Final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings, Led by Schaefer, Misa, Hagens

By Rachel Doerrie

NHL Draft week has arrived, bringing with it the ultimate prospect rankings.

This ranking covers the top 64 prospects, offering details on their play, areas for growth, scout perceptions, and NHL projections. This final list incorporates combine results and gives more weight to scouting insights and intelligence compared to my previous model. Players` positions reflect their likelihood of reaching the NHL based on their developmental needs and how they are seen within the hockey community.

Beyond Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, there`s a notable lack of consensus in this draft class. Different teams prioritize various attributes like skill, physicality, size, or playoff performance, leading to significant differences in player evaluations. This divergence means some players might drop lower than expected, potentially prompting teams to trade up for prospects they feel are too good to pass on.

It`s crucial to remember that a player`s NHL success isn`t determined by their draft position but by their development in the following years. While early picks certainly get more opportunities, hidden talents can still be found later in the draft. Considering the current emphasis on size, toughness, and hard skill over pure high-end talent, it`s plausible that we might see more successful NHL careers emerge from selections outside the first round this year compared to past drafts.

Below are the top 64 prospects, plus a few honorable mentions:

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1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

The Erie Otters defender is projected to become a true No. 1 cornerstone defenseman for years. A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, the 6-foot-2 blueliner skates with ease and elite mobility, allowing him to shut down opponents in any situation while generating offense with quality transition play.

Although an injury at the IIHF World Junior Championships, where he was expected to play a key role as a 17-year-old, limited his season to just 26 games, Schaefer still averaged over 25 minutes per contest and consistently drove play in his team`s favor.

Executives and scouts view him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a foundational piece for a championship roster. Schaefer`s ability to control play from the blue line, handle tough matchups, and quarterback a power play, combined with belief in his character and leadership, leads many to believe he has the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league and potentially wear a letter as part of a team`s leadership group.

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2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)

Granted exceptional status in the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the most remarkable goal-scoring seasons recently in 2024-25, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He is projected to be a top-line forward capable of consistently exceeding 90 points per season in the NHL.

Misa`s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes plays at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center. Away from the puck, Misa excels at finding soft areas in coverage and has a flair for delivering in clutch moments. His combination of high-end playmaking and goal-scoring ability makes him a constant dual threat in the offensive zone.

His two-way game has shown noticeable improvement with better backchecking, defensive awareness, and commitment to a 200-foot game. Paired with his explosive speed and offensive firepower, Misa profiles as a foundational player.

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

Hagens is projected to be a top-line center or one of the NHL`s best second-line centers. He lacks Misa`s raw dynamism, opting instead for a highly cerebral and efficient style of play. He brings a good work rate with excellent speed and passing ability that should allow him to effectively drive play at the NHL level. Scouts and executives are impressed with the professional details of his game, such as puck support, winning battles, and defensive play, believing these will ease his transition to the NHL while he develops his offensive gear.

Another season at Boston College could be the remedy to further develop the dynamic offensive gear that impressed scouts during his 102-point NTDP season. After playing on one of college hockey`s top lines, Hagens would now be relied upon to drive his own line, create offense through his playmaking, and handle a significant matchup role.

Hagens has the potential to be the complete package in the NHL. His understanding of spacing and ability to anticipate stands out among his peers. He is smaller and slighter than some prospects, which causes some teams concern, but he exhibits a mix of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in his transition play and creativity.

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4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)

A big, cerebral forward, Martone is a dual-threat offensive player with the ability to both score and facilitate. He is projected to be a second-line scoring winger who should see top power-play minutes.

His competitive nature will make him an effective agitator as he learns to physically impose himself on opponents. He needs to refine his competitiveness and physicality to increase their effectiveness, but he is precisely the type of player teams covet due to the unique combination of offensive talent and competitive fire.

Martone`s ability to score and make plays will make him a challenging player to defend in the NHL. There are concerns about his speed and skating posture, although his speed has improved this season. Martone needs to add explosiveness to his skating to reach his full potential.

His unique combination of scoring ability, size, and hard skill makes him a very attractive prospect. While his most confident projection is as a top-six forward, Martone has a legitimate chance to become a top-line winger if his skating continues to improve.

