OHL standouts snag a quarter of the spots in Mackenzie's top 20.
It has only been a few months since the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, but it is never too early to start to hype train around the next draft. With CHL hockey getting started, TSN's Bob Mackenzie unveiled his top-20 preseason rankings for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
The OHL was heavily featured in the first round of the 2024 NHL draft, and that trend may continue given that a quarter of the players in Mackenzie's list play in the OHL.
The five OHL players featured in the rankings include Matthew Schaefer, Porter Martone, Michael Misa, Malcolm Spence and Jake O'Brien.
#2 on Mackenzie's list -Matthew Schaefer
As a first-overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Schaefer has had eyes on him since he stepped into the OHL. In his first season with Erie, Schaefer scored three goals and added 14 assists for 17 points in 56 games.
He played for Team Canada on multiple occasions last year winning a gold medal at the U-18 World Junior Championship and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Schaefer is an elite defender with great edges and speed. He often uses his edges to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately for Schaefer, he will start the season on the sidelines as he has been diagnosed with mononucleosis.
#4 on Mackenzie's list - Porter Martone
Brampton Steelheads forward Porter Martone came in fourth on Mackenzie's list. Over the last two OHL campaigns, Martone amassed 52 goals and 54 assists for 106 points in 121 games.
The elite forward has all the skills necessary to be a star in the NHL. At 6-foot-3 he has the size to play the role of a power forward. He consistently uses his size and skill to beat defenders and score big goals.
Martone has had some of his biggest moments playing for Team Canada. Last season, he captained Team Canada at the U-18 World Junior Championship. In seven games, he scored five goals and added 12 assists for a shocking 17 points on the way to winning a gold medal.
The young forward is expected to have an explosive season with Brampton this year. This may be especially true if he gets the opportunity to play with new acquisition Carson Rehkopf.
#7 on Mackenzie's list - Michael Misa
After winning a Memorial Cup with Saginaw last season, Michael Misa will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Misa has never failed to score more than a point per game while in the OHL. The star forward was granted exceptional status before the 2022-23 season. In 112 OHL games, he scored 51 goals and added 80 assists for 131 points.
The hardware on Misa's shelf is just as impressive as both players who proceed him. He won the OHL Rookie of the Year award in 2023 before taking home a Memorial Cup and a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last season.
With strong stickhandling skills and vision, Misa is a dangerous player in the offensive zone who can punish teams in multiple ways.
#8 on Mackenzie's list - Malcolm Spence
Joining Schaefer in the top 10 is teammate Malcolm Spence. The 2006-born two-way forward was an alternate captain for both the Otters and Canada's U-18 team last season.
While playing for Erie, Spence scored 35 goals and added 69 assists for 104 points in 130 games.
While playing for Team Canada, Spence won a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U-18 World Junior Championship. At the U-18 tournament, Spence recorded seven points in seven games.
Spence has great speed that allows him to excel on the offensive side of the puck while enabling him to backcheck hard defensively when necessary.
#14 on Mackenzie's list - Jake O'Brien
Last year's OHL Rookie of the Year is the final OHL player in the top 20. The 2007-born center had a phenomenal rookie campaign scoring 13 goals and adding 51 assists for 64 points in 61 games.
O'Brien also won a gold medal for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he had no points in the five games he played.
It was O'Brien's passing ability that helped him to stand out in the OHL last season. His 51 assists would be impressive for anyone in the league let alone a rookie.
O'Brien already has eight points (two goals and six assists) in four preseason games for Brantford this year. He will be a player to watch closely during the season to see if he can rise up this list.