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    TonyFerrari·Feb 28, 2025·Partner

    2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Mid-Season Top 64

    It's 2025 NHL draft rankings time again as we're about to see the class playing some of its highest-level hockey.

    Leagues around the world are entering the home stretch of their season. We will see some of the season's most intense, high-paced hockey as teams look to solidify their standing heading into the playoffs.  

    Michael Misa (Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)

    The top-end players of the 2025 NHL draft class have solidified themselves, but there's a bit of a drop-off outside of the top 10. There are valid arguments for many players between Nos. 20 and 40 in the rankings to be ranked higher or lower than others, which may come down to stylistic decisions at the end of the day.  

    This draft ranking is my second of the season, following the pre-world juniors list in December. But we're just getting started, with more rankings to come as the countdown to the draft continues.

    Tony Ferrari introduces the latest edition of his 2025 NHL draft rankings.

    Method To The Madness

    These rankings are my opinions based on my views on each one of these players. If I have not seen a player in person or on video, I will not rank them.

    While size on the extreme ends matters, it is not a deciding factor for me on a player. If an undersized player doesn't let his size hinder him, I believe the tools and skills will work out. If a player is 6-foot-6 but can't skate, I am less inclined to value that player because height doesn't equal talent.

    For traits, I value intelligence, mobility, skill and the ability to chain plays together. Physicality is valuable but often overrated because hitting everything that moves is usually a bad decision. Functional physicality is the name of the game. You can hit another player all you want, but if it's two seconds after a pass or you are just hitting a guy with no intention of recovering the puck, it's useless and often takes you out of the play.

    With all that out of the way, thank you for following along for yet another draft year. I am always open to discussion on these rankings and would love to hear your feedback, so reach out to me on X (formerly Twitter).

    Without further ado, let's get to the 2025 NHL draft board.

    2025 NHL Draft Mid-Season Rankings

    The top of the draft has become a two-horse race as Michael Misa and Matthew Schaefer have separated themselves from the pack.

    This debate comes down to the complete, well-rounded center who brings the dynamic elements you want in a difference-maker or the cerebral, transition defender who can create chances offensively and play steady defense.

    It's truly a 1A and 1B situation. Right now, I lean toward Misa. 

    1. Michael Misa, C/LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    When you watch Misa play, you generally don't have questions about what this guy can do to make an impact. This isn't to say he's a 'Jack of all trades but a master of none' because that couldn't be further from the truth. Misa is nearly elite in so many aspects. He is one of junior hockey's most lethal and diversely skilled goal-scorers this season. 

    Misa is among the most intelligent and methodical players in the draft class. His ability to leverage his brain at such a high pace makes him special. Although his goal-scoring has been getting much of the attention, deservedly so, his playmaking is impressive as well. He reads the ice as good or better than any forward in the draft, and we've seen it on display even more with Igor Chernyshov getting healthy. Misa deserves to be mentioned at the top of the draft. 

    2. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

    It would feel a little wrong whether Misa or Schaefer wound up at No. 2. Schaefer is a smooth skating defender who leverages his edge work in all three zones and has legitimate ability in all three zones as a defender. Offensively, the draft's top defender is a dynamic presence who loves to lead the rush, activate off the blueline and act as a fourth forward who is weaving through pockets of space and attacking at will. His passing is always geared toward the dangerous areas of the ice, funnelling pucks to the middle.

    Defensively, Schaefer uses his skating to eliminate threats. He defends by skating forward when he can and tries to force passes by closing quickly. His best asset is that when he notices an attacker bobble a puck or slightly lose possession, he pounces to turn play around quickly. His best area of the game comes from that quick counterattack ability where he can lead the transition and transport the puck up ice. Whether moving the puck as a passer or carrying it himself, Schaefer knows how to pick apart the opposing team in the neutral zone. 

    3. James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

    Coming into the year, Hagens was the No. 1 on most boards, and he's done nothing but have a very good season at Boston College and help the Americans win their second-straight World Junior Championship. He sits third in scoring on BC behind linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, centering the top line and looking comfortable doing so. 

