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2025 DRAFT Thread

ephmrl said:
I think he could play in the NHL next season, but i’m not sure if his upside is more than 40-50 points.
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So you're saying Zach Benson.

I'm not a big fan of Reschny, that's Lemon. Reminds me a lot of Rossi/Perfetti player. They are both playing top 6 in the league and in that draft are probably worthy of near top 10 picks. It's a safe pick, safe player.
 
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ManVanFan said:

15. Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds​

This is the range where the conversation really heats up around projectable, well-liked wingers like Carbonneau, Lakovic and Bear. I prefer all three of those kids to Cootes and think they could and should be considered by the Canucks here, but the Canucks have almost nothing coming down the middle and most scouts believe Cootes is every bit in the same conversation as those wingers.


Scott Wheeler's most recent mock draft
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I don't love Cootes but if the Canucks went that way I would understand it. I don't feel he has enough offense to be a top six center. But he is a center and one of the safer players in the draft. If we do draft him I hope he gets better wingers to play with in Seattle or gets traded to help build his offensive game.

If the Canucks believe Kindell or Reschny aren't centers long term which I don't (for Reschny) but they may hold that opinion. And if none of the centers fall, then at that point Cootes is easily the best center available since I really don't like Nesbitt, Gastrin or Ryabkin.
 
Britton said:
indeed, it completely ignores that if the Canucks finished with 89 points they would have lost the tiebreaker to both Utah and Columbus, so if they would have been in Columbus' spot and Columbus would be in Utah's spot and got the 4th pick.
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That’s still not how it works.
 
ManVanFan said:
From that perspective if I had a choice to draft Michael Hage and Sascha Boisvert in late teens, I'm taking them over say Nesbitt, Cootes, Reschny.
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I just don’t see this draft being all that bad compared to 2024. I mean look at last years draft. After pick 25, Greentree, Chernyshov, Hutson, and Marrelli are the only players with actual good D+1 years. The rest of the draft including many in the 1st round have had absolute DOG SHIT years.

I mean some truly god awful D+1’s. Like look at Létourneau’s D+1 LOL. Who the f*** chooses to play Canadian high school hockey in their draft year and then go straight to NCAA. Jiricek…Hemming…Beaudoin outproduced by his linemate and our 4th round draft pick both junior seasons.
 
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After lottery & u18s I'm still comfortable with Reschny (riser) , Martin (riser), Cootes with our pick. Little less confident in Kindel though. If McQueen or Bear drop in our slot I would easily go with them. If they wanna take some swings with someone like Gastrin, Nilson, or Nesbitt I want them to trade down. I wouldn't be opposed to trading the pick for the right piece but we'll see. If they trade next years first though It would be a massive mistake looks like a very strong draft.
 
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ManVanFan said:
So you're saying Zach Benson.

I'm not a big fan of Reschny, that's Lemon. Reminds me a lot of Rossi/Perfetti player. They are both playing top 6 in the league and in that draft are probably worthy of near top 10 picks. It's a safe pick, safe player.
Click to expand...
What's the update on Zach Benson ? I havn't heard his name in awhile. Is he on the Jordan Schroeder development path ?
 
we're f in cursed arent we... have we finished 14th worst, we would have gotten those odds and draft 4...... you gotta be f in kidding me....... down by 3 come from behind win with less than a minute left actually harmed us. have we lost we would have been 14th.
 
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lawrence said:
we're f in cursed arent we... have we finished 14th worst, we would have gotten those odds and draft 4...... you gotta be f in kidding me....... down by 3 come from behind win with less than a minute left actually harmed us. have we lost we would have been 14th.
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Nope cuz of the tiebreaker.
 
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Also, counterfactuals are impossible to argue. If one thing changes, why wouldn't many?

I saw that Boston almost moved up. That would be a worse timeline.
 
ManVanFan said:
So you're saying Zach Benson.

I'm not a big fan of Reschny, that's Lemon. Reminds me a lot of Rossi/Perfetti player. They are both playing top 6 in the league and in that draft are probably worthy of near top 10 picks. It's a safe pick, safe player.
Click to expand...
I actually see Reschny as more boom or bust. Has the skills to be a top 6 forward but if he can’t improve size/strength and skating, he could bust. In contrast, I see Cootes as the safer pick with lower upside but higher floor. He practically already has the size, skating, defense, and intangibles to be a bottom 6 centre. The question is if he has the offence to play top 6.
 
