As we look ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s essential to revisit our big board now that the dust has settled from the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships and the draft lottery is looming. This year’s draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, led by an exceptional defenseman at the top, while showcasing depth in forward talent, particularly at the center position.
When assessing these prospects, players are ranked in tiers, each receiving tool grades that reflect their potential NHL success. This grading system includes six levels—ranging from poor to elite—offering insight into how a player’s attributes might project at the professional level. Key tools considered for every projected NHL player include skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and compete level. Notably, shot grades are included only for those with notably good or poor shooting abilities.
Before diving into the top prospects, it’s important to establish just how deep this draft class is, especially with premium center prospects ready to make their mark.
Tier 1: Future NHL Stars
1. Matthew Schaefer (Erie)
Height: 6′ 1.75″
Weight: 183
Schaefer’s season was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his powerful skating and hockey intelligence. Despite battling injuries, including a clavicle fracture during the World Juniors, he thrived in pivotal competitions like the Hlinka Gretzky tournament. With an elite skating ability paired with smart decision-making and offensive skills, Schaefer is on track to become a star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL. His blend of physicality and skill makes him a standout prospect.
Comparable Player: Jake Sanderson
Tier 2: High-End Talents
2. Michael Misa (Saginaw)
Height: 6′ 0.75″
Weight: 184
Misa, having received exceptional status in the OHL at just 15 years old, proved he could keep pace with the league’s best. His dazzling skating and creative playmaking capabilities set him apart. He may not fit the mold of a classic sniper, but his knack for finding the right spots and scoring opportunistically speaks to his potential as a franchise center.
Comparable Player: Tyler Seguin
3. Porter Martone (Brampton)
Height: 6′ 2.75″
Weight: 208
Martone had a standout season but faced challenges at the World Juniors. His size and elite puck skills allow him to navigate through traffic with relative ease. While his foot speed can be an area of concern, there’s no denying that his combination of size and skill could lead him to be a prolific scoring winger in the NHL.
Comparable Player: Filip Forsberg
Tier 3: Emerging Prospects
4. Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton)
Height: 6′ 1.5″
Weight: 178
Desnoyers is a talented center who exemplifies what teams look for: size, speed, and playmaking ability. His leadership on a top QMJHL team showcases his skills, and with a strong compete level, he projects well as a reliable two-way center capable of playing in all situations.
Comparable Player: Nico Hischier
5. James Hagens (Boston College)
Height: 5′ 10.5″
Weight: 177
Hagens showed promising signs during his time at Boston College, contributing as a pivotal player and excelling at the World Juniors. His agility and quick hands resemble other skilled American centers, and while he may need to work on his physicality, his upside as a top-six center is tantalizing.
Comparable Player: William Nylander
Tier 4: Notable Names on the Rise
6. Anton Frondell (Djurgarden)
Height: 6′ 1.0″
Weight: 198
Frondell started off his season slowly but turned it around significantly in the latter half while competing against men. His skillset and ability to create scoring opportunities hint at a bright future as a potentially impactful top-six forward in the NHL.
Comparable Player: Josh Norris
7. Jake O’Brien (Brantford)
Height: 6′ 1.75″
Weight: 172
A talented player in the OHL, O’Brien’s hockey sense shines through his playmaking ability. While he might not exhibit the highest level of physical play, his skillset and vision on the ice can lead him to become a reliable two-line center.
Comparable Player: Elias Lindholm
Wrapping Up
As we head into what promises to be an electrifying draft season, these talented young athletes are capturing the attention of NHL scouts and enthusiasts alike. Players like Schaefer and Misa demonstrate the high ceiling of this draft, while others are establishing themselves as strong prospects ready to make their mark in the league. Keep an eye on these names, as they could soon become household fixtures in the world of hockey.