    Hagens is a highly skilled playmaker who brings creativity in spades. His understanding of how to manipulate defenders into making mistakes to open up passing lines is incredible at times. The slick passing and speed Hagens plays with should make any team happy on draft day. Hagens isn't the biggest player, and there will be some adjustment when he gets to pro hockey, but his raw tools and talent are jaw-dropping at times. 

    4. Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (Swe.2)

    Not many players in this draft class bring Eklund's level of energy and relentlessness to the game. His pace is as high as anyone in the draft class, and he's looked quite good at the Allsvenskan level against men in Sweden. He was also very good for Sweden at the World Junior Championship, playing various roles throughout the tournament to showcase his versatility.

    The most amazing part of Eklund's game is he is such an effective possession player who can get the puck into the attacking end and then make plays. Eklund isn't the biggest player, but he is a willing physical combatant, throwing some hits and engaging along the boards. As he gets stronger, he will become even more effective in the dirty areas, which will only highlight how effective he is from a speed and skill perspective. 

    5. Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

    There have been so many moments throughout this season when watching Martone that tantalized NHL scouts because of his combination of size, power and elite playmaking ability with a dangerous shot. The power element in his game doesn't always come from blowing guys up with hits or manhandling defenders on the walls, although he can certainly do that on occasion. Still, it comes from his ability to make plays with opponents on his back.

    Martone could be an interesting case in which an NHL team looks at him as a power forward who can muck it up. While that is a part of his game, Martone's game is much more finesse-based than most assume. His skill with the puck and his playmaking ability will make him a difference-maker, especially if he can increase his pace just a bit. Any mean streak he brings will be an added bonus. 

    6. Anton Frondell, C/RW, Djurgarden (Swe.2)

    Injury issues have plagued the last two years of Frondell's development, but since the new year, we've seen him return to form and improve with each passing game. His most recent stretch in the Allsvenskan has been incredible, as he seems much faster, more center-driven and comfortable in the pro game. He plays such a projectable game, working well as an off-puck attacker who can work off the walls or hunt down the puck and get it back for his team. 

    Frondell shows some excellent defensive habits. Although he's been on the wing in the Swedish second level, he looks and plays like a center. He is an excellent shooter, and his ability to create under pressure from the wall or down low is quite good. If he can stay healthy and finish his season with a similar run that he's been on as of late, we could see Frondell more regularly in the top-five discussion. 

    7. Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

    There may not be a player I enjoy watching more than Carter Bear in this NHL draft class. His endless motor and relentlessness at both ends of the ice make him such an effective player. Bear doesn't possess the most high-end skill in the draft class, but he is more than capable as a puckhandler. His true dual-threat scoring ability should translate to the NHL because it isn't reliant on unreasonable skill or hero hockey the way some high-end junior scorers have been.

    Bear plays the game physically on and off the puck, inviting contact and then playing through it. His forechecking and puck pursuit are among the best in class, and he never lacks effort defensively, either. His ceiling may not be quite as high as some of the other players in the top 10, but his floor is higher than most players in the class. Bear could be an incredible secondary option on a good line that brings value at both ends of the ice.  

    8. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

    We're starting to see a more consistent Jackson Smith, but there is still some room for growth in that area. His skating and physical tools are wildly impressive for a player his size. He can kill opposing rushes by closing off the gap and leading with his stick. Smith defends with his skating, and he's slowly incorporating more physicality into his game, which he understands is necessary. 

    In transition and offensively, Smith has become a massive asset for Tri-City as he uses his mobility to weave through traffic and transport the puck into scoring areas. His passing arsenal is impressive, and he is an intelligent shooter, looking to get to the middle and get the puck through traffic with snapshots rather than just hammering it.

    9. Lynden Lakovic, RW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

    Standing at 6-foot-4 with the ability to absolutely fly around the ice, Lakovic is one of the most interesting players in the draft class. He's dealt with injuries a bit this year, but he's been Moose Jaw's best player when he's been on the ice for them and leads the team in scoring despite missing almost a month and a half of action. Lakovic has the puckhandling ability to get himself out of problems.

