Prospect Info: 2025 NHL Entry Draft
- Thread starter WhatTheDuck
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Just wrapped up my picks for our second of three mocks. Definitely can still see what the pundits are saying about this class lacking depth, but starting to come across more guys outside the top end who look interesting.
Ended up with the #8 pick, and the top seven were Schaefer, Misa, Martone, Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers, Mrtka. For me that left a decision between O'Brien, McQueen and Eklund. I was very split, really wanted to go with McQueen but I don't know what to make of the injury.
1-8- RC Jake O'Brien
2-54- RW Mason West Mason West - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
www.nhl.com
3-72- RC Hayden Paupanekis Hayden Paupanekis - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Big body right handed center with a good motor for his size and intriguing pro traits. Healthy bump up in production from year one to year two. Reminded me of the Procyzsyn pick, a good can to keep kicking. I could see round two for this guy in this draft.
3-87- RW William Belle William Belle - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
I grabbed Belle in the last mock as well, other than lack of offense I like everything I see and read. Every report talks about him being a wrecking ball, 6'4 winger with good speed and he's looking to play the body constantly.
4-104- RD Carlos Handel Carlos Händel - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another prospect I grabbed in the last mock. Right shot D with pro size and really high end feet. Skating looked to be among the very best at the WJC.
5-136- LW Brandon Gorzynski Brandon Gorzynski - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another bigger body from the WHL with traits that would be described as pro style (ie high floor). He's fast and maximizes his speed with a relentless motor. The reports seem to get more glowing as the year went on, and he more than quadrupled his production from his rookie year. I'm thinking this is more of a round two/three profile in this draft.
5-150- G Burke Hood https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/577132/burke-hood
A big athletic goalie who has been making some waves with his play in the WHL over the second half. Up to round three on Mckeen's latest list, that seems about right.
6-168- RD Everett Baldwin https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/893556/everett-baldwin
Right shot prep Dman who has seen time with the USNTDP and Cedar Rapids (USHL). Again he's someone Mckeen's has bumped up to their third round. From all accounts an elite skater who is entirely raw overall.
7-200- RD Eduard Bondar https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/908486/eduard-bondar
A huge Russian righty D playing in the Q who really wasn't on my radar until yesterday. Mckeen's has him just inside the top 100 and that seems about right. He seems like a project but with big defensive potential, described as a "formidable rush defender"
Ended up with the #8 pick, and the top seven were Schaefer, Misa, Martone, Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers, Mrtka. For me that left a decision between O'Brien, McQueen and Eklund. I was very split, really wanted to go with McQueen but I don't know what to make of the injury.
1-8- RC Jake O'Brien
2-54- RW Mason West Mason West - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
NHL Draft notebook: West to make decision on future sport before Combine | NHL.com
17-year-old center currently playing in USHL is also heavily recruited quarterback
www.nhl.com
3-72- RC Hayden Paupanekis Hayden Paupanekis - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Big body right handed center with a good motor for his size and intriguing pro traits. Healthy bump up in production from year one to year two. Reminded me of the Procyzsyn pick, a good can to keep kicking. I could see round two for this guy in this draft.
3-87- RW William Belle William Belle - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
I grabbed Belle in the last mock as well, other than lack of offense I like everything I see and read. Every report talks about him being a wrecking ball, 6'4 winger with good speed and he's looking to play the body constantly.
4-104- RD Carlos Handel Carlos Händel - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another prospect I grabbed in the last mock. Right shot D with pro size and really high end feet. Skating looked to be among the very best at the WJC.
5-136- LW Brandon Gorzynski Brandon Gorzynski - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another bigger body from the WHL with traits that would be described as pro style (ie high floor). He's fast and maximizes his speed with a relentless motor. The reports seem to get more glowing as the year went on, and he more than quadrupled his production from his rookie year. I'm thinking this is more of a round two/three profile in this draft.
5-150- G Burke Hood https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/577132/burke-hood
A big athletic goalie who has been making some waves with his play in the WHL over the second half. Up to round three on Mckeen's latest list, that seems about right.
