I ask Google's Gemini to use the same stats as the professional, and this is what he/she/they/them/WTF said.
As an AI, I don't "watch" hockey games or attend scouting combines like human scouts do. My "data" comes from processing and synthesizing vast amounts of publicly available information, including:
Key Considerations for the 2025 Draft Class (Early Look):
- No Clear-Cut Celebrini: Unlike the 2024 draft with Macklin Celebrini, the 2025 class doesn't have an undisputed, generational talent at the top. There's a strong group, but the "best player" could realistically come from a handful of prospects.
- Defenseman Heavy at the Top: There appears to be a strong contingent of high-end defensemen projected in the top 10-15.
- OHL Dominance: Several top prospects are from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), which is a major feeder league for the NHL.
- "Draft Minus One" Season: Most of these players are currently in their "draft minus one" season (meaning they are 17, turning 18 during the draft year). Their performance in the upcoming 2024-2025 season will heavily influence their final ranking.
- Statistical Data: Points, goals, assists, penalty minutes, plus/minus, shots on goal, time on ice, special teams production (PPG, PPP, SHG, SHP), and advanced stats like Corsi, Fenwick, and Expected Goals (when available for junior leagues). I look at production relative to league, age, and production trends over time.
- Scouting Reports: I analyze qualitative descriptions from various reputable scouting services (Elite Prospects, NHL Central Scouting, FCHockey, The Hockey News, Dobber Prospects, McKeen's Hockey, etc.). This includes assessments of skating (speed, agility, edge work), shot (accuracy, power, release), puck skills (dangling, passing, control), hockey IQ (playmaking, defensive reads, off-puck movement), compete level, physicality, and overall athletic profile.
- Player Comparables: I note the NHL player comparisons made by scouts, as these offer insight into a player's perceived ceiling and style.
- Contextual Factors:
- League Quality: Production in a strong league (e.g., NCAA, Liiga, SHL, top CHL leagues) is weighted more heavily.
- Team Role: Was a player a top-line center or a bottom-six grinder? This impacts their opportunities for production.
- Age and Development Curve: Younger players for their draft class with high production often have higher upside.
- Injuries: Significant injuries can impact draft stock, but a player's long-term potential might remain high.
- "Russian Factor": While lessening, the uncertainty of players under contract in Russia (KHL) can sometimes lead to them sliding in the draft.
- World Junior Championship (WJC) and U18 World Championship Performance: These tournaments offer a chance to see top prospects compete against their peers on an international stage.
My Approach to Generating a Ranking:
Instead of simply copying one specific ranking, I create a "consensus" by:
- Identifying Top Tiers: There's usually a strong agreement on the top players. I'll solidify those first.
- Looking for Commonalities: I cross-reference multiple reputable sources. A player consistently appearing in the top 15 across several lists indicates a strong consensus.
- Evaluating Discrepancies: If one scout has a player significantly higher or lower than others, I'll look for the reasoning (e.g., did they see something unique, or are they emphasizing a particular attribute?).
- Prioritizing Key Attributes: For an NHL player, I generally prioritize:
- Hockey IQ: The ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and adapt. This is often seen as the most difficult trait to teach.
- Skating: Modern NHL is all about speed and mobility.
- Offensive Skill: Shooting, passing, puck handling that can generate offense at the highest level.
- Compete Level: Work ethic, battle, and desire to win.
- Size/Strength (contextual): While not paramount for all players, it's a significant advantage for centers and defensemen.
- Positional Value: Centers and defensemen are generally more valuable than wingers, particularly if they are right-shot defensemen.
My Own Top 64 Ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft (Preliminary & Speculative)
Tier 1: Potential Franchise Player
- Michael Misa (C/LW, Saginaw Spirit, OHL):Highly skilled, intelligent, and mature two-way forward. He was granted exceptional status into the OHL and has consistently produced. Considered the consensus top prospect at this very early stage due to his complete game and high offensive ceiling.
Tier 2: High-End Future Impact Players
- Matthew Schaefer (LHD, Erie Otters, OHL):A smooth-skating, high-IQ defenseman with excellent two-way capabilities. He plays a very mature game for his age and projects as a top-pairing blueliner.