    He isn't a physical player in the sense that he's going out there and crushing guys, but he leverages his size quite well most of the time. Lakovic is a lethal shooter, and his playmaking is far better than he's given credit for. He understands that attacking the middle of the ice and getting the best shot for his team is important for creating projectable offense, whether getting his own shot or setting up a teammate. 

    10. Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State Univ. (NCAA)

    There is an alternate reality in which Potter plays for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program this season and torches the USHL with more than two points per game. Instead, Potter decided to go to the NCAA a year early, making him the third-youngest player in college hockey. He was the clear-cut driver of play for the NTDP last year and decided he was ready for a step up in competition.

    From a statistical perspective, Potter started the year a bit slow, but he's begun to pick it up. He's had some of the worst puck luck of any player in the draft, with so many chances that he sets up going unrewarded. He excels in transition and generates offensive chances at a high rate. He's also adjusting to the physicality of the NCAA more and more. The speed, skill, and offensive IQ are high-end, and it's helped him generate solid underlying numbers as an '07 freshman in the NCAA. Potter could wind up being the player who gets drafted in the second round but has fans wondering how he lasted so long on the draft board in a couple of years. 

    11. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

    When Mrtka came over from Czechia, there were so many signs he would be a very good two-way defender, but we didn't see it at the Czech pro level. Now that he's over 30 games into his WHL career, we have seen him blossom into a point-per-game defender who brings excellent value at both ends of the ice. His mobility at 6-foot-6 makes him an incredibly intriguing package, but it's his competence with the puck in any situation that will make teams interested in him on draft day. He could be a minute muncher who can capably move the puck up the ice after shutting the opposing team down. 

    12. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

    Cootes is a smart, consistent, hard-working center who screams middle-six center at the NHL level. Cootes is incredibly smart and tactical offensively. He uses speed changes and quick turns to open up space, which allows him to use his shot or find teammates who settle into pockets of space. Seattle isn't always capable of providing him with supporting talent, but Cootes manages to make the best of whatever situation he's given. His endless effort and defensive instincts allow him to help mitigate the opposing team's attack as well. He's a consistent and complete center who should stick down the middle. 

    13. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

    There is no hiding the fact that Schmidt is undersized, but the tenacity he plays with helps make up for it, and his elite shooting talent really attracts scouts. He plays a high-paced game and loves to shoot off the rush. Schmidt is one of the most effective rush scorers in the draft. His puck skill and playmaking keep defenders and netminders honest enough for him to get open looks. It's fairly common to see him jawing at opponents after the whistle and getting involved in extracurriculars as well. Schmidt has his holes, but the offensive talent is incredible. 

    14. Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    As far as playmaking centers go, O'Brien is one of the NHL draft's best. He is such a diverse playmaker who uses slip passes, hook passes and much more while mixing soft-touch saucer passes with crisp bullets sent across the slot. O'Brien has a great frame to work with, but he will need to fill out a bit as he develops, which shouldn't be a problem. His vision on the ice is impressive, consistently spotting teammates and allowing them to skate into his passes by firing the puck through the lane as they arrive at the destination. His shot is solid as well, and he keeps goalies honest, especially on the power play.

    15. Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL)

    Spence is one of the most projectable players in the class. He brings a physical edge to the game and a north-south offensive game. When he gets in on the forecheck, Spence knows how to disrupt defenders and turn pucks over deep in the zone. His energy carries over to the defensive side of the game as well. He constantly looks to disrupt the cycle and close on puck carriers. He has a quick release with an excellent snap shot. He can show off a creative edge as a passer from time to time, but adding a bit more dynamism would help raise his ceiling.

