There were a ton of prospects (32!) covered in this post but with them currently ranked in the second-round range, expect many of them to rise up over the season and make a splash in the 2025 NHL Draft ranking boards. There are a lot of players that left lasting impressions from their Hlinka-Gretzky run as well as some under-the-radar European players off to strong starts to their season. We’ve got a lot of players to dive into so, with that being said here are my #33 – #64 ranked prospects for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft!
#33 – #40
#33
Cullen Potter
LW – NCAA Arizona State University
5’9” – 161 lbs – January 10, 2007
6GP – 2G – 2A – 4PTS
A very undersized player, Potter was one of the more complete three-zone players in the USHL last season at his size and showcased high-end puck skills and incredible top-end speed and skating to be a flashy and effective player in transition. He’s adapted well to start the NCAA season as Arizona State’s first-line centre. A strong full season in the NCAA could see him (and the next guy on my list) making significant jumps up my rankings for when I post them in early November.
#34
Cameron Schmidt
RW – WHL Vancouver Giants
5’8” – 152 lbs – January 19, 2007
11GP – 12G – 7A – 19PTS
Another super undersized player, Cameron Schmidt, is a guy who’s making it super hard for me to keep out of my top 32. There’s no such thing as a bad pass to Schmidt, his ability to receive and release pucks and find open areas of ice is phenomenal and it’s a huge part of how he’s been able to lead the CHL in goals to start the season. He was a top-six fixture for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky and his speed was really a factor. He was exceptional against Slovakia winning player of the game for Canada, but he wasn’t quite as noticeable against Sweden later in the tournament.
#35
Lynden Lakovic
F – WHL Moose Jaw Warriors
6’4” – 185 lbs – December 12, 2006
12GP – 6G – 10A – 16PTS
Lynden Lakovic is one of my favourite emerging players I hadn’t really noticed until this season. Being a 2006 birthday, Lakovic’s smooth and effortless style of skating is quite noticeable at his size. He possesses great vision, whether that’s fitting backdoor passes across the ice through tight spaces or small area bump passes to open teammates. He has a nice instinctual feel to the game and a hard shot that goalies will have to respect. I’d like him to attack the middle of the ice a little bit more, he’s got a nice active stick but missing a bit of the jam to his game that I’d like to see at his size.
#36
Cole McKinney
C – USHL USNTDP
6’0” – 190 lbs – March 16, 2006
3GP – 2G – 0A – 2PTS
Cole McKinney is a guy I think the Leafs would love if his draft stock dipped throughout the year and he was available with the Florida second-round pick. I don’t think it happens; NHL teams value players like McKinney who play a support role extremely well. McKinney possesses above-average traits across the board and pairs that with a high-compete level, a 200-foot game and penalty kill ability. The floor is very high for McKinney, whose projectible level of play makes me confident he will play NHL games but he probably lacks the high-end tools to be a driver of offense at the next level.
#37
Carter Amico
RD – USHL USNTDP
6’5” – 205 lbs – March 15, 2007
4GP – 0G – 2A – 2PTS
Carter Amico is a nice player with a very projectible skillset. Physically dominant, an athlete and a good skater at his size, he plays a more refined game defensively and in transition than he might get credit for. I think he’s further along in his development to this point than an EJ Emery was last year, but I think the puck skills and offensive translatability are still concerns. For my money, I’d rather take Blake Fiddler or Radim Mrtka as a hulking RHD who can skate over him at this point.
#38
Artyom Vilchinsky
LD – MHL SKA-1946 St. Petersburg
6’6” – 240 lbs – September 16, 2006
15GP – 0G – 3A – 3PTS
Artyom Vilchinsky is an interesting player. He’s not Dmitri Simashev or Anton Silayev and I don’t expect him to make that kind of jump in his D-0. Like Amico, his size and ability to defend along the boards as well as his fine decision-making on breakouts gives him a projectable NHL skillset. He also shows a willingness to carry the puck out but lacks the refinement and puck skills to be effective. Amico’s also got a more refined defensive game positionally and ultimately I think that area is what will be what gets Vilchinsky drafted so he’s just under Amico in my rankings. The size and potential are undeniable though and if the pivot speed and skating continue to improve, there’s a player there.
#39
Bill Zonnon
LW – QMJHL Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
6’2” – 190 lbs – October 3, 2006
11GP – 5G – 9A – 14PTS
Bill Zonnon is another all-around player who generated a ton of hype in his D-2 and then saw his production plateau in his D-1 last season from a goal-scoring perspective. Zonnon was relied on pretty heavily by the Huskies last season, figuring into both special teams units (PP2 and PK1). He’s been Rouyn-Noranda’s first-line center this season and is off to a strong start putting in over a point a game. I think he’s got above-average skills, but he does a lot of the little things right; whether that’s winning puck battles or leveraging his bigger frame in puck protection. His skillset makes him a great player in the cycle game.
