The Hockey News' Future Watch issue features the top 100 NHL-affiliated prospects in the sport, and there are some promising players between 26th and 50th on the list.

We asked a scout, director of player personnel or GM from each NHL team to provide their input on the top prospects in the game, using a five-to-10-year measuring stick.

We start this project in mid-January after NHL teams have had post-WJC scouting meetings. At that point, we draw a line in the sand about who’s a prospect and who’s an NHLer.  That’s why names such as Denton Mateychuk are listed as prospects even though they’ve broken through as NHLers in the past month or two.  

Catch up on the players placed 51st to 75th and 76th to 100th. Or check out the entire top 100 prospects list now with write-ups on each player by being subscribed to The Hockey News.   

26. Berkly Catton, C, Seattle Kraken
Spokane (WHL)

How Kraken Prospect Berkly Catton's Post-WJC 'Reset' Turned Into A Scoring Rampage The World Junior Championship was “a real kick in the nuts” for Chris Catton’s son.

27. Denton Mateychuk, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
Cleveland (AHL)

Mateychuk impressed in a second consecutive pre-season, but the Blue Jackets’ defensive depth didn’t leave a spot open for him. He didn’t complain, instead going to Cleveland to begin his pro career and helping the Monsters get off to a great start by scoring at nearly a point-a-game pace. An injury opened the door for Mateychuk to make his NHL debut Dec. 23, and he hasn’t looked back. He’s already locked up a spot on the second D-pairing and second power-play unit. - Brian Hedger

28. Kevin Korchinski, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Rockford (AHL)

29. Daniil But, LW, Utah Hockey Club
Yaroslavl (KHL)

30. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Medicine Hat (WHL)

31. Nate Danielson, C, Detroit Red Wings
Grand Rapids (AHL)

32. Tom Willander, D, Vancouver Canucks
Boston University (HE)

A strong NCAA freshman season put Willander on a fast development track. His skating and puck movement are elite, and there are no missing links in his game. Willander is adept at breaking up plays at his own blueline and quickly pivoting to go on the attack. He plays without panic, and his poise has him looking like a high-end blueliner. “Very strong and mature kid with how he carries himself,” Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson said. “A lot to work with. Very coachable and real passion for the game.” - Ben Kuzma

33. Trevor Connelly, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Providence (HE)

34. Oliver Bonk, D, Philadelphia Flyers
London (OHL)

35. Easton Cowan, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
London (OHL)

36. Tanner Molendyk, D, Nashville Predators
Medicine Hat (WHL)

37. Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild
Iowa (AHL)

38. Cole Eiserman, LW, New York Islanders
Boston University (HE)

When the Isles chose Eiserman in 2024, it was their first time picking in Round 1 since 2019. He’s a gifted scorer and skater who plays with hunger around the net. Eiserman produced at a point-per-game pace at this year’s world juniors, and he’s continued that level of production in the NCAA. Armed with an accurate shot and strong passing ability, Eiserman was considered the best goal-scorer in last year’s draft class. “He fits the profile of a goal-scorer,” Islanders assistant GM Chris Lamoriello said. - Matt Caputo

39. Adam Jiricek, D, St. Louis Blues
Brantford (OHL)

40. Bradly Nadeau, LW, Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago (AHL)

41. Quentin Musty, LW, San Jose Sharks
Sudbury (OHL)

42. Michael Hage, C, Montreal Canadiens
Michigan (Big Ten)

43. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Washington Capitals
Hershey (AHL)

44. Tristan Luneau, D, Anaheim Ducks
San Diego (AHL)

45. Brennan Othmann, LW, New York Rangers
Hartford (AHL)

It wasn’t the start to his second AHL season Othmann had hoped for. After being sent to Hartford following Rangers training camp – where he had four points in six pre-season games – Othmann suffered an upper-body injury in his third AHL game, sidelining him for two months. He had to hit the reset button upon returning but got rolling in late January. Othmann brings toughness, a north-south style and a quick release. He’s striving to upgrade his skating and defense. - Steve Zipay

46. Trey Augustine, G, Detroit Red Wings
Michigan State (Big Ten)

Forgot About Trey? Improved Play Could Have Goalie Prospect Trey Augustine In The NHL Soon By Jared Clinton, Features Writer

47. Liam Greentree, RW, Los Angeles Kings
Windsor (OHL)

48. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Detroit Red Wings
Skelleftea (Swe.)

49. David Edstrom, C, Nashville Predators
Frolunda (Swe.)

50. Danila Yurov, RW, Minnesota Wild
Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Top NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2025: 51 To 75 There's a ton of exciting talent among the NHL's 51st to 75th top team-affiliated prospects.

This appeared in our 2025 Future Watch magazine issue. Our cover story focuses on Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke, who is tearing it up with the OHL's Oshawa Generals this season. We also include features on other exceptional NHL prospects, including: Zayne Parekh, Porter Martone, Gavin McKenna and more. In addition, we look at the top 10 prospects in the pipeline for each of the 32 NHL clubs.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.