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5. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Frondell is a versatile two-way forward who can play both center and right wing. His flexibility is attractive to teams, although many believe he is most likely to reach his potential as a winger in the NHL.

Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward. He`s a cerebral player who dissects defenders in one-on-one situations and defensive coverage in the offensive zone. The details of Frondell`s game are translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, willingness to attack the middle of the ice, and high-end anticipation on both sides of the puck.

He has shown play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He is projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play translates well, exciting executives about his ability to step into the league within the next 18 months.

He impressed during the physical testing and interview portions of the scouting combine, leaving many teams with a strong positive impression. His two-way ability combined with great anticipation and a high-end shot make him one of the most exciting prospects in the class.

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6. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)

Described as `a unicorn` because he is a 6-5 center who skates with the speed and mobility expected from a smaller player, McQueen has been a hot topic all season.

He profiles as a prototypical modern-day power forward who blends soft skill with physicality. Elite right-handed centers are rare in the NHL, and McQueen`s size and willingness to physically dictate play add undeniable value. He has professional defensive habits that are translatable to the NHL and unique offensive upside that is still developing due to lost playing time from an injury during his draft season.

McQueen dominates the cycle game, creates offense on the rush, and uses his physical gifts to protect pucks. His projection as an elite top-line center lacks confidence due to the reduced playing time from his back injury. Without the injury, he might be discussed closer to the top of this draft class because his combination of skating, skill, and physical gifts is rare and represents the kind of toolbox executives dream of.

He is a textbook case of a high-risk, high-reward player. However, his performance at the scouting combine helped prove his back injury had healed completely. Playing against tougher competition will be important for developing his ability to protect himself, his puck control, and his capacity to create offense against bigger bodies. If developed without setback, he could become a two-way force in the NHL for years.

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7. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)

Desnoyers might be drafted significantly higher than where he is ranked here because he could be one of the best two-way players in the draft class. Described as a `coach`s dream` due to his ability to consistently execute both offensive and checking assignments, he makes smart, simple plays, provides a physical presence on the forecheck, and generally agitates and makes life difficult for defenders.

He is projected to be a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player. He is cerebral, possessing quick hands and playmaking ability. He is not flashy but is consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck.

Executives love hearing the word `reliable` from scouts, and that word perfectly describes Desnoyers. He is at his best in pressure-packed games because he finds a way to make the necessary plays to win. Many scouts believe he will be a leader in the NHL, playing solid hockey on both sides of the puck in all situations.

As one scouting director described, “he`s the type of player you win with.” Some have quietly compared him to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, which are certainly lofty comparisons.

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

Smith is a big, physical defenseman with untapped offensive ability and is considered the consensus second-best defender in the draft class behind Schaefer.

He possesses all the qualities of a top-four matchup player. He defends the rush well, closes gaps, and steers play in transition, making him one of the best neutral-zone defenders in the class. Given the importance of transition defense in a matchup role, Smith has a real chance to be the player coaches rely upon for heavy minutes against the best opponents.

His blend of skating, size, and poise, combined with an offensive game that positively progressed throughout the season, makes me believe there is more potential, and playing at Penn State next season should aid his development.

Smith stands 6-3, and executives appreciate the simplicity of his game: reading pressure, disrupting plays, and making effective passes to exit the zone. He lacks explosive skating and the consistent creativity required to be a quality offensive contributor at the NHL level, but his reads are sufficient for him to be a plus transition player and join the rush as a support player.

Smith`s development will focus on using his excellent mobility to prevent rush offense and becoming a more consistent offensive threat with better puck management. If Smith can drive play on both sides of the puck in transition and become a power-play threat, there is a real chance he develops into a No. 2 defender at the NHL level.

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

Deceptive and incredibly smooth, O`Brien is projected to be a point-producing, top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. The right-handed pivot is one of the best playmakers in the draft, regularly creating high-danger chances; for my money, he is the best pure creator in the draft.

He consistently manipulates defenders, distributes the puck on both forehand and backhand, and uses fakes that leave defenders and goalies bewildered. Development will focus on simplifying offensive plays to eliminate turnovers caused by holding the puck for too long.

