The 2025 NHL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with a deep pool of talent ready to make their mark in the league. With the NHL Combine in Buffalo, New York, providing a crucial evaluation platform, teams are meticulously assessing each prospect’s physical and mental readiness. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top 64 prospects, their projected ceilings, floors, and key strengths.

Key Factors in the Rankings

The rankings are based on a combination of scouting reports, projection models, and off-ice assessments. Here’s how the evaluation process works:

1. NHL Projection: This represents the most likely outcome for the player, weighted 70% by projection models and 30% by scouting.
2. NHL Floor: The worst-case scenario, with a probability above 10%. For some players, this could mean playing in the AHL or KHL.
3. Projection Confidence: Ranges from high to low, indicating the model’s certainty that the player will reach their NHL projection.
4. Volatility: Measures the range of potential outcomes. Low volatility suggests a narrower career path, while high volatility indicates a wide range of possibilities.
5. Strengths: Each player’s standout skills that make them a top prospect.

Top 10 Prospects

1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

   • NHL Projection: No. 1 defenseman
   • Strengths: Mobility, puck-moving, creativity

2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)

   • NHL Projection: Elite No. 1 center
   • Strengths: Offensive instincts, explosiveness

3. James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA)

   • NHL Projection: First-line center
   • Strengths: Transition play, speed

4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)

   • NHL Projection: Second-line power forward
   • Strengths: Playmaking, scoring

5. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)

   • NHL Projection: Top-six, two-way center
   • Strengths: Two-way play, quick hands

6. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

   • NHL Projection: Second-line center
   • Strengths: Versatility, elite release

7. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)

   • NHL Projection: First-line scoring center
   • Strengths: Speed, puck handling

8. Viktor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

   • NHL Projection: Top-six scoring forward
   • Strengths: Motor, transition offense

9. Jake O'Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)

   • NHL Projection: Top-six playmaking center
   • Strengths: Playmaking, creativity

10. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

    • NHL Projection: Top-four defenseman
    • Strengths: Physicality, transition defense

Boom-or-Bust Prospects

Players like Cameron Schmidt and Ryker Lee fall into the “boom-or-bust” category, where their potential ranges from NHL stardom to not making the league at all. Their high volatility makes them intriguing but risky picks.

The Russian Factor

Skilled Russian prospects like Daniil Prokhorov and Alexander Zharovsky face the “Russian factor,” where their likelihood of returning to the KHL if they don’t meet NHL expectations adds complexity to their draft stock.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NHL Draft promises to be a pivotal event for teams looking to build their future. With a mix of high-ceiling talents and high-risk, high-reward players, the decisions made here will shape the NHL for years to come.