#40
Filip Ekberg
LW – OHL Ottawa 67’s
5’10” – 168 lbs – April 14, 2007
9GP – 4G – 4A – 8PTS
After starting the year with just three points, Filip Ekberg has turned it around with five points in his last three games for the Ottawa 67’s now that he’s been moved up to the top line. The Swedish prospect garnered hype in droves with a super productive stint in the Allsvenskan last year which made him a top 32 prospect for me pre-Hlinka. I like the blend of hands, and he’s a talented playmaker with a wicked one-timer that should continue to be a weapon. He is an undersized winger without outstanding skating ability so there are questions about translatability for me as he moves on to the pro level, but he’s very talented and the production he had last year for Almtuna puts him in rarified air.
#41 – #50
#41
Carlos Händel
RD – QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads
6’1″ – 168 lbs – Mar 31, 2007
11GP – 0G – 8A – 8PTS
I thought Carlos Handel was Germany’s best player at the Hlinka-Gretzky this year. He’s the exact profile of player that I’ve always rooted for in the past, not a super flashy player, but very cerebral. He diagnoses pressure well, has an active stick and good body positioning to close out opposing forwards along the wall. He skates extremely well too and uses that ability to be a threat in transition. He’s leading all draft-year defencemen in the CHL for points in this early season and I think he’s someone who can continue to jump up draft boards. Super solid player all around and while he’s no Mo Seider, he feels like a player that will go in the top 45 picks if he continues playing as well as he has.
#42
LJ Mooney
RW – USHL USNTDP
5’6″ – 146 lbs – Mar 08, 2007
4GP – 1G – 2A – 3PTS
I really want to like LJ Mooney, and I think he’s certainly a tier above Alex Zetterberg who I had extremely high last year. Unfortunately, it appears that players at his size and ilk are just unlikely to be drafted super high as the game evolves towards skilled power forwards. Mooney is probably the most exciting USNTDP player this year (albeit from a very weak class); he just has unbelievable skills with the puck, a nice quick twitch energy to his game and incredible skating ability. The size is just sticking out like a sore thumb, I just can’t see the NHL projection right now at 5’6”. He’s a joy to watch and certainly could prove me wrong but I don’t feel comfortable moving him into my top 40 at this stage.
#43
Alex Huang
RD – QMJHL Chicoutimi Saguenéens
6’0″ – 170 lbs – Jul 30, 2007
12GP – 1G – 5A – 6PTS
Alex Huang came into the year probably the highest ranked QMJHL defenseman after a productive rookie season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He’s off to a good start this season once again, putting up a 0.5 PPG pace, and I think he’s super mobile and fluid with his skating. I don’t quite see the passing ability and dynamic traits that some others have floated out there, but I think he played an admirably solid and steady game alongside Matthew Schaefer at the Hlinka-Gretzky. He’s also a July birthday which does give him a longer leash than some of the older prospects. I’m not quite sold on his upside, but his skating ability and processor should make him one of the first 64 picks this year.
#44
Owen Griffin
C – OHL Oshawa Generals
5’10” – 161 lbs – Apr 08, 2007
11GP – 2G – 7A – 9PTS
I’m a big Owen Griffin guy. He’s from Markham as well and played for the Markham Waxers whose home arena is a 10-minute drive from my house. He really struggled to find his footing last season but all reports I saw from pre-season were really encouraging. He’s likely going to take a backseat with his deployment and role now that Calum Ritchie is returning after his short stint with the Avs, but make no mistake, I think Griffin is in for a big year. The skating really came around for him this year and he looks much more comfortable driving play with the puck while maintaining a high work rate and compete level. That one backcheck he had a few days ago on a Misa partial break is just an example of his motor.
#45
Jack Murtagh
C/LW – USHL USNTDP
6’0″ – 185 lbs – Aug 22, 2007
3GP – 3G – 1A – 4PTS
Murtagh is going to be one of the highest floor players in the draft. Strong compete level, with an absolute laser beam of a shot. He can really pick his spots and he’s off to a pretty good start this year with three goals to start his campaign. Skating lacks explosiveness for me, and he doesn’t have the high-end puck skills and passing ability but like Griffin, that compete level and hockey IQ lends me to believe that he’ll be able to carve out a role in the NHL someday. He also gets the added bonus of being an August birthday which gives me some (perhaps misplaced) hope that there’s room to grow with his offensive toolkit.
