2025 DRAFT Thread

I see some of Cameron Schmidt's dazzling moves are making the highlight reels at the U-18 tourney in Texas.

Most of the rankings I've seen have him in the back half of the first round. But he's a Vancouver Giant, so obviously the Canuck scouts would have seen a lot of him, and 78 points in 61 games is hard to ignore.

He's listed at 5'7" and 161 on Hockey DB. Normally a guy you'd pass on. But would the Canucks roll the dice on him at pick #15?
 
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I see some of Cameron Schmidt's dazzling moves are making the highlight reels at the U-18 tourney in Texas.

Most of the rankings I've seen have him in the back half of the first round. But he's a Vancouver Giant, so obviously the Canuck scouts would have seen a lot of him, and 78 points in 61 games is hard to ignore.

He's listed at 5'7" and 161 on Hockey DB. Normally a guy you'd pass on. But would the Canucks roll the dice on him at pick #15?

out of the 14 players (tier 3) scouting reports I read, he's probably the highest upside, along side the other (hard working 2 way forwards) that don't really impress me. but you mentioned, he's smallish, but my gosh, is he electrifying little player. the only reason why why hes like ranked in the 20s and above is probably because of his size, and he was 5'10 or higher probably a early teens and higher. Dude is just dynamic (based on youtube highlights) hes also a BC boy
 
out of the 14 players (tier 3) scouting reports I read, he's probably the highest upside, along side the other (hard working 2 way forwards) that don't really impress me. but you mentioned, he's smallish, but my gosh, is he electrifying little player. the only reason why why hes like ranked in the 20s and above is probably because of his size, and he was 5'10 or higher probably a early teens and higher. Dude is just dynamic (based on youtube highlights) hes also a BC boy
He's another Stankoven. EP says Schmidt was born Edmonton. That's in AB. lol.

At this point in time, Canucks need scoring so taking him with 15 if you think he can score.

Canucks have so many needs. It doesn't really matter who they take, only one hole is going to get filled at a time thanks to poor asset management. Lol.
 
Pronman has Brady Martin mocked to the Canucks at 15.

Martin had a productive season to go along with displaying a tremendous motor and a lot of physicality. Vancouver needs depth at center, and Martin brings two-way value in that role.
If we did keep the pick Brady Martin might be the best realistic outcome. He is the best center outside of the top group (Misa, Frondell, Desoyner, McQueen, and O'Brien) that will likely all go inside the top 10. Great 5 on 5 production, good two player, love his physicality might be the best hitter in the draft. Kind of has everything the Canucks need. If he had scored more on the powerplay his stats would be more gaudy he is likely a sure fire top 10 pick.
 
Feels as if everyone is so focused on Brady Martin. Look around folks, might see something else you like and possibly come to other ideas.

Disclosure: This isn't a ranted about Martin not being good. I've said many times I'm fine with him at 15 and do think he will be a fine NHL player.
 
Rachel Doerrie content warning but here's her ESPN Mock Draft. Has Kashawn Aitcheson at 15 to the Canucks.

There's a very real chance that Aitcheson is gone before Vancouver's pick, given the type of game he plays.

Aitcheson has all the tools to be a physical force on an NHL blue line. Whether it is a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson plays the same rough style and is unafraid of lowering the boom on opponents. The type of player that requires the opponents to be aware when he's on the ice because of his open-ice hitting ability and willingness to finish checks with authority.

The belief is that scouts and management in Vancouver want to add these qualities to their blue line, and Aitcheson is the perfect fit. He needs development time -- his skating and playmaking are very raw -- but the competitive attributes and his development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson's involvement offensively developed as the season progressed, rotating with his teammates, diving down towards the high-danger area, and he has become more dangerous with open ice.

He projects as a bottom-pairing defender based on his current statistical profile, but a player like him is more likely to play a minute-eating role on a second pair and physically impose his will on the game.
 
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Bleacher Report with Malcolm Spence going to the Canucks.


After finishing third last season in the Western Conference with 109 points, the Canucks tumbled to 90 points and failed to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their slide ensures them a better pick in this year's draft than they would've had if they'd finished higher in the standings.

Malcolm Spence of the OHL's Erie Otters could be an option at this stage in the round. They lack a left wing among their top-15 prospects.

Spence finished third among Otters scorers this season with 32 goals and 41 assists for 73 points. He also had nine points in as many playoff games. NHL Central Scouting has the 6'2”, 201-pounder at No. 17 in their final ranking of North American prospects.

