Manner-Too-Early 2025 NHL Mock Draft

The 2025 NHL draft is anticipated to be held in late June subsequent yr. It will likely be the primary through which the highest picks might be in a bunch metropolis whereas many of the administration and scouting departments of the 32 groups make their alternatives from their residence cities.

NHL Central Scouting will launch its preliminary rating of the highest North American and worldwide hockey prospects later this fall. The early favourite to turn out to be the highest prospect is heart James Hagens, who performed for the USA Hockey Nationwide Group Improvement Program (NTDP) in 2023-24.

Since we’re nonetheless caught within the canine days of the NHL offseason with little information to report, it is a good alternative to conduct our annual summer season mock draft. We’ll present a short biography of every prospect and use our July 3 power rankings instead of standings to find out which may very well be the perfect match.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets addressed their weak point at heart by deciding on Adam Fantilli in 2023 and Cayden Lindstrom in this year’s draft.

Ought to they win subsequent yr’s draft lottery, they may proceed shoring up that place by deciding on James Hagens, who makes his NCAA debut this season with Boston School.

Hagens, 17, is taken into account the potential No. 1 choose by Button, Bukala, Pronman and Ellis. The 5’10”, 172-pound heart spent final season with the NTDP.

Skating with the U.S. Nationwide U-18 workforce, Hagens was its leading scorer with 102 factors. He was additionally the highest scorer of their Junior squad in the US Hockey League (USHL) with 47 factors in 26 video games.

Button referred to as Hagens an elite driver of offense from the center-ice place. Bukala praised his creativity, velocity, passing, and taking pictures skills. Pronman in contrast him to New Jersey Devils heart Jack Hughes and Utah’s Logan Cooley. Ellis considers him one of the crucial dynamic facilities he is seen shortly.

The rebuilding San Jose Sharks have loaded their prospect pool with promising youth.

They landed heart Macklin Celebrini with the primary total choose and defenseman Sam Dickinson eleventh total in this year’s draft. They be part of rising expertise like forwards Will Smith, William Eklund and Quentin Musty.

They may use a talented right-shot defenseman or a beginning goaltender amongst their top prospects. Nevertheless, the chance to pick out Brampton Steelheads proper wing Porter Martone of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) may show too tempting.

Elite Prospects lists Marton at 6’3″ and 170-pounds, however Bukala has him at 196 kilos, calling him a stable skater with a incredible launch. Pronman considers his talent stage and creativity to be elite, whereas Ellis referred to as him aggressive and troublesome to include.

Martone confirmed appreciable enchancment final season with the Steelheads. He led them with 33 goals and completed second in factors with 71.

Ellis believes the Anaheim Geese’ biggest weakness amongst their prospects is an absence of pure wingers. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak of Luleå HF in Sweden’s J20 Nationell may very well be an choice to deal with that problem.

Pronman identified that Ihs-Wozniak had an enormous yr for Luleå HF taking part in in Sweden’s J20 league as a 16-year-old final season. The 6’3″, 185-pound proper winger led them in scoring with 50 factors in 36 video games, together with 22 targets.

Pronman famous that Ihs-Wozniak struggled with Sweden’s U18 workforce on the finish of final season. Nonetheless, he praised the winger’s skating means and offensive talent, suggesting he has the instruments to turn out to be an affect winger.

Ihs-Wozniak will return with Luleå HF’s junior workforce this season however may additionally get some taking part in time with their professional membership if he performs properly. A powerful effort in his draft yr may catch the attention of the Geese and different golf equipment in search of a pure scoring winger.

Button ranked Logan Hensler of the NTDP as the highest defenseman on his record. Bukala additionally had the 6’2″, 196-pound as the highest blueliner, rating him amongst his top-five prospects. He had 32 factors in 61 video games with the NTDP Underneath-18 workforce and 16 factors in 27 video games with its USHL Junior squad.