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SelltheTeamFrancesco said:
I don't love Cootes but if the Canucks went that way I would understand it. I don't feel he has enough offense to be a top six center. But he is a center and one of the safer players in the draft. If we do draft him I hope he gets better wingers to play with in Seattle or gets traded to help build his offensive game.

If the Canucks believe Kindell or Reschny aren't centers long term which I don't (for Reschny) but they may hold that opinion. And if none of the centers fall, then at that point Cootes is easily the best center available since I really don't like Nesbitt, Gastrin or Ryabkin.
Click to expand...


I thought this was a fun thing to look at a few draft eligible players this year. Kind of shows what type of players some of the guys are.
 
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kcunac said:
I actually see Reschny as more boom or bust. Has the skills to be a top 6 forward but if he can’t improve size/strength and skating, he could bust. In contrast, I see Cootes as the safer pick with lower upside but higher floor. He practically already has the size, skating, defense, and intangibles to be a bottom 6 centre. The question is if he has the offence to play top 6.
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Reschny will play. Think of him Pius Suter plus. One advantage he has as a smaller player is on top of being a great playmaker he can score from distance.

Cootes is at more risk of busting due to not doing enough of anything at a high level. Players that don't do anything are at higher risk of busting than flawed players if you look at history of the draft.

However I would take someone like Justin Carbonneau over both. I'm not so obsessed with getting a center, and I think the value of centers is overblown. A great winger improves your team more than a good center. Carbonneau provides a dynamic skillset and pace and will drive possession and offense more than any center likely to be available at 15.
 

Player Overview​

  • Name: Braeden Cootes
  • Position: Center (C)
  • Shoots: Right (R)
  • Height/Weight: 6'0, 185 lbs
  • Team: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
  • DOB: February 9, 2007
  • Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft

Strengths​

  1. Relentless Compete Level
    • High-energy motor with second/third efforts in puck battles.
    • Fearless in high-traffic areas; battles larger opponents effectively.
  2. Speed & Agility
    • Explosive straight-line speed and quickness in transition.
    • Elite edgework for creating separation; maintains balance under pressure.
  3. Offensive Instincts
    • Quick release with a heavy, accurate shot (threat from mid-range and in tight).
    • Creative playmaker; delivers high-percentage passes for Grade-A chances.
    • Drives the net hard; uses agility/puck protection to generate opportunities.
  4. Defensive Awareness
    • Strong situational IQ; communicates well in the defensive zone.
    • Disrupts plays with active stick and backchecking speed.
  5. Versatility
    • Impacts games in all roles (top-six, middle-six, special teams).
    • Matches up against high-end opponents while contributing secondary offense.

Areas for Improvement​

  1. Puck Management
    • Forces plays through traffic, leading to turnovers.
  2. Faceoffs
    • 50% success rate; needs refined technique and strength.
  3. Physical Strength
    • Lacks power to consistently win battles against pros; needs added muscle (185 lbs frame).
  4. Defensive Positioning
    • Occasionally caught on the wrong side of the puck, especially net-front.

Key Development Goals​

  1. Faceoff Skills: Improve technique and strength to boost reliability.
  2. Strength Training: Add muscle for puck battles and durability.
  3. Defensive Consistency: Sharpen net-front coverage and positioning.
  4. Shift-to-Shift Engagement: Sustain intensity throughout games.

Projection​

  • NHL Role: Versatile middle-six forward (2nd/3rd line).
  • Ceiling: Two-way center with secondary scoring upside (15-20 goals, 40-50 points).
  • Playstyle: Relentless, high-IQ complementary player; thrives in all situations.

Draft Outlook​

  • Ranking: Mid-first round (2025 NHL Draft).
  • Value: Safe, high-floor pick with top-nine versatility.

Player Comparison​

  • Mikael Backlund: Defensively responsible center with offensive flashes and elite work ethic.

Final Assessment​

  • Upside: Impactful NHLer with fan-favorite potential due to tenacity.
  • Risk Factor: Low (motor and IQ mitigate size concerns).
  • X-Factor: Development of physicality and consistency.
 
