Now that we’re roughly halfway through the 2024-25 season, it’s time to update our ranking of the top 100 drafted NHL prospects. In the last year we’ve seen top prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov break into the NHL full-time, becoming important players for their respective teams. Celebrini in particular has been excellent on a San Jose Sharks team that looks poised to jump up the NHL standings in the next few seasons.
This year’s NHL rookie class is rightfully earning a lot of early attention, with a massive group of talented youngsters who each have a chance at the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s best rookie. From Celebrini and Michkov, to Logan Stankoven and Lane Hutson, the NHL is experiencing a massive influx of young talent once again this season. Before we get into the top 100 prospect ranking update, here are a few notes on the criteria and content of this list.
Related: 2024 NHL Draft Guide
The criteria that makes a player a prospect can be a bit subjective, but for this list I will follow The Athletic’s Corey Pronman’s rules as a guide. Here are the criteria for this list: “A player is considered a prospect if he has played less than 25 games in one NHL campaign (regular season and playoffs combined), less than 50 NHL games total in their career, and is 25 years old by Sept 15.” (From: “Pronman: 2019-20 NHL Farm System Rankings”). Additionally, if a player has played at least six NHL games in at least two NHL seasons, they are no longer considered a prospect.
Some notable players from previous editions who no longer qualify for this list are: Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Matvei Michkov, Logan Stankoven, Simon Edvinsson, and Brandt Clarke, to name just a few.
If you’re wondering why goalies weren’t included in this ranking, that’s because we have a separate article for that position. Our ranking of the top 10 NHL goalie prospects can be found here.
Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top 100 NHL prospects as well as a few honourable mentions.
Honourable Mentions:
Caeden Bankier, C, Minnesota Wild
Luca Cagnoni, LD, San Jose Sharks
Isaac Howard, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Gracyn Sawchyn, Florida Panthers
Carter Mazur, LW, Detroit Red Wings
Prospects #100-91
100. Cole Beaudoin, C, Utah Hockey Club
Cole Beaudoin is a strong two-way center who has shown good offense at the junior level but has some questions about his future offense as a pro given his sluggish skating stride. Beaudoin accelerates quite slowly, but once he’s in motion he is an impressive player on both sides of the puck. His hockey sense and stick checking often make up for his lack of footspeed in forechecking and backchecking situations, but he will need to get quicker to be as successful in the NHL someday. He’s got the size, athleticism, and two-way commitment to be a good pro and I think he could be a good fit as a third-line center in the NHL if his skating can catch up a bit.
99. Aiden Fink, RW, Nashville Predators
Aiden Fink is an undersized winger with great skating and a shot that will challenge NHL goalies if he makes it to that level. Fink scored points at an absurd rate in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in his draft year, leading the league in scoring at age 18. After Nashville drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 Draft, Fink made the jump to the NCAA with Penn State University and hasn’t looked back. As a freshman last season, Fink scored 34 points in 34 games, was named to the B1G All-Rookie Team, and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player. I expect Fink to be a high-end offensive player in the AHL in the next few seasons, and I think that despite his size (5-foot-9), he plays a direct and hard enough game to find some success in the NHL.
98. Charlie Elick, RD, Columbus Blue Jackets
Charlie Elick is a bit of a project still, as a big (6-foot-3), right-handed defender who defends well but hasn’t shown a ton when it comes to moving the puck himself. He plays physically, and uses his frame well when defending, which isn’t always the case for young players. Elick is one of the best skaters from the 2024 Draft class for my money, and a 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman who skates like he can will always have a place in the NHL. He will need to take several steps forward offensively if he wants to provide two-way impact as a pro, but I think his defensive game and size/skating combo will earn him a chance to prove he can succeed as a pro.
97. Elias Salomonsson, LD, Winnipeg Jets
Elias Salomonsson is a big two-way defenseman who loves to join the rush off the backend and has the mobility and physicality to be a menacing body-checker in the NHL. He’s got a heavy shot from the point, but he doesn’t make a lot of plays with the puck, often opting for his shot or a safe play with a low chance of creating anything. Salomonsson’s skating makes him a consistent defensive factor, though his decision making on body checks could still use some work as he’s run into discipline issues at just about every level he has played in the past few years including a suspension at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
96. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LD, San Jose Sharks
Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a two-way defender who skates well and competes harder than most. He measured in at 6-feet tall this season but he doesn’t play like a small defender, constantly moving his feet and battling for possession along the boards and in front of his own net. While he shoots left, Sahlin Wallenius has experience playing both sides on defense which will surely help him establish himself as a pro. Sahlin Wallenius’ skating is excellent, and it is the tool that allows him to be effective all over the ice, from breaking the puck out of the zone on his own to staying in front of oncoming attackers.
95. Terik Parascak, RW, Washington Capitals
Terik Parascak was one of the most pleasant surprises in the CHL last season, bursting out of the gates with 15 goals and 25 points in his first 12 games. Nobody expected Parascak to keep it up for long but did just that, finishing the season in the top-10 for goals and points in the WHL. He’s not the best skater and his puck skills aren’t exceptional, but his finishing touch and his sense of timing offensively have been excellent over the past year and a half. It’s worth mentioning that he spent the entire season in the stacked top-six forward group that the Cougars had, which likely inflated his numbers a bit, but another year or so of production like this will likely see Parascak rising up this list considerably.
94. Elias Pettersson, LD, Vancouver Canucks
Elias Pettersson is a big, physical defenseman who is mobile and should provide NHL value on the defensive end. Pettersson is a mean defender, taking his opponents out of the play with big hits and boxing out forwards near the crease quite violently. He has come a long way offensively, showing himself capable of making some simple, but smart, plays with the puck. Pettersson made his North American debut at the tail end of the 2023-24 season, and has been solid in the AHL this year for the Abbotsford Canucks. Considering the lack of depth in Vancouver’s d-corps behind Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, I think it’s only a matter of time before we see two Elias Petterssons on the ice together in Vancouver.
93. Otto Stenberg, C/LW, St. Louis Blues
The way Otto Stenberg dodges checks and evades pressure is impressive, but the way he attacks the middle of the ice is what I like most about him. Stenberg is never the biggest guy on the ice, but he’ll drop a shoulder and push his way to the dangerous areas of the ice without hesitation. I don’t see Stenberg having top-six potential, especially as a centerman, but I expect there will be an NHL role for him someday either as a 3C or a middle-six winger.
92. Danny Nelson, C, New York Islanders
Danny Nelson is a fascinating prospect, playing most of his draft season on the second line in the NTDP after spending most of his life as a defenseman. There were some minor questions if he would be a center or defender as a pro in his draft year, but those have been answered by his excellent play down the middle with the University of Notre Dame. While he won’t likely ever be a big offense type, Nelson’s defensive awareness and physicality are both major assets and I could see him being a strong bottom-six center in the NHL someday.
91. Eduard Sale, RW, Seattle Kraken
Eduard Sale is a great offensive winger who led all U20 players in scoring as a 17-year-old in the top Czechian professional league. He has struggled a bit against men, looking most comfortable while dictating play from the flanks at even strength and on the power play. Sale’s skill and passing are standout traits, making difficult passes through multiple layers of skates and sticks. He looks like he could be a hard-working middle-six winger who complements your top guys really well while providing decent offensive value on his own. He has shown flashes of greatness, particularly at the 2025 World Junior Championship, but those flashes have not been nearly consistent enough for me to expect him to reach his ultimate ceiling as a top-six winger.