The Athletic's Corey Pronman and Sportsnet's Jason Bukala project Spence to become a middle-six NHL forward. Pronman cited his two-way play, high compete level and tenacious work ethic. Bukala believes he can become a difference maker.
 
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Rachel Doerrie content warning but here's her ESPN Mock Draft. Has Kashawn Aitcheson at 15 to the Canucks.

There's a very real chance that Aitcheson is gone before Vancouver's pick, given the type of game he plays.

Aitcheson has all the tools to be a physical force on an NHL blue line. Whether it is a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson plays the same rough style and is unafraid of lowering the boom on opponents. The type of player that requires the opponents to be aware when he's on the ice because of his open-ice hitting ability and willingness to finish checks with authority.

The belief is that scouts and management in Vancouver want to add these qualities to their blue line, and Aitcheson is the perfect fit. He needs development time -- his skating and playmaking are very raw -- but the competitive attributes and his development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson's involvement offensively developed as the season progressed, rotating with his teammates, diving down towards the high-danger area, and he has become more dangerous with open ice.

He projects as a bottom-pairing defender based on his current statistical profile, but a player like him is more likely to play a minute-eating role on a second pair and physically impose his will on the game.
That was a player watching Romani and Paterson play that he did stand out. He really reminds me of Matt Dumba. Dumba's a 10 year vet now, so saying maybe different team, different environment, different outcome. A lot of Van fans wanted Dumba for a long time because of his game also being a Right shot which Aitcheson is not. Dorrie's assessment of Aitcheson being a 3rd pair guy is similar to the career of Dumba. When he peaked in 17-18 he was playing with prime Suter, Brodin, Spurgeon. Other then that been that 4/5 guy most his career.

If he was the guy I'd try and get him closer to 20.
 
I post these mock drafts since, as someone who doesn't follow prospects throughout the season, I find it gives me a good sense of who might be available and some names to research.
Info is good. Different assessments is good. Ppl getting triggered by who the writer is too funny.
 
Okay, not sure if he's been talked about in this thread, but he's Swedish and had a big game at the u18's a couple days ago

Might still be available in the 3rd round:

#4 - Filip Ekberg – LW/C, Almtuna IS (HockeyAllsvenskan)

I can’t quite explain it, but it feels like Filip Ekberg is already flying under the radar heading into 2025. He didn’t make the Swedish 2023 Hlinka Gretzky team (although he made the roster in 2024), nor did he play in the U18 worlds, but he did dominate at the U17 level internationally. He scored at nearly a point per game in the j20 for a middling Almtuna IS team and played a ton of games in the HA for a 16-year-old. At face value, that’s a pretty impressive resume for a D-1. So, where’s the hype?

At his peak, Ekberg is a quick, shifty puck handler, dynamic on his edges, faking out defender after defender, on a mission to create a scoring chance. He can really explode into a sprint on rush chances, and it rarely feels like he stops moving his feet once he gets them going. He sees the ice well, hitting teammates with creative and accurate passes. He’s got a laser of a shot that I wish he used more often. There is even a will to get physical, even if he doesn’t quite have his man strength yet. When Ekberg is pushing the pace on and off the puck and he’s driving his line, he is a 1st round talent, no questions asked.

 
Okay, not sure if he's been talked about in this thread, but he's Swedish and had a big game at the u18's a couple days ago

Might still be available in the 3rd round:

#4 - Filip Ekberg – LW/C, Almtuna IS (HockeyAllsvenskan)

I can’t quite explain it, but it feels like Filip Ekberg is already flying under the radar heading into 2025. He didn’t make the Swedish 2023 Hlinka Gretzky team (although he made the roster in 2024), nor did he play in the U18 worlds, but he did dominate at the U17 level internationally. He scored at nearly a point per game in the j20 for a middling Almtuna IS team and played a ton of games in the HA for a 16-year-old. At face value, that’s a pretty impressive resume for a D-1. So, where’s the hype?

At his peak, Ekberg is a quick, shifty puck handler, dynamic on his edges, faking out defender after defender, on a mission to create a scoring chance. He can really explode into a sprint on rush chances, and it rarely feels like he stops moving his feet once he gets them going. He sees the ice well, hitting teammates with creative and accurate passes. He’s got a laser of a shot that I wish he used more often. There is even a will to get physical, even if he doesn’t quite have his man strength yet. When Ekberg is pushing the pace on and off the puck and he’s driving his line, he is a 1st round talent, no questions asked.


Bit of an old evaluation since he spent last season in the OHL and wasn't that productive (45p in 53gp). Would be an interesting target as a mid-to-late round pick, though.
 
