Top NHL prospects playing in the 2025 Memorial Cup

The 2025 Memorial Cup tournament is here, bringing significant excitement. The event features a wealth of talented young players, some expected to join the NHL as early as next season, including one who is widely considered the top prospect for the 2026 draft.

The talent pool includes everything from elite forwards capable of becoming 30-goal scorers in the NHL to top-four defensemen projected to anchor NHL blue lines for years. The caliber of players participating in this Memorial Cup surpasses that of recent years. Nearly every game will showcase impressive talent, with several players on each team that NHL fans could see on the ice this fall.

Here is a breakdown of the top prospects by team, along with scouting notes:

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London Knights
OHL

Easton Cowan, Toronto Maple Leafs

Breaking the London Knights` playoff scoring record is a significant achievement, given the caliber of talent that has played for the team. Easton Cowan accomplished this feat, now accumulating 96 playoff points, including 39 in 17 games this year. He is the dynamic force driving the Knights and aims to rebound after their loss in last year`s Memorial Cup Final.

Cowan plays an aggressive, high-skill game. He is physical, challenges opponents directly, showcases excellent puckhandling, and generates high-danger scoring chances. His partnership with Halttunen was crucial during London`s OHL Championship run, and he is expected to be a major focus of discussion over the next ten days.

Kasper Halttunen, San Jose Sharks

Named MVP of the OHL playoffs, Halttunen netted 15 goals in 17 playoff games, including multiple hat tricks in the OHL final series. He dominated playoff opponents and will be the primary player targeted by opponents for defensive shutdown in the Memorial Cup.

For London to succeed as Memorial Cup favorites, Halttunen will likely need to lead the tournament in goal scoring. He possesses an NHL-ready shot capable of scoring from distance, and is also effective at tipping pucks and driving to the net. His one-timer is a potent weapon on the power play. Halttunen is anticipated to be one of the top offensive players in the tournament, and neutralizing him will be a priority for opposing teams.

Sam O`Reilly, Edmonton Oilers

This two-way center was exceptional for London throughout the OHL playoffs, contributing 22 points while effectively shutting down the opposition`s top players. He will play a critical role in containing key players like Gavin McKenna, Andrew Basha, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jacob Mathieu.

O`Reilly is a valuable penalty killer and an excellent matchup center due to his relentless puck pursuit, ability to break up passes with his stick, and success in puck battles. Coach Dale Hunter relies on O`Reilly in crucial situations, deploying him whenever needed. If he can successfully neutralize opponent stars and contribute around four points, London will be in a strong position.

Sam Dickinson, San Jose Sharks

Dickinson is one of the two standout defensemen for the Knights and their primary offensive threat from the blue line, registering 31 points in the OHL playoffs. This offensive playmaker has excelled at the junior level and is projected to develop into a top-pair defender in the NHL.

Dickinson is expected to provide steady play, disrupt opponent plays, and stifle offensive threats. He is most effective when he maintains a simple defensive approach while using his excellent skating to join the offensive rush. He has the capability to dictate play flow from the defensive end, and if he minimizes defensive errors, the Knights will be in good shape.

Oliver Bonk, Philadelphia Flyers

While not as flashy as Dickinson, Bonk is trusted by Coach Hunter with the toughest defensive assignments. He provides a reliable presence on the blue line, effectively shutting down opponents by directing them to less dangerous areas of the ice and ending plays.

As a defense-first player, he avoids getting caught out of position offensively. His strong gap control allows him to force turnovers, guide opponents through the neutral zone, and compel dump-ins. Hunter will need him to neutralize some of junior hockey`s top players, which will be a significant test of Bonk`s ability against NHL-caliber talent. If Bonk can win his matchups against players like McKenna, Desnoyers, and Cataford, the Knights will be in a prime position to win the Memorial Cup.

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Medicine Hat Tigers
WHL

Cayden Lindstrom, Columbus Blue Jackets

After missing a year due to injury, the No. 4 overall pick from 2024 recorded four points in four WHL championship games. As he missed significant development time, many eyes will be on the big forward at the Memorial Cup. He must utilize his size to protect the puck, drive towards the net, and maintain a consistent scoring presence.

Lindstrom has the capacity to shift momentum in Medicine Hat`s favor by driving offense and physically imposing himself on adversaries. He represents the X factor for the Tigers; if he performs exceptionally well, they have a genuine chance to win the Memorial Cup. If he struggles to play at his peak, they might find it difficult to match the depth of London and Moncton.

Gavin McKenna, 2026 draft prospect

Expect at least two or three highlight-reel plays from Gavin McKenna during the Memorial Cup. Considered one of the best players outside the NHL, he isn`t eligible for the draft until 2026.

McKenna possesses astonishing offensive talent, elite hockey IQ, and routinely makes opposing defenders look lost. He is the most naturally gifted player in this Memorial Cup, and if Medicine Hat wins, he will likely lead the tournament in scoring.

McKenna is a threat with and without the puck, in the offensive zone, and in transition. No one at the junior level has successfully neutralized him. He is a truly special talent, and unlike previous exceptional prospects (Connor McDavid, Connor Bedard), McKenna has the unique opportunity to compete in the Memorial Cup before his draft year.

Ryder Ritchie, Minnesota Wild

A point-per-game player in the WHL playoffs, Ritchie doesn`t receive the same media attention as McKenna, Lindstrom, and Basha, but he is a highly effective player. A dual-threat offensive talent, Ritchie initially struggled to adapt to Medicine Hat`s system after an August trade from Prince Albert but found his form as the season progressed.