Prospects #90-81
90. Mikhail Gulyayev, LD, Colorado Avalanche
Mikhail Gulyayev is an offensive defender whose skating is the foundation of his game. He creates a ton of offense with his feet, whether he’s blowing by opponents in the neutral zone on the rush or evading checkers along the blue line on the cycle. Even though he’s still just 19 year old, Gulyayev has played over 100 KHL games already, and is signed there for another full season, meaning he would be eligible to sign with Colorado for the 2026-27 season, in the summer that he’d be 21 years old. While he’s primarily an offensive player, Gulyayev’s skating is so strong that it allows him to be a solid defender, especially on the rush where opponents have a tough time shaking him off.
89. Jordan Dumais, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Jordan Dumais is a highly skilled winger who scored at an incredible rate across parts of four QMJHL seasons. Injuries shortened his 2023-24 season, and he hasn’t yet played in the 2024-25 season, though he was just activated at the end of December by the Blue Jackets and loaned to their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. Dumais’ skating and physical play aren’t exactly strengths as an undersized forward, but his shot and individual skill are excellent tools. If his recovery from injury and surgery has gone well, I expect he will score a ton of points in the AHL very soon.
88. Cole Hutson, LD, Washington Capitals
Cole Hutson is an undersized offensive defenseman who skates beautifully and was the most exciting defender on the U18 NTDP team last season by a wide margin. He looks pretty similar on the ice to his older brother Lane, but Cole is a more physical defender and scored more points with the U17 team than Lane did, despite having a significantly later birthday. Hutson doesn’t project as much of a factor defensively, and had a disappointing draft season production-wise, but he’s bouncing back in a big way this year, both in the NCAA and the 2025 World Junior Championship where he was arguably Team USA’s best defenseman, and led the entire tournament in scoring. I’m doing my best not to overreact to such a short tournament, but Hutson’s performance was eye-opening for sure, and I expect he’ll rise up this list over the next year or two before establishing himself in The NHL.
87. Kasper Halttunen, RW, San Jose Sharks
Kasper Haltunnen is a big, goal scoring winger who is a shooting threat from nearly everywhere in the offensive zone. Haltunnen has an excellent shot and enough skill with the puck to beat NHL defenders someday, but his skating and decision making are the biggest hurdles between him and an NHL career. He is a powerful physical presence, especially when he’s on his A-game, and his potential as a goalscoring power forward was exciting enough for the Sharks to take him early in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
86. E.J. Emery, RD, New York Rangers
EJ Emery is a big, right-shot defender who moves well which means that he has a near perfect physical toolkit as far as most NHL teams are concerned. He’s difficult to play against mostly because of his mobility and large frame rather than because of his smarts, though he has shown some promise on breakout passes after separating an attacking forward from the puck. Emery’s offensive game remains his biggest area for growth, with quite a few chances dying on his stick in the neutral zone. He performed incredibly well athletically at the NHL Draft combine, earning quite a bit of attention in the weeks leading up to his draft.
85. Sacha Boisvert, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Sacha Boisvert is another in a growing line of Canadian prospects who opted for the USHL/NCAA route rather than playing in the CHL. The 12th overall pick in the 2022 QMJHL Draft was excellent in the USHL as a rookie, and was able to improve on those numbers significantly in his draft season. Boisvert is a big center (6-foot-2) with tons of skill with the puck and above average skating. He looks like a pro and has a ton of NHL-level qualities, including a really dangerous shot, that make me confident he’ll find a role in the middle-six forward group of an NHL team someday. He’s has joined the University of North Dakota this season, a program that has a long track record of developing solid NHL talent, and is leading them in scoring as the calendar flips to 2025.
84. William Wallinder, LD, Detroit Red Wings
A towering defender at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, William Wallinder was drafted 32nd overall in 2020. He’s extremely mobile and has a smooth skating stride and a very strong puck carrier. He has put in a lot of work on his defensive game to round out his strengths, but his offensive instincts are what will likely make him a very good option for the Detroit Red Wings on defense. Wallinder was one of the best young players in Sweden during the 2022-23 season and made the switch to North America last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The transition wasn’t the smoothest, but his size and skating have made him a solid defensive player from the jump.
83. Lian Bichsel, LD, Dallas Stars
There are always a few first-round picks who rose in their draft year in large part to their size advantage, and Lian Bichsel is certainly one of them. The 6-foot-5 defender is adept at using his size to get what he wants on the ice, against junior players as well as seasoned pros. His offensive game is unlikely to ever really pop in the NHL, but I could see him as a solid complimentary guy you are comfortable playing on your second pairing with a more offensively minded defender. Bichsel is physical and mean, and he had a great showing at the World Juniors two years ago for Switzerland where he looked like a man amongst boys.
82. Felix Unger Sörum, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
Felix Unger Sörum is already looking like slight steal just a year out from the 2023 Draft where he was taken late in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Unger Sörum is an excellent playmaker, regularly feathering passes to teammates through traffic. He had strong showings for Sweden at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships where he was one of their best forwards each time, mainly due to his playmaking and his ability to out-maneuver defenders in the offensive zone to protect the puck and to manipulate their coverage to better set up his teammates for success. He’s still incredibly young, having been born just two days before the cutoff for the 2024 Draft, so there’s a ton of runway for him to develop into an effective player.
81. Scott Morrow, RD, Carolina Hurricanes
Who doesn’t love a dynamic puck-moving defenseman who is always in attack mode? Scott Morrow plays a high-octane style and he’s quick and decisive in transition. He shows great speed, edges, and confidence in his movement when attacking off the rush and he always has the opposition on their heels trying to predict his next move. Morrow has produced a ton of offense in the NCAA, accumulating 94 points in 109 career NCAA games. Defensively, he’s still a work in progress, but you can’t deny his ability to generate offense.
Prospects #80-71
80. Filip Mesar, RW, Montreal Canadiens
After playing in the top professional league in Slovakia for the two seasons leading up to the 2022 NHL Draft, it was hard to determine how Filip Mesar matched up against his peers since he has been playing against grown men for so long. Early returns have been good as Mesar had back-to-back great showings at the World Juniors and has already showed that he had some good offense to his game in two seasons in the OHL. Mesar has jumped back into the pro game with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, and hasn’t looked out of place.
79. Owen Beck, C, Montreal Canadiens
Owen Beck is an incredibly reliable and versatile two-way centerman who has increased his stock considerably ever since being selected in the 2022 NHL Draft at the beginning of the second round. He is smart, skates well, wins faceoffs, back-checks hard, and has already begun to grow into more of his offensive potential. Beck is going to be a player that coaches love because he works hard and has tons of skill. In his final junior season, Beck scored at a higher rate than ever and was a strong play driver for the Saginaw Spirit throughout the regular season, OHL playoffs, and their Memorial Cup victory. This season, he has looked strong in the AHL, and I expect he’ll become a good energy forward who kills penalties in Montreal someday soon.
78. Seamus Casey, RD, New Jersey Devils
Seamus Casey is an offensive defenseman who might have already become a full-time NHL player this year if he wasn’t in the Devils’ system that already has young defenders like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec fighting for lineup spots on a team with serious playoff aspirations. Casey is an excellent offensive driver, creating chances with his feet as well as his hands. He is undersized (5-foot-9), and not the most powerful player, but after some time he developed into a reliable defender in the NCAA. If he can eventually make that same developmental step on defense in the NHL, Casey could be a reliable offensive creator at even strength, and a power play quarterback.
77. Riley Heidt, C, Minnesota Wild
Riley Heidt’s excellent acceleration and edge work make him a natural choice as the lead puck carrier for zone entries and he has excelled in that role with the Prince George Cougars throughout his junior career. His playmaking skills either at full speed or after settling in the offensive zone are impressive and make him a very mobile and shifty threat whenever he has the puck. Good habits away from the puck give me some confidence that he’ll become a full-time NHLer as well. The Cougars have been loaded with talent for the past few seasons so it’ll be very interesting to see how Heidt looks once he makes the jump to pro level in another year.