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Player Overview​

  • Name: Cole Reschny
  • Position: Center (C)
  • Shoots: Left (L)
  • Height/Weight: 5’11”, 183 lbs
  • Team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
  • DOB: April 4, 2007
  • Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft

Strengths​

  1. Elite Hockey IQ
    • Processes plays rapidly; makes subtle, impactful decisions in all three zones.
    • Anticipates defensive plays (5 takeaways/game) and disrupts opposing breakouts.
  2. Playmaking & Vision
    • Creative passer with 88% accuracy; generates 1.84 Grade “A” chances/game.
    • Uses deception to manipulate defenders and open passing lanes.
  3. Offensive Instincts
    • Fearless in high-danger areas: 3.5 Grade “A” chances and 1.14 inner-slot shots/game.
    • Quick, accurate release; scored 7 points (3G, 4A) in 5 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup games.
  4. Puck Control
    • Soft hands and elite edgework to evade defenders in tight spaces.
    • Maintains possession through contact with poise and deception.
  5. Defensive Reliability
    • 56% face-off win rate (Hlinka-Gretzky Cup); strong stickwork and backchecking effort.
    • Communicates effectively with defensemen; stays on the defensive side of battles.
  6. Competitiveness
    • Wins 52% of 50/50 puck battles; pressures opponents into mistakes.
    • Absorbs contact to make plays (1.0 hits taken/game).

Areas for Improvement​

  1. Skating Explosiveness
    • Lacks elite top-end speed and separation ability; needs improved stride mechanics.
  2. Physical Durability
    • At 183 lbs, takes frequent hits; requires added strength to avoid heavy contact.
  3. Shot Volume & Efficiency
    • 5.5 shot attempts/game (1.14 blocked); needs a stronger one-timer and shot manipulation.
  4. Turnover Management
    • Forces plays at times (5 giveaways/game); balance creativity with simplicity.
  5. Physical Engagement
    • Prefers containment over hitting (0.38 hits/game); needs power to pin opponents.

Performance Highlights​

  • Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: 7 points in 5 games, 61% face-offs, leadership in all three zones.
  • 2024/25 WHL Season: 21+ minutes/game, 3.5 Grade “A” chances/game, 2.3 loose puck recoveries/game.

Projection​

  • NHL Role: High-end middle-six forward (potential top-six with development).
  • Ceiling: Two-way playdriver with 20-25 goals/50-60 points in peak seasons.
  • Playstyle: Intelligent, versatile center/wing excelling in matchups and special teams.

Draft Outlook​

  • Ranking: Mid-to-late first round (2025 NHL Draft).
  • Value: Low-risk, high-IQ pick with top-nine versatility and leadership upside.

Player Comparison​

  • Bo Horvat: Reliable two-way center with offensive flashes, face-off prowess, and clutch play.

Final Notes​

  • Upside: Top-six forward if skating/physicality improve.
  • Risk: Moderate (size/speed concerns balanced by IQ and work ethic).
  • X-Factor: Development of explosiveness and shot diversity.
 
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Player Overview​

  • Name: Justin Carbonneau
  • Position: Right Wing (RW)
  • Shoots: Right (R)
  • Height/Weight: 6’1”, 195 lbs
  • Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
  • DOB: November 25, 2006
  • Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft

Strengths​

  1. Elite Shooting & Scoring
    • Quick, precise release with a deadly curl-and-drag snapshot.
    • Generates 5 Grade “A” scoring chances/game from high-danger areas.
  2. Puck Skills & Playmaking
    • Creative hands; threads passes through tight lanes (1.24 Grade “A” setups/game).
    • 79% pass accuracy, though lower than expected for his skill level.
  3. Skating & Mobility
    • Above-average speed and agility; uses edgework to cut into space.
    • Forces defenders to retreat on the rush, creating opportunities for himself and linemates.
  4. Physical Tools
    • Sturdy 6’1” frame; delivers/receives 1 hard hit/game.
    • Competes for loose pucks (2.7 recoveries after shots/game).
  5. Offensive Awareness
    • Constantly positions himself to open shooting/passing lanes.

Areas for Improvement​

  1. Decision-Making
    • Forces solo plays over teamwork (8 turnovers/game).
  2. Physical Engagement
    • Wins only 41% of 50/50 puck battles despite size.
  3. Shot Efficiency
    • High volume (10 shots/game) but 1.94 blocked and 2.9 missed; needs better selection.
  4. Defensive Commitment
    • Limited PK usage (0:29/game); inconsistent backchecking and positioning.
  5. Strength
    • Requires added power for board battles and separating opponents.

