The 2024–25 WHL season has been underway for about two weeks already. Many guys have shined early, while others have had slow starts. Every year, a handful of great prospects come out of the WHL for the NHL Draft. This year the WHL has a variety of top prospects, looking strong in terms of forwards and even goalies. Let’s take a look at who they are.
Roger McQueen
The giant, skilled centre with the last name of the best racer ever. Roger McQueen has been said to be the most promising prospect coming from the WHL in this draft class. Coming from the Brandon Wheat Kings, McQueen uses his size and frame to his advantage to power through defenders and control the offensive side of the game.
Puck-protecting skills are some of his best with his balance and pure strength. He’s started the season by showing his goal-scoring skills but he brings a pack of great playmaking abilities that shine as well. Cockiness is a part of his game and it lets him bring that pro-level confidence. McQueen brings the entire package that you’d want in an elite power forward centre and we will almost be guaranteed to see him go inside the top 10.
Joshua Ravensbergen
With a pretty good Prince George Cougars team, Joshua Ravensbergen has stood out on his own accord. Yes, we are talking about a goalie here. He is the first goalie since Sebastian Cossa and Jesper Wallstedt in 2021 with the potential to get drafted inside the first round.
Ravensbergen’s stats have consistently shown off his potential with his ascension coming in last year’s playoffs. For a guy who is 6’5″, he moves smoothly around the net and has quick lateral movement that allows him to play at a high level. He also has no fear in challenging the shooter. All of this is complemented by some nice glove and blocker skills. Ravensbergen looks like the best goalie in this draft and could be the fix to Canada’s goalie woes.
Cole Reschny
The possible first-ever first-round selection from the Victoria Royals, Cole Reschny looked very good last season and has built off it to start. Reschny’s player type is somewhat difficult to narrow down as he does pretty much everything well.
He’s not the biggest but he doesn’t fear some of the dirtier areas of the ice. Puck battles, tight altercations with an opponent, net-front—Reschny simply doesn’t back down. Add in some great offensive skills with his playmaking, fast speed, and good edgework, Reschny brings a lot to the table that screams first-round pick. We’ll likely see him go in the top half of the first round.
Cameron Schmidt
Sticking in British Columbia, let’s move over to the Vancouver Giants to find Cameron Schmidt. Schmidt was near a point per game on a mediocre Giants team last season and has so far been showing that it’s not a fluke. With his speed and shiftiness, Schmidt can dominate the offensive zone and put up points. He’s been able to shine with his goal-scoring abilities and amazing shot. Also doesn’t have that bad of playmaking skills. Schmidt’s only setback may be his size at 5’8″ and 152lbs, but boy does he look like he can beat the odds.
Reese Hamilton
The Saskatchewan product now playing for the Calgary Hitmen, Reese Hamilton is currently the best defender out of the WHL for this draft class. Hamilton impressed with his offensive production for the Hitmen last season. He’s off to a slow start but his quality is still shining through. Hamilton may not be the biggest for a defender but his swiftness makes up for it. He’s pretty, pretty fast with some really nice edges. Despite his offensive production, Hamilton doesn’t falter in the defensive zone. Hamilton’s game is built around his high IQ and the pace he plays with, bringing solid tools for the NHL level.
Jordan Gavin
The second overall pick by the Tri-City Americans back in the 2021 WHL Draft, Jordan Gavin hasn’t quite lived up to that status yet but still looks pretty good. On a very bad Americans team, Gavin put up a point per game last season after being just shy the season before. His start hasn’t been too hot but he’s still looking solid.
Gavin’s game is highlighted by his tactility and dual-threat offensive play. He can score goals and make some high-level passes. Potential as a two-way forward has also been seen. Gavin’s size is a little bit of a concern making him avoid much physical contact. Still set to bring decent value in the draft, Gavin is currently slated for a late first.
Jackson Smith
Sticking with the Tri-City Americans, Jackson Smith is the second defenceman on our list. He had some alright point production in his rookie year and has started off quite well. But his game shines more in the defensive end. He uses his nice edgework and crossovers to position himself properly in the defensive zone and be a presence.
Physicality is brought through hits and battles by Smith. Those edges he has also allow him to activate in the offensive zone and produce a solid amount. Currently, Hamilton has the edge in rankings in terms of WHL defencemen, but Smith could easily pass him by season’s end.
Plenty of quality out of the WHL this season
The WHL is once again providing some top prospects for the NHL this season. The elite talent may not be as heavy as prior seasons but Roger McQueen and Joshua Ravensbergen are no jokes. Then the others who may be selected in the top half are highlighted by Cole Reschny and Cameron Schmidt. Both aren’t the biggest but bring a set of skills that can’t be ignored. Finally, it’s rounded out by Reese Hamilton, Jordan Gavin, and Jackson Smith.
All have some pedigree to them and their own unique set of talents. Any of the three could easily have a great year and climb their draft ranking.