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Bit of an old evaluation since he spent last season in the OHL and wasn't that productive (45p in 53gp). Would be an interesting target as a mid-to-late round pick, though.
not a great season in the OHL (on a shit team), but i wonder how much of that was the physicality and pace of the league. He has the raw skill, shot and mobility, he may just need to get bigger and stronger. boom or bust prospect IMO.
 
That was a player watching Romani and Paterson play that he did stand out. He really reminds me of Matt Dumba. Dumba's a 10 year vet now, so saying maybe different team, different environment, different outcome. A lot of Van fans wanted Dumba for a long time because of his game also being a Right shot which Aitcheson is not. Dorrie's assessment of Aitcheson being a 3rd pair guy is similar to the career of Dumba. When he peaked in 17-18 he was playing with prime Suter, Brodin, Spurgeon. Other then that been that 4/5 guy most his career.

If he was the guy I'd try and get him closer to 20.
With the emergence of D-Petey and Mancini, it seems surprising that the Canucks would want to add a physical 3rd pairing guy at #15. I'd rather take a swing on someone with more upside.
 
If we did keep the pick Brady Martin might be the best realistic outcome. He is the best center outside of the top group (Misa, Frondell, Desoyner, McQueen, and O'Brien) that will likely all go inside the top 10. Great 5 on 5 production, good two player, love his physicality might be the best hitter in the draft. Kind of has everything the Canucks need. If he had scored more on the powerplay his stats would be more gaudy he is likely a sure fire top 10 pick.
Has anyone seen any analysis of how much the lack of PP production was ice time vs play? He only had 13 PP points but was tied for third most amongst the team’s forwards, so it’s hard to disentangle from the numbers.
 
He's another Stankoven. EP says Schmidt was born Edmonton. That's in AB. lol.

At this point in time, Canucks need scoring so taking him with 15 if you think he can score.

Canucks have so many needs. It doesn't really matter who they take, only one hole is going to get filled at a time thanks to poor asset management. Lol.


we have willander on rhd
We have mynio on lhd

So maybe we good on defence. Prefer a center. Also this draft doesn’t seem to have any other offensive dmans after the 2nd dman.

But as they said, it seems like our pick is likely traded.


Adding this bc boy to the list of players I hope we can draft. Highly skilled 6.4 winger who has good skating hands and can generate offense.
 
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we have willander on rhd
We have mynio on lhd

So maybe we good on defence. Prefer a center. Also this draft doesn’t seem to have any other offensive dmans after the 2nd dman.

But as they said, it seems like our pick is likely traded.


Adding this bc boy to the list of players I hope we can draft. Highly skilled 6.4 winger who has good skating hands and can generate offense.
All I've heard about Lankovic is whether or not he's got enough finesse with his size to be a top 6 in the NHL. He's not very physical. He's just much bigger than the junior players.
 
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Watching Canada vs Latvia.
Quinn Beauchesne - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Liked his game. Certainly SJ 3rd round pick if he's still there I'd take him.

Another game of Martin on the wing. He's such a recking ball haha. Not sure he's a center in the NHL.

Ryan Roobroeck is really good. Get a top pick for QH back. Lol kidding.

Ethan Czata has good size and speed. Probably gone early to mid 2nd.
 
Rachel Doerrie content warning but here's her ESPN Mock Draft. Has Kashawn Aitcheson at 15 to the Canucks.

There's a very real chance that Aitcheson is gone before Vancouver's pick, given the type of game he plays.

Aitcheson has all the tools to be a physical force on an NHL blue line. Whether it is a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson plays the same rough style and is unafraid of lowering the boom on opponents. The type of player that requires the opponents to be aware when he's on the ice because of his open-ice hitting ability and willingness to finish checks with authority.

The belief is that scouts and management in Vancouver want to add these qualities to their blue line, and Aitcheson is the perfect fit. He needs development time -- his skating and playmaking are very raw -- but the competitive attributes and his development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson's involvement offensively developed as the season progressed, rotating with his teammates, diving down towards the high-danger area, and he has become more dangerous with open ice.

He projects as a bottom-pairing defender based on his current statistical profile, but a player like him is more likely to play a minute-eating role on a second pair and physically impose his will on the game.
I'd love Aitcheson. I like assholes. We need some. Draft Aitcheson. Sign Jamie Benn and DeAngelo, acquire Evander Kane, hire Joel Quennville with Marc Crawford and Rocky Thompson as his assistants. Put Willie Mitchell and Garth Butcher in charge of hospitality while they show Jake Virtanen the ropes.

Do it right.
 

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