2025 Draft Boards

[Rzombo4 prez]

At #44 he will have the distinction of most talented.

Not sure why you draft majority boy scouts if it isn't to bring some of these guys along into better players. I don't see them drafting him, but in the second round if you have the right people to iron him out he should be considered because the talent is high in this case.

Why draft an uncoachable kid that you know will never even think about putting in the work required to sniff the NHL?

 

[lilidk]

Scroll up a few posts and read and you will find your answer.

Pronman compares Mrtka to Tyler Myers and thinks that he's highly-regarded prospect with a bright future.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

At #44 he will have the distinction of most talented.

Not sure why you draft majority boy scouts if it isn't to bring some of these guys along into better players. I don't see them drafting him, but in the second round if you have the right people to iron him out he should be considered because the talent is high in this case.

It's not about drafting boyscouts. It's about drafting good team players. Ryabkin has already been reported to be a coach killer and doesn't play a team game. Some things can't be taught. And some players can't be fixed.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Why draft an uncoachable kid that you know will never even think about putting in the work required to sniff the NHL?

He outscored Michkov a couple seasons ago. I get the fears, I also hope we know on some of these guys and it would be nice for us to believe we can fix some of these. I said I thought he would probably be on our DND, but if we have done the homework and haven't slapped that label on him the offensive talent is extremely high. I am worried about his skating more than the character stuff.

 

[Frk It]

He outscored Michkov a couple seasons ago. I get the fears, I also hope we know on some of these guys and it would be nice for us to believe we can fix some of these. I said I thought he would probably be on our DND, but if we have done the homework and haven't slapped that label on him the offensive talent is extremely high. I am worried about his skating more than the character stuff.

I'm with you, the feet for a guy his size is my biggest hang-up.

My fear is he does not care about improving his skating because he is naturally gifted in other aspects.

Seems like he has not made much progress there, and I also heard he interviewed poorly at the combine.

We have seen guys who work really hard not be able to improve their skating, so I am hesitant this kid will put the work in.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

It's not about drafting boyscouts. It's about drafting good team players. Ryabkin has already been reported to be a coach killer and doesn't play a team game. Some things can't be taught. And some players can't be fixed.

His team overcame that to win the championship this year apparently, he finished 2nd in playoff scoring and a big plus player for Muskegon. I have been honest it is a gamble the whole way, I think he has top 6 stuff if he can fix his skating. The guy possesses top 10 ability offensively, I only let that fall so far. He might never put it together, at #44 that is actually statistically more likely to happen with that selection anyway.

 

[Steve Yzerlland]

At #44 he will have the distinction of most talented.

Not sure why you draft majority boy scouts if it isn't to bring some of these guys along into better players. I don't see them drafting him, but in the second round if you have the right people to iron him out he should be considered because the talent is high in this case.

This is my exact point. Calling someone a coach killer at 18 years old is insanity. He can grow and mature but his talent is something we lack. A gritty C with high in skill potential...

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

This is my exact point. Calling someone a coach killer at 18 years old is insanity. He can grow and mature but his talent is something we lack. A gritty C with high in skill potential...

I see him as a winger at the pro level because of his skating. I think it can improve, I also think it limits some of his defensive impacts. Allows you to get him to engage as a forechecker where he likes the physical aspects of the game.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

He outscored Michkov a couple seasons ago. I get the fears, I also hope we know on some of these guys and it would be nice for us to believe we can fix some of these. I said I thought he would probably be on our DND, but if we have done the homework and haven't slapped that label on him the offensive talent is extremely high. I am worried about his skating more than the character stuff.

And some people peak early.

The attitude worries me because it bleeds into every other aspect of a player's game. If it was only his skating that was a problem people would be talking about him as a top 15 player. He's lazy, whines when things don't go his way, and disappears for shifts.

2025 NHL Draft: Ivan Ryabkin is the riskiest bet in the draft

https://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/khl/reviews/trener-dinamo-vyacheslav-kozlov-obyasnil-pochemu-17-letniy-ryabkin-ne-prohodit-v-osnovnoy-sostav-intervyu-2270821/?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

Here's an interview from Slava Kozlov about him.

Who has wronged Ivan Ryabkin? Why don't coaches trust him?

No one has wronged him. It's simple, he's a talented player but not yet ready for the KHL. He has certain, not so much problems, but qualities that don't allow him to play with KHLers yet.

But he thinks he has no problems.

