When you look at the 2025 draft class and their play through the first half of the season, everyone will be quick to point out Guelph’s Jaakko Wycisk as the top performer, but what about the others?

Wycisk’s 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 26 games is first amongst 2009-born OHLers. But he’s tied with Niagara IceDogs forward Ryerson Edgar, who I believe has been just as impactful as the second overall pick. 

Both players have become pivotal pieces in their team’s offense. And both have showcased their high-end one-on-one skills to score highlight reel goals. There’s a very good chance those two will be teammates for Canada at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup next summer. 

It’s been hard to evaluate the first-overall pick, Kaden McGregor. He has missed 11 games this season due to injuries and playing at the U17 World Hockey Challenge. He’s played everywhere throughout Peterborough’s lineup, from centering the third line to first line right wing. 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in 24 games is nothing to sneeze at, and he’s been fairly consistent. The longest stretch he’s gone without a point is three games, which is currently ongoing at the time of writing this. 

His Petes teammate, and fellow 2009-born rookie, Matthew Perreault, has been terrific on the blueline as a 16-year-old. While he won’t get the same recognition as Edgar and Wycisk, you could argue that Perreault’s impact has been just as good. He’s produced 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 32 games, and has become a defender Peterborough can use as their quarterback on the power play. 

One of the most impressive 2025 first-rounders though has been Soo Greyhounds’ Noah Laus. He was surprisingly left off of both Canadian rosters at the U17 World Hockey Challenge. He is one point behind Wycisk and Edgar in scoring with 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists). Just like he was for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens last season, the Greyhounds are comfortable using him on both the power play and penalty kill. 

What do you think? Who has been the most impressive from the 2025 draft class? Let us know in the comments section.