Sportsnet’s 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: May Edition

With the 2025 U18 World Championships now over, there’s not much hockey left for scouts to see. The USHL’s Clark Cup wraps May 20 if it goes the distance, while the CHL will kick off the Memorial Cup on May 23. The teams that will play in the CHL’s championship tournament are still to be determined, but will definitely have some draft eligible players involved.

Overall, however, most of the heavy-lifting has been done by scouts as teams prepare to meet in advance of the NHL Draft Combine, which runs June 1-7.  

I’ve always been a big believer in what the combine has to offer. First, teams can request access to medical records in situations where a player has been injury prone, or has had a serious long-term injury. The second element I find useful is the physical testing. It can elicit whether or not players have prepared appropriately and it gives teams a baseline for strength and athleticism. Teams deploy their Exercise and Sport Science experts to provide more in-depth information such as injury predictability or correctable weaknesses they identify. The more a team can empower itself with information, the more educated a decision it can make.  

Most scouts and GMs I talk to are very guarded when discussing their ESS professionals on-site. Some don’t want to reveal secrets they have or proprietary information. 

For me, the most important element to all of this is the interview process. Teams are given suites at KeyBank Center where they have access to however many players they wish, and then have a number of people in the organization (including the owner on down to interview experts) to get a sense of a player’s character. The process also makes for interesting fodder amongst prospects as each team has a unique way of trying to get to know potential players.  

Sometimes players are challenged with a short test, or tasked with looking at video. Some are asked odd questions, like what animal would they be if they were in the wild and why. Others are gauged based on body language, hand shake, eye contact and how they are dressed. I’ve heard a number of stories about the interview process and I believe a player can significantly improve his stock, though many think it’s just another piece of the puzzle. I can say with certainty that players have been taken off draft lists because of what happens in the interview process. 

The recently completed NHL Draft Lottery gave a number of teams certainty in regards to where they will pick. Some conditional trade terms have now been settled, while the rest of the playoffs will determine the order of the rest of the first round.

With all of that in place, here’s a reminder that these are rankings that are meant to show how I view this year’s draft class. This is not a mock draft. Mock drafts take on a different tenor once the final draft order is set and we know how many teams will have how many picks in Round 1. 

Jason Bukala and I will publish mock drafts in June. 

In the meantime, here are my May rankings.  

No. 1: Matthew Schaefer, D, 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL)

At his best, Schaefer can control both ends of the ice. He was cleared for a return to play on May 1, but while there were no options for him to get into games, he should be at full speed for development camp immediately following the draft. 

No. 2: Michael Misa, C, 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Has high-level skill that can be used at high pace. He has worked hard and improved his off-puck play and defensive responsibility. He will have an edge in that he has played both centre and wing, and he’s won a Memorial Cup. 

No. 3: Caleb Desnoyers, C, 6-foot-2, 178 pounds, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Some will question the competition he’s faced this season, but he’s performed well internationally. He’s having a monster playoff, and is off to a hot start in the league final. He plays a skill/compete game that is adaptable to all levels of play. 

No. 4: Anton Frondell, C, 6-foot-1, 198 pounds, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Recency bias will say he didn’t overwhelm competition at the U18s like many expected. His overall body of work, detail and complete game, are the things that will keep him amongst the top five of this draft class. 

No. 5: James Hagens, C, 5-foot-11, 177 pounds, Boston College (NCAA)

There may be a hometown bias with the New York Islanders picking first overall and Hagens being a Long Island native. That wouldn’t be an out of place selection. Hagens makes plays, makes those around him better and works hard at his craft.  

No. 6: Porter Martone, RW, 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Martone will get the benefit of the doubt because he can play heavy and we’re seeing how much success teams utilizing that style are currently having in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. More than any of those ranked above him, Martone has a combination of size and skill that always plays in the NHL and appeals to front offices.

No. 7: Brady Martin, C, 6-feet, 178 pounds, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)  

Was an alpha dog at the U18s. Played like a wrecking ball and also put up points, especially when it mattered most. Martin lead the tournament with a plus-15 rating, if that’s a stat you believe in. 

