skater compared to Hensler, he doesn’t make the most of it in terms of production. Defensively he is smart and the tools are there for a strong two-way defenceman. This season will be about developing as a playmaker in the OHL.
8) Roger McQueen, Centre, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL, 6’5″ 190 lbs
Here’s our next of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft. Roger McQueen is impossible to overlook when he is on the ice. One of the reasons is that he is among the biggest bodies in the draft, standing at 6-foot-5. However, being a big body is by no means the only thing he has. His passing is smart and he is great with his size and balance he is impossible to knock off the puck. McQueen’s overall puckhandling does require some work as he can lose the handle of the puck and bring it too close to his body.
His shot is decent, but very underused. He does get into a few good positions where his heavy and powerful shot could be an option, where he simply opts for a safe pass instead. He also doesn’t quite drive the net enough. With his size, he should be more of a net-front presence but will often stay back and once again play it safe. With his limited skating, this makes him feel like a player with a lot of potential, but also some glaring red flags. If he can become more of a presence in both zones and not just a good puck protector with a big body, he could be a player taken in the top 5. However without clear development in skating, and overall playmaking and defensive awareness he will struggle to maintain a spot in the top 10.
9) William Moore, Centre, USNTDP, USHL, 6’2″ 161 lbs
The second player from the U.S. National Team Development Program on our list is William Moore. The 17-year-old two-way center plays a very smart and fast puck-moving game, where he makes the most of his quick hands and skating to gain the offensive zone. He is by no means a flashy or dynamic player, but he is smart with the puck and plays a direct style. Either getting a shot off or making a quick pass and driving the net afterwards. This allows him to get a ton of chances and goals, becoming one of the better goalscorers in the draft. His shot is above average, but also not elite, but his nose for goals is almost unmatched.
However, there are some weaknesses spot. He needs time to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame, as he is far too easily knocked off the puck. Moore also has to get better at getting involved in both ends when the zone time is established. Here he can become a passenger, waiting for the next rush, rather than get engaged in the play and be proactive. With these changes and developments, Moore has the potential to become a special player.
10) Jakob Ish-Wozniak, Right Wing, Luleå HF, J20 Nationell, 6’3″ 185 lbs
The next of our top prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft is a rare case. An Australian-born hockey player is a rarity in the NHL. So rare in fact that not even the lone Aussie player in the NHL, Nathan Walker was born in Australia. Only Jorden Spence has that honour, but one who could follow him is Jakob Ish-Wozniak. The Swedish forward was born in Adelaide, however, lives and plays for Luleå in the northern part of Sweden where he put up 50 points in 36 games last season in the J20 Nationell.
One of the things that makes Wozniak succeed is the strong playmaking he possesses. He understands the game at a high level and is aware of how to control the pace of the game. His shot and passing are both decent and he uses his 6-foot-3 well along the boards and in both zones. However, his skating needs a fair bit of work. It’s mechanically stiff and lacks power and quickness. Another area that needs improvement is his commitment to the defensive zone and a higher motor. With those adjustments, Jakob Ish-Wozniak has all the making of a 200-foot power forward with a lot of versatility in the offensive zone.
11) Luka Radivojevic, Defenceman, Örebro, J20 Nationell, 5’10″ 161 lbs
Last year was a big one for the Slovak defenceman Luka Radivojevic. Having a fantastic season in the J20 Nationell, where he put up 33 points in 40 games. This was enough to get him nine games, three of which were playoff games, in the SHL. Internationally he also represented Slovakia in both the U18 and World Junior Championships. Both times with very respectable performances.
His biggest challenge at both the draft and this season will be his size. He is a bit undersized and does have elite straightline speed which can hurt him at a pro level. If he gets the chance in the SHL, he will have to be stronger and an improved skater to fit in. Especially since his great offensive skillset will be limited in a men’s league as a teenager, where his freedom is limited. However, if he can make it click his offensive skillset and incredible edges on the blue line are hard to ignore. He is a true defensive playmaker with so much upside. Defensively he has great awareness and controls the cap well. With a bit more speed and physicality, he could easily become a top-10 pick in the draft.
12) Caleb Desnoyers, Centre, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL, 6’1″ 179 lbs
The top prospect from the QMJHL on our list before the season is Caleb Desnoyers. The Canadian is incredibly hard to play against, as he can challenge defenders in a plethora of ways. He can drive the net both on and off the puck being a major threat in tight. He is also a strong shot, while being a skilled passer, and is great at mixing it up and utilizing both. The offensive upside is there, but as good as it all is, everything also needs fine-tuning. His shot, while powerful, is inaccurate. The passing suffers have the same issues. It’s creative and smart, especially off the rush, but also with a tendency to miss the mark.
Defensively he is also servicable with a very aggressive and physical style. He loves to battle at the boards and wins a lot of pucks, but it also comes with the risk of him being wildly out of position. He is very unorganized and takes too many risks. Dialing it back and being smarter will be key this season. However, with his ability to forecheck and be a net-front presence with a lot of ways to create offence, he is a player that could have a breakout year.
13) Malcolm Spence, Left Wing, Erie Otters, OHL, 6’2″ 192 lbs
Malcolm Spence was the hero of the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with an overtime goal in the final. After that, he returned to the Erie Otters where he continued to develop as a power forward with a strong two-way game. He is the first man in on the forecheck and loves to finish his check. He brings the pain and is a constant presence. The main limitation is his lacklustre hands and abilities with the puck. With it on his stick, he tends to treat it like a grenade and get rid of it instantly. Primarily with a shot, and although heavy and powerful, it’s often done without aim or thought behind it.
Defensively he is very smart and is great at getting in the way of passes and shots. He always seems to be in the right place to make a play, and his reads force a ton of turnovers. He could be more aggressive, leaning towards a style that stays in the middle, rather than attacking the puck carrier. This can leave him a bit flatfooted and susceptible to an unexpected pass or change of speed. However, as a two-way power forward, Spence feels like one of the best in the class.
14) Sacha Boumedinne, Defenceman, Boston University, NCAA, 6’2″ 168183lbs
While it’s not rare to see a Swedish defenceman in the first round, Sacha Boumedinne is a bit of an anomaly. Rather than having been through the Swedish hockey system, Boumedinne’s career has taken him through the American youth system. After a great season in the USHL with the Youngtown Phantoms last season, he has joined Boston University.
The main appeal of Boumedinne is his skating. It’s incredible to watch how smooth it as he commands the blue line offensively. His edges and ability to move with the puck make him a wonderful offensive playmaker with a ton of upside and potential. Especially since he can rip it as well with a heavy shot. However, he does need to work on adding some more muscles to his frame as it’s more lanky than big at the moment. If he can do that and add some more defensive awareness the potential is there for a very solid top four defenceman.
15) Charlie Tretheway, Defenceman, USNTDP, USHL, 6’1″ 190 lbs
The last player in our top 15 is Charlie Tretheway, who is another two-way defenceman. However, where most on this list tend to lean more towards a puckmoving and offensive style, Tretheway leans more towards being physical. He makes a lot of great decisions in the breakout, and when exiting the zone, and is powerful when challenged. His overall defence does need a fair bit to be desired as his awareness since he can be second too late to make a play.
Offensively he is a great puck handler and has a really heavy shot. A shot that can overpower most goalies. The main thing he needs is a bit more intelligence on when to use it to become more effective. The skating is okay but also needs work to really make him shine. Especially in terms of his speed, as he struggles to defend against faster forwards. With more games under his belt and a great awareness overall, Tretheway could be a very serviceable and hard-hitting NHL player in the future.
Main Photo: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