Key Development Goals​

  1. Leverage Size: Improve physicality in puck battles and forechecking.
  2. Refine Shot Selection: Reduce blocked/missed shots; expand one-timer zones.
  3. Defensive Reliability: Strengthen backchecking and positional awareness.
  4. Team Play: Prioritize quick, simple plays to sustain possession.
  5. Explosiveness: Enhance first-step acceleration for transition dominance.

Projection​

  • NHL Role: Top-six scoring winger with power-play upside.
  • Ceiling: 25-30 goal/60-point forward with physical edge.
  • Playstyle: Transition threat with elite shooting; potential two-way growth.

Draft Outlook​

  • Ranking: Mid-to-late first round (2025 NHL Draft).
  • Value: High-upside offensive weapon with NHL-ready tools.

Player Comparison​

  • Brock Boeser: Right-shot sniper with playmaking flair and net-front tenacity.

Final Assessment​

  • Upside: Impactful top-six scorer if decision-making and defense improve.
  • Risk: Moderate (defensive gaps and shot efficiency concerns).
  • X-Factor: Development of physicality and hockey IQ in high-pressure situations.
 
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Player Overview​

  • Name: Carter Bear
  • Position: Right Wing (RW)
  • Shoots: Left (L)
  • Height/Weight: 6’0”, 180 lbs
  • Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)
  • DOB: November 4, 2006
  • Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft

Strengths​

  1. Elite Offensive Instincts
    • Generates 3.4 Grade “A” chances/game and 1.84 inner-slot shots/game.
    • Quick release and soft hands; excels as a net-front presence on the power play.
  2. Playmaking & Vision
    • 86% pass accuracy; creates 1.3 passes to inner-slot shots/game.
    • Pre-reads plays effectively; dual threat as a shooter and playmaker.
  3. Physicality & Compete Level
    • Delivers 1.61 hard hits/game; wins 55% of 50/50 puck battles.
    • Absorbs contact (1 hit received/game) to maintain playmaking ability.
  4. Defensive Reliability
    • Logs 2:00 PK time/game; disrupts passes and recovers 2.5 loose pucks/game.
    • Strong anticipation and positional awareness in all zones.
  5. Puck Skills & Creativity
    • High-end control under pressure; adjusts to poor passes and finishes in tight spaces.
    • Creates offense in congested areas with deceptive moves.

Areas for Improvement​

  1. Skating Explosiveness
    • Lacks top-end speed; needs improved acceleration and lower-body strength.
  2. Net-Front Strength
    • At 180 lbs, struggles to hold position; requires core/lower-body muscle.
  3. Shot Efficiency
    • 1.09 shots blocked/game; needs quicker release and better lane selection.
  4. Turnover Management
    • Forces plays in high-risk areas (5.2 giveaways/game).
  5. Faceoff Skills (If Transitioning to C)
    • 38% faceoff win rate; requires refinement for versatility.

2024/25 WHL Season Stats​

  • TOI: 18:08/game (including 3:13 PP and 2:00 PK).
  • Production: 4 shots/game, 3.4 Grade “A” chances/game.

Projection​

  • NHL Role: Versatile two-way forward (top-six/middle-six).
  • Ceiling: 20-25 goal/50-point contributor with physicality and defensive value.
  • Playstyle: Competitive, detail-oriented winger with special teams upside.

Draft Outlook​

  • Ranking: Mid-to-late first round to early second round (2025 NHL Draft).
  • Value: High-floor prospect with top-nine versatility and work ethic.

Player Comparison​

  • Travis Konecny: Tenacious, skilled winger blending offense, physicality, and two-way effort.

Final Assessment​

  • Upside: Reliable top-six forward if skating/strength develop.
  • Risk: Moderate (size/speed concerns balanced by IQ and compete level).
  • X-Factor: Improved explosiveness and decision-making under pressure.
 
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#1 LHC Anton Frondell
#2 RHC Brady Martin
#3 RHC Braeden Cootes

Get these centers and the whole identity of the team changes overnight, two years from now.

Im willing to wait.
 
lawrence said:
Hes top 6. Way out of our range.
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Ya I meant get all 3. At once. A rebuild/rebrand centered around gritty two way centers slotted 1 thru 3.

