Top Fantasy Hockey Prospects from the 2025 NHL Entry Draft

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders, Erie (OHL) Selected: 1, Rank: 1

Rachel Doerrie comments: “A dynamic presence on both offense and defense, the 6-foot-2 defenseman moves effortlessly with elite mobility to shut down opponents in any situation, while generating offense through high-quality transition plays.”

This young defenseman is destined for stardom; it`s simply a matter of timing. With Noah Dobson moving to Montreal, the Islanders clearly envision Schaefer stepping into a key defensive role and anchoring the top power-play unit. Prospect analyst Shane Malloy likens him to Ottawa`s Jake Sanderson, praising Schaefer`s superior skating, hockey sense, and physical game.

Crucially for fantasy managers, Schaefer is expected to develop into a top-15 defenseman by contributing across multiple statistical categories. While likely not next season, even if he cracks New York`s lineup as a valuable dynasty asset, his potential is significant. Remember, he doesn`t turn 18 until September. For comparison, in his third NHL season at age 22, Sanderson posted 2.4 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard scoring.

Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks, Saginaw (OHL) Selected: 2, Rank: 2

Doerrie states: “Misa possesses elite offensive instincts. He processes the game rapidly and executes plays at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center.”

Projected as an NHL star, Misa provides the Sharks with an exciting one-two punch down the middle alongside Macklin Celebrini. He led the CHL with an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games this past season and is expected to be a consistent scorer at even strength and on the power play. An immediate essential addition in dynasty leagues, Misa is also predicted to become a highly attractive target in re-draft leagues over time. Paired with other young San Jose talents like Celebrini and Will Smith, this forward has the potential for 90-100 points in the NHL.

Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) Selected: 3, Rank: 5

Doerrie notes: “He has demonstrated his ability to drive play against adult competition in the Allsvenskan league, a trait that has translated well for other prospects previously. He is projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His playing style is well-suited to the NHL and executives are optimistic about his potential to join the league within the next 18 months.”

Capable of playing both center and wing, Frondell is admired for his strong two-way game, physical style, and excellent shot. The recently-turned 18-year-old should eventually slot into the Blackhawks` top-six forwards – his versatility offering flexibility in his exact role – and join a power-play unit with Connor Bedard. In addition to a projected initial output of 60 points in 2026-27, Frondell should also be relied upon for solid contributions in shots and hits.

Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth, Moncton (QMJHL) Selected: 4, Rank: 7

Doerrie observes: “He projects as a quality second-line center with a solid chance of developing into a first-line player. He is intelligent, with quick hands and strong playmaking ability. While not flashy, he is consistently effective and makes smart plays with the puck.”

Likely destined to play behind Logan Cooley as Utah`s second-line center and on a top power-play unit, the Quebec native possesses 70-point potential with an improving Mammoth team. Drawing quiet comparisons to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews – as Doerrie points out – the speedy, tall playmaker scored 35 goals and added 49 assists in 56 games with the Wildcats last season.

Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Selected: 5, Rank: 13

Doerrie describes him as: “A versatile `Swiss Army knife` type of player who will be most effective on the wing due to his strong play along the boards. Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of consistently scoring 20 goals, with the upside to be a second-line forward.”

Compared to Florida`s Sam Bennett, Elmira, Ontario`s notable hockey-playing farmer isn`t expected to rack up points in the same volume as some others in this draft class. However, much like Bennett, Martin should still provide value in fantasy leagues that count a variety of categories, particularly hits.

Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers, Brampton (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 4

Doerrie comments: “A large, intelligent forward, Martone is a dual threat offensively, capable of scoring himself and setting up teammates. He is projected to be a second-line scoring winger who should receive top power-play minutes.”

He is big, creative, and fiercely competitive. If Martone`s skating – a known weakness – improves, he could potentially crack the Flyers` top line in the near future. Fantasy managers should certainly monitor his progress in this area in the coming months. If he enhances his stride, his offensive ceiling is near the 70-point mark, with an emphasis on assists.

James Hagens, F, Boston College, Boston Bruins (NCAA) Selected: 7, Rank: 3

Doerrie suggests: “Hagens is projected to be a top-line center, or one of the best second-line centers in the NHL. He brings a strong work ethic with excellent speed and passing ability that should allow him to effectively drive play at the NHL level. He is smaller and lighter than some other prospects, which is a concern for some teams, but he has a mix of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in his transition play and creativity.”

The Bruins could certainly use a boost at center. After one more year in college, Hagens should find his way into a top-six forward spot in Boston. Perhaps eventually alongside one of the game`s elite scorers? David Pastrnak is signed with the Bruins through 2031. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should absolutely keep an eye on that potential line combination in future seasons.

Jake O`Brien, F, Seattle Kraken, Brantford (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 9

Doerrie notes: “Deceptive and incredibly smooth, O`Brien projects to be a point-producing, top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. He is two or three years away from playing a significant role in the NHL, and patience could be key to O`Brien reaching his top-line potential. If he does, he will be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive engine.”

As a top-six center in Seattle, O`Brien is poised to score in bunches. At some point, potentially more than any other Kraken player. Meriting immediate consideration in deep dynasty leagues, the recently-turned 18-year-old should climb fantasy cheat sheets further down the line. If everything goes well, the current Bulldog has a 90-point ceiling.

Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks, Brandon (WHL) Selected: 10, Rank: 6

Doerrie states: “His projection as an elite top-line center lacks certainty due to lost playing time from his back injury. Without the injury, we might be discussing McQueen near the very top of this draft class because his combination of skating, skill, and physical attributes is rare, representing the kind of player potential executives dream of.”

Further described as a “textbook high-risk, high-reward player,” McQueen could prove to be an outright steal if he has truly recovered from his significant back injury. Whether he eventually displaces Leo Carlsson, or others, from the top center position in Anaheim, or shifts to the wing, the tall skater has point-per-game potential. Fantasy managers will get a better sense of the status of his back throughout next season.

Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks, Prince George (WHL) Selected: 30, Rank: 24

Doerrie notes: “Ravensbergen is clearly the top goaltender prospect in this draft class. He projects a composed, confident demeanor, and is confidently projected to become a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload.”

Labeled a `wild card` only because all young goaltenders carry this designation at this stage of their development, Ravensbergen is likely to see significant playing time for a Sharks team expected to be considerably improved by the time he is ready to make the leap. Just give it around three years.