    16. Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

    There aren't many more diligent and unrelenting players in this draft class than Zonnon. When you add his playmaking skill, size and willingness to muck it up on the forecheck, Zonnon is a very valuable player. Zonnon often takes interesting routes off the puck that end up with him cutting across the goalie's face as a shot comes in or collecting a loose puck along the boards before a battle even has the chance to start. He shows some excellent passing ability, particularly off the forecheck, where he retrieves the puck and hits a teammate in stride with a perfectly timed pass. Zonnon can play Robin to a high-level scorer's Batman and could be very good at that in the NHL. 

    17. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

    With just eight games under his belt in the WHL this year, McQueen is one of the most difficult players in the draft class to evaluate. He recently returned to practice and should be set to get back into game action soon. His pars fracture injury has some possible long-term risks, but the Wheat Kings and McQueen seem to be happy with the recovery. At 6-foot-5 with good hands and a wicked shot, his production to start the season had some scouts salivating. He opened the year with a four-goal game. His skating is a major concern, and there are questions about his vision and playmaking at times. McQueen is the ultimate swing in this draft class, and I've had conversations that range from "This kid is a top-five prospect in the class" to "The injury and holes in his game are a real concern." McQueen falls into the category of players who could be drafted well before I'd take them. 

    18. Michal Svrcek, C, Brynas Jr. (Swe.)

    Svrcek is an absolute menace and who isn't getting nearly enough love. He is a Slovak kid playing in Sweden, splitting time between the U-20 and SHL levels and looking quite good at both. His pace, puckhandling and versatility are impressive traits. At the junior level, Svrcek is a two-way force who starts the play in his own end, transitions up ice and then creates something in the offensive zone. At the men's level, he shows a bit more restraint when it comes to the 1-on-1 skill but remains a silky playmaker who funnels pucks to the middle of the zone when he's not cutting to the inside himself. His patience is rare for a player who plays at a breakneck pace, and that should benefit him as he develops over the next couple of years. 

    19. Eric Nilson, C, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.)

    Nilson is an understated two-way center who's more appreciated the more people watch him. Nilson is slowly rising up boards across the scouting world. His game is based around his intelligence and processing. He sees the ice so well, understanding his linemates' strengths and playing into them. Nilson's work ethic never wavers, playing a projectable defensive game as well. He needs to fill out his frame, but Nilson's two-way value and his ability to get the best out of linemates should have NHL teams interested in what he could be down the line. 

    20. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

    Fiddler is a simple yet effective defender who has shown himself to be an excellent complement to an offensive-minded partner on a number of occasions. Fiddler is a good skater with size and physicality, excellent defensive instincts and the ability to escape a forecheck and make a breakout pass to get the puck out of trouble. He's a more than capable puck-mover, which makes life easier on a more skilled partner because if the opposing team tries to key in on them, Fiddler can keep the play moving. That's an underrated trait for a player who is more known as a defensive stopper.

    21. Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

    Kindel sees the ice as well as just about anyone in the class and always uses his playmaking and passing ability. He overcomes some of his physical limitations with a high-end motor, great pace and impeccable facilitation of the puck. He can feather a 50-foot saucer pass to spring a teammate on the breakout or complete a slip pass down the slot to the net front for a high-danger chance. Kindel isn't the flashiest player, but he always generates chances and makes things happen on the ice that are positive for his team. 

    22. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    Desnoyers is the ultimate complementary player in this draft class but doesn't drive the bus on his own. He is a smart off-puck mover who can get to his spots, make intelligent passes and connect plays. He can adapt to various styles of players because he can be a shooter or a facilitator. He lacks some pace, and his intensity is sometimes an issue, specifically when the opposing team has possession of the puck. Desnoyers has a knack for putting himself in position to have pucks get to him, but he's often not the player dictating play. He will also have to adjust to the jump in physicality and pace he'll experience once he leaves the QMJHL. 