76. Jani Nyman, RW, Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are putting in work trying to build a high-end prospect pool from scratch, and drafting Jani Nyman in the second round of the 2022 Draft was a step in the right direction. Nyman is a big Finnish winger with the size and strength to compete against men in Liiga (the top Finnish pro league) without looking out of place. He has a great shot and playmaking vision but could use some work on his speed to help him separate from defenders on the rush. Nyman scored 26 goals and 43 points in 48 Liiga games last season and has made the jump to the AHL this year where he has been excellent as a rookie for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
75. Igor Chernyshov, LW, San Jose Sharks
Igor Chernyshov is a strong winger with great size, skating and puck skill. He was great in the MHL last year, even earning himself a five game tryout in the KHL as a 17-year-old. Chernyshov plays a very direct style, charging the net frequently whether he has the puck or not. He has had a rather slow start to his draft year production-wise, but his skill set looks well designed for the pro game with the ability to make strong plays and smart decisions at a higher pace than most teenagers. With two high-end center prospects in Celebrini and Will Smith both coming in at 6-feet tall, adding wingers with size has clearly been a priority for the Sharks.
74. Fabian Lysell, RW, Boston Bruins
An elite-level skater, Fabian Lysell plays with a great amount of pace and skill. He’s quick, dynamic and always fun to watch when the puck is on his stick. He’s extremely deceptive when setting up his teammates and has a very underrated shot. Lysell has spent the last two seasons in the AHL where he has been excellent for the Providence Bruins, scoring 87 points in 110 total games. It won’t be long before he is a lineup regular in Boston, and I think his skating will make him stand out at the NHL level from day-one.
73. Fraser Minten, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Fraser Minten has developed very well since being drafted 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in the 2022 Draft. He was drafted to be a two-way center with a strong shot and he’s not far from being just that in the NHL. Minten’s first WHL season after being drafted was a great showcase for his shot and his compete level, with Minten becoming a very important forechecker and defensive forward for the Kamloops Blazers. Last season, Minten cracked the Leafs’ lineup out of training camp, a testament to his off-ice training and his mature defensive game. He didn’t last very long and didn’t leave the biggest impact, but he’s still just 20 years old so every bit of pro experience and guidance he soaked up in those weeks was time well spent. I expect Minten to be a very good third-liner for Toronto in the near future.
72. Yegor Surin, C/RW, Nashville Predators
Yegor Surin is a hardworking, offensive player, constantly fighting through checks and winning innumerable puck battles. He was one of the MHL’s top scorers and added over 100 penalty minutes over the course of last season. Surin skates well, has NHL size (6-foot-1), and has a motor that doesn’t quit. He’ll surely be a fan favorite type in the NHL someday, likely as a middle-six winger or a bottom-six center.
71. Roman Kantserov, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Roman Kantserov was drafted on the back of two seasons as a top scoring forward in the MHL, as a highly skilled, though undersized, forward. After he was taken in the second round of the 2023 Draft by the Blackhawks, Kantserov has taken the step up to the KHL where he has quickly developed into a high-end offensive player in one of the world’s toughest pro leagues. His biggest hurdle will be his size, as a 5-foot-9 winger who isn’t exactly a high-end compete type. Kantserov has the skill to be an NHLer, but it takes more than just skill to play hockey at the highest level, and he’s got a little ways to go to prove that he has what it takes.
Prospects #70-61
70. Hunter Brzustewicz, RD, Calgary Flames
Hunter Brzustewicz is an offensive defender who skates incredibly well and has a lot to give offensively. His skating is his best tool both on offense and on defense, but he could use some help defensively where he can get pushed around a bit. Okay, I may have under-sold Brzustewicz’s offense already, he finished last season 10th in OHL scoring and led the league in assists with 79. He has second-pairing potential in the NHL, especially if paired with a solid defensive defender who can make up for his deficiencies on that end.
69. Jett Luchanko, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Jett Luchanko is going to be a fan favorite in Philadelphia someday soon, with an impressive tenacity and work ethic. Luchanko has good skill with the puck and skates quite well, making him a dangerous player with the puck in transition. However, he’s always willing to give up some of the glory by making another pass and finding a better option if it’s there. Luchanko reads plays really well and has that knack for timing and finding openings in defensive coverage that is difficult to teach. He doesn’t really have any offensive traits that pop at this point so I don’t know that he’ll end up all that high in the Flyers’ lineup, but he has the motor to be a valuable middle six piece who kills penalties.
68. Emil Hemming, RW, Dallas Stars
Emil Hemming is a confident puck carrier who is thinking “shoot the puck!” pretty much all the time. Good thing too, since his wrist shot and one-timer are both serious weapons. He absolutely dominated the Finnish U20 league to start his draft year and earned a call-up to the Liiga where he has already scored a handful of pro goals. Hemming is great at skating through contact and protecting the puck, and his shot is clearly NHL caliber. He has made the move to North America this year, now playing for the Barrie Colts in the OHL, and while his game hasn’t adjusted immediately, there are still clear signs that Hemming could become a middle-six sniper in the NHL someday.
67. Andrew Gibson, RD, Nashville Predators
Andrew Gibson is a big defensive defenseman whose offensive ceiling will dictate his ultimate impact in the NHL. Gibson’s defensive game is really solid, leaning most heavily on his fluid skating and large reach. He is excellent at using his body to cut off attackers, and his feet are much better than most guys of his size. If Gibson can provide some offense in the NHL, he could work his way onto a second pairing, but at this point I think it’s more likely he ends up as a big minutes penalty killer who spends most of his even strength ice time stapled to an offensive creator on the backend.
66. David Edstrom, C, Nashville Predators
David Edstrom is someone I was quite high on in the 2022 draft. He’s a big center (6-foot-3) who is incredibly well-rounded and competes very hard. Edstrom isn’t the flashiest player offensively, but he skates well for his size and wins tons of battles, clearing the way for his linemates to produce more offense. I expect he’ll earn time on both special teams units in the NHL, and has some top-six center potential if he continues to grow offensively like has over the past 18 months or so. After being sent to Nasvhille in the Yaroslav Askarov trade, I think Edstrom can realistically project into the Pred’s third-line center slot in due time.
65. Theo Lindstein, LD, St. Louis Blues
Theo Lindstein looks to be about as steady of a defenseman as you could ask for. He may not have the offensive skill to wow you, or the size and physicality to excite NHL GMs, but Lindstein has a steadiness and consistency that is so rare for a U20 player. He’s definitely a high-floor/low ceiling type of prospect, but landing a player late in the first round (29th overall in the 2023 Draft) who can easily project to play solid minutes as your fourth or fifth defender is absolutely a win.
64. Maveric Lamoureux, LD, Utah Hockey Club
I’ll admit, I was a bit of a Maveric Lamoureux hater in his draft year. I saw the massive frame and good skating and understood why he would be drafted in the first round (29th overall in the 2022 Draft), but I didn’t expect him to develop so well, so quickly. Lamoureux has made some really big strides in a positive direction since being drafted, with his play improving in all phases of the game. His first-touch passing has improved, making him a more dangerous puck carrier in his own end, and his defensive decision making has made him a serious presence on defense. Lamoureux looks like a future NHLer to me at this point, though his offensive play at the pro level will likely decide his ultimate ceiling.
63. Colby Barlow, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Ever since scoring 30 goals as a rookie in the OHL, Colby Barlow has been on my radar as a pro-sized winger with a legit NHL-caliber shot. He’s got good tools all around with solid speed, stick skills, and defensive play. Barlow was also named captain of the Owen Sound Attack at just 17 which speaks to his maturity and leadership abilities. This year has seen those numbers dip a bit as he’s adjusted to a new team in the Oshawa Generals, but I still see a high-character, goal scoring winger who could realistically play the flank on the Jets’ second line in the near future.