O`Brien`s shot will need to develop significantly for his passing to be an elite threat in the NHL. There is some risk here because he is slighter than other players available at center, but he has room to fill out in the coming years. O`Brien`s elite playmaking skills will be even more valuable if he can add speed and increase his shooting threat.

He is two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, and patience could be key to O`Brien reaching his top-line ceiling. If he does, he is expected to be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver.

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10. Victor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Eklund is projected as a top-six forward with a good chance of becoming a top-line contributor. There is a distinct possibility he falls out of the top 10 this week, which would represent extreme value for any team selecting him. Despite concerns about his size (5-11, 161 pounds), Eklund`s style of play translates very well to the NHL. He plays much bigger than his measurements suggest, and there is room for him to add strength. Should he grow, which has happened with other prospects, Eklund`s projection becomes more confident as a 70-point producer with a high-end motor and excellent forechecking capability.

Eklund is excellent in transition and attacks defenders with speed and fearlessness, darting to the inside and positioning his body to win or protect pucks. His smaller size has forced him to learn how to protect the puck with excellent body positioning. If he develops a bigger, stronger frame, those skills will make him even more difficult to defend in the offensive zone.

His off-puck play is mature and will quickly earn the trust of NHL coaches. Eklund has the potential to be a difference-maker in a second-line role, and his blend of hard-nosed play with soft skill should translate more seamlessly than many other players. He impressed during the physical testing and interview portions of the scouting combine.

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11. Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)

Bear is the type of player coveted by teams looking for high-end instincts and playmaking. Before a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the CHL`s most dangerous offensive players and a reliable defensive forward. He is versatile, capable of playing both center and wing, and projects as a 65- to 75-point, second-line player, most likely on the wing.

He is a quality playmaker, utilizing different passes to create advantages in dangerous areas. His ability to manipulate defenders and create space for teammates while drawing coverage towards him should translate well in the NHL. He possesses good hands in tight spaces, making him a threat around the net, and is one of the best offensive facilitators in the draft class.

In addition to his offensive gifts, Bear`s defensive play makes him a quality two-way player. His stick positioning allows him to disrupt passes, and he is a tenacious forechecker who tracks well on the backcheck and finishes hits. His skating posture needs to become more upright to develop a more explosive stride and better utilize his offensive skills in transition, but the instincts and execution of plays are already present.

Bear is a good mix of soft and hard skill with projectable traits on both sides of the puck, and he is the type of player who should thrive in a matchup role while still contributing offensively.

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12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

A 6-6, right-handed defenseman with decent mobility who plays in all situations has scouts very excited, and he could be the second defenseman drafted on Friday. He is very difficult to get around, routinely thwarting attackers and killing plays. He is projected as a top-four, shutdown defenseman because of his excellent stick work, mobility, and transition defense. Mrtka uses his mobility to escape pressure, join the rush, and make quality passes to the middle of the ice.

Mrtka should develop into a strong transition defender, a reliable penalty killer, and an efficient puck mover. He shoots the puck hard and could become more of a scoring threat if he can pick his spots to get pucks through traffic. While everything flowed through him in Seattle, there are valid concerns about his lack of offense.

His size and physicality provide him with the tools to develop into a minute-munching, shutdown defender if his mobility continues to progress. His late birthday gives him significant development runway to refine his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality across all areas of the ice. If developed without setback, he could become a two-way force in the NHL for years to come.

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13. Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

A Swiss Army knife type of player who will be most effective on the wing due to his strong wall play, Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of routinely scoring 20 goals, with upside as a second-line forward.

He is a wrecking ball who will bring value in all three zones, with and without the puck. Martin has scouts raving about him after an excellent performance at the IIHF Under-18 Championship, with many suggesting he could go very early in the first round. He is a tireless worker without an off switch, blending physicality and hard skill. He is a nightmare to contain with his brute strength and forces defenders into difficult positions with good speed and willingness to make `winning` plays.

Martin finds ways to physically engage if his offensive game isn`t clicking, which executives appreciate. If Martin`s scoring production doesn`t fully translate, he will still be a valuable third-line pest.

Several teams mentioned how impressive Martin was during interviews at the combine. Combining an attractive personality with his hard-nosed style creates a rare combination valued by many scouts who believe he is the type of player teams need to win in the playoffs. His mention of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a role model likely grabbed attention. He will probably be gone well before the early teens, but this does not diminish the value of the players selected after him.