    23. Arvid Drott, RW, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.)

    There is quite a bit of rawness to Drott's game, but the speed, shooting ability and engagement in all three zones make him an interesting player. Playing at the junior level, Drott can fire the puck in stride and pick corners. He has a physical edge at times, and as he gets stronger, that will become more of a presence as well. Against men, Drott shows his down-the-lineup versatility with his defensive game, physicality and quick, simple decision-making. If he can take a step as a playmaker, there is a middle-six scoring ability in the NHL. If he doesn't, he has a solid floor as a bottom-six two-way player with a very good shot. 

    24. Shane Vansaghi, RW/C, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA)

    Vansaghi is a physical forward who makes plays with excellent timing, great off-puck instincts and some underrated skill. He isn't scoring the lights out for MSU, but he's been a quality contributor in the bottom six. His power game along the boards and feistiness to get to the front of the net will have NHL teams falling in love with his play. He moves well and flashes moments of excellent dual-threat offense. There is more to unlock in his game, but he'll need to play a bit higher in the lineup for MSU to see it. 

    25. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

    With excellent offensive instincts, good straight-line speed and confidence to spare, Reid ranks in the top 10 of OHL defensemen in scoring. His creativity as a passer and willingness to jump into the rush or pinch in off the point added an offensive threat to the Rangers that opposing teams struggle to defend. His defensive game is a bit hit-or-miss at this stage, but when he's defending with his feet and thwarting the rush before his team gets pinned in their zone, Reid can be effective at that end of the ice, too. He will need a bit of physical maturing to reach his ceiling and more refinement on his defensive footwork. 

    26. Milton Gastrin, C/LW, Modo Jr. (Swe.)

    The translatability of Gastrin's game will be what attracts NHL teams to him. He is a high-energy guy who is competitive on nearly every shift. He's been at his best since returning from injury in early-mid January, showing a bit more offensive punch. Gastrin goes to the net and battles for loose pucks and rebounds, wins puck battles constantly and excels in the dirty areas, which is what NHL teams love from their complementary guys. 

    27. Cole McKinney, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    Leading the current iteration of the NTDP in scoring, Cole McKinney has emerged as the team's best driver of play and one of the few players on that team who can elevate those around him. McKinney plays a really sound 200-foot game. He was one of the very few members of the NTDP to stand out at the recent Five Nations U-18 tournament. He is an aggressive forechecker who chains together a few small plays to get good results. He is a deft passer, particularly in the offensive zone. He's not an incredibly flashy player, but he's found a way to be effective in an underwhelming environment. 

    28. Logan Hensler, D, Univ. of Wisconsin (NCAA)

    The start of Hensler's season was a bit disappointing, but as he became more comfortable at the NCAA level, he showcased the talent we've seen from him the last couple of years. The most growth is his defensive game, using his skating and mobility to angle players off to the boards on the rush and limit their options as he closes quickly. He shows some nice breakout passing, and flashes of his offensive game from the NTDP are starting to shine through. A solid, albeit limited, performance at the world juniors was also nice to see en route to a gold medal. 

    29. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria Royals (WHL)

    Reschny is an interesting player with some high-end skill, slick and creative passing and an honest defensive game. The issue is that he is a bit slower for a smaller player, which limits his escapability. At the WHL level, he finds his way out of trouble more often than not, but it's usually by the hair of his chin. I love so much of what he brings from a playmaking and puckhandling perspective. If he can get his feet going a bit more and gain some speed and power, he could be worth drafting much earlier than the end of the first day. There's just a lot of "if" with Reschny. 

    30. Adam Benak, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

    Benak is undersized, but his puck skill is simply phenomenal at times. He has an impressive ability to hit teammates with passes through traffic. He plays with speed and loves to break out impressive dangles whenever he can. His shot is underrated, but he needs to get to the dangerous areas a bit more to make it as effective as possible. Benak is a highly skilled offensive creator, but he must continuously show he can handle bigger, stronger competition because of his size. 

    31. Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

    With plenty of energy and physicality, Martin is an excellent complementary center who may be better on the wing at the next level. He is an excellent forechecker who can crash and bang down low and retrieve pucks. Martin lacks the upper-end puck-transporting ability or dynamic ability to excel as a top-six center, but his physical play, puck-hounding and solid passing from a scrum could make him an excellent fit next to high-skill players who play with a bit more finesse. Martin shows some really solid complementary tools that could work in a middle six. 