62. Isak Rosen, C/W, Buffalo Sabres
It’s impressive to see teenaged players competing at the professional level against grown men, even just for a couple of games. Isak Rosen laced up for exactly 120 professional hockey games before his 20th birthday, and has added quite a few since. The main reasons he has been so successful against larger and stronger competition are his phenomenal skating and his ability to make good decisions at a very high speed. Rosen has the defensive effort and technique to be a solid two-way winger in the NHL one day, which has served him well in the AHL so far, where he’s been one of the league’s best young players for the past two seasons.
61. Logan Mailloux, RD, Montreal Canadiens
Logan Mailloux’s game has improved consistently since being drafted back in the 2021 Draft. He has the size, skating, and strength to be a meaningful NHL defender, and his offensive skills are quite good, as showcased by his impressive point total in the AHL last season. I see a defender who could become a good offensively minded second-pairing defender who excels in transition. There are still some issues he’ll need to smooth out a bit, mainly in his decision making which can lead to turnovers under pressure and weak lackadaisical defensive positioning, but I see an NHL defenseman.
Prospects #60-51
60. Andrew Cristall, LW, Washington Capitals
Andrew Cristall is one of the most creative and slippery prospects in the hockey world, and he was one of the only draft eligible players in the WHL who was able to roughly keep pace with Bedard in terms of production in the 2023 draft season. Cristall managed to increase his scoring pace last season in the WHL, scoring 111 points in 62 games, and is on pace to improve that further to the 130 point range as of January. He draws tons of attention in the offensive zone and is great at making smart plays under pressure to help open teammates up, making their jobs much easier. Only time will tell if his game will translate to the pro level given his 5-foot-10 frame, but I like his hands and tenacity enough that I think he’s got a great chance.
59. Gavin Brindley, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Gavin Brindley is a 5-foot-9 forward who was excellent in the NCAA as an 18-year-old freshman in his draft year. His skating is great and his high energy level makes him a possession beast. Brindley’s combination of speed and effort will make him a very flexible player who can fill in whatever role is needed of him, which has earned him lots of ice time. He is a coach’s dream as a player with great skills on both sides of the puck and a never-quit mentality. Brindley was phenomenal at the 2024 World Juniors where he was often one of the best and hardest working American players each and every game. He made the surprising decision to join the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL this season (I still believe he would’ve been better off with another NCAA season), and has done well for himself at the pro level so far. His size hasn’t been much of an impediment so far, and I think that will be the case for him in the NHL someday as well.
58. Chaz Lucius, C, Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets still chose Chaz Lucius 18th overall in the 2021 Draft despite him losing a lot of time in his draft year rehabbing a knee injury. His great playmaking ability and scoring potential were just too enticing to ignore. After playing for the University of Minnesota, the Manitoba Moose, Team USA at the WJC, and the Portland Winterhawks over the course of roughly 3 seasons, it was good for him to get some stability last year in the AHL. He was having a promising pro season until he got hurt and underwent season ending ankle surgery in January. Tough injury luck for the kid but I still see a ton of potential in his game and I think it’s only a matter of time before he gets called up to the NHL.
57. Joakim Kemell, RW, Nashville Predators
There was a time when Joakim Kemell was seen as the second-best prospect in the 2022 Draft. His red-hot start in the Finnish Liiga in his draft year had NHL scouts salivating at his goal scoring potential, and while he ultimately cooled off quite significantly, that potential hasn’t disappeared entirely. Kemell had some inconsistent play in the Liiga since, but has largely been effective in the AHL in two seasons there. I’m still a big believer in his shot and skill, which are strong enough to give him a chance to become a second-line winger in Nashville.
56. Sam Rinzel, RD, Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel was drafted 25th overall by the Blackhawks back in 2022, largely for the massive potential he brings to the table. As a 6-foot-4, right-shot defender, Rinzel has the basic tools that all NHL teams look for. Add to that his smooth skating, strong work ethic, and strong stick-work defensively and there’s a real chance for him to become an important defenseman for the Blackhawks down the line. There are still several things that need to be addressed before he reaches that level, mainly his hockey sense and decision making, but he’s already come a long way in a season and a half with the University of Minnesota and I expect he’ll make it as at least a full-time third pairing defender, with room for him to become a whole lot more.
55. Filip Bystedt, C, San Jose Sharks
Filip Bystedt is a prospect who would likely rise up the 2022 Draft if it was re-done today. His combination of speed and size (6-foot-4) allowed him to dominate the top Swedish junior league in his draft year, but he still struggled enough with the pace of the pro game that he didn’t show all that well in the SHL. The past two years, however, have been a different story as Bystedt continues to show more offensive skill which he is then rewarded for with a larger role on the team which then leads to more offensive production. It’s a great cycle to see, especially if you’re a San Jose Sharks fan. Bystedt played eight AHL games last Spring with the San Jose Barracuda and looked excellent, and that momentum has continued this year.
54. Brennan Othmann, LW, New York Rangers
Brennan Othmann is a high-octane offensive force on the ice that is also known not to back down from the nastier parts of the game. Last season, Othmann made the transition from the junior to professional level look trivial as he has scored points at a very impressive rate with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. His physical and tenacious style should translate well to the NHL, and he even earned a few games with the Rangers last season. Othmann has looked great in the AHL once again this season, in a smaller sample, and should soon be on the shortlist for call-ups to the NHL, especially if the Rangers end up trading another winger as their nightmare 2024-25 season continues.
53. Adam Jiricek, RD, St. Louis Blues
Adam Jiricek is very engaged physically, and has a penchant for taking big point shots. Jiricek produces a ton of chances on offense from the blueline, readily activating into play to support his teammates and keep the puck moving. Unfortunately, his excitement to join the play offensively means that he takes a lot of risks, leaving himself in really poor positions to recover defensively if things don’t go according to plan. Jiricek is really great at scanning the play off puck and he persists through pressure quite well so I think he will be able to cut down on the over-the-top risks in time. I like him as a two-way defensive prospect and his right-handed shot and 6-foot-2 frame will help him out on draft day. Despite his long injury absence, I really liked what I saw from Jiricek at the 2025 World Junior Championship, as an engaged two-way player.
52. Samuel Honzek, C/LW, Calgary Flames
After being selected 10th overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft by the Vancouver Giants, Samuel Honzek has done nothing but impress through nearly three seasons in North America. He led the Giants in points per game during his draft year and was among the top scorers in the WHL at large before suffering an injury at the 2023 WJC with Slovakia. Honzek has played and succeeded on both special teams and his size and strength have made him too much for opposing defenders to handle on more than a few occasions. He is a great skater, which makes him a pest on the forecheck where he does a lot of damage both with his high motor and his large frame. Honzek has looked strong this season, even earning a short stint with the Flames after a red-hot preseason.
51. Liam Greentree, RW, Los Angeles Kings
Liam Greentree is a big winger who looks like he could be a great all-round player in the NHL someday if he can make some improvements to his speed and acceleration. Greentree does most things well, fighting hard in puck battles, making smart passes, and handling defensive responsibilities well. His greatest strength is his shot which looks like a quality NHL tool though his skill with the puck is worthy of mention as well. The biggest barrier in the way of NHL success for Greentree at the moment is his skating. He’s got okay speed once he gets going, but his first few steps are sluggish and he could use some explosiveness to help him accelerate more quickly. Greentree has been a dominant offensive force in the OHL so far in the 2024-25 season, scoring at a 50 goal and 120 point pace as of January.
Prospects #50-41
50. David Goyette, C, Seattle Kraken
David Goyette is finally starting to earn some of the attention that I think he has deserved all along. He’s an excellent skater who doesn’t quit on the play which helps him win a lot of puck battles and races to pucks. Goyette reads opposing defenses very well which allows him to attack in a wide variety of ways. He can charge through soft spots, deke through defenders to make space, or draw tons of attention before passing to a teammate who is wide open. Goyette was one of the best players in the OHL last season and I think he has a chance to be an excellent pro player for Seattle.