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14. Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

Carbonneau possesses an offensive toolbox that teams covet, including powerful skating and eye-popping creativity. He is projected as a second-line scoring forward with significant variance and is likely to end up as a middle-six player who thrives against secondary matchups. Carbonneau can drive offense with his playmaking and shooting ability and plays a well-rounded offensive game that includes playing through contact, excellent puckhandling skills, and above-average skating.

As is the case with any player who possesses incredible upside, there is inherent risk. He has a physically mature body (6-1, 191 pounds) and will need to adjust to the speed of the professional game. He thrives when given time and space, and his growth will come from learning to simplify his offensive play and make better decisions with the puck. He possesses tools to become a very effective power forward in the NHL who can score 25 goals if he adds a cerebral component to his game.

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15. Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)

The 6-4 left winger has translatable scoring ability and excellent speed for his size. With room to fill out his frame, Lakovic is an attractive prospect.

He attacks with linear crossovers, using his large frame to protect the puck, and makes plays using good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger at the NHL level if his passing translates as well as many believe his shooting will. Lakovic is projected to be a middle-six winger with fair confidence due to his scoring ability, speed, and size, but there is a chance he becomes a second-line scoring threat.

Lakovic`s development will primarily be on the physical side. While he is supremely skilled, he needs to lean on defenders and force his way to middle ice to take advantage of his quick hands and shot. If he does, he becomes a significantly more dangerous player, being a threat in transition and off the cycle. This is a developable skill that translates to any level, and combined with quality offensive instincts and skill, could see Lakovic become a dual-threat, 65-point winger.

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16. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

The 6-2 defender is projected to become a second-pair blueliner who excels in transition. He is one of the best neutral-zone defenders and puck movers in the draft, steadily improving as a true freshman in the NCAA. His puck retrievals, breakout passes, and offensive-zone passes consistently put his team in more advantageous attacking positions. Being a right-handed defender with excellent mobility and an easily translatable game makes Hensler a very attractive prospect in this class.

There are concerns among NHL scouts regarding Hensler`s offensive abilities and how they might fare in the NHL. However, Hensler showed flashes in the latter half of the NCAA season, drawing defenders in and making slick plays for high-danger scoring opportunities. He is unlikely to become a 60-point defender, but 35-45 points as a steady transition defender who plays a shutdown role seems to be the appropriate projection.

His NHL-ready frame is a plus and will only improve throughout his collegiate career, which is likely to be another two seasons.

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17. Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes is likely to be the first center taken in the back half of the first round and will be a target for teams looking for a two-way, high-motor center. He lacks explosive offense, but with some development of his shooting mechanics, he could become a 60-point, two-way center. Scouts love how consistently he moves his feet throughout shifts, his drive to play through the middle of the ice, and his ability to create advantages with his skating and compete level.

His ability to create space for teammates and move the puck to advantageous areas is highly translatable. He is proactive with contact, moves the puck to the middle, and is reliable on both sides of the puck in every area of the ice.

A strong skater and leader, his floor is likely a third-line checking center, but the potential for him to become a two-way, second-line center should be attractive to teams willing to bet on offensive development. His reads will almost surely see him play a penalty-killing role and be relied upon when his team is holding a lead.

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18. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

There is a lot to like about Reid`s game, and also a lot of varying opinions. Some scouts see him as a top-15 pick, others in the mid-20s, with projections hinging on belief in his offensive game. Reid is a play driver from the backend with excellent puck-moving skills and skating. He flashes high-end offensive ability with setups and finding/creating passing lanes to dangerous areas; however, his shot will need to become more of a threat to prevent his distribution from being neutralized in the NHL.

In transition, he is one of the best on both sides of the puck. His smooth puck retrievals, where he constantly shoulder checks and scans to avoid pressure, lead to efficient breakouts. When pressured, he uses elite edgework to escape and shake defenders, following with a quick outlet pass to beat the forecheck.

The consensus belief is that he is a middle-pairing, transition defender who could become a bona fide No. 3 if he develops his offense and grows an inch or two (currently listed at 5-11).