- James Hagens (C, Boston College, NCAA): Exceptionally talented and dynamic offensive center. Elite playmaking and puck skills, makes players around him better. His commitment to Boston College means he'll be playing against older competition.
- Anton Frondell (C/RW, Djurgårdens IF, Allsvenskan): A strong, powerful center with a well-rounded game. He's physical, drives the net, and has good scoring touch. Plays a pro-style game.
- Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL): A smart, skilled, and versatile center. He consistently puts up points and plays with a high compete level.
- Porter Martone (RW, Brampton Steelheads, OHL): Big, powerful winger who plays a strong north-south game. Excellent shot and uses his size to win puck battles and drive the net.
- Brady Martin (C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL): A strong two-way center with good skating and determination. He's a competitive player who impacts the game in multiple ways.
Tier 3: Future Top-Six / Top-Four Players with Significant Upside
- Jake O'Brien (C, Brantford Bulldogs, OHL): A skilled playmaker with good vision and offensive instincts. He showed a significant surge in the second half of his last season.
- Roger McQueen (C/RW, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): A massive forward with an intriguing blend of size and skill. If he can stay healthy and fill out his frame, his upside is immense.
- Victor Eklund (RW, Djurgårdens IF, Allsvenskan): Tenacious and fast-moving winger with a high hockey IQ. He thinks the game at a high level and has deceptive offensive tools.
- Jackson Smith (LHD, Tri-City Americans, WHL): A big, reliable two-way defenseman. He plays a steady game and has good defensive instincts for his size.
- Carter Bear (LW, Everett Silvertips, WHL): Skilled forward with a good shot and strong offensive instincts. Played well before an injury cut his season short; medicals will be key.
- Justin Carbonneau (RW, Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL): A strong, skilled winger with good offensive production. Plays a direct, impactful game.
- Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie Otters, OHL): Talented winger with high-end flashes. Consistency will be key for him, but his top-end skill is undeniable.
- Logan Hensler (RHD, University of Wisconsin, NCAA Commit): A strong, right-shot defenseman with good size and defensive capabilities.
- Ivan Ryabkin (C, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL): Offensive-minded center with a strong determination and a good shot. Showed significant production in the USHL.
Tier 4: Solid NHL Prospects (Likely Middle-Six / Bottom-Pairing with Upside)
- Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD, Barrie Colts, OHL): A strong, physical defenseman with good mobility. Plays a tough game.
- Braeden Cootes (C, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL): Competitive center with good offensive production and a solid all-around game.
- Lynden Lakovic (LW, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): A big, power forward with a good shot and physicality.
- Blake Fiddler (RHD, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL): Big, right-shot defenseman with a good frame and potential to grow into his game.
- Joshua Ravensbergen (G, Prince George Cougars, WHL): Top goaltending prospect for the class. Good size and athleticism.
- Cullen Potter (LW, Arizona State, NCAA): Skilled forward with good offensive instincts and a willingness to compete.
- Benjamin Kindel (RW, Calgary Hitmen, WHL): Offensive winger with good puck skills and strong production.
- Cole Reschny (C/LW, Victoria Royals, WHL): Highly productive forward with good offensive instincts and skill.
- Sascha Boumedienne (LHD, Boston University, NCAA): Mobile defenseman with good puck skills and offensive potential.
- Bill Zonnon (LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL): Big winger with good size and developing offensive game.
- Jack Nesbitt (C, Windsor Spitfires, OHL): Big center who uses his size effectively, needs to refine his overall game.
- Jack Murtagh (C/LW, USNTDP): Skilled forward with good hands and vision.
- Cameron Schmidt (RW, Vancouver Giants, WHL): Smaller, highly skilled and dynamic winger with excellent offensive tools.
- Milton Gästrin (C/LW, MoDo Hockey J20, J20 Nationell): Smart, skilled forward from Sweden with good hockey sense.
- Shane Vansaghi (RW, Michigan State, NCAA): Strong, physical winger with good compete.
- Henry Brzustewicz (RHD, London Knights, OHL): Right-shot defenseman with good offensive instincts and mobility.