Well, it's always like that. If you ask most players they'll say the coaches are to blame. You need to look into yourself, reassess and start training properly. He's overweight; and not only do we think this but the national team coaches (U20) do as well. As soon as he starts training properly, goes on a diet, he'll reach new hights. He has qualities that not everyone has, but he's holding himself back.

Is weight the only problem? After all, he played with this weight last year.

And where did he play? The MHL. The transition from juniors to adult hockey is very difficult. Some do not notice it, but for many it becomes a problem. For some it takes little time, and some are never able to transition to the adult level. Many world junior champions could never play (at adult level). That's children's hockey, and here we play like adults.

"You can give me advice, but don't insult me" - This is Ivan Ryabkin's oppinion. Do you think he needs to be treated in a special way?

We treat everyone equally. No one insulted him.

They say that the coaches at Dynamo's MHL team insulted him.

I think that a coach shouldn’t insult players, but anything can happen I suppose. It's a process, you need to get over it and move on. What occured, occured; .and the management should sort it out. This isn’t something he should be offended by. You need to be able to play under pressure, you need to have talent, and you need to prepare. If he wants to play at a high level and has dreams of the NHL, then every game and every practice is under pressure.

You had him for two games (in KHL) but played him for 30 seconds towards the end. I think that's a mockery of the player.

To play a lot, you need to be a top 12 forward. Here (KHL) we have 2 extra roster spots for young guys. In the NHL they only have 12 forwards, 6 defenseman. So there you play. Here it's different (with 14 forwards), either someone gets injured, or you have to be a stronger player, then you'll get playing time.
We give a lot to the youth, they're relaxed. They always think they'll get into the lineup, but this is work. You need to fight, take the opportunity, everything is not for nothing.

I hope Ryabkin will play for you.

I hope so too.

As a regular on the team.

As soon as he reassesses. He has to deserve it.

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Ivan Ryabkin C

He also was apparently shit at the combine. Not top 25 in anything. He's a hard no for me.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

And some people peak early.

The attitude worries me because it bleeds into every other aspect of a player's game. If it was only his skating that was a problem people would be talking about him as a top 15 player. He's lazy, whines when things don't go his way, and disappears for shifts.

2025 NHL Draft: Ivan Ryabkin is the riskiest bet in the draft

https://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/khl/reviews/trener-dinamo-vyacheslav-kozlov-obyasnil-pochemu-17-letniy-ryabkin-ne-prohodit-v-osnovnoy-sostav-intervyu-2270821/?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

Here's an interview from Slava Kozlov about him.



2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Ivan Ryabkin C

He also was apparently shit at the combine. Not top 25 in anything. He's a hard no for me.

Bigger one here would be my guess is Yzerman has pretty easy access to Kozlov on a lot more backstory. I assume that is the same Sasha Kozlov we all know. I thought I read a little while ago he was going to be the Head Coach of Sochi.

EDIT: Google search it is former Red Wing Vyacheslav Kozlov.

Not a real strong denial that what happened in the MHL wasn't acceptable either. He should get over it, well he did, he choose to leave the organization.

 

[HisNoodliness]

1. Schaefer
2. Misa
------------
3. Frondell
4. Hagens
5. Martone
6. O’Brien
7. Eklund
-------------
8. Reschny
9. Bear
10. Smith
11. Martin
12. Lakovic
13. Desnoyers
14. Carbonneau
15. Aitcheson
16. Mrtka
17. Kindel
18. Potter
19. Cootes
20. McQueen (~10 spots higher with a good doctor's note)

 

[Frk It]

1. Schaefer
2. Misa
------------
3. Frondell
4. Hagens
5. Martone
6. O’Brien
7. Eklund
-------------
8. Reschny
9. Bear
10. Smith
11. Martin
12. Lakovic
13. Desnoyers
14. Carbonneau
15. Aitcheson
16. Mrtka
17. Kindel
18. Potter
19. Cootes
20. McQueen (~10 spots higher with a good doctor's note)

Reschny is a tough one for me. Had a great first impression of him at the Hlinka. Then the more I heard other people talk about him, the more I became unsure about him.

In some ways he kind of reminds me of Cole Perfetti.

Will be interested to see how he does at the NCAA level, I think there are a few guys from this class that will pop off in their D+1, and he could be one of them.

 

[SantosHalper]

Reschny is a tough one for me. Had a great first impression of him at the Hlinka. Then the more I heard other people talk about him, the more I became unsure about him.

In some ways he kind of reminds me of Cole Perfetti.

Will be interested to see how he does at the NCAA level, I think there are a few guys from this class that will pop off in their D+1, and he could be one of them.