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19. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

There is a very real chance that Aitcheson is drafted near the top 10 given his style of play and the NHL teams` desire for toughness on the back end. His projection as a No. 4/5 defender places him below players with higher perceived offensive upside. Aitcheson plays with tremendous truculence and aggression, coupled with an aura of confidence on and off the puck. He has all the makings of being a complete menace who plays tough minutes as a No. 4 defender.

Whether it`s a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson plays the same rough style and is unafraid of delivering big hits. He needs to choose his spots better to avoid unnecessary penalties, but he is the type of player opponents need to be aware of when he is on the ice. Scouts see him as a hard-nosed, two-way defender with significant bite who can be a momentum-shifter with his physical presence.

He requires development time, as his skating and playmaking are raw, but his competitive attributes and development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement developed as the season progressed, rotating with teammates, driving towards the high-danger area, and becoming more dangerous with open ice.

He is likely two or three years away from being NHL-ready. But when he is, he is exactly the type of defender every coach and GM wants on their team.

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20. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)

The two-way center brings an excellent mix of hockey sense, playmaking, and creativity, positioning him as a middle-six contributor capable of consistently producing 60 points. He lacks elite skating, but his combine results raised eyebrows, tying Frondell for tops in VO2 max. While this metric alone doesn`t guarantee NHL success, it demonstrates a particular dedication to conditioning, and those results are noted in NHL circles.

Reschny is smaller (5-10, 183 pounds) and relies on his cerebral approach and excellent passing abilities to create advantages all over the ice. He processes the game better than many in the draft class, allowing him to manage pressure and position himself better for puck protection.

Defensively, Reschny`s instincts result in positionally sound play, regularly playing above the puck, disrupting passes, and communicating assignment switches. He has the potential to be a great two-way complementary center who creates offense without separating speed. His reads will almost surely lead to a penalty-killing role, and he will be relied upon when his team is holding a lead.

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21. Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)

Kindel is a scoring machine. Following a 60-point rookie campaign in the WHL in 2023-24, he elevated to elite status this season, finishing seventh in overall scoring and performing excellently at even strength.

Although undersized at 5-10, 176 pounds, Kindel blends pace, vision, and quality instincts, projecting as a middle-six winger with two-way ability. Kindel`s motor is relentless, compensating for his lack of speed and enabling him to weave through traffic and execute give-and-go`s with ease. A dual-threat attacker, he pairs an accurate shot with dangerous passing ability. His elite hockey sense allows him to consistently outsmart opponents and set up teammates with creative plays in dangerous areas when he has time and space, while also playing positionally sound hockey without the puck.

Defensively and on the forecheck, Kindel leverages his intelligence, anticipation, and effort to win battles despite size disadvantages. He will need to refine and improve his skating posture and puck control, while also adding another gear of speed to succeed in the NHL.

While the potential exists for Kindel to become a top-six NHL player, he is more likely to find himself in the middle-six as a complementary piece.

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22. Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA)

Potter is a dynamic skater who is the fastest straight-line skater in the draft class, with explosive mobility ranking among the draft`s best. Making an uncommon jump from the NTDP`s under-17 team directly to NCAA play, Potter displayed elite acceleration and agility, effortlessly shifting from stride to crossover and cutting sharply through defenders. Initially reliant on raw skill, Potter often avoided physical battles and forced `hope plays,` which limited his effectiveness in the first half of the NCAA season.

Potter`s evolution in the second half of the season dramatically elevated his game and was impossible to overlook. He embraced defensive responsibilities, improved his physical play despite his 5-10 frame, won puck battles, and filled lanes on the backcheck. Potter`s positional play and off-puck effectiveness improved as a result.

The added defensive dimension complements his offensive talents, raising his floor to a bottom-six checker while his upside remains very high as a top-six forward due to his steep development curve. Further development of his transition play and learning to use his explosive skating and accurate shot while changing gears will make him a more dangerous offensive threat.

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23. Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)

Spence projects with confidence as a high-energy, two-way winger perfectly suited for a Stanley Cup contender`s third line. He possesses a relentless motor, physical tenacity, and professional defensive habits. While there are valid concerns that his game lacks a truly dynamic offensive element, the current form of his game translates easily to the NHL, giving him a higher floor than some other players in this range of the draft class.