Chicago has probably the greatest prospect swimming pools within the league, however Ferrari and Ellis consider they want extra blue-line depth, particularly one who may blossom right into a top-pairing rearguard.

Button referred to as Hensler a minimize above different defensemen, singling out his skating, taking pictures and puckhandling abilities. Bukala considers him a coveted right-shot rearguard who’s projected to be a useful two-way defender for use in numerous roles.

Elite Prospects had Hensler becoming a member of the College of Wisconsin in 2026-27.

A season within the NCAA will burnish his abilities and bolster his prospect worth if he performs properly in his rookie marketing campaign.

Ferrari and Ellis praised the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens’ deep prospect pool, however they consider they may use extra affect expertise on the left wing.

Michael Misa of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit may very well be a promising selection for the Canadiens in the event that they’re at this place within the draft.

The 6’0″, 174-pound ahead can play heart or left wing. Pronman famous he was granted distinctive standing at age 15 to play within the OHL and has been a wonderful junior participant ever since.

Misa adopted up a promising 56-point rookie marketing campaign (in 45 video games) in 2022-23 with a 75-point effort in 67 contests as a sophomore with the Spirit. He additionally had 11 factors in 17 playoff video games, together with their Memorial Cup run this spring.

Ellis noticed Misa skates just like the wind, is harmful on open ice and might rating from nearly wherever. Bukala cited his consideration to element in all three zones, whereas Button singled out his imaginative playmaking.

The Utah Hockey Membership traded away promising heart Conor Geekie to the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 29 as a part of the return for top-pairing defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Nevertheless, it may try to exchange the departed Geekie with Anton Frondell of Djurgårdens IF J20 in Sweden’s J20 Nationell League.

Frondell was Djurgårdens IF 20’s leading scorer final season with 39 factors in 29 video games. He additionally had a nine-game stint with their father or mother membership within the HockeyAllsvenskan League.

At 6’0″ and 196 kilos, Frondell is a sizeable and durable left-shot heart. Button ranks him second among the many 2025 prospect class, whereas Bukala and Ellis have him third on their listings.

Button referred to as Frondell a powerful two-center. Bukala believes his all-around play may see him competing for first total within the draft. Ellis thinks he’ll tear up the Swedish junior league if he does not spend a full season with Djurgardens‘ senior workforce.

With 51 factors in 53 video games, heart Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings within the Western Hockey League (WHL) loved a stable sophomore season, finishing third amongst his teammates in scoring. That efficiency may draw the eye of the Ottawa Senators.

Ferrari and Ellis famous the Senators’ prospect pool is underwhelming. Ferrari is worried with their ahead depth, saying they lack an impactful top-six ahead exterior of Xavier Bourgault, who struggled final season within the American Hockey League.

Button believes the 6’5″, 190-pounder is now snug utilizing his dimension mixed with the talent to affect the sport, whereas Pronman cited his game-breaking abilities with the puck and skill to dominate the play.

McQueen may very well be poised for a powerful efficiency with the Wheat Kings this season. He has the potential to turn out to be that affect ahead Ottawa wants in its pipeline.

The Seattle Kraken possess loads of promising younger forwards of their prospect pool however lack a defenseman amongst their top-five prospects.

They may try and rectify that problem by pursuing Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters.

Schaefer loved a stable rookie marketing campaign with the Otters final season. The 6’1″, 174-pound blueliner completed with 17 factors in 56 video games and had three assists in six playoff contests.

Pronman identified Schaefer was the No.1 choose in his OHL draft and had an excellent season with the Otters. Button praised his elite skating, calm and poise. Each consider he will not put up massive offensive numbers however had been impressed by his defensive skills.

Schaefer may enhance his stature this season with a powerful OHL sophomore efficiency. It may make him tempting for the Kraken at this stage of the primary spherical.

Ferrari and Ellis singled out the shortage of a right-shot defenseman within the Minnesota Wild’s prospect pipeline. That would put NTDP blueliner Charlie Trethewey of their sights.