No. 8: Jake O’Brien, C, 6-foot-2, 172 pounds, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Experienced a second half surge with 59 points in his final 33 games. Add to that a point per game pace in 11 playoff games and you have a player who has cemented himself as a top 10 choice. Elite playmaker.  

No. 9: Carter Bear, LW, 6-feet, 179 pounds, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Skill and will fit the bill for this Silvertip. Bear used the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge as a springboard before his season came to an end in March due to an achilles injury.  He brings speed, physicality and playmaking ability to the table. He also comes from a program that requires defensive details in order to maintain ice-time. Medicals will determine whether he stays this high in the rankings, but the team that ends up taking may be one that holds multiple Round 1 picks due to the nature of his injury.

No. 10: Roger McQueen, C, 6-foot-5, 197 pounds, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

It’s never been about how talented the player is, but rather about whether or not he can rebound from a season marred by injury. It will be absolutely fascinating to see where he ends up going in this draft. Like Bear, McQueen may end up being selected by a team with more than one first-round pick.  

No. 11: Victor Eklund, RW, 5-foot-11, 161 pounds, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Another tenacious, fast-moving winger who thinks the game at a high level. He can turn on a dime, handle the puck in tight areas, and has a deceptive shot. Away from the puck, he can find open ice without sacrificing positional play.  

No. 12: Radim Mrtka, D, 6-foot-6, 207 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

How’s this for an up-and-down season? Mrtka opened eyes at the Hlinka, hardly played in the Czech pro league, didn’t play at all in the world juniors, moved to North America, started on fire, ended slowly, and had a mediocre U18. Size and skating will lead to him being selected high, but patience in development will likely be required.

No. 13: Jackson Smith, D, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

An intelligent player who adapts quickly and proficiently in a variety of roles. His excellent skating foundation, and high-end agility, allow him to consistently be part of the play. He projects as a two-way defender, but more time is needed to develop his offensive side. 

No. 14: Braeden Cootes, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Left a lasting impression at the U18s where he played his typical, high-energy, in-your-face type of game. Cootes proved that he could elevate his game in high-pressure situations against difficult competition, not unlike what he might face years down the road in an NHL playoff situation. 

No. 15: Justin Carbonneau, RW, 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Exhibits a unique wide-skating style that is effective in driving to the net. It’s not as effective when he’s trying to get off the mark, but overall his skating is not an issue. Carbonneau possesses some of the best offensive instincts in this draft class and he has the skill to put them into action.  

No. 16: Logan Hensler, D, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, Wisconsin (NCAA)

Started to figure things out in the second half of the NCAA season, where playing defence as a freshman is a tall order. Hensler gets around the ice smoothly and efficiently and he passes it like a pro. He engages defensively and can be a threat supporting the rush as well. 

No. 17: Sascha Boumedienne, D, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Boston University (NCAA)

His season is tougher to gauge as the youngest player in NCAA hockey, although he flashed several times. Boumedienne benefitted greatly from going back to his peer group at the U18 worlds, where he lead all defencemen in scoring and finished second in the tournament with 14 points in seven games.  

No. 18: Jack Nesbitt, C, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Tough to gauge where the ceiling is for this player. He can do a lot of things well, and he has the size NHL teams covet down the middle of the ice. I think we’re looking at a Jordan Staal type of player once he finishes growing and refines his all-around game.  

No. 19: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Plays for keeps on a nightly basis. There’s plenty of passion, energy and nastiness to his game. The big question is whether the elite offence he’s put up at the junior level will translate to the next level. But even if not, his toughness will keep him in a lineup.

No. 20: Ben Kindel, C, 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) 

An assertive player who likes to be in the mix. He has high hockey IQ and exudes the confidence to make plays, even risky ones. He is a creative playmaker, but also sneaky and brave enough to go to the tough areas to create offence. Presents a dual threat at 5-on-5 and is an effective power play player, as evidenced by his 33 power play points in the regular season. 