6-168- RD Everett Baldwin https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/893556/everett-baldwin
Right shot prep Dman who has seen time with the USNTDP and Cedar Rapids (USHL). Again he's someone Mckeen's has bumped up to their third round. From all accounts an elite skater who is entirely raw overall.
7-200- RD Eduard Bondar https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/908486/eduard-bondar
A huge Russian righty D playing in the Q who really wasn't on my radar until yesterday. Mckeen's has him just inside the top 100 and that seems about right. He seems like a project but with big defensive potential, described as a "formidable rush defender"
Over McQueen and Eklund? Shame on you.Just wrapped up my picks for our second of three mocks. Definitely can still see what the pundits are saying about this class lacking depth, but starting to come across more guys outside the top end who look interesting.
Ended up with the #8 pick, and the top seven were Schaefer, Misa, Martone, Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers, Mrtka. For me that left a decision between O'Brien, McQueen and Eklund. I was very split, really wanted to go with McQueen but I don't know what to make of the injury.
1-8- RC Jake O'Brien
2-54- RW Mason West Mason West - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
NHL Draft notebook: West to make decision on future sport before Combine | NHL.com
17-year-old center currently playing in USHL is also heavily recruited quarterback
3-72- RC Hayden Paupanekis Hayden Paupanekis - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Big body right handed center with a good motor for his size and intriguing pro traits. Healthy bump up in production from year one to year two. Reminded me of the Procyzsyn pick, a good can to keep kicking. I could see round two for this guy in this draft.
3-87- RW William Belle William Belle - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
I grabbed Belle in the last mock as well, other than lack of offense I like everything I see and read. Every report talks about him being a wrecking ball, 6'4 winger with good speed and he's looking to play the body constantly.
4-104- RD Carlos Handel Carlos Händel - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another prospect I grabbed in the last mock. Right shot D with pro size and really high end feet. Skating looked to be among the very best at the WJC.
5-136- LW Brandon Gorzynski Brandon Gorzynski - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Another bigger body from the WHL with traits that would be described as pro style (ie high floor). He's fast and maximizes his speed with a relentless motor. The reports seem to get more glowing as the year went on, and he more than quadrupled his production from his rookie year. I'm thinking this is more of a round two/three profile in this draft.
5-150- G Burke Hood Burke Hood - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
A big athletic goalie who has been making some waves with his play in the WHL over the second half. Up to round three on Mckeen's latest list, that seems about right.
6-168- RD Everett Baldwin Everett Baldwin - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Right shot prep Dman who has seen time with the USNTDP and Cedar Rapids (USHL). Again he's someone Mckeen's has bumped up to their third round. From all accounts an elite skater who is entirely raw overall.
7-200- RD Eduard Bondar Eduard Bondar - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
A huge Russian righty D playing in the Q who really wasn't on my radar until yesterday. Mckeen's has him just inside the top 100 and that seems about right. He seems like a project but with big defensive potential, described as a "formidable rush defender"
Love the West pick.
Liked his longer term potential over Eklund but it was tough.
McQueen I don't know what to do with. I found myself in a catch 22 where I felt he wouldn't be available at 8 if not for the injury concern, so then do I want to take him that high? It becomes worth it at a certain spot, just not sure where that is. Without the concern he's easily top 5
IMO there is enough talent in the top 5 to drop McQueen out of that tier given his injury issues and the experiences of Patrick and Lindstrom in recent years. What troubles me the most about McQueen is that he's a late 06 and has never really dominated junior hockey so how good is he even when healthy? Physically he's everything that a team could want but the production has never been there. Same with Lakovic. A team is going to have to balance upside against risk. Seems like the Ducks would go for the upside but who knows?
Rasp
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The injury isnt an issue at all and its fully healed. It was a stress fracture caused from fast growth and training too much. There is no lingering damage and basically not going to happen again.