He loved a stable debut with the NTDP final season. The 6’1″, 190-pounder had 35 factors in 52 video games with their under-17 workforce and 14 factors in 33 video games with its USHL Junior squad.

Ellis famous that Trethewey had a powerful begin final season, praising his two-way recreation, energy and physicality. Pronman cited his passing, imaginative and prescient and play-driving abilities.

Trethewey could have one other season with the NTDP earlier than heading to Boston College in 2026-27. If he builds on his rookie marketing campaign it may drive up his inventory in his spherical.

With this choose, the Flames may search a scoring ahead like Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats within the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Ferrari and Ellis pointed out the Flames lack a bona fide star amongst their prospect forwards. Desnoyers may possess the flexibility to deal with that want.

He loved a terrific rookie season with the Wildcats. The 6’1″, 179-pounder scored 20 targets, completed third among his teammates with 36 assists, and he was fifth in factors with 56. He additionally had 5 factors in as many video games taking part in for Canada within the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Button praised Desnoyers hockey smarts, calling him a hungry and aggressive participant. Pronman singled out his sturdy skating means to create performs on the transfer.

Pittsburgh Penguins common supervisor Kyle Dubas has been making an attempt to restock a prospect pipeline depleted by his predecessors. If his membership finally ends up with a choose in or close to the highest 10 of the 2025 draft, he may think about a ahead similar to Ivan Ryabkin of MHK Dynamo Moskva in Russia’s junior league, the MHL.

Ellis believes the Penguins lack many scorers amongst their prospects except for Brayden Yager and maybe Ville Koivunen. Ryabkin could be among the many finest scorers nonetheless out there at this stage within the draft.

A left-shot heart, the 6’0″, 170-pound Ryabkin loved a productive efficiency with MHK Dynamo Moskva final season. He tied for first in team scoring with 58 factors, led the membership with 34 assists, and was second with 24 targets. He was additionally their postseason chief with six factors.

Ellis famous that Ryabkin has a incredible shot launch and among the finest arms on this draft class. Pronman praised his skating, means to improvise with the puck, imaginative and prescient and competitiveness. Button considers him a a number of offensive risk.

Ferrari believes the Philadelphia Flyers should bolster their depth amongst their left-shot protection prospects. One choice may very well be Kashawn Aitcheson of the OHL’s Barrie Colts.

He loved a positive efficiency in his first full season with the Colts. The 6’0, 172-pound left-shot defenseman had eight targets and 31 assists for 39 factors in 64 video games. He additionally had 4 factors in six playoff video games.

Ellis feels the Flyers want so as to add some muscle and grit on the blue line. Aitcheson may provide that, ending final season with 129 PIMs. The 17-year-old nonetheless has room to develop and will turn out to be an enormous bodily presence on the blue line.

Ellis cited Aitcheson’s bodily type, noting he additionally performed round 25 minutes in some video games, together with logging loads of time on the penalty kill. Pronman praised his skating and hockey sense but in addition believes he has the kind of chunk NHL groups will love.

Jackson Smith of the Tri-Metropolis People appeared good in his first full season within the WHL. The 6’3″, 190-pound defenseman collected eight targets and 21 assists for 29 factors in 62 video games.

Smith may entice the eye of the Buffalo Sabres. Ellis believes they have to shore up their blue-line pipeline, whereas Ferrari felt they may use a very high-end blueliner in their system.

Pronman praised Smith’s skating, offensive abilities and playmaking means. Ellis, nonetheless, believes he is trending towards being a shutdown defenseman, citing his pesky type and the way troublesome he’s to beat one-on-one.

It will be attention-grabbing to see which path Smith’s type of play takes in 2024-25. He has the potential to turn out to be a powerful all-around rearguard.

The Calgary Flames will obtain this choose from the New Jersey Devils as a part of the phrases of the Jacob Markstrom trade, supplied it isn’t within the high 10 of the 2025 draft. Malcolm Spence of the OHL’s Erie Otters may very well be an choice for them at this stage.

