WIth the 2025 NHL entry draft come and gone, it's time to look at a few players that we at THN view as excellent value, and some that should have perhaps been given a chance.
Steal - Cameron Schmidt (94th, Dallas Stars)
This was the one that probably surprised most. After scoring 40 goals in the regular season, Schmidt's speedy and slippery style of play seemed to not be enough to get him into at least the top 75. Perhaps the size may indeed be a factor, as teams went large in this year's draft; most picks ended up being 6'2" and above. which doesn't leave a lot of room for someone like Schmidt who stands at 5'9".
Steal - Will Sharpe (216th, Los Angeles Kings)
With a change of scenery for Sharpe, getting dealt to the Kelowna Rockets from the Lethbridge Hurricanes, his stock may have fallen quite a bit due to the Rockets' late season struggles. That said, the former Hurricane is still a very capable defender and is due for a bounce back season with Kelowna pushing for a run at to the 2026 Memorial Cup.
Snub - Ethan MacKenzie (Edmonton Oil Kings)
MacKenzie may be an overager, and they don't tend to get picked very high if at all. The Oil Kings defender has made massive strides since the 2023-24 season, and it should not shock anyone if he ends up making a pro tryout upon completion of the 2025-26 campaign if he continues his trajectory. A big body that can move, hit, and occasionally score, not much to be desired from a player like that.
Snub - Jayden Kraus (Victoria Royals)
Similar to MacKenzie, Kraus also had a career resurgence in Victoria. While playing 20 more games than the season previous, the Prince Albert native went from a .870 save percentage and 4.29 goals against average to .908 and 2.86 respectively. While only two WHL goalies were selected in Los Angeles, the Royals netminder deserved to make a case for a third.
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33 WHLers Selected In The 2025 NHL Entry Draft
Vancouver Giants Cameron Schmidt Drafted 94th Overall By The Dallas Stars
Spokane Chiefs Owen Martin Drafted 93rd Overall By The Winnipeg Jets
Kamloops Blazers Tommy Lafreniere Drafted 83rd Overall By The Edmonton Oilers
Medicine Hat Tigers Bryce Pickford Drafted 81th Overall By The Montréal Canadiens