At his best, Spence is a disruptive force, ferocious on the forecheck, relentless on the boards, and defensively reliable. He thrives alongside skilled teammates, creating space through his effort and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in dangerous areas of the ice. Scouts appreciate Spence`s game-changing impact, particularly his forechecking, success in puck battles, and ability to draw penalties.

His offensive growth plateaued this season, which has tempered expectations about his ceiling. His projection as a third-line winger with a bottom-six floor is tied to this scoring plateau. If Spence can assert physical dominance, find playmaking consistency, and see an uptick in scoring, there is a chance he becomes a secondary contributor in the middle six. Regardless, Spence`s blend of competitiveness, professional details, and defensive reliability makes him a solid bet to become a key complementary piece on a contender, likely excelling as games become more physical.

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24. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)

Ravensbergen is the clear-cut top goaltender prospect in this draft. He projects a composed, confident demeanor and has a confident projection as a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload.

At 6-foot-5, he leverages his size, elite anticipation, and crisp lateral agility, consistently positioning himself perfectly to deny shooters without unnecessary flash. He tracks the puck at a higher level than his peers, allowing him to confidently challenge shooters and cut angles effectively. He is particularly vulnerable through the five-hole, which is not unusual for large goalies who keep their sticks slightly off the ice. As he develops and refines his technique, this weakness should be corrected well before he reaches the NHL.

A reliable backstop for Prince George, Ravensbergen`s .901 save percentage stands out even more when considering the high-danger chances he regularly faced. His rebound control is well above average, and he possesses an above-average glove hand. He consistently angles his blocker effectively, enabling him to direct shots safely away from danger.

It is likely that Ravensbergen becomes a platoon starter until his mid-20s, at which point he could be capable of becoming a full-time NHL starter playing 60-65 games per season.

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25. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler is one of the draft`s most intriguing defenders with his blend of size (6-4), mobility, and untapped upside. With NHL family history (Vernon Fiddler is his father), he performed well on the international stage, leading scouts and executives to believe his defensive-zone dominance and transition skill will ease his transition to the NHL.

Fiddler`s defensive toolkit stands out. His mobility lends itself to tight gap control, balanced pivots, and high-quality neutral-zone defense. Physically imposing, he consistently disrupts opposing attacks, maintains strong body positioning, and proactively eliminates threats away from the puck while staying positionally sound.

Defense is his clear calling card, but Fiddler flashes creativity on offense. He manipulates defenders with fakes, executes difficult breakout passes under pressure, and occasionally displays high-end puck skills.

To reach his ceiling as a second-pairing defenseman, Fiddler will need to refine his reads, timing, and decision-making to limit miscues with the puck. He will likely require patience over the next few years, but with continued development in gap control, awareness, and physical engagement, he profiles confidently as a reliable second-pair shutdown defender capable of driving play in transition.

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26. Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)

Nesbitt is an intelligent, two-way center whose game is rooted in competitiveness, defensive reliability, and off-puck hockey IQ. He excels defensively, using his 6-4 frame to break up plays with physical engagement and smart stick positioning to intercept pucks. His hockey sense consistently places him in strong positions in all three zones, allowing him to create turnovers and execute quick passes for dangerous chances.

His offensive upside hinges on his skating, which is a concern. His stiff stride and lack of demonstrated flexibility at the combine might limit how much he can improve. Despite flashes of skill, he struggles to maneuver past defenders, and his inconsistent puck handling under pressure often disrupts his playmaking.

Nesbitt showed improvement throughout the season, leveraging his size offensively and initiating more contact consistently. If these improvements continue, and he is able to improve his skating stride, he projects confidently as a dependable middle-six center who can anchor a defensive line and support skilled players higher up the lineup.

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27. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

One of the most discussed and debated defenders in the draft, Boumedienne projects as a second-pair, two-way defender. Already known as a brilliant breakout passer with a heavy slap shot and strong stick play, Boumedienne`s defensive game evolved noticeably at Boston University. Bolstered by steadily improving his skating weaknesses, particularly his agility and edge work, he started to look the part of a modern shutdown defenseman, especially in transition. He developed greater stability, enabling more effective gap control and quicker pivots. Proactive reads, strong positioning, physicality, and effective disruption of passing lanes allowed his defensive game to blossom.