He’s a 6’2″, 192-pound left winger. He had a stable sophomore season, sitting second in scoring amongst his teammates with 62 factors in 66 video games. He additionally had 5 factors in as many video games taking part in for Canada on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Pronman appreciated Spence’s tenacity, work ethic and playmaking abilities. Ellis considers him a bit underrated, singling out his means to take over video games bodily and his clean skating.

Spence’s mixture of velocity, abilities and pesky bodily play may present the Canadiens with a future substitute for Brendan Gallagher. He would additionally carry an edge to their recreation that is lacking amongst a lot of their in any other case proficient prospects.

Ferrari and Ellis cited the limited number of right-shot defensemen within the St. Louis Blues’ prospect pipeline. That may very well be troublesome to deal with within the first spherical of the 2025 draft given how few right-handed blueliners are among the many present high prospects.

Luka Radivojevič of the SHL’s Örebro HK may very well be one choice out there for the Blues. A small however expert rearguard, the 5’10”, 161-pounder is the son of former NHL winger Branko Radivojevič.

Luka had 4 targets and 29 assists for 33 factors in 43 video games final season with Örebro’s J20 Nationell squad.

Pronman took observe of Radivojevič’s wonderful skating and offensive abilities. Ellis famous he was a standout on the IIHF World Underneath-18 Championship,

Pronman and Ellis have Radivojevič sitting close to the underside of their respective top-32 prospects record, however a powerful efficiency this season within the SHL would bolster his inventory and maybe make him engaging for groups just like the Blues in search of extra right-shot rearguards.

The Detroit Purple Wings possess one of many deepest prospect swimming pools within the NHL, however Ferrari and Every day Faceoff’s Steven Ellis noted an absence of a true impact player amongst their high forwards.

That would put NTDP heart Will Moore on the Purple Wings’ radar. The lanky 6’2″, 161-pound heart put up good numbers with the US Nationwide Group U-17 squad, ending with 23 targets and 43 factors in 50 video games. He additionally had 14 targets and 25 factors with their Junior workforce within the USHL.

Button referred to as Moore a pleasant mix of intelligence, talent and aggressive hearth. Ellis believes he has the bodily maturity and hockey IQ to deal with taking part in in opposition to older competitors.

Moore could have one other two seasons with the NTDP earlier than heading to Boston School. The Wings must wait a couple of years for him to develop, nevertheless it may show worthwhile if he blossoms right into a future NHL star.

A right-shot heart with the WHL’s Victoria Royals, Cole Reschny made a optimistic impression throughout his rookie marketing campaign final season.

With 21 targets and 38 assists for 59 factors in 61 video games, the 5’10”, 183-pounder finished second among the many Royals’ scorers.

New York Islanders common supervisor Lou Lamoriello is making an attempt to restock his prospect pipeline after a number of years of buying and selling away draft picks and prospects for extra instant roster assist. Ellis and Ferrari noted the Isles’ lack of impact talent inside their system

Ferrari believes a right-shot defenseman is their largest want, however the restricted variety of choices among the many present high prospects may see Lamoriello go for the perfect out there expertise no matter place within the opening spherical.

Ellis thought of Reschny among the many most spectacular rookies within the Canadian junior ranks final season, singling out his playmaking, power, and quickness. Pronman referred to as him extremely expert and clever, praising his means to run an influence play like a professional.

Hendrix Lapierre’s anticipated full-time promotion this season to the Washington Capitals roster leaves them skinny at heart amongst their high prospects. That would make Cole McKinney of the NTDP an attractive choice at this stage of our mock draft.

The 6’0″, 190-pounder tallied 12 targets and 19 assists for 31 factors in 44 video games with the US Nationwide U-17 workforce. He additionally collected 11 factors in 34 video games with their USHL Junior squad.

Ellis thought of McKinney one in every of their better two-way threats, praising his penalty-killing and shot-blocking. Pronman referred to as him a well-rounded heart with a excessive talent stage.

