Our NHL draft and prospect expert looks at the best kids available in 2025, led by a defenseman who has proven his worth on and off the ice.

NHL draft rankings leader Matthew Schaefer didn't have to attend the OHL Top Prospects Game. 

After all, he had broken his clavicle at the world juniors and was thus unable to participate in the showdown. He didn't have to go to Brantford to be an honorary coach in the game, and he didn't have to walk around the stands fist-bumping fans with his healthy arm - but he did.

For all the amazing things Schaefer does when he's on the ice, his actions off the ice that night had me thinking about what great character the kid has. And when you're an NHL team with the first-overall pick in the draft, you do have to think about what kind of person you're getting with that selection.

So, for many reasons, Schaefer is my No. 1 right now, but it's still a packed crowd near the top of the NHL draft rankings. The next three players could go in any order, and I wouldn't be surprised - so don't sweat the details here. 

With the world juniors in the books, one more piece of the puzzle has been assembled for this draft class, but there's still a lot to come. I'm about to begin chatting with NHL scouts about these players, so these draft rankings will be the last of the year that are not informed by those anonymous expert opinions. What we have here is a snapshot of where we're at midway through the season.

With the exception of James Hagens, I'm a little worried about this year's crop of Americans, as it's been a tough season for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the USHL. Injuries to names such as Roger McQueen, Anton Frondell and Lynden Lakovic have also thrown things into flux at different times. But rank we must. 

So, here's a look at my 2025 NHL draft rankings right now.

1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL): He's a do-everything defenseman who could very well become a franchise NHLer thanks to his skill, skating and smarts. No coincidence Canada tanked at the world juniors after he got hurt.

2. Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL): If you're trying to win an NHL playoff series, Martone is exactly the kind of player you want: Big, mean and skilled. He's basically a long-lost Tkachuk brother.

3. James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA): Yes, Hagens plays with great linemates, but he's also great himself. And he's not big, but he's already succeeding against older, stronger competition in the NCAA. With his IQ and vision, he makes offense happen.

4. Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL): Misa could go first or second overall, and I wouldn't bat an eye (same goes for Hagens). The Spirit center is an offensive dynamo with great patience and a competitive streak that will serve him well down the line.

5. Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Swe.): Fantastic world juniors propels Eklund up the ranks. The kid has a great motor to go along with the rest of his intriguing game, and as we saw in Ottawa, he can put points on the board.

6. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL): Consider this a holding pattern spot for McQueen, who has been sidelined by a suspected back injury most of the year. At the end of the day, when healthy, he's a towering center who can produce in bunches.

7. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL): An absolutely awesome force out of the 'Q,' Desnoyers plays a strong game and has a solid frame to build on. Leading his Wildcats in scoring by a considerable margin.

8. Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL): I don't know yet if scouts love Spence as much as I do, but I see a powerful left winger with excellent playmaking skills and vision. He's got an NHL frame, he kills penalties, and he has a clutch gene in big games.

9. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL): When you watch Smith, there's not much to complain about. He has a solid frame, he skates well, and he plays physically. The Ams blueliner has put up admirable offensive numbers this year, too.

10. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (Swe.): Injuries have kept Frondell off-balance this season, so it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. At the end of the day, he's a big center who protects the puck, much like Leo Carlsson.

11. Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

12. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

13. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

14. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

15. Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon (USHL)

16. Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

17. Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)

18. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

19. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)

20. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

21. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

22. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)

23. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, LW, Lulea (Swe.)

24. Milton Gastrin, C, Modo (Swe.)

25. Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)

26. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

27. Ben Kindel, C, Calgary (WHL)

28. Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State (NCAA)

29. Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

30. Will Horcoff, LW, Michigan (NCAA)

31. Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)

32. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL)

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