    32. William Moore, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    When Misa applied for exceptional status to go into the OHL a year early, Moore did as well. When Moore didn't get it, he decided to go to the NTDP as a dual citizen. It allowed him to go to one of the best developmental pipelines in junior hockey, and although this isn't the strongest year for the NTDP, Moore has done enough to stand out with his vision and intelligence. Moore is at his best when acting as a facilitator, working give-and-go's, spotting passing lanes and hitting teammates driving to the net. He must get a bit quicker on his feet, but it's an area that's shown improvement this season. 

    33. Gustav Hillstrom, C, Brynas Jr. (Swe.)

    34. Ryker Lee, RW, Madison Capitals (USHL)

    35. Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

    36. Jamiro Reber, LW, HV71 (Swe.)

    37. L.J. Mooney, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    38. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston Univ. (NCAA)

    39. Eddie Genborg, LW, Linkoping Jr. (Swe.)

    40. Conrad Fondrk, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    41. Viktor Klingsell, LW, Skelleftea Jr. (Swe.)

    42. William Belle, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    43. Tinus Luc Koblar, F, Leksand Jr. (Swe.)

    44. Anthony Allain-Samake, D, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

    45. Topias Hynninen, C, Jukurit (Fin.)

    46. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

    47. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

    48. Jakob Ihs Wozniak, F, Lulea Jr. (Swe.)

    49. Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

    50.Theo Stockselius, C/W, Djurgarden Jr. (Swe.)

    51. Harry Nansi, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)  

    52. Melvin Novotny, LW/C, Leksand (Swe.)

    53. Sean Barnhill, D, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

    54. Ludvig Johnson, D, Zug (Sui.)

    55. Zeb Lindgren, D, Skelleftea Jr. (Swe.)

    56. Viggo Nordlund, F, Skelleftea Jr. (Swe.)

    57. Jimmy Lombardi, C, Flint Firebirds (OHL)  

    58. Jack Nesbitt, C/LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)  

    59. Jack Murtagh, C/LW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

    60. Kurban Limatov, D, Dynamo Moscow Jr. (Rus.)

    61. Tomas Poletin, LW, Pelicans (Fin.)

    62. Matej Pekar, C/LW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

    63. Daniil Ustinkov, D, Zurich (Sui.)

    64. Haoxi Wang, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)  

    HM Quinn Beauchesne, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)  

    HM Luka Radivojevic, D, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

    HM Luca Romano, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)  

    HM Alexander Zharovsky, RW, Ufa Jr. (Rus.)

    HM Lukas Kaplan, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)  

    HM William Horcoff, C, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)

    HM Carson Cameron, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)  

    HM Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)  

    HM Maxim Agafonov, D, Ufa Jr. (Rus.)

    HM Lev Katzin, LW/C, Guelph Storm (OHL)  

    HM Tomas Galvas, D, Liberec (Cze.)

    HM Ivan Fomin, LW/RW, Primorsky Krai Jr. (Rus.)

    HM Jordan Gavin, C/LW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)  

    HM Filip Ekberg, LW, Ottawa 67's (OHL)  

    HM Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, D, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)

    HM Artyom Vilchinsky, D, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg Jr. (Rus.)

    HM Mikkel Eriksen, C, Farjestad Jr. (Swe.)

    HM Liam Kilfoil, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

    HM Cooper Simpson, F, Shakopee High (USHS-MN)

    HM Oliwer Sjostrom, D, Lulea Jr. (Swe.)

    HM Max Westergard, W, Frolunda Jr. (Swe.)