McKinney will spend this season with the NTDP and is dedicated to taking part in for the College of Michigan in 2025-26. He has the potential to turn out to be a stable two-way NHL heart.

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired this choose from the Toronto Maple Leafs as a part of the February 2023 multiplayer deal that noticed Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty traded to the Leafs.

The choose is top-10 protected, however Toronto is not prone to drop that far down within the standings.

We had Chicago deciding on right-shot defenseman Logan Hensler fourth total in our mock draft. It may proceed constructing its blue-line prospect depth by utilizing this choose on Artyom Vilchinsky of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg within the MHL.

An enormous defenseman at 6’6″ and 240 kilos, the 17-year-old had 11 factors in 44 video games final season. He is beneath contract with St. Petersburg by way of 2025-26 and will find yourself skating within the KHL for a few seasons.

Vilchinsky may very well be well worth the wait as a top-four shutdown defenseman. Pronman observed he is fairly cell for his dimension and performs a bodily recreation, whereas Ellis praised his bodily type however believes he has promising puck abilities.

Ferrari praised the depth of the Los Angeles Kings’ prospect pool, however he believes their protection might be a priority, particularly on the suitable facet, however that is a necessity that would show troublesome to deal with among the many present top-32 prospects.

Ellis believes their largest weak point is on the wings. If L.A. administration shares that view, it’d think about deciding on proper wing Justin Carbonneau of the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The 6’1″, 190-pounder made spectacular strides along with his improvement final season. He led the Armada with 31 goals and was second in factors with 59.

Ellis considers Carbonneau a stable energy ahead with good hockey smarts and wonderful imaginative and prescient. Pronman calls him a pure scorer with first rate dimension.

The Nashville Predators acquired this pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning in February 2023 as a part of the commerce that despatched Tanner Jeannot to Tampa Bay.

They may use it to pick out Benjamin Kevan of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers.

Ellis believes the Predators’ largest weak point is an absence of right-shot defensemen. He additionally had just one right-winger amongst their top-10 prospects. If few appropriate righthanded blueliners can be found, they may add one other proper winger like Kevan.

The 6’0″, 172-pounder loved a positive rookie efficiency with the Buccaneers final season. He was their leader with 24 targets and 57 factors and was second in assists with 33. Pronman identified he did not be part of Des Moines till a month into the season, making his manufacturing all of the extra spectacular.

Pronman considers Kevan’s talent as clear NHL high quality. He praised the younger winger’s inventive puckhanding, skating and hockey instincts.

Declan Schroeder’s rating of the top-10 Winnipeg Jets prospects for The Hockey Writers listed Colby Barlow as their solely left wing. They may search an appropriate participant to deal with that problem within the opening spherical of subsequent yr’s draft.

Lynden Lakovic of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors may very well be one chance. The 6’4″, 185-pounder scored 18 targets and added 21 assists for 39 factors in 68 video games. He additionally collected eight factors in 20 playoff contests.

Pronman indicated Lakovic skated properly for his dimension, calling him a inventive offensive participant. Ellis referred to as him an enormous, sturdy typical energy ahead.

Lakovic has room to develop his offensive recreation. An enchancment in his manufacturing this season with the Warriors will enhance his inventory in subsequent yr’s draft.

We now have the Nashville Predators utilizing the first-rounder they acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning to pick out proper wing Benjamin Kevan. With this choice, they may go for Jake O’Brien of the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.

Ellis famous the Predators need depth in right-shot defensemen, however they may select the perfect participant at one other place if no appropriate choices can be found within the opening spherical. They possible will not cross on a promising playmaking heart like O’Brien if he is out there.

O’Brien had a powerful rookie marketing campaign with the Bulldogs in 2023-24. The 6’0″, 168-pound heart led the Bulldogs with 51 assists and was fourth in factors with 64. His efforts made him the OHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Pronman praised O’Brien’s playmaking means and his competitiveness, and Ellis singled out his imaginative and prescient and skill to deal with stress.

