As the 2024-2025 NHL season continues to skate into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 2025 NHL Draft has been on the minds of many. The 2024 NHL Draft was a rush, but the showmanship was not as potent as the previous year. Connor Bedard was drafted first overall in 2023, and the excitement was tangible. The upcoming NHL Draft is hoped to be just as wild, with these top five prospects.
2025 NHL Draft New Blood Rankings
As many of us are aware, the NHL Draft prospects are separated in rank via region and skater/goalie. Each top player may be ranked number one in their region, but that doesn’t necessarily make that player the top in the entire Draft, yet. Starting with the North American Skaters Midterm Rankings, Matthew Schaefer (Canada), James Hagens (USA), Mishael Misa (Canada), Porter Martone (Canada), and Roger McQueen (Canada).
The top five International Skaters Midterm Rankings are Victor Eklund (Sweden), Anton Frondell (Sweden), Ivan Ryabkin (Russia), Milton Gastrin (Sweden), and Vojtech Cihar (Czech).
Top Players To Watch
The top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft is Matthew Schaefer. Although he got injured during the World Juniors, the defenseman is aggressive on the offensive but diligent on the defense: a highly talented player. As of February 7, 2025, his last five games have earned him six points in the OHL. The second spot, in my opinion, is Michael Misa. Due to Misa’s explosive past few games, and dedication to getting pucks on the net, whether he passes it off or not, I favor Misa for the second spot. The left-shooter has earned 11 points with four goals and 7 assists in the last five games.
The third slot belongs to James Hagans. Hagans displays a superior hockey sense. Although he has a shorter stature than a typical centerman, he is a very consistent playmaker. In the last five games, he has 6 points: 1 goal and 5 assists. While he is prospected by the NHL for the second slot, due to Misa’s recent gameplay, I hypothesize Hagans will be the third.
Swedish Left Winger Victor Eklund is my fourth pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. Eklund is all over the ice, and everywhere he is needed. He is the kind of player who can turn the tides in a game, which is precious to any NHL club. In the last five games, he has 5 points: 3 goals and 2 assists.
Finally, we come to the fifth prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft: Porter Martone. Martone is a speedy right winger who has been dangerous in the rush for some time. In the last five games, he has earned five points, 1 goal, and 4 assists. Although he currently holds the fourth slot according to the NHL, at the end of the day, scoring is what is most important. In my standings, Victor could very easily be swiped before Martone if he continues to score as often as he has recently.
In the End, It’s All Business
As the amateur season continues, these standings are likely to fluctuate, for the NHL and myself. The clubs that have the first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft start with the San Jose Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Nashville Predators, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Seattle Kraken. San Jose has been eyeballing a Matthew Schaefer for some time.
While the NHL Draft is usually full of shock and awe, these players are guaranteed to be spoken for before the first round is through. It is truly business, and statistics always matter. I guarantee the 2025 NHL Draft will be one of infamy.
