The 2025 NHL Draft is shaping up to be a departure from the predictable nature of the previous two drafts, where Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini were long-standing, consensus top prospects. This year, while American center James Hagens entered the season as the presumptive favorite, the landscape has shifted considerably. NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings have placed Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer at the top of the North American skaters list, marking a potential return to defensive prominence at the top of the draft. This projection elevates Schaefer above a group of highly-talented forwards, introducing an element of intrigue and volatility to the draft’s trajectory. This uncertainty surrounding the top pick adds a layer of excitement for fans and teams alike, promising a potentially dramatic lead-up to the draft.
Schaefer’s ascent to the top spot comes despite a recent setback: a broken clavicle suffered during the 2025 World Junior Championship. This injury is expected to sideline him for about three months, potentially impacting his crucial pre-draft playoff performances with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). However, his pre-injury performance, combined with his impressive skillset, has been enough to capture the attention of scouts. At 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds, Schaefer possesses a combination of size, speed, and hockey IQ that makes him a formidable presence on the ice. His ability to contribute at both ends of the rink, coupled with his strong skating and decision-making, paints a picture of a well-rounded prospect with significant upside.
The 2025 draft class is particularly deep at the forward position, especially within the OHL. High on Central Scouting’s list are forwards Michael Misa, Porter Martone, and Roger McQueen, all Canadians showcasing impressive offensive prowess in the OHL and WHL. Misa, currently leading the OHL in goals and points, has been lighting up the score sheet for the Saginaw Spirit. Martone, playing for the Brampton Steelheads, has also been a consistent point producer. McQueen, a towering center for the Brandon Wheat Kings, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been hampered by injury, a factor that will undoubtedly be monitored as the draft approaches. The strong showing from these forwards, along with others in the draft class, makes for a compelling competition for the top spot and reinforces the depth of talent available to NHL teams.
While Schaefer currently holds the top ranking, James Hagens remains a prominent figure in the 2025 draft conversation. Despite being slightly smaller than some of his counterparts, Hagens possesses elite skating ability and exceptional offensive instincts. His performance at Boston College, one of the NCAA’s top programs, has solidified his status as a premier prospect. Hagens has also consistently performed well on the international stage, demonstrating his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. The contrast in playing styles and physical attributes between Schaefer and Hagens presents an interesting dilemma for NHL teams evaluating their options at the top of the draft.
Beyond the North American contingent, the 2025 draft also features promising international talent. Swedish wingers Victor Eklund and Anton Frondell, teammates in the Allsvenskan league, are ranked highly among international skaters, signaling a potential resurgence of Swedish talent in the draft after an absence in the first round of the 2024 draft. In addition, goaltenders Joshua Ravensbergen of the WHL and Pyotr Andreyanov of the MHL are ranked as the top North American and international goaltending prospects, respectively. Ravensbergen’s large frame and right-handed catching style make him a unique prospect, while Andreyanov’s impressive save percentage highlights his potential to be a future NHL starter. The emergence of these international players further strengthens the overall depth and global representation in the 2025 draft class.
The 2025 NHL Draft is also set to be unique in its logistical approach. Breaking from the traditional arena setting, the NHL has opted for a decentralized format, seeking greater privacy and cost-efficiency. This move is designed to create a more focused and business-like environment for teams making critical draft selections. The reported location for the 2025 draft is the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, a venue that reflects the shift towards a more intimate and controlled setting. This change in approach underscores the league’s evolving strategy for managing the draft process, prioritizing efficient decision-making over the spectacle of past drafts. With the final rankings and combine still months away, the 2025 draft promises to be a compelling storyline throughout the remainder of the hockey season, filled with potential movement, surprises, and the promise of a new generation of NHL stars.