Ritchie can shoot the puck powerfully, and his playmaking ability prevents defenders from anticipating either a shot or a pass. He can drive the offense, create scoring opportunities, and set up his teammates. Medicine Hat will need him to facilitate offense and act as a catalyst in the middle of the lineup to provide scoring depth.

Andrew Basha, Calgary Flames

Basha missed a substantial part of the regular season and playoffs recovering from ankle surgery but made an immediate impact upon his return. At his best, Basha is a dynamic offensive threat who uses speed to beat defenders. He can challenge teams in multiple ways, with both playmaking and scoring abilities.

Although he is more of a playmaker than a shooting threat, Basha will be a significant contributor to Medicine Hat`s offensive production at both even strength and on the power play. With talented linemates like Lindstrom, McKenna, and Ritchie, Basha has ample opportunities to create plays. He is the type of player who elevates the performance of his teammates and displays flashes of truly elite offensive skill.

Tanner Molendyk, Nashville Predators

With 20 points in 18 playoff games, Molendyk continues to perform as an elite defenseman at the junior level. He is supremely effective at defending against rushes, which will be vital when facing players like Easton Cowan, Kasper Halttunen, Caleb Desnoyers, and others.

He neutralizes elite offensive talent in transition using his excellent skating and puck-moving skills. His profile as a two-way defender who transitions the puck well and defends the rush confidently projects him as a top-four defenseman in the NHL. Molendyk leads Medicine Hat`s defense and is relied upon to drive play from the back end. Expect him to play a major role in all situations for the Tigers at the Memorial Cup.

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Rimouski Océanic
QMJHL

Mathieu Cataford, Vegas Golden Knights

This two-way forward will be crucial for the host team, which lost to Moncton in the QMJHL Final. Cataford is a well-rounded player providing significant value on both ends of the ice. He will need to be impactful on the forecheck, facilitate offense with his passing ability, and quickly get shots off from prime scoring areas.

He possesses the strength and skill to drive transition play and create opportunities around the net front. He is capable of playing in all situations and will need to be a driving force in all three zones for Rimouski to challenge the champions from the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL.

Jacob Mathieu, Undrafted free agent

As the leading point producer in the QMJHL playoffs, Mathieu will need to spearhead the offense for the host team in the Memorial Cup. The 21-year-old undrafted player is looking to make a strong impression to earn an invitation to an NHL development camp and potentially an entry-level contract.

Mathieu tallied 31 points in 23 playoff games, including four goals and seven points in the QMJHL Final. He has rediscovered the offensive game that many teams hoped to see in his draft year, and it has come together at the perfect time for Rimouski. They will require him to produce points and drive offense, as well as support plays across all three zones. If Mathieu maintains his performance level and production at the Memorial Cup, he will undoubtedly be considered for an NHL contract this fall.

Spencer Gill, Philadelphia Flyers

The large, right-handed defenseman missed the entirety of the QMJHL playoffs due to a broken ankle and hopes to return for the Memorial Cup. He is a capable defender who could significantly impact the defense with his physicality and transition game, provided he is healthy enough to play.

There is currently no definitive word on his readiness, but Gill`s presence in the lineup would provide a major boost to the host`s prospects, especially after their 4-2 loss to Moncton in the QMJHL Final.

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Moncton Wildcats
QMJHL

Caleb Desnoyers, 2025 draft prospect

Desnoyers has a rare opportunity to make a final statement to scouts and NHL executives long after many of his draft-eligible peers have finished playing. While others prepare for the combine, Desnoyers is focused on leading his team to a Memorial Cup.

An excellent two-way player, Desnoyers possesses exceptional hands and quality playmaking skills. He is tenacious against opponents and can neutralize their top players. Moncton expects him to lead their offensive charge while going head-to-head against the tournament`s best players. If Desnoyers delivers a standout performance on both ends of the ice, he might find himself ranked within the top 5 when the draft takes place.

Gabe Smith, Utah Mammoth

One of Moncton`s key contributors in the playoffs, with 22 points in 19 games, the large center will continue to provide important depth for Moncton after scoring the series-clinching goal in the QMJHL Final. He is a dominant force around the net front, proving nearly impossible to move, with a proven ability to deflect pucks and finish rebounds in tight areas.

At 6-foot-5 and 207 pounds, he is almost too much for the junior level to handle, using his size to battle effectively, forecheck, and shield the puck from opponents. He is expected to continue physically dominating players at the Memorial Cup, even if he lacks dynamic skill. He plays an effective power-forward game and can shift momentum with a big hit or physical engagement.

Juraj Pekarcik, St. Louis Blues

Expected to play on the top line alongside Desnoyers, Pekarcik scored nine goals in the QMJHL playoffs, including goals in each of the first three games against Rimouski in the Final. Pekarcik is one of the most intelligent players on the Wildcats roster and can execute plays at a high tempo. He understands how to read defensive formations, identify weaknesses, and attack them with speed. He takes advantage of what defenders concede and will need to continue doing so to produce alongside Desnoyers.

He will play a vital role on the power play, recovering pucks, directing shots towards the net, and dissecting defensive coverage.

Etienne Morin, Calgary Flames

One of the premier defensemen in the QMJHL playoffs, Morin is the driving force from the back end for Moncton. With 11 power-play points this postseason, Morin was a major reason why the Wildcats consistently made opponents pay for penalties.

He quarterbacks the Moncton power play, poses a shooting threat from the point, and facilitates opportunities for Desnoyers and Pekarcik. Defensively, he plays a physical game, punishing opponents while effectively moving the puck and escaping pressure. He will play significant minutes against the top players in the tournament and will need to shut them down for Moncton to succeed.