Wings did interview him, makes me think if Steve sees some similarities with Point.

 

[lilidk]

Wings did interview him, makes me think if Steve sees some similarities with Point.

If he does then he should take him at 13. Also if they see him as Perfetti they should also take him.

 

[HisNoodliness]

Reschny is a tough one for me. Had a great first impression of him at the Hlinka. Then the more I heard other people talk about him, the more I became unsure about him.

In some ways he kind of reminds me of Cole Perfetti.

Will be interested to see how he does at the NCAA level, I think there are a few guys from this class that will pop off in their D+1, and he could be one of them.

He really is tough in that I feel like because his season was so night and day, it really depends on your viewings. He wasn't really on my radar early in the year, but then I had a similar impression with the Hlinka and caught a couple games down the stretch. So I only watched his play during the half of the season where he was lights out. By my viewings alone, he was perhaps the best player I saw all year.

By virtue of trusting scouts and recognizing that the "smaller, not fast, likely winger" profile is not super valuable, I have him below the guys that feel like surer bets. There's been a lot of players with those traits that have been really impressive in their draft year and ultimately ended up fizzling out. But as soon as we get to the tier of players that I have real doubts about, Reschny is peak for me.

He reminds me a lot of Perfetti but with just a bit of Marchessault or Raymond mixed in there. I don't think he's as creative/smart as Perfetti but he's more industrious and better at navigating congestion for me. He's really good at moving laterally to find space in the O-zone to rip a shot or open up a passing lane, and he's great at capitalizing on broken plays. If it all comes together and you get him an appointment with Barb Underhill, I see the makings of an all star. I totally agree that he might really pop off next year.

 

[Frk It]

He really is tough in that I feel like because his season was so night and day, it really depends on your viewings. He wasn't really on my radar early in the year, but then I had a similar impression with the Hlinka and caught a couple games down the stretch. So I only watched his play during the half of the season where he was lights out. By my viewings alone, he was perhaps the best player I saw all year.

By virtue of trusting scouts and recognizing that the "smaller, not fast, likely winger" profile is not super valuable, I have him below the guys that feel like surer bets. There's been a lot of players with those traits that have been really impressive in their draft year and ultimately ended up fizzling out. But as soon as we get to the tier of players that I have real doubts about, Reschny is peak for me.

He reminds me a lot of Perfetti but with just a bit of Marchessault or Raymond mixed in there. I don't think he's as creative/smart as Perfetti but he's more industrious and better at navigating congestion for me. He's really good at moving laterally to find space in the O-zone to rip a shot or open up a passing lane, and he's great at capitalizing on broken plays. If it all comes together and you get him an appointment with Barb Underhill, I see the makings of an all star. I totally agree that he might really pop off next year.

Yeah those are good points, I really didn’t get to watch too much of him after the Hlinka. He seems like one of those guys people could have ranked anywhere from 10 to 30, and I wouldn’t think it’s crazy.

Another guy who really made an impression on me at the Hlinka for Canada was Luca Romano. I know he had a pretty disappointing season in the OHL but I think he has a lot of the traits you want in a middle 6 center.

 

[HisNoodliness]

Yeah those are good points, I really didn’t get to watch too much of him after the Hlinka. He seems like one of those guys people could have ranked anywhere from 10 to 30, and I wouldn’t think it’s crazy.

Another guy who really made an impression on me at the Hlinka for Canada was Luca Romano. I know he had a pretty disappointing season in the OHL but I think he has a lot of the traits you want in a middle 6 center.

I liked Romano at the Hlinka too. I just want more production from anyone sub-6' and think that someone ultimately takes him before I would. We'd have to use our second on him and I'll probably have someone I like more there. I haven't watched enough to stretch my list out that far though so IDRK.

Like Reschny, I think Romano is really good at capitalizing on loose pucks and I love his attitude. I'm not sure if there's enough high end skill to justify taking a "smaller" player though. It is also worth noting that with a bit of growth he could end up being very average size at the NHL level.

 

[SantosHalper]

If he does then he should take him at 13. Also if they see him as Perfetti they should also take him.

Numbers and style has similarities, this scouting report on Point Brayden Point: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile...
... mentions EV PPG. 2013-14 season 53 points of 91 was scored on EV in 72 games, were Reschny scored 65 points on EV in 62 games. Point 0.74 EV PPG and Reschny 1.05 EV PPG.