49. Noah Östlund, C, Buffalo Sabres
Noah Östlund is one of the best pure playmakers on this list as his ability to keep track of his teammates’ locations all over the ice leads to plenty of brilliant passes that nobody else seems to see coming. His ability to anticipate the play and make the right play to maximize the scoring chance for his team is remarkable. Östlund is also a skilled puck handler with the speed and agility to make plays happen both on and off the puck. He works hard in all phases of the game and could become a great middle-six center if all goes well in his development. Östlund hasn’t scored much this year in the AHL, but this year’s Rochester Americans team is so densely packed with future NHL talent that I think he’ll earn more ice time as players are called up to Buffalo, and stake his claim as a top-six piece in the AHL.
48. Jagger Firkus, RW, Seattle Kraken
Jagger Firkus had a phenomenal final season at the junior level, leading the entire CHL in scoring (goals and points), and being named MVP of the WHL and CHL. Firkus is so quick to adapt to what the defense is showing him that bigger and stronger defenders don’t often have much of an advantage despite his 5-foot-11 frame. He’s got the work ethic, speed, and shot to be a top-six player in the NHL, but his size and some minor questions about his ability to keep up with the mental pace of the NHL will determine whether he can hit that ceiling or not. He hasn’t looked out of place in the AHL this year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and I expect he’ll be an offense leader for them as soon as next season as he works his way into Seattle’s lineup.
47. Brayden Yager, C, Winnipeg Jets
Brayden Yager was talked about in the public scouting sphere for nearly as long as Connor Bedard, being drafted third overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft and winning the CHL Rookie of the Year award two years ago on the back of a remarkable 34-goal, 59-point rookie season. His transition game, defensive play, and wicked wrist shot make him an all around threat at the junior level already. After being traded one-for-one for Rutger McGroarty to the Jets, Yager looks poised to remain in the Canadian Prairies for the foreseeable future. He grew up in Saskatchewan, played his junior hockey there (in Moose Jaw and now Lethbridge), and will make the jump to the AHL (Manitoba Moose) after his final year in the WHL.
46. Stian Solberg, LD, Anaheim Ducks
Stian Solberg is a big, physical defender who skates well for his size and made a big splash as a top player for Norway at the Men’s World Championship last Summer. Solberg doesn’t project to have a ton of offense in the NHL, but he can make a solid first pass and his mobility will help carry him to the next level. The biggest draw of his game is his stout defensive play. He wins tons of pucks with his stick and body, closing gaps confidently while defending in transition. Solberg has the potential to be a meaningful top-four defender in the NHL, complementing many of the offensively-minded defenders in Anaheim’s system.
45. Tanner Molendyk, LD, Nashville Predators
Tanner Molendyk was one of the best skaters in the 2023 draft, with excellent edgework and speed. Molendyk’s edgework makes him incredibly mobile in all directions, capable of acting on new information at a moment’s notice. He isn’t the biggest defenseman (just under 6-feet) but he competes hard and defends well as a result of his energy and skating. He was one of Canada’s best players in their disappointing tournament that saw them eliminated by Czechia in the quarterfinals for the second straight year.
44. Liam Öhgren, LW, Minnesota Wild
Liam Öhgren is a “jack of all trades, master of none” type of player who will excel in the NHL one day as a complementary winger. He is one of the hardest-working players on the ice every time he plays, and he can do just about anything asked of him. Öhgren has a great shot, good hands, legit playmaking skill, and the skating ability to put all those skills together. He is great at finding open space off the puck and he rewards teammates for passing to him by charging the middle of the ice or ripping a puck mid-stride. Öhgren’s ability to out-work opponents stands out, even at the pro level, and has continued in the AHL this season.
43. Carson Rehkopf, LW, Seattle Kraken
Carson Rehkopf is a well-rounded forward with the size, skating, skill, and shot of an NHL player. Rehkopf scored nearly 60 goals in the OHL last season (58 through regular and postseason play), proving that his 30+ goal draft year was no fluke. His power and ability to play both on the wing and at center are intriguing as well, though I expect he’ll be a winger in Seattle, especially given their many talented centers. Rehkopf’s goalscoring is high-end, and his speed makes him a dangerous threat in transition.
42. Dmitri Simashev, LD, Utah Hockey Club
Dmitri Simashev is a very intriguing prospect with the size/skating combo (6-foot-4) that is so coveted in the modern NHL. He has every physical tool you could hope for, and uses each of them well, with the speed, strength, and reach to be a really great top-four defender in the NHL. However, his offensive production has left much to be desired, leaving many questions about if he will have much offense to provide in the NHL someday. Utah clearly wasn’t too nervous, rushing from their table to take him sixth overall in the 2023 Draft. Clearly they believe in the defensive game and have hope that his offense will follow. It’s a bet that I think it will pay off well for them, even if he ends up being a great defensive presence on the second pair.
41. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, St. Louis Blues
Dalibor Dvorsky was very impressive in his draft year against men, playing in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-tier Swedish professional league. He scored a bit below a half point per game there and spent a few games in the J20 Nationell as well, Sweden’s top junior league, where he showed that he is clearly a step above his age group, scoring over two points per game. Once he’s in the offensive zone, Dvorsky’s ability to maintain control of the puck, create shots at will and make smart passes at an efficient rate makes him a consistent threat. He made the move to North America last season and absolutely schooled the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves. This year, he has made the jump to the AHL, and has spent most of the season as the league’s top U20 scorer.
Prospects #40-31
40. Matthew Wood, RW, Nashville Predators
I was eager to see how Matthew Wood would adjust to the college game after he dominated the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) two years ago, leading the league in goals and points as a 16-year-old. His freshman results were extremely positive with Wood being one of the top rookie point scorers and one of the top scorers on his team despite being the youngest player in all of men’s NCAA hockey during his draft year. Wood’s calling card is his shot which is excellent in terms of deception and power. He could use a bit more speed (who couldn’t), but he has shown that his timing and puck protection skills are strong enough for him to succeed in college.
39. Oliver Bonk, RD, Philadelphia Flyers
Oliver Bonk is a strong two-way defender who has the size and skating NHL teams look for, and the hockey sense to be a meaningful contributor in the modern NHL. He anticipates play really well, and is vocal with his teammates, coordinating play at both ends of the ice. Bonk isn’t necesarily a highly skilled defender so I don’t think he’ll be fighting for lots of power play minutes with Jamie Drysdale, but I expect he’ll be a strong second pairing defender who can tilt the ice in Philly’s favor.
38. Shakir Mukhamadulin, LD, San Jose Sharks
Once viewed as a questionable pick in the 2020 NHL draft, Shakir Mukhamadullin’s stock has consistently risen ever since. He possesses great physical qualities, but his game was very raw and needed to be refined. Mukhamadullin has done just that. At 6-foot-4, 194 pounds, he’s extremely mobile and has a very smooth stride in transition, not to mention he can make a strong breakout pass to start a play. With his size, he isn’t afraid to step up and make a big hit. Mukhamadullin joined the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL last year and has been an excellent two-way player, one who looks more than capable of consistently cracking the Sharks’ lineup very soon.
37. Trevor Connelly, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Trevor Connelly is a skilled winger with dynamic skating and a high-effort two way game. His hands are really quick and he plays with a ton of deception which made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the entire USHL last season. He was a clear first round talent with some top-six potential, but the off-ice noise is loud enough still that his ultimate NHL potential is a bit up in the air.
36. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Detroit Red Wings
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is a Norwegian winger who is known for his high work ethic and his shot. He isn’t going to produce a ton of highlight reel plays with his skill, but he’s got enough skill with the puck to compete in the NHL, and he works hard all over the ice. Brandsegg-Nygård’s best attribute is his shot, which is quite heavy. He scored eight goals and 18 points last year as a first time pro and while his numbers don’t exactly jump off the page this season, I think he should score quite a few more if he stays in Sweden next year, especially if he earns some time on the power play where he excels from the bumper spot as a one-timer option.
35. David Reinbacher, RD, Montreal Canadiens
David Reinbacher is a 6-foot-2 defender with a right-handed shot and great mobility who played lots of minutes in the National League (NL), Switzerland’s top professional men’s league, during his draft year. He’s a very responsible defender who shuts down tons of rush attempts with an active stick and stellar positioning. Reinbacher is looking like a potential top-four defender in the NHL with exciting defensive potential despite a bit of an underwhelming draft+1 season split between the NL and the AHL. His ultimate potential might not be exceedingly high, but I think he could be an excellent complementary piece in Montreal’s top-four group someday.
34. Bradly Nadeau, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Bradly Nadeau had a dominant draft season in the BCHL, with the goals and points accumulating until they were impossible to ignore. He led the league in goals, assists, and points as a 17-year-old and he’s got a wicked shot and the speed to be an absolute terror in transition. The only thing standing in the way of Nadeau becoming a goalscoring top-six winger will likely be his size, standing at 5-foot-10, though his skating and compete level give me hope that he could make it work. Nadeau’s game translated well to the NCAA, scoring 46 points in 37 games as a freshman last season. He has since made the leap to the AHL where he hasn’t looked out of place, and is among the league’s leaders in points among U20 players.
33. Daniil But, LW/C, Utah Hockey Club
Daniil But is one of the biggest players on this list, standing at 6-foot-5. He has the size that NHL general managers dream of, and he has great puck skills and shooting mechanics for a player of his size. His skating has grown on me over the past two seasons, with enough speed and agility to really use his size to his advantage, powering through defenders and protecting the puck well. It may be a little while before we see him playing in the NHL, but I’m sure Utah is more than willing to wait as they look to establish themselves in the league.
32. Quentin Musty, LW, San Jose Sharks
After a solid showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer of 2022, Quentin Musty was considered by many to be the best U.S. born prospect in this draft class. After an up and down draft year, Musty has silenced many critics after he tore up the OHL last season. He’s an athletic winger who can beat goalies with his hard shot or by crashing the net and scoring in tight. He doesn’t project to be much of a factor defensively, but his shot and playmaking are his best tools and they could make him a great NHL player someday. However, some critics remain, particularly ones who question Musty’s compete level and/or decision making.
31. Oliver Moore, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Oliver Moore was the best skater from the 2023 draft class with blazing speed and excellent agility. The combination of his skating, shot, and quick hands makes him a really fun two-way player. He is agile enough that I expect he’ll be very successful on zone entries in the NHL some day, giving the Blackhawks a chance to control play in the offensive zone every time he touches the puck. He has produced consistent offense in hist first year and a half in the NCAA, but only time will tell if he can handle a top-six workload in the NHL or if he’ll be better suited as a third-line center.
Prospects #30-21
30. Brad Lambert, C, Winnipeg Jets
Brad Lambert has been one of the least predictable NHL prospects over the past few years, alternating between games where he looks like a sure-fire top-six centreman and games where you are left frustrated with his apparent lack of effort. Lambert’s skating ability is elite and gives him a standout skill that will translate to the NHL someday. He also has tons of skill skills and can make great passes or dekes while at his remarkable top speed. Last season was a positive one for Lambert who looked like a top young player in the AHL, though his start to the 2024-25 season has been uneven at times.
29. Michael Hage, C, Montreal Canadiens
Despite missing nearly all of his draft-1 season to injury, Michael Hage has re-established himself as a high end prospect, and was drafted 21st overall in the 2024 Draft. He has a really well-rounded tool kit as a 6-foot-1 center who skates well, has excellent skill with the puck and created chances at will in the USHL. Hage doesn’t have the most dangerous shot but it’s not a weakness by any means, and he competes well on defense and through traffic in the offensive zone. Ultimately, a lack of elite traits holds him back a little but Hage certainly has a good chance to be a top-six forward in the NHL.
28. Frank Nazar, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Frank Nazar is a great center prospect who was drafted 13th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft despite being 5-foot-9. Typically, NHL general managers are wary of selecting players of Nazar’s size so early in the draft, but his playmaking vision and dynamic skating were enticing enough that the Blackhawks were willing to take the risk. He will likely provide a ton of value off the rush in the NHL someday as his speed and ability to make smart passes while manipulating defenders’ skates allows him to create tons of scoring chances. He missed most of his freshman season at the University of Michigan due to injury, but had an excellent sophomore year last season and is tearing up the AHL so far in his first year as a pro.
27. Tom Willander, RD, Vancouver Canucks
Tom Willander is a high end skater, which allows him to carry the puck out of his own zone and lets him take some risks offensively while still recovering quickly enough on the back-check. Willander burst onto the mainstream stage following his excellent showing at the U18s in his draft year where he anchored Sweden’s second pairing and competed with Axel Sandin Pellikka for the title of the best defender on the team. His skating is so strong and his motor runs high enough that even in games where he’s quiet offensively, he still provides a ton of value on the defensive end. I have liked what I’ve seen from Willander in the NCAA over the past 18 months, and I think he’s going to be a very talented two-way defender for the Canucks.
26. Easton Cowan, C/W, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised the hockey world when they selected Easton Cowan with the 28th pick in the 2023 Draft. He wasn’t seen as a first round candidate by many people, but he has already paid back the Leafs for their belief in him. Cowan is a quick and hardworking winger whose offensive production skyrocketed in the OHL last season, nearly doubling his production from the prior season in fewer games. The skill and skating were always there, but his ultimate offensive potential was the biggest question. He has gone a long way to putting that question to rest in the past year and a half so keep an eye on Cowan as he works his way towards the NHL.
25. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues
Since being selected 23rd overall in the 2022 Draft, Jimmy Snuggerud has proven to be an excellent choice for the St. Louis Blues. His shot is the first thing that stands out about his game, as the power and accuracy of his wrist shot make it a very dangerous tool, but the real reason his shot is so potent is the way he can disguise or alter his shot by suddenly changing the release point. He has smooth hands but doesn’t make a ton of plays as a distributor, though his finishing ability typically makes up for that. Snuggerud is a responsible defensive player which is impressive for a winger with so much offensive potential.
24. Rutger McGroarty, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Rutger McGroarty is a true power forward, strong and determined enough to win pucks with great playmaking skills that allow him to make smart plays with the puck once he wins it. His father was the head coach of the Lincoln Stars in the USHL when he was growing up, and McGroarty’s maturity, work ethic, and two-way game have clearly benefited from observing and attending practices with players much older than him from such a young age.
Related: Matvei Michkov – The Best Russian Prospect Since Ovechkin
He is a very complete prospect who is a natural leader, shoots well, and does just about everything else you could hope for from a first-round pick. McGroarty won’t lead your team in scoring, but he’ll do a whole lot of other things at a very high level. The Penguins did well to land him in exchange for Yager, netting the better of the two prospects, though the gap isnt massive.
23. Cole Eiserman, LW, New York slanders
Cole Eiserman was the 2024 Draft’s premier goal scoring prospect, and he was by far the most polarizing player in the group. He can play physically, but can sometimes get caught chasing hits and losing track of defensive coverage. The reason people are so high on Eiserman is that he scored 72 goals in 69 games last season for the NTDP. Those are some absolutely absurd numbers. While he may not be the most reliable player when it comes to play driving or defensive results, he is an incredibly reliable goal scorer and projects to be a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL someday. Pair him with your best playmaking center and watch him do the hardest thing there is in hockey, score goals.