Tier 5: Promising Prospects (Potential NHLers with Development)
- William Moore (C, USNTDP): Two-way center with good size and responsible play.
- Charlie Trethewey (RHD, USNTDP): Physical, defensive right-shot defenseman.
- Ryker Lee (RW, Madison Capitols, USHL): Skilled winger with good offensive instincts.
- Leo Räty (G, Kärpät, Liiga): Finnish goaltender with good size and athleticism.
- Daniil Ustinkov (LHD, ZSC Lions, NL): Large, physical defenseman from Switzerland.
- John Mustard (C/RW, Waterloo, USHL): Energetic and skilled forward.
- Ondřej Kos (C, Prince George, WHL): Czech center with good skill and offensive upside.
- Lucas Van Vliet (LW, USNTDP): Big, power winger with a good shot.
- Julius Miettinen (C/W, Everett, WHL): Strong two-way forward with good defensive awareness.
- Noel Nordh (LW, Brynäs J20, Sweden): Power winger with a good shot and physical play.
- David Svozil (LHD, Rimouski, QMJHL): Smaller, offensive defenseman with good skating.
- Maxmilian Curran (C, Tri-City, WHL): Big center with good tools, needs refinement.
- Melvin Fernstrom (LW, Örebro J20, Sweden): Goal-scoring winger from Sweden.
- Tomas Galvas (LHD, Bílí Tygři Liberec, Czechia): Smaller, offensive defenseman with good skating and vision.
- Léo Hébert (LHD, Sherbrooke, QMJHL): Mobile defenseman with good offensive instincts.
- Owen Griffin (C, London, OHL): Intelligent center from a strong program.
- Jianni Fairbrother (C, Vernon, BCHL): Skilled forward, intriguing.
- Shaun Gauthier (RW, Kitchener, OHL): Physical winger with good compete.
- Will Hutchinson (G, London, OHL): Another top goaltending prospect.
- Colton Roberts (LHD, Vancouver, WHL): Defensive defenseman with good size.
- Alexander Voinov (LHD, CSKA Moscow, MHL): Russian defenseman with good tools.
- Jack Laylin (RW, Frolunda HC J20, Sweden): Skilled Swedish forward.
- Ethan Procyszyn (C, North Bay, OHL): Two-way center.
- Joe Arntsen (LHD, Lethbridge, WHL): Big, defensive defenseman.
- Felix Plouffe (RW, Val-d'Or, QMJHL): Skilled winger with offensive upside.
- Samu Korpinen (C, Kärpät J20, Finland): Finnish center with good all-around game.
- Ethan Procyszyn (C, North Bay, OHL): Two-way center with good size.
- Nathan Behm (RW, Kamloops, WHL): Big, skilled winger, production dropped after a hot start.
- Karel Vejmelka (RHD, HC Kometa Brno, Czechia): Right-shot defenseman.
- Simon Wang (LHD, Örebro J20, Sweden): Mobile defenseman.
- Alexandros Souliotis (LHD, Ottawa, OHL): Skilled defenseman.
- Ben Robertson (C, Owen Sound, OHL): Playmaking center.
Important Caveats for 2025 Rankings:
- Extremely Early: These players have yet to play their draft-eligible seasons. Some have had strong U17 or Hlinka Gretzky performances, but consistency over a full season is paramount.
- Rapid Development: Prospects develop at different rates. Players outside the top 10 now could easily climb into that range with a strong 2024-25 season.
- Visibility: Some players, particularly those in less-covered leagues or who may not get as much international exposure, might be underrated at this stage.
- Injuries: As seen in the 2024 draft (e.g., Catton, Lindstrom), injuries can significantly impact a player's season and draft stock.
- "Pop-up" Prospects: Every year, players emerge seemingly out of nowhere to become high picks based on dominant draft-year performances. This list won't capture those.
This ranking provides a current snapshot based on the available information, but the 2025 draft class will undoubtedly evolve dramatically over the next 12 months.
Confirmed Signing with Link: [FLA] D Niko Mikkola signs with the Panthers (3 years, $2.5M AAV) (15 Viewers)