After 2 seasons in WHL, Point was 1.08 PPG and Reschny 1.20 PPG. Point the takes edge in PP points, 62 points in 2012-14 and Reschny had 45 points in 2023-25. Reschny's EV PPG in 2023-24 season 0.79 and Point's EV PPG in 2012-13 was 0.48

WHC-U17:
- Reschny 7 gp, 3+5=8
- Point 5 gp, 2+3=5

WJC U18:
- Reschny 5 gp, 5+3=8
- Point 4 gp, 0+2=2

Hlinka-Gretzky:
- Reschny 5 gp, 3+4=7
- Point 5 gp, 1+3=4

Style similarities in these scouting reports
https://www.upsidehockey.com/prospect-profiles/2025-nhl-draft-prospect-profiles#h.cd6uy3wr7k85
Cole Reschny | Cole Reschny Profile | Cole Reschny Scouting Report 2025
Cole Reschny – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

And second report on Point
https://thehockeywriters.com/brayden-point-the-next-ones-2014-nhl-draft-prospect-profiles/
-------------------
Intriguing prospect for sure, i do see similarities with Perfetti as well but i don't think his defensive effort was this highly touted. I can see why Wings interviewed him but he doesn't fell in the line of what Yzerman been talking about, size&physicality. Unless thats aimed towards the roster, which would support Ekblad/Hague rumours.

 

[Frk It]

Numbers and style has similarities, this scouting report on Point Brayden Point: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile...
... mentions EV PPG. 2013-14 season 53 points of 91 was scored on EV in 72 games, were Reschny scored 65 points on EV in 62 games. Point 0.74 EV PPG and Reschny 1.05 EV PPG.

After 2 seasons in WHL, Point was 1.08 PPG and Reschny 1.20 PPG. Point the takes edge in PP points, 62 points in 2012-14 and Reschny had 45 points in 2023-25. Reschny's EV PPG in 2023-24 season 0.79 and Point's EV PPG in 2012-13 was 0.48

WHC-U17:
- Reschny 7 gp, 3+5=8
- Point 5 gp, 2+3=5

WJC U18:
- Reschny 5 gp, 5+3=8
- Point 4 gp, 0+2=2

Hlinka-Gretzky:
- Reschny 5 gp, 3+4=7
- Point 5 gp, 1+3=4

Style similarities in these scouting reports
https://www.upsidehockey.com/prospect-profiles/2025-nhl-draft-prospect-profiles#h.cd6uy3wr7k85
Cole Reschny | Cole Reschny Profile | Cole Reschny Scouting Report 2025
Cole Reschny – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
View attachment 1052396
And second report on Point
Brayden Point - The Next Ones: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profiles - The Hockey Writers Latest News, Analysis & More
-------------------
Intriguing prospect for sure, i do see similarities with Perfetti as well but i don't think his defensive effort was this highly touted. I can see why Wings interviewed him but he doesn't fell in the line of what Yzerman been talking about, size&physicality. Unless thats aimed towards the roster, which would support Ekblad/Hague rumours.

A lot easier to draft a guy like this in round 3 like he did with Point. If they can’t improve their skating, you are only out a 3rd round pick.

That’s where Reschny at #13 is a little rich for my blood.

But if Yzerman likes him and thinks he has the runway to improve, I could get behind it.

 

[Frk It]

Take this with a boulder of salt. I've seen a handful of these guys quite a few times, but there are just as many takes based a little too heavily on Twitter highlights and opinions I've read or heard from various sources around the internet. Players lumped in tiers are basically on the same level for me. You could push me in any direction on those guys. Also note that this is a personal ranking and not a mock draft.

1. LD Schaefer, Matthew
2. LC Misa, Michael
   ---
3. LC Desnoyers, Caleb
4. RC Martin, Brady
5. LW Bear, Carter
6. RC O'Brien, Jake
7. LC Frondell, Anton
8. LW Eklund, Victor
9. RD Mrtka, Radim
10. RC McQueen, Roger
    ---
11. LD Smith, Jackson
12. LC Hagens, James
13. RW Martone, Porter
14. RC Cootes, Braeden
15. RC Hillstrom, Gustav
16. RW Lee, Ryker
    ---
17. LD Limatov, Kurban
18. LC Potter, Cullen
19. RD Hensler, Logan
20. LW Nestrasil, Vaclav
21. LC Reschny, Cole
22. LW Svreck, Michal
23. LW Spence, Malcolm
24. LD Aitcheson, Kashawn
25. RW Vansaghi, Shane
    ---
26. RC Kindel, Benjamin
27. LW Epperson, Kristian
28. RD Hallquisth, Theodor
29. LD Rombach, Jacob
30. RD Psenicka, Max
31. LC Cerrato, Charlie
32. RD Bausov, Roman
    ---
33. LW Lakovic, Lynden
34. RC West, Mason
35. LD Wang, Haoxi Simon
36. LD Lindgren, Zeb
37. LW Prokhorov, Daniil
38. RC Paupanekis, Hayden
39. LW Gorzynski, Brandon

*updated: 2025.06.17 - Jackson Smith ↑, Braeden Cootes ↓​

Can you tell us about Hillstrom and why you think he should be ranked that high?