#46
Conrad Fondrk
C – USHL USNTDP
5’11” – 174 lbs – July 1, 2007
4GP – 0G – 2A – 2PTS
Conrad Fondrk is a nice player and one of my favourites from the USHL this year. I think there’s a lot of hype around LJ Mooney and Cullen Potter, but Fondrk played a key role for the USNTDP last season and he’s a nice support piece on a line. He’s an effortless skater who gets to the right areas of the ice even if he’s not as dynamic as some of his more creative USNTDP teammates. I saw reports he’s grown a bit and bulked up from the height and weight I have listed, which I think will help with his projection at centre going forward. Motor is a slight concern for me, but I think there’s some untapped potential offensively on the puck that’s being masked by his teammates.
#47
Quinn Beauchesne
RD – OHL Guelph Storm
6’0″ – 183 lbs – April 14, 2007
4GP – 0G – 0A – 0PTS
Beauschesne is another one of my guys. Had an injury-plagued season for Guelph last year but I thought he was outstanding (in an understated way) for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky even though the offensive production petered out after their first game against Switzerland. Strong stick that doesn’t allow him to lose the puck, good passing to make sharp outlet passes, and some great defensive positioning and physicality defending along the boards and near the net front. Canada used him a ton on the PK and on defensive zone draws throughout the tournament. He’s a great skater with a strong processor that lets him make good decisions in his own end. I think that like a Harrison Brunicke from last year, there’s more offence to be had from Beaschesne compared to what he’s shown.
#48
Benjamin Kindel
RW – WHL Calgary Hitmen
5’10” – 176 lbs – Apr 19, 2007
10GP – 5G – 8A – 13PTS
I really loved Kindel’s first game at the Hlinka-Gretzky where I thought he was the best player on Canada’s fourth line. He was super physical, didn’t cough up the puck at all and really leaned into that hard-checking role that was expected of him. I think he’s a great in-zone offensive player with high intelligence and board work that will help him mesh with any line that he’s put on. He’s following up an incredible near PPG D-1, with 13 points already this season in 10 games. He’s a really decisive player with his passing, and I think his tendency can lean a bit too strongly as a passer but his play at the Hlinka really put to rest some of the concerns I had about his size and frame. He plays bigger than his measurements.
#49
Liam Kilfoil
C – QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads
5’11” – 176 lbs – Mar 21, 2007
12GP – 6G – 7A – 13PTS
Kilfoil is having a breakout D-0 season with Halifax. I really thought Kilfoil’s tournament was super underrated at the Hlinka-Gretzky. A strong skater with wonderful defensive instincts, Kilfoil is the type of player who I think plays a strong three-zone game and is someone head coaches will rely on heavily and trust. The line of him, O’Brien and Romano didn’t generate nearly as much offence as they could’ve, but a lot of it came down to a lack of a true finisher to pair with O’Brien’s passing. A plus player in transition, and playing with much more confidence on the puck, Kilfoil is someone I think teams will value come draft night.
#50 – #64
At the risk of making this article way too long, I’m going to breeze through the last 14 players with a little less detail on their stats can keep it focused on what to watch for or what I expect from them.
#50
Vít Záhejský – C/RW – Kamloops Blazers
One of Czechia’s key players at the Hlinka-Gretzky, Zahesjsky was a favourite for those who watched the tournament, myself included. Featuring on the second line, Zahejsky proved to be a matchup nightmare. He plays a bit of a chaotic game and I think he will benefit from having to learn a bit more structure this year with Kamloops. He rounds out my top 50 for now as he waits to make his WHL debut after fracturing his fibula in September.
#51
Nathan Behm – LW – Kamloops Blazers
Creative offensive player with deployment on Kamloop’s first powerplay unit on the flank. Dangerous in transition, often a catalyst in gaining entries for his team. Off to an insane start to the season for Kamloops and has arguably been their best player so far. Would like to see more physicality given his 6’2” frame but plays with pace and vision. He likely deserves a higher ranking but I’ve only had one real viewing of him against Cootes and Seattle. He’s someone that should shoot up my board after I see him some more.
#52
Michal Svrcek – C – Brynäs IF J20
Michal Svrcek was the best player for Slovakia during their game against Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky. The line of him, Chovan and Straka was the best line the Slovaks had all tournament. High energy player with breakaway speed and wonderful offensive creativity. Lighting up the J20 Nationell with Brynäs IF J20.
#53
Tomas Poletin – LW – Pelicans
Really strong heavy game. Has shown out well for Czechia at international tournaments and is consistently one of their hardest-working forwards. Good net-front presence and physicality as well as strong defensive habits and puck-hunting skills. Not super dangerous on the puck, but has a projectible style of play.
#54
Oliwer Sjostrom – LD – Luleå HF J20
Sweden’s PP1 QB at the Hlinka-Gretzky, Sjostrom brings dynamic offensive traits to the table with his ability to skate and be a threat in transition as a passer and puck carrier. Productive J20 career so far but size and play strength are concerns.