Get a Brad Richardson vet for #4 and let these 3 beauties lead the charge. Get them some veteran wingers I dunno.

Joel Eriksson Ek (frondell)
Michael Peca (martin)
Phil Danault (cootes)

Just smother and defend the opposition to death.
 
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DiggerDan said:
This is super interesting, never seen the "stuff" metric before (😂) but it makes sense and is absolutely valuable.
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It's more just interesting then valuable. It shows what some players are better at then others but without circumstances, a lot could be taken the wrong way. At the same time, you watch a player, then read a multiple scouting reports and you have to wonder, which time did someone watch a player to get that narrative. Scouting report said that Lynden Lakovic is a "power forward" which was disagreed with that he isn't a power forward. Lack of puck battles won and mid range in hitting would more show that he isn't exactly a power forward and more just a big body.
 
lawrence said:

Player Overview​

  • Name: Cole Reschny
  • Position: Center (C)
  • Shoots: Left (L)
  • Height/Weight: 5’11”, 183 lbs
  • Team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
  • DOB: April 4, 2007
  • Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft

Strengths​

  1. Elite Hockey IQ
    • Processes plays rapidly; makes subtle, impactful decisions in all three zones.
    • Anticipates defensive plays (5 takeaways/game) and disrupts opposing breakouts.
  2. Playmaking & Vision
    • Creative passer with 88% accuracy; generates 1.84 Grade “A” chances/game.
    • Uses deception to manipulate defenders and open passing lanes.
  3. Offensive Instincts
    • Fearless in high-danger areas: 3.5 Grade “A” chances and 1.14 inner-slot shots/game.
    • Quick, accurate release; scored 7 points (3G, 4A) in 5 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup games.
  4. Puck Control
    • Soft hands and elite edgework to evade defenders in tight spaces.
    • Maintains possession through contact with poise and deception.
  5. Defensive Reliability
    • 56% face-off win rate (Hlinka-Gretzky Cup); strong stickwork and backchecking effort.
    • Communicates effectively with defensemen; stays on the defensive side of battles.
  6. Competitiveness
    • Wins 52% of 50/50 puck battles; pressures opponents into mistakes.
    • Absorbs contact to make plays (1.0 hits taken/game).

Areas for Improvement​

  1. Skating Explosiveness
    • Lacks elite top-end speed and separation ability; needs improved stride mechanics.
  2. Physical Durability
    • At 183 lbs, takes frequent hits; requires added strength to avoid heavy contact.
  3. Shot Volume & Efficiency
    • 5.5 shot attempts/game (1.14 blocked); needs a stronger one-timer and shot manipulation.
  4. Turnover Management
    • Forces plays at times (5 giveaways/game); balance creativity with simplicity.
  5. Physical Engagement
    • Prefers containment over hitting (0.38 hits/game); needs power to pin opponents.

Performance Highlights​

  • Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: 7 points in 5 games, 61% face-offs, leadership in all three zones.
  • 2024/25 WHL Season: 21+ minutes/game, 3.5 Grade “A” chances/game, 2.3 loose puck recoveries/game.

Projection​

  • NHL Role: High-end middle-six forward (potential top-six with development).
  • Ceiling: Two-way playdriver with 20-25 goals/50-60 points in peak seasons.
  • Playstyle: Intelligent, versatile center/wing excelling in matchups and special teams.

Draft Outlook​

  • Ranking: Mid-to-late first round (2025 NHL Draft).
  • Value: Low-risk, high-IQ pick with top-nine versatility and leadership upside.

Player Comparison​

  • Bo Horvat: Reliable two-way center with offensive flashes, face-off prowess, and clutch play.

Final Notes​

  • Upside: Top-six forward if skating/physicality improve.
  • Risk: Moderate (size/speed concerns balanced by IQ and work ethic).
  • X-Factor: Development of explosiveness and shot diversity.
Click to expand...
Does he plan on growing a couple inches and filling out his frame by 30 lbs? Highly unlikely. That's quite the strange comparison.

I don't know where you got those reports from. I do question how a guy who's not physical against kids is all of a sudden going to be physical against men in the NHL. Other than Cootes and Backlund comparable I think the rest are pretty far off for those players. Konecny for Bear :rolleyes:
 
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