I’ve only heard about him recently from the HP draft guide.

 

[SantosHalper]

A lot easier to draft a guy like this in round 3 like he did with Point. If they can’t improve their skating, you are only out a 3rd round pick.

That’s where Reschny at #13 is a little rich for my blood.

But if Yzerman likes him and thinks he has the runway to improve, I could get behind it.

Reschny avg ranking is 23, not that big reach at 13th. You had him at 17th and i had him at 16th, not far from 13th.

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

Can you tell us about Hillstrom and why you think he should be ranked that high?

I’ve only heard about him recently from the HP draft guide.

He's a decent prospect...but not at that ranking.

 

[lilidk]

Numbers and style has similarities, this scouting report on Point Brayden Point: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile...
... mentions EV PPG. 2013-14 season 53 points of 91 was scored on EV in 72 games, were Reschny scored 65 points on EV in 62 games. Point 0.74 EV PPG and Reschny 1.05 EV PPG.

After 2 seasons in WHL, Point was 1.08 PPG and Reschny 1.20 PPG. Point the takes edge in PP points, 62 points in 2012-14 and Reschny had 45 points in 2023-25. Reschny's EV PPG in 2023-24 season 0.79 and Point's EV PPG in 2012-13 was 0.48

WHC-U17:
- Reschny 7 gp, 3+5=8
- Point 5 gp, 2+3=5

WJC U18:
- Reschny 5 gp, 5+3=8
- Point 4 gp, 0+2=2

Hlinka-Gretzky:
- Reschny 5 gp, 3+4=7
- Point 5 gp, 1+3=4

Style similarities in these scouting reports
https://www.upsidehockey.com/prospect-profiles/2025-nhl-draft-prospect-profiles#h.cd6uy3wr7k85
Cole Reschny | Cole Reschny Profile | Cole Reschny Scouting Report 2025
Cole Reschny – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
View attachment 1052396
And second report on Point
Brayden Point - The Next Ones: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profiles - The Hockey Writers Latest News, Analysis & More
-------------------
Intriguing prospect for sure, i do see similarities with Perfetti as well but i don't think his defensive effort was this highly touted. I can see why Wings interviewed him but he doesn't fell in the line of what Yzerman been talking about, size&physicality. Unless thats aimed towards the roster, which would support Ekblad/Hague rumours.

A lot will depend on interviews, personality, character. What I like the most about Reschny is that he plays better when it's matter the most.

 

[SantosHalper]

A lot will depend on interviews, personality, character. What I like the most about Reschny is that he plays better when it's matter the most.

Indeed.

upsidehockey.com described Reschny, "Despite his stature, he's built like a fire-hydrant, and is farmboy strong, which enables him to adminster an effective physical game; he battles diligently in all the greasy areas, wins more than his fair share of 50/50 contests with his compete level alone, and gets inside on his adversaries a lot."

I went to take a look and he's from Macklin, Saskatchewan. Population 1247, so he might actually be a farmboy. Raised on strong work ethic and hockey most likely the main source of entertainment.

So i'd believe character and personality is top notch, lives and breathes hockey like many other prospects in our system. Unlikely to be a entitled brat from Toronto suburbs-type.

 

[simonedvinsson]

Can you tell us about Hillstrom and why you think he should be ranked that high?

I’ve only heard about him recently from the HP draft guide.

he's not a flashy pick. he's a safer, high floor pick who has mostly projectible traits. he's intelligent, positions himself well, and works hard. once he fills his frame out, he should be a reliable two-way center who can excel in a shutdown role, but his game is responsible enough to play him up and down the lineup. i see his upside as a guy like lars eller. he isn't truly great at any one thing, but he's pretty good at a lot of things.

He's a decent prospect...but not at that ranking.

that's fair. like i said, take my opinions with a boulder of salt. i like hillstrom more than the guys i have ranked after him, but i've also been wrong about players every year i've tried doing this.

edit: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021​