WHL's Roger McQueen Highlights Ryan Kennedy's 2025 Midseason Top 32
Ten Western Hockey League players cracked THN's midseason first round rankings, with two in the top 10.
With draft season beginning to heat up ever so slightly, THN's Ryan Kennedy released his midseason top 32 for the 2025 NHL Draft. Of those, 10 WHLers were able to make their way onto the list.
#6- Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Despite being on the sideline since Oct. 11, McQueen remains near the top of the 2025 class. His 6'5" frame and deceptive mobility combined with an impressive goal scoring touch will be a valuable get for any team come June.
#9- Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans)
While he may only have two goals this season, Smith leads all Americans defencemen in points (35) and sits in sixth place team-wide. The former second-overall pick has established himself as a top talent in the WHL, combined with his physicality and smooth skating.
#13- Lynden Lakovic (Moose Jaw Warriors)
One of the most consistent skaters in the class, Lakovic has maintained his position in the top 15 nearly all season. The West Kelowna, B.C. native had been heating up with seven points in his last four games, and a 12 game point streak before going down with injury in late December. Speculations are that Lakovic will be cleared to return to the lineup sometime in mid-February.
#14- Radim Mrtka (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Mrtka has made an immediate impact since coming over from his native Czechia, becoming Seattle's top defender and a fan favorite. Standing in at 6'6", he's an imposing presence on the blueline and has an offensive touch; in 22 WHL games, he's recorded two goals and 18 assists.
#17- Carter Bear (Everett Silvertips)
Arguably the biggest riser on the list, Bear has skyrocketed from a projected late second-round pick all the way to wiggling his way into the top 20. A sixth-round pick of the Silvertips in 2021, the West St. Paul, Man. native is currently on the WHL's goal scoring podium-second place, with 32- and sixth in overall league points. Scouts and fans alike will be eager to see what he does at the next level.
#21- Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Coming into the draft with some pedigree already under his belt, the son of NHL veteran Vernon Fiddler is making his own way in the WHL. A core part of the Oil Kings D corps, Blake is a puck-moving defenceman who loves to jump up in the rush and in some cases lead it himself. The Frisco, TX product is looking to ramp up his scoring ability and cement himself inside the upper echelon of WHL talent.
#22- Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars)
The lone goaltender inside the top 32, Ravensbergen has run with the starter's position in Prince George. Twenty-one wins leads all 2007-born goaltenders, paired with a .901 save percentage has made for an impressive draft-eligible season.
#25- Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals)
Reschny has cemented himself as one of the top playmakers in the WHL, with his shifty movement and high-end vision paired with hockey IQ. The Macklin, Sask. product, despite being far from home, has made himself quite comfortable in Victoria tallying 53 points in 41 games this season.
#27- Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen)
The Hitmen may be a bit of a wagon this season, but leading the charge is Ben Kindel. Setting a franchise record is no easy feat but the Calgary forward made it look simple, recording a point in 23 consecutive games. Kindel is now tied for third place in the entire WHL, and shows no signs of slowing down. There is a case for him to rise even further as the rest of the season trudges on.
#32- Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants
Last but certainly not least, Schmidt is one of the best pure goal scorers in the draft. Tied for second in goals alongside the aforementioned Kindel, Schmidt and his slippery 5'7" frame have lit up goaltenders league-wide. While he may have fallen in some rankings, some teams will be lining up to select him as the first round closes out.
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