2025 NHL Draft: Uncertainty Beyond the Top 15 and Key questions to Watch
With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, scouting staffs are intensifying their evaluations. while the top 10-15 players are relatively well-defined, notable uncertainty surrounds the latter half of the first round.
draft Class Depth and Team Needs
The wide-open nature of the draft after the top prospects may lead teams to prioritize drafting for need rather than solely based on talent.This could allow for more patient developmental plans for selected players.
Goaltending Prospects Shine
The goaltending pool in this draft is considered strong, with several European and North American options available. Josh Ravensbergen,a WHL goalie from Prince George,is projected to be the first off the board due to his size. As many as three goalies could be selected in the first round, depending on teams’ needs and the number of picks they possess.
Key Questions Surrounding the 2025 NHL Draft
- Defenseman Selection: Who will be the next defenseman drafted after Matthew Schaefer?
- Schaefer’s Status: Will Schaefer, despite a season-long injury, still be the first overall pick?
- Roger McQueen’s Health: Will Roger McQueen recover in time to regain a top-five ranking?
- Carter Bear’s Injury: How will Carter Bear’s Achilles injury impact his draft position, considering his strong trajectory before the injury?
- Smaller Forwards: How will NHL teams evaluate and select smaller, skilled forwards?
- CHL vs. NCAA: How will the dynamic between Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) impact the draft?
- CHL Signing Period: Will the CHL signing period remain at two years, or will it extend to four, similar to the NCAA? Will teams know this before the draft?
- NCAA Eligibility: Will the NCAA allow signed players to participate in NCAA hockey, or will they be required to remain in their respective junior leagues or the AHL?
March Draft Rankings
Here are the latest rankings leading up to the 2025 NHL Draft:
- No. 1: Matthew Schaefer, D, 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL)
Currently in rehab, Schaefer’s status will be re-evaluated in early April. He is likely to maintain his top spot even without playing another game, though his performance in Erie’s playoff run would be of interest.
- No. 2: Michael Misa, C, 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Misa has lived up to expectations of an exceptional talent player status, leading the CHL with 126 points and second in CHL with 59 goals.
- No. 17: Ben Kindel, C, 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Kindel exhibits a strong understanding of the game, adapting his play as needed. He is benefitting from good teaching and is close to a 100-point season.
- No. 18: Ivan Ryabkin, C, 5-foot-11, 201 pounds, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Ryabkin is an interesting and dynamic offensive player, adjusting to North american hockey this season.
- No. 19: Cameron Reid, D, 6-feet, 193 pounds, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Reid’s exceptional skating and agility make him effective across the ice, especially on the power play due to his puck-moving abilities.
- No. 20: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Aitcheson has a strong scoring record and brings a physical edge to his game.
- No. 21: Malcolm Spence, LW, 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, Erie otters (OHL)
Spence is a consistent and responsible player with playmaking, scoring, and defensive abilities, projecting as a middle-six player with special teams potential.
- no.22: Cole Reschny, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Reschny is similar to Kindel in stature and style, bringing energy, grit, and top-line offensive production.
- No. 23: Braeden Cootes, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
cootes displays high energy, passion, and detailed game awareness, making him a valuable team player.
- No. 24: Sascha Boumedienne, D, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Boston University (NCAA)
Boumedienne, the youngest college hockey player, has shown consistent progress and growing confidence.
- No. 25: Jack Murtagh,LW,6-foot-1,200 pounds,USNTDP
Murtagh excels in dirty work,forechecking,and net-front presence,using his strength and skill to score.
- No. 26: William Moore, C, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, USNTDP
Moore has elite offensive skills, deceiving defenders and creating plays, but his ability to maintain this at higher intensity levels remains a question.
- No. 27: Lynden Lakovic, LW, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Lakovic has appealing size and skill, but scouts question whether he has enough “jam” to succeed in a league where his size advantage is less significant.
- No. 28: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Prince George cougars (WHL)
Ravensbergen has displayed strong performance as february, allowing three goals in only one of 14 games.
- No. 29: Cole McKinney, C, 6-feet, 200 pounds, USNTDP
McKinney offers a solid two-way game with offensive capabilities, having scored 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 13 games.
- No. 30: Bill Zonnon,C,6-foot-2,185 pounds,Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Zonnon possesses substantial growth potential,with room to develop both physically and skillfully.
- No. 31: Cullen Potter, C, 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Arizona State (NCAA)
Potter’s dynamism, fueled by elite skating and edge-work, makes him a dazzling offensive threat.
- No. 32: Eric Nilson, C, 5-foot-110, 156 pounds, Djurgardens (SWE J20)
Nilson needs to add strength, but exhibits an excellent hockey sense, effectively producing points while handling defensive duties.
What are some key factors teams will consider when evaluating smaller, skilled forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft?
2025 NHL Draft: Q&A
Addressing key questions and providing deeper insights into the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the projected first overall pick?
Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman from the Erie Otters (OHL), is currently ranked No. 1 despite a season-long injury. However, his status will be re-evaluated in early April.
Interesting Trivia: Despite the injury, Schaefer’s potential is so high that he’s likely to maintain his top spot, showcasing the importance of long-term potential in draft evaluations.
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What’s the most meaningful uncertainty in this draft?
The draft’s depth beyond the top 15 picks creates substantial uncertainty, potentially leading teams to draft based on positional need rather than pure talent.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on how teams prioritize their picks; this could reveal their strategic focus for the coming seasons.
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Who are the top goaltending prospects?
The goaltending pool is considered strong. Joshua Ravensbergen from the Prince George Cougars (WHL) is projected as the first goalie off the board.
Interesting Trivia: The strength in goaltending might encourage teams to trade up to secure their future netminders.
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How could injuries impact draft positions?
Injuries to players like Roger McQueen and Carter Bear could substantially affect their draft positions. McQueen’s recovery and Bear’s Achilles injury are key factors.
Actionable Advice: Monitor player health updates closely; medical evaluations are crucial in the final draft assessments.
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how are smaller, skilled forwards being evaluated?
NHL teams are evaluating smaller, skilled forwards, but their selection depends on their ability to play as part of a team.
Interesting trivia: Players like Ben Kindel and Cole Reschny exemplify the potential of skilled forwards, but their stature requires a certain level of grit and adaptability.
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What’s the impact of the CHL vs. NCAA dynamic?
The CHL vs. NCAA dynamic influences player progress paths and draft eligibility. Key questions involve CHL signing periods and NCAA eligibility rules for signed players.
Actionable Advice: Watch for any changes in CHL and NCAA rules; this will shape how teams assess players’ immediate availability and long-term prospects.
Stay informed as draft day approaches; these insights help decode the strategies teams might employ.