22. Danila Yurov, RW, Minnesota Wild
Danila Yurov is a great two-way winger with excellent skating and enough energy on the forecheck to frustrate opponents even in the KHL although he is at least a decade younger than most of his opposition. Yurov’s production in the KHL seriously leveled up last season as a result of increased confidence and ice-time, leading to him tripling his point total from the 2022-23 season. He just signed a one-year extension in the KHL, but he should be on the radar as an NHL player as early as next Fall.
21. Konsta Helenius, C/RW, Buffalo Sabres
Konsta Helenius is an excellent playmaker who competes hard enough to succeed in the Finnish Liiga as a 17-year-old. Helenius is level-headed under pressure and makes remarkable passes look routine, setting his teammates up for success. He was good for Finland at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championship tournaments, though the stat sheet might not give you the best idea of how impactful he was. Helenius’ two-way play against pros as a teenager has been very impressive, especially in transition where he is able to keep up with the pace of play both physically and mentally. He has made the transition from the Liiga to the AHL look trivial, scoring points at nearly the same rate across both leagues.
Prospects #20-11
20. Matthew Savoie, C, Edmonton Oilers
Drafted ninth overall by the Sabres at the 2022 draft, Matt Savoie is a highly creative forward with a high-end skill set. The combination of speed, hands and stick handling makes him an offensive catalyst and he maintains offensive zone possession extremely well. Savoie has excellent vision to spot a lane to engage or find his teammates with a perfectly executed pass and he’s a dynamic skater as well. He got his first taste of pro hockey last Fall and was one of the best players in the WHL last year in his final year of junior play. After being traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Savoie has spent this whole season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring at nearly a point-per-game rate. If he can earn a spot next to one of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in the next year or two, he could set himself up for a real shot at the Calder Trophy.
19. Calum Ritchie, C, Colorado Avalanche
Calum Ritchie has great puck skills and sometimes it looks like he’s glued the puck to his stick while carving through defenders or when he’s on a breakaway. His tools make him very well suited as a center at the next level with good size, a coveted right-handed shot, good defensive habits (kills penalties quite well), and solid faceoff results. He has the tools to be a top-6 forward, but his offensive game will need to continue to grow if he wants to reach that level of play in the NHL. Ritchie missed pieces of the past two seasons with injuries, but his play down the stretch in the OHL last season and in the early months of the 2024-25 season has been phenomenal.
18. Denton Mateychuk, LD, Columbus Blue Jackets
Denton Mateychuk is a dynamic offensive defenseman who excels with the puck and can control the play from the point. His superb skating allows him to break down opposing defenses before making his move and charging to the middle or making a clever pass to an open teammate. Mateychuk’s production and confidence have only grown since his draft year and he’s been absolutely torching both the WHL and AHL since then, and should find himself in the NHL next season with the Blue Jackets.
17. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a really tough post-draft season, with multiple injuries/illnesses ruining any momentum he tried to build. That was true all year until the Allsvenskan playoffs where he seemed to finally look like his old self again, scoring 15 points in 15 games. In the ensuing offseason, he was signed by the Canucks and loaned to the SHL where he played with Örebro HK and led all U20 SHL players in goals and points. Lekkerimäki was excellent at the 2024 World Junior Championship for Sweden, scoring seven goals in as many games and winning the award as the tournament’s MVP en route to a silver medal. He has made his North American debut this season, and has looked like a future top-six sniper for the Canucks.
16. Carter Yakemchuk, RD, Ottawa Senators
Carter Yakemchuk has an enviable physical makeup as a right-shot defender who already measures at 6-foot-4 (was 6-foot-2 in his draft year), 207 pounds and he has produced a ton of offense for the Calgary Hitmen. His offensive game is impressive for a defender of his size and his skating makes him even more intriguing as an NHL prospect. Yakemchuk has a rocket of a shot, scoring 30 goals last season, something that makes him a true goal scoring threat from the point. He challenges opposing players one-on-one like a forward, constantly setting himself up for incredible dekes. The problem is, he doesn’t succeed 100% of the time and can put himself in tough positions to recover defensively.
15. Nate Danielson, C, Detroit Red Wings
Few centers in junior hockey enter their draft year as well-rounded as Nate Danielson. His consistency, effort, speed, and skill make him a coach’s dream even though he may not have the dynamic offensive qualities of some of his peers. Danielson is great at attacking the middle of the ice, he works hard, wins puck battles, and has an underrated shot which I think will give him a great chance of being a solid top-six, two-way center in the mold of a guy like Bo Horvat.
He’s got the size, skating, shot, and skill to be an impactful player in all areas of a hockey game and I will be a massive Danielson apologist until he’s a full time NHLer in the near future. He has spent this season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and has improved consistently as the season has gone on, sitting in the top-10 for AHL scoring among U-21 players, pretty good for someone who isn’t expected to become a high-end offensive type.
14. Tij Iginla, C, Utah Hockey Club
Tij Iginla was a very pleasant surprise in the WHL last season. After scoring just 18 points with the Seattle Thunderbirds the season before, Iginla flourished with the Kelowna Rockets. His game relies heavily on speed and he’s able to do a ton of damage on the rush at the junior level because of it. Iginla has an excellent wrist shot as well, but he isn’t the most gifted playmaker or physical guy. Regardless, he works hard and is often the first guy in on the forecheck.
Iginla scored an impressive 47 goals in the WHL last season, which tied him for the sixth most goals in the whole league. His go-to shot is the “curl-and-drag” wrister that we’ve seen so much lately, and he gets it off quicker than most, not allowing the goalie much time to adapt or predict his next move.
13. Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks
Beckett Sennecke is a big winger with very impressive puck skill that allows him to regularly deke through several layers of defense. He was phenomenal for the Generals in the OHL playoffs last year, but the team ran out of steam in the OHL Final with Sennecke on the sidelines injured. Sennecke has a solid playmaking game, with good enough sense to spot difficult lanes and make smart passes. He has some work to do filling out his rather skinny 6-foot-3 frame, but there is some real promise in his offensive game. Guys his size don’t usually move through opponents like he does, constantly dodging between checks to find space.
12. Anton Silayev, LD, New Jersey Devils
Anton Silayev was the story of the year early on last season, going from an unknown defender in Russia’s junior system last year to an elite defensive prospect who was tearing up the KHL. He’s been a difficult player to scout because the sample size of his great play is still relatively small, but his potential is as high as any defense prospect we’ve seen in the past few years due to his massive size and impressive mobility.
Silayev is 6-foot-7, but he moves like he’s 6-foot-2, and he has shown great two-way play so far in the KHL. He scored six points in the first six games of his draft year, but then slowed down significantly, finishing the season with 11 points after 63 regular season games. There’s a very real chance that he ends up as the top defender in this class given the massive potential his frame and agility provide.
11. Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers
Gabe Perrault looks like someone who could be a power play specialist at the next level with great skill and smarts in the offensive zone. He can pick apart opposing defenses with pin-point passes, creative dangles and sly fakes, and his effort level is admirable. Perreault was one of the most creative and intelligent players from the 2023 Draft and he is great at weaving his way out of trouble when defenders collapse around him, either with a pass or his lightning-quick hands. Perreault scored at an absurd rate in his draft year, with 132 points in 63 games, setting the single-season record in the NTDP, surpassing players like Matthews, Hughes, and Clayton Keller. He also managed to score a whopping 60 points in 36 NCAA games as a freshman last season, confirming that he has the potential to be an offensive gamebreaker.
Prospects #10-1
10. Zayne Parekh, RD, Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh has been a really fun player to follow throughout his junior career, constantly involving himself on offense, pinching in along the boards when needed, and creating a ton of chances for himself and his teammates as a result. For my money, he was the most talented offensive creator on the backend in the 2024 Draft, however, Parekh’s defensive game leaves a bit to be desired. He cheats for offense more than I’d like, which can leave him way out of position, something that concerned Hockey Canada enough to leave him off their World Junior Championship roster (which I think was a bit of a “Galaxy-Brain” moment).