Ellis and Ferrari cited the Carolina Hurricanes’ lack of serious depth at heart. Milton Gästrin of MoDo Hockey J20 in Sweden’s J20 Nationell league may very well be one chance open to them.

Ellis praised the 17-year-old’s management, citing his two-way abilities and playmaking means. Pronman referred to as the 6’2″, 179-pounder a good-sized heart and a accountable two-way participant.

A flexible ahead who can play heart or left wing, Gästrin had 16 factors in 41 video games as a rookie with MoDo Hockey J20. He additionally carried out properly as captain of Sweden’s U-18 squad on the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing third amongst their main scorers with 10 factors in 5 video games.

He’s projected as extra of a two-way ahead relatively than a scorer, however his play on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup suggests in any other case. He may bolster his worth on this draft if his offensive stats enhance.

The San Jose Sharks acquired the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2025 first-round choose as a part of the return within the Tomas Hertl commerce at this yr’s commerce deadline.

We had the Sharks selecting winger Porter Martone with the second total choose subsequent yr. Joshua Ravensbergen of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars may very well be their selection with this choice.

It has been uncommon lately for a goaltender to be chosen within the first spherical of the draft. The final was Yaroslav Askarov, who was chosen eleventh total in 2020 by the Nashville Predators.

Ravensbergen had a powerful rookie marketing campaign with the Cougars final season. The 6’4″, 181-pound netminder sported a document of 26 wins, 4 losses and two time beyond regulation losses with a 2.46 goals-against common and a .907 save share. He additionally went 9-2-1 in 12 playoff video games with a stellar 1.98 GAA and a .931 save share.

Ellis acknowledged the problem in projecting how goalie prospects pan out however famous that Ravensbergen acquired rave evaluations. Pronman famous his athleticism, anticipation and willingness to problem shooters.

A flexible ahead who can play heart or left wing, Conrad Fondrk tallied 20 targets and 25 assists for 45 factors with the USNTDP U-17 workforce. The 5’11”, 174-pounder additionally had 13 targets and 23 factors in 35 video games with their USHL squad.

The Vancouver Canucks may have an curiosity in a participant like Fondrk at this stage of the primary spherical. Matthew Zator of The Hockey Writers indicated they lack a possible affect left winger amongst their top-five prospects.

Ellis referred to as Fondrk one of many NTDP’s most expert gamers, citing his creativity, hockey smarts and the way he shoots from wherever with confidence. Pronman praised his velocity, competitiveness and skill to kill penalties.

That kind of versatile ahead may very well be too good for the Canucks to cross up. Fondrk will spend this season with the NTDP earlier than heading to the NCAA and Boston College in 2025-26.

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired this choose from the Colorado Avalanche within the Sean Walker commerce on March 6.

It is a top-10 protected choice, nevertheless it ought to nonetheless find yourself with the Flyers because the Avalanche are unlikely to complete that low within the standings.

We had the Flyers deciding on Kashawn Aitcheson with their first-rounder to bolster the depth amongst their left-shot prospect defensemen. With this choose, they may tackle their want for a left winger amongst their top-10 prospects by selecting Cullen Potter of Arizona State College.

The 5’9″, 161-pounder is not an enormous winger, however Ellis factors out he is stronger than he appears to be like. He additionally praised the teenager’s velocity and two-way play.

Ellis famous that the 17-year-old is heading to the school ranks a yr early. He may considerably enhance his worth as a high prospect with a stable efficiency within the NCAA this season.

Years of buying and selling away draft picks and prospects to deal with extra instant roster wants depleted the Boston Bruins’ prospect pool. Ferrari and Ellis believe they need assistance throughout their pipeline.

Ellis listed Fabian Lysell as the one proper wing among the many Bruins’ top-10 prospects. They may look to the NTDP’s LJ Mooney as an choice to deal with this problem.