    HM Bruno Osmanis, RW, Bjorkloven (Swe.2)

    HM Nicolas Sykora, LW, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

    HM Cole Temple, F, Everett Silvertips (WHL)  

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    anonymous·Mar 1, 2025
    Denoyers , #22 , Carbonneau , 46 , that’s seriously underrating the talent in the Q . That league produced four medal winners for Canada at the 4 nations , Crosby , Marchand , MacKinnon and Montembeault.
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    TonyFerrari·Mar 4, 2025

    The QMJHL has had a real issue for quite a while now when it comes to producing NHL talent. Lack of defensive structure/system, low pace, and a favorable scoring environment have made the transition difficult. Particularly with Desnoyers, if he's asked to play a lead role on a line, he will struggle. I want the Q to be good again and it's better than the last few years (look at Zonnon) but it's still the lesser of the CHL leagues.

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    JonathanTovell·Feb 28, 2025
    Which player do you want your favorite NHL team to draft in June?
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    TonyFerrari·Feb 28, 2025

    If they aren't drafting one of the top few guys, it's got to be Carter Bear, Michal Svrcek, or Lynden Lakovic among the first round guys. Deeper in the class, I like Jamiro Reber, Anthony Allain-Samaké, Zeb Lindgren, Matej Pekar!

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    LornscPreds·Mar 3, 2025

    Are you thinking Misa and Hagens are the only players likely to be top end 1st line centers? Think Mackinnon or Barkov level, not Lindholm, Monahan, or Horvat level that are a good enough 1C if you have great wingers, but are probably really top end 2C. I chose these comparable because this draft reminds me of 2013 when the Predators got left with Jones.

    For a while it sounded like Frondell could be, but the injuries seem to be holding back evaluations.

    I’m pulling for Misa in Predators gold, but I’m plenty ok with Hagens. I’m scared Trotz is going to win the lottery and then take Schaefer. Hopefully he remembers saying his #1 priority is finding the top end 1C.

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    TonyFerrari·Mar 4, 2025
    Yeah, I think Misa and Hagens are the safest bets to become 1Cs. A few others could get there if they exceed expectations and everything goes right but it would be tough still. Misa in Preds colors would be fantastic!
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    RyanKennedy·Feb 28, 2025
    The biggest question for me is, based on what we see in the NHL playoffs, how can a team turn down Porter Martone? He could be a new Tkachuk! I still think Schaefer is No. 1, but after that it gets interesting for me
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    TonyFerrari·Feb 28, 2025
    Love Martone, he's got more Matthew in him between the Tkachuk brothers. Way better playmaker than almost anyone is talking about.
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    RyanKennedy·Feb 28, 2025
    TonyFerrari He also seems to score within the first five minutes of a game a startling amount of times
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    all a guess, the Bruins will blow it again

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    tbirdfan46·Mar 5, 2025
    While Mrtka has been a great addition to the Seattle Thunderbirds, has speed, is a smooth skater for his size, and sees the ice well, he does have a nasty tendancy for coughing up the puck. For a big kid, he doesn't take advantage of that size and play physical. He does have great reach. His teammate and countryman Pekar, has finally gotten used to the North American game and smaller ice surface and added a bit of pysicallity to his game. Recently, he had a 10 goal streak, in as many games. Cootes does it all, he just needs to get a little bigger and add a bit of weight. he plays in all situations and is the youingest captain the team has ever had. Teammate Antonio Martorana, while not mentioned here, would be a great mid to late round pick for any team. He scored 17 goals as a rookie last season, but missed a good part of the beginning of this season, with a massive foot infection. It took him awhile to get his feet under him (no pun intended) this season, but he's now starting to be the player we hoped he would be. Small, at only 5'-8", he is built like a firehydrant at 180 pounds. He has a motor, is hard to play against, a pest, has offense and sees the ice very well. The kid can play and plays much bigger than his size.
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    RyanKennedy·Feb 28, 2025
    I will also point out that I love Tony's rankings because he doesn't follow the crowd - but also, having Kashawn Aitcheson at 47 is a crime against humanity
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    TonyFerrari·Feb 28, 2025
    If you have any comments or questions, I'm happy to chat in the comments or reach out on X/Twitter where you can find me @TheTonyFerrari
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    Chicago better take Misa
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