I do think he’s a solid defender when he’s properly engaged, cutting off passes and angling opponents toward the boards. Parekh is a remarkable talent, with Quinn Hughes-like offensive upside if things go well, but his defensive game will need some work. He’s talented enough and looked strong enough defensively in the Memorial Cup that I think he’ll figure it out in the NHL though, if given enough time.
9. Axel Sandin Pellikka, RD, Detroit Red Wings
Axel Sandin Pellikka is a right-handed offensive defenseman who has been an offensive leader in the SHL as a teenager. Sandin Pellikka had a great showing for Sweden at the World Juniors in his draft year, improving his draft stock considerably, and has represented Sweden in two more World Junior Championships since, even being named the tourney’s top defender. He is a force on offense but don’t let that fool you, he is a hard-working defender who makes a lot of stops despite his 5-foot-11 frame, especially off the rush. I expect he’ll join the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL for the 2025-26 season before shortly making his NHL debut behind Detroit’s high-end top pairing of Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider.
8. Ryan Leonard, LW/C, Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard is a high energy winger who never takes his foot off the gas in terms of both speed and effort. He uses his speed and skill to blow by defenders in the neutral zone and pressure in-zone defenders who struggle to anticipate his next move. His playmaking and shot aren’t exceptional, but they’re both good enough to be strong tools in the NHL someday. He has a very versatile skill set and should become a great top-six winger who adds some grit and goalscoring to his line, similar to a Tyler Bertuzzi-type player (or Matthew Tkachuk if you think his offense will really pop in the NHL).
7. Sam Dickinson, LD, San Jose Sharks
Sam Dickinson is a big two-way defender with a tool kit that NHL General Managers dream of. He’s a 6-foot-3 defender who defends well, has shown flashes of great puck skills, and competes incredibly hard. Dickinson skates well for his size which bodes well for his NHL projection, though he will need to put in some work for his offensive game to be worthy of power play minutes in the NHL someday.
Dickinson’s defensive game has shone in an increased role over the past two yeasr and his offense has improved as well, with his points-per-game rate going from 0.37 in his draft-1 season, to 1.03 in his draft year, and finally to 1.77 through the first half of the 2024-25 season. There’s a ton of two-way, top-four defender potential in his game, and room for something more if his offensive numbers from this year are to be believed and he can become a high-end power play quarterback.
6. Berkly Catton, C, Seattle Kraken
Berkly Catton is a remarkably intelligent player, creating chances and advantages for his teammates through clever manipulations rather than through physical force. The Spokane Chiefs have lacked high-end talent during Catton’s entire WHL tenure, so he has been leaned upon heavily for the past three seasons. Luckily for the Chiefs, Catton has more than been up to the task of leading the team, scoring points at an absurdly high rate. There were only four players on the Chiefs who scored more than 35 points last season, and Catton scored 116!
Catton was phenomenal for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup a year ago as well where he scored 10 points in just five games while captaining Canada to the gold medal, and he was one of their better players in the 2025 World Junior Championship despite being eligible to compete there again next year. He is a very skilled player with a ton of speed and a high-end motor. I think his offensive versatility and his potential while attacking off the rush will make him an excellent addition for the Kraken.
5. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Cayden Lindstrom has been a favorite of mine from the 2024 Draft class going back a year or two now. He’s a massive power forward (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) who is incredibly quick and difficult to knock off the puck. His size advantage is part of what makes him a nearly immovable object in the WHL, but he also has great hands, a strong shot, and really good puck protection instincts. His defensive game has looked significantly improved over the years and I think his offensive totals would have earned him a bit more attention in his draft year if he hadn’t dealt with consecutive finger and back injuries.
What I’ve seen from him few seasons is a natural progression of him getting bigger and stronger, allowing him to dominate the WHL. It’s not just his improved finishing that makes him exciting, it’s his strength, speed, and motor. Columbus already has Adam Fantilli as their 1C of the future, and adding Lindstrom who could conceivably fill the 2C spot will be a huge answer for the team’s future. Lindstrom didn’t play at all in the first half of the 2024-25 season, and there’s a real chance he doesn’t play for the rest of the year following a back procedure meant to solve some of the issues he experienced during his draft year. I’m not worried for him just yet, but here’s to hoping his delayed return is out of an abundance of caution and nothing else.
4. Zeev Buium, LD, Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium is a complete defenseman who has had a ton of success early in his collegiate career, scoring well above a point-per-game and winning an NCAA championship as a freshman defender. He is an excellent skater and has plenty of hockey sense which allows him to defend incredibly well in the NCAA, and likely in the NHL as well. It’s becoming increasingly common to see NHL defenders succeed through puck skills and clever positioning rather than simply through physicality and I think Buium could fit that mold.
Buium has a great motor and always finds himself in the thick of the action on both ends of the ice. He has good skill with the puck but his calling card will be his skating and sense which he uses to his advantage best on the rush both as a passer and a scoring threat. Buium falling to 12th in the 2024 Draft could make a few teams look really silly if he becomes the player I expect he will.
3. Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov is an incredibly talented offensive player, with great hands, a zippy shot, and some sneaky-good playmaking instincts. Demidov is a legit top-end talent who has clear top-line potential in the NHL. One thing he and fellow Russian super-prospect Matvei Michkov have in common is a difficulty earning minutes in the KHL as a draft eligible player. Demidov sat out many games to start his draft year and has scored tons this year despite his limited minutes.
There aren’t many players who can handle the puck quite like Demidov. He leads all U20 players in scoring at the halfway point of the KHL season, and should be a safe bet to hold onto that lead all season. I’m confident he’ll score a ton of points in the NHL, it’s just a question of how effective of a player he can be at even strength given his smaller frame and strange skating stride.
2. Artyom Levshunov, RD, Chicago Blackhawks
Artyom Levshunov has an incredibly exciting toolkit as a big, right-handed defender who skates incredibly well. Levshunov has a very projectable game, with the size, skating, and offense to be a great NHL defender. He plays with a ton of confidence, which can be a bit of a double-edged sword at times. Levshunov’s offensive game is dynamic, with his smooth skating serving as the catalyst for each thing he does well. He’s strong in breakout/entry situations, has some clever stretch passes in his toolkit, and walks the blueline with confidence.
He is still a bit of a raw prospect at this point, which means there’s a lot of room for growth. Levshunov was a poor defender in the USHL when he first arrived there, but finished that season as a strong two-way player. His first NCAA mirrored that closely, with an increased defensive responsibility as the year wore on. Levshunov has made the jump to the AHL this season, and while his defensive game hasn’t been excellent there right off the bat, he’s shown himself to be a quick study and I think he’ll be ready for NHL minutes in the next 12 months or so.
1. Alexander Nikishin, LD, Carolina Hurricanes
Alexander Nikishin has put the hockey world on notice over the past 24 months, establishing himself as one of the very best young players outside of the NHL with back-to-back seasons as one of the best two-way defenders in the KHL. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, he re-signed with SKA-St. Petersburg of the KHL shortly after his major breakout on a deal that will keep him in Russia at least until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Regardless, Nikishin is a remarkable defensive prospect who has exploded offensively, leading all KHL defenders in scoring in each of the past two full seasons. He is big (6-foot-4), has a heavy slapshot, and skates remarkably well for someone of his size. Nikishin has proved that his breakout was no fluke, and is once again among the KHL’s top scoring defensemen. If the Hurricanes are able to convince him to come to play for them in the 2025-26 season, I expect he’ll look like a strong top-four defender immediately upon arrival.
Who’s too low? Who’s too high? Who do you think should have made the list? Leave a comment below!
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