While his offensive game remains primarily rush-based rather than focused on offensive zone sustained pressure, Boumedienne`s willingness to experiment with fakes and deception significantly improved his transition impact. The volatility of his projection remains high, but Boumedienne`s substantial in-season growth, defensive reliability, and refined skating offer realistic upside as an effective second-pair, two-way defender at the NHL level who can produce secondary offense.

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28. Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)

One of the most skilled and creative forwards in the draft, some scouts have him ranked in the late teens due to their belief in his offensive upside. Lee is a dynamic offensive player who consistently cuts through defensive coverage with elite puckhandling and deceptive passes. His one-timer is one of the best in the draft class. With a full complement of high-end tools, Lee possesses a rare ability to create offense in tight quarters with limited space, and he stood out amongst his USHL peers. He manipulates defenders and delivers elite passes under pressure. He consistently makes translatable plays like one-touch breakouts, fake receptions, and quick releases in scoring areas. As the season progressed, he showed a willingness to forecheck, battle, and apply pressure defensively.

The glaring question is his skating. His stride is stiff and lacks explosiveness. Lee will need major improvements in mobility to maximize his offensive toolkit at the NHL level. That being said, if he adds a step or two to pair with his skill, Lee has the ability to become a creative, middle-six playmaker with top-six upside.

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29. Jack Murtagh, F, USNTDP (USHL)

Murtagh emerged as a versatile, energetic winger and cemented himself as the USNTDP`s most compelling prospect in a down year for the program. He plays a relentless style and possesses an explosive stride, thriving in puck battles and consistently leveraging his straight-line speed and physicality to power through opponents and create scoring chances. He owns a strong shot package, including an explosive one-timer, and Murtagh is equally dangerous off the rush.

Murtagh`s development as a playmaker elevated his stock in the eyes of scouts. He regularly demonstrated above-average awareness and impressive passing skill to get the puck to the most dangerous areas of the ice. His ability to complement scoring with high-level distribution should continue to develop at the NCAA level at Boston University.

To unlock a clear NHL middle-six ceiling, Murtagh must diversify his transition approach, use teammates more consistently, and rely less exclusively on raw speed and power. Even without dynamic creativity, his tenacious style, goal-scoring instincts, and improved playmaking project safely to a third-line NHL power forward role.

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30. Bill Zonnon, F, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

Zonnon is a relentless and detail-oriented two-way forward who has carved out a reputation as one of the CHL`s hardest-working players. With an 83-point breakout campaign in his first full-time season at center, Zonnon combined a high-end motor, raw but effective playmaking, and relentless puck pursuit that allowed him to be a play driver in all three zones. He excels on the forecheck, pressuring defenders into rushed decisions, winning battles, and moving pucks to teammates in scoring areas.

Offensively, he makes good reads under pressure, threading pucks through tight lanes and consistently putting his team in advantageous positions. His ability to support defensively, facilitate transitions, and physically impose himself makes him the ideal type of forward teams want in the playoffs.

His skating remains a limiting factor, and he will need to improve his agility and posture to reach his offensive ceiling. If Zonnon can refine his stride and continue to develop his playmaking, he projects as a middle-six driver who blends tenacity and has the makings of a valuable third-liner whom playoff teams covet.

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31. Shane Vansaghi, F, Michigan State (NCAA)

A steady riser as the season progressed, Vansaghi is a tenacious power winger whose physical dominance and competitive fire make him one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft. Many nights, he looked like a man among boys with excellent forechecking, delivering punishing checks to defenders retrieving pucks, and bulldozing through contact to establish inside position.

Offensively, Vansaghi showed flashes of legitimate upside, with good puckhandling, a heavy release that caught goaltenders by surprise, and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. His net-front play and ability to win body position in tight areas suggest he might be an effective net-front player at the NHL level if he can deflect pucks and knock rebounds home.

His skating lacks explosiveness and agility and will require significant revamp, which might be challenging given his 6-1 frame.

Note: Rankings and details for prospects 32-64 were not provided in the original text snippet.