Mooney is a small ahead at 5’6″ and 146 kilos however performed properly for the US Nationwide U-17 workforce (33 factors in 41 video games), the U-18 squad (20 factors in as many video games), and their USHL Junior workforce (23 factors in 32 video games). The 17-year-old is dedicated to the College of Minnesota in 2025-26.

Ellis famous Mooney’s lack of dimension may damage him within the draft, however he nonetheless has room and time to develop. He praised the teenager’s pure talent, calling him an brisk and explosive expertise with unbelievable arms.

A standout at this yr’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Adam Benák tallied 11 factors in 5 video games for Czechia’s U-18 workforce. Mixed with the ten factors he had in final yr’s event, he now holds the competitors document for most combined points with 21.

Benáokay may draw the eye of the New York Rangers if he is nonetheless out there at this stage of the primary spherical. Ferarri believes the middle place is essentially the most regarding weak point of their prospect pipeline.

Ellis famous his sturdy play in worldwide tournaments. He identified the 5’7″, 157-pound heart already noticed taking part in time with HC Plzeň in Czechia’s high league and proved he may dominate older competitors. He’ll take his expertise this season to the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms.

Enjoying in a North American league may elevate Benáokay’s draft profile. If he adapts properly, his worth may rise on this yr’s draft class.

The Dallas Stars are that uncommon workforce sitting among the many league’s finest golf equipment with a secure prospect pipeline. Nonetheless, Ellis believes they may use extra scoring depth. His itemizing of their top-10 prospects lacked a left winger amongst their high 5.

Victor Eklund may very well be a participant of curiosity for the Stars at this stage. The 5’11”, 161-pound heart had 25 factors in 30 video games with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s J20 Nationell league. He additionally noticed motion in 15 video games with their senior membership within the HockeyAllsvenskan league.

Ellis noticed that Victor has related traits to his older brother, San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund. Each gamers work onerous and use their skating to create performs. Pronman famous these traits, however he is on the smallish facet and is not a pure finisher.

A powerful rookie efficiency within the HockeyAllsvenskan may enhance Eklund’s worth on this yr’s draft class. He may turn out to be a superb addition to the Stars’ prospect pool.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded the 2024 first-round choose they acquired from the Florida Panthers within the 2022 Claude Giroux commerce to the Edmonton Oilers for the latter’s 2025 first-rounder.

That choose is top-12 protected, however it’ll most likely nonetheless belong to the Flyers because the Oilers aren’t prone to end that low within the standings this season.

We now have the Flyers deciding on defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson with their choose (twelfth total) and ahead Cullen Porter with the twenty seventh total choose. With this one, they may add one other left-shot defenseman by selecting NTDP blueliner Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen.

The 6’0, 181-pounder collected 18 factors in 61 video games final season with the US Nationwide U-18 workforce. He additionally had 11 factors in 27 video games with their USHL Junior membership.

Pronman famous Rhéaume-Mullen noticed restricted taking part in time final season however singled out his high-end skating means. Ellis believes he has the uncooked abilities to turn out to be a good third-pairing NHL defenseman.

The Montreal Canadiens may obtain this choose from the Florida Panthers as a part of the conditions of their acquisition of Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames in August. 2022.

Underneath this state of affairs, the Flames’ first-rounder is a top-10 choose whereas Florida’s is not, which means the Canadiens will obtain the Panthers’ choose.

We now have the Canadiens deciding on winger Michael Misa with the fifth total choose. With this choice, they may proceed to fill up their prospect ahead depth by selecting Bill Zonnon of the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

The 6’2″, 179-pounder finished fifth amongst Huskies scorers in his sophomore season with 58 factors in 68 video games. He was fourth amongst their playoff scorers with 10 factors in as many video games.

Ellis praised Zonnon’s playmaking and hockey smarts, whereas Pronman singled out his skating, nice arms and skill to beat defenders with tempo.