#55
Melvin Novotny – F – Leksands IF J20
Melvin Novotny is lighting it up to start this season on a powerhouse Leksands team. Good physical traits, only an average skater for me but has nifty hands in tight spaces, a good shot, solid passing vision and plays a pretty direct style of play. I appreciate that he doesn’t tend to overhandle the puck and often makes the right play. He missed a few games due to a suspension from an illegal hit but certainly a potential riser.
#56
Benjamin Kevan – F – Des Moines Buccaneers
He probably should’ve made the USNTDP especially given how that group looks like right now this season, but the Arizona State commit has started off the season strong for Des Moines. His sparkling offensive stats likely have to do with him being the catalyst for that team offensively instead of being on a deeper USNTDP roster, but he was the US’ best player at the Hlinka-Gretzky for me. He is a great skater and a creative and audacious creator but he lacks motor and a compete level along the boards. I don’t think he gets first-round consideration barring an elite D-0 season.
#57
Mikkel Eriksen – C – Färjestad BK J20
Mikkel Eriksen takes on the reigns from Brandsegg-Nygard and Solberg as the next Norwegian-born prospect making a bid to be drafted in the first round. He’s produced well at the J20 Nationell level with Färjestad and readily attacks the middle of the ice. A September birthday, Eriksen was days away from being 2026 NHL Draft eligible.
#58
Max Westergård – Frölunda HC J20
It’s a pretty weak class for Finland which is missing that marquee prospect that makes their class look acceptable (think Helenius, Kemell). Westergard leads the class for me, using his quickness and speed to his advantage. Plays well off of his teammates, battles for pucks and has started his J20 Nationell season on fire. Like Eriksen, Westergard was days away from being 2026 NHL Draft Eligible.
#59
Tanner Lam – RW – Kitchener Rangers
Lam’s got a sick set of hands, great passing and a willingness to shoot. He’s capable of highlight reel plays and is best with the puck on his stick but needs to gain some consistency and play strength. He started off his D-1 hot before petering out as the year went along and he’ll need to re-find that form offensively to move up draft boards. Another smaller, skilling winger but Lam has the skills to have a productive D-0 season.
#60
Tyler Hopkins – C – Kingston Frontenacs
Quiet Hlinka-Gretzky for Hopkins but he was a fixture for Canada on that fourth line and rarely rotated out for Czata. He has that instinctive ability to find open areas of the ice which gives him opportunities to score goals. Highly touted and drafted fourth overall in the OHL draft, Hopkins will need to showcase his play driving ability and high pace style of game more frequently to jump up my draft board.
#61
Luca Romano – C – Kitchener Rangers
Like Hopkins, it was a quiet Hlinka-Gretzky for Romano who wasn’t able to do much alongside youth hockey teammate Jake O’Brien. Romano is your traditional energy forward: he works the cycle game well, offers PK value and has a high motor to win puck battles. As a Kitchener fan, I want to move him up my board but he hasn’t shown a ton of ability offensively and that limits his ceiling at the next level.
#62
William Horcoff – C – USNTDP
You can’t teach size, and at 6’4”, 181 lbs, William Horcoff has that in spades. He’s shown some flashes of skill, is a natural faceoff taker and has great defensive instincts. The skating is subpar and he needs to find a way to be consistently effective offensively, but there are some raw tools to work with. The son of former NHL player, Shawn Horcoff, I expect him to be a name that falls down my rankings unless we see some significant progress throughout the season.
#63
Lasse Boelius – LD – Ässät
I really liked Boelius’ Hlinka-Gretzky. I didn’t watch a whole lot of Finland’s games given the weak class this year but Boelius’ skating and mobility were a plus. He was decisive as a puck mover and was instrumental to Finland’s transition and build-up throughout the games I caught. His motor and effort level defensively certainly needs to improve but he should be challenged in that aspect this year in the Liiga with Assat.
#64
Karl Annborn – RD – HV71 J20
Karl Annborn was highly considered heading into his draft year. The 6’1” right shot from Orebo didn’t get much playing time at the Four Nations this summer with Sweden which was when I was hoping to see him. Good mobility and some flashes of skill at his size and has consistently played above his age group. Good gap control but not very noticeable from my limited viewings.
Honourable Mentions: David Lewandowski (GER), Jordan Gavin (CAN), Ethan Czata (CAN), Jan Chovan (SVK), Eddie Genborg (SWE)
Yet To Watch List: Carter Bear (CAN), Owen Martin (CAN), Caden Taylor (CAN), Carter Murphy (USA), Matej Pekar (CZE)
Thank you everybody for making it through my Top 64 Prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft! I’ll be providing monthly articles with the biggest risers and fallers to this ranking throughout the year! If you want to see the full updates to those rankings throughout the year make sure to follow me over on @RyanMaScouting on Twitter!