No. 21: Cole Reschny, C, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, Victoria Royals (WHL)

Had a great season in Victoria and an even better finish to the campaign with a great U18 tournament. Reschny provides excellent work ethic and hockey smarts to compete and make plays. He’s an effective forechecker who takes good routes, uses his stick well to create turnovers and will bump when required. 

No. 22: Cameron Reid, D, 6-feet, 193 pounds, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 

Another player who might end up going higher than this ranking would suggest. It’s an interesting year for defenceman. Reid is an excellent puck mover and he skates like the wind. Those two key elements have him ranked amongst the best at his position in this class.  

No. 23: Lynden Lakovic, LW, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

A player that has bounced around the second half of my Round 1 rankings all season long. He skates really well, and has excellent puck skills. There is definitely room for more grit and grind in his game, and that may come as he will be challenged nightly next season on a rebuilding Moose Jaw team.  

No. 24: Malcolm Spence, LW, 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL)

He is the first prospect projected to go in the first round of this draft to commit to the NCAA next season. This comes as a bit of a surprise in that he has performed well under Kris Mallette, Erie’s mid-season coaching change. It’s an interesting quandary in that Spence’s game might be better suited to college, but his overall skill development is likely better suited to a heavier game schedule in the OHL.  

No. 25: Cullen Potter, C, 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Arizona State (NCAA)

Projects to go in an area of Round 1 when teams will be looking for one major standout element to a player’s game. Potter’s skating is that element. He floats around the ice backing off defenders, but also shows the ability to change pace by edging laterally quickly. Combined with his handles, he does project to have at least secondary offence once he arrives in the NHL.

No. 26: William Moore, C, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, USNTDP 

All told, the USNTDP was a different team once it got to the U18 worlds. Moore benefitted from the additions made up front in Cullen Potter and Will Horcoff. The trio made up the best line for the US in tournament, with Moore leading the way, tied for the team lead at 11 points.

No. 27: Bill Zonnon, C, 6-foot-2, 187 pounds, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

This player has the potential to crack the top 20 of this draft class. Currently, his skating isn’t elite, which may give some scouts pause. Having said that, he will put in the hours to make that improvement based on how he approaches the game, with relentless work ethic.  

No. 28: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Late birthday, late developer, he came out of nowhere last year, and was brilliant leading Prince George to a conference final. He wasn’t a surprise to anyone this year, but his numbers reflected the fact the team in front of him wasn’t as strong this season. Using a long-term strategy with additional NHL goalie guidance, he possesses the tools to be an effective NHL netminder. 

No. 29: Jack Murtagh, LW, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, USNTDP

Plays a simple, straight-line game and is consistently engaged. He works hard at both ends of the ice, and when in the offensive zone, he’s more than willing to take it to the net. Murtagh will shoot from mid-range, but is also effective working around the net. He’s not likely to produce top-six offence, but his grind game will play at the next level.  

No. 30: Milton Gastrin, C, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, MODO (Sweden J20)

A steady two-way player who has good details in his game. He can play with skilled players and be equally effective facilitating and scoring. He can also play down the lineup and elevate those around him. His production in league play and internationally is never a question and the fact he consistently wears a letter is also very telling. He’s a safe pick later in the first round.  

No. 31: Cole McKinney, C, 6-feet, 200 pounds, USNTDP

He is a proven producer at the junior level. He competes hard off the puck and makes good decisions when he does have it. McKinney thinks the game at a high level and brings some creativity and scoring acumen. I liken him to Sam Steel, who went late in Round 1, isn’t a high-level NHL producer, but is a key player on a really good team, who will be a full-time NHL player for a long time.  

No. 32: Will Horcoff, C, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Michigan (NCAA)

He appeared once on this list previously, and is back again after the U18s. He’s an interesting study in that he started with the USNTDP, left to play NCAA hockey at Michigan, and then returned to play for Team USA at the U18s. Horcoff is still growing into his body, and will be a force once he fills out. He protects it going wide, will go to the net and station himself at the net front.

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