Rasp
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McQueen said it was a pars fracture — less colloquially known as spondylolysis — which is a stress fracture of the spine common in young athletes. It’s usually caused by repetitive stress rather than an acute injury.
“I know everyone is going off a disc thing, but there was no disc problem ever,” McQueen said. “It was just a fractured bone that needed some time to heal, and I guess it takes longer for those ones to heal but it’s good now and everything is cleared up.”
McQueen acknowledged there is a possibility the massive growth spurt he had may have factored into the issue as he grew into his lanky frame.
“There are a lot of question marks about how the fracture came about,” McQueen said. “It’s kind of an odd fracture but it could have been that I’m really tall and grew super fast or it could just be after I was really tall my body hadn’t quite kept up with me and my core wasn’t as strong as it could have been. Honestly we’re not too sure how it came about.”
McQueen nears return from back injury
During a season in which so much has gone wrong on the injury front for the Brandon Wheat Kings, their fortune may soon be turning with lucky No. 13. Roger McQueen, 18, was back at practice in a norma...
www.brandonsun.com
Spondylolysis usually occurs during childhood or adolescence from repetitive stress, rather than from an acute injury. In other words, it is usually a stress fracture rather than a sudden break. These stress fractures in the back are most often seen in adolescent athletes such as gymnasts, where there is a great deal of extension and landing with an arched back. Spondylolysis is the most common cause of structural back pain in children and teenagers.
Spondylolysis is a common condition of children and teenagers who are involved in organized sports. Active kids and teens with spondylolysis may experience symptoms, however, some people with this condition may not develop symptoms until later in adulthood.
Thanks. Every team will have to have their doctors examine him and review the information available. I don't know where he'll go but memories are fresh with Patrick and Lindstrom. And as I said earlier, he hasn't been a dominant player in his junior career...he is all potential and is a late 06 as well. Risky pick but might be worth it in the area that the Ducks will likely be picking.McQueen said it was a pars fracture — less colloquially known as spondylolysis — which is a stress fracture of the spine common in young athletes. It’s usually caused by repetitive stress rather than an acute injury.
“I know everyone is going off a disc thing, but there was no disc problem ever,” McQueen said. “It was just a fractured bone that needed some time to heal, and I guess it takes longer for those ones to heal but it’s good now and everything is cleared up.”
McQueen acknowledged there is a possibility the massive growth spurt he had may have factored into the issue as he grew into his lanky frame.
“There are a lot of question marks about how the fracture came about,” McQueen said. “It’s kind of an odd fracture but it could have been that I’m really tall and grew super fast or it could just be after I was really tall my body hadn’t quite kept up with me and my core wasn’t as strong as it could have been. Honestly we’re not too sure how it came about.”
McQueen nears return from back injury
During a season in which so much has gone wrong on the injury front for the Brandon Wheat Kings, their fortune may soon be turning with lucky No. 13. Roger McQueen, 18, was back at practice in a norma...
Spondylolysis usually occurs during childhood or adolescence from repetitive stress, rather than from an acute injury. In other words, it is usually a stress fracture rather than a sudden break. These stress fractures in the back are most often seen in adolescent athletes such as gymnasts, where there is a great deal of extension and landing with an arched back. Spondylolysis is the most common cause of structural back pain in children and teenagers.
Spondylolysis is a common condition of children and teenagers who are involved in organized sports. Active kids and teens with spondylolysis may experience symptoms, however, some people with this condition may not develop symptoms until later in adulthood.
MMC
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TheGoodShepard1
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Echoing the sentiments of the McQueen camp. Could be wrong (usually am), but if the medicals come back clean and he's still on the board, I don't see a world in which Verbeek passes him up. He seems like PV's ideal type of winger
Hockey Duckie
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Hockey Duckie
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We all did think that Fantilli was Verbeek's ideal center two drafts ago. So who knows. Also, Verbeek passed upon Cayden Lindstrom last year. Right now, that looked like a great decision. There are just a lot of factors, but I'd like McQueen if he's still available.
Anaheim4ever
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Same I'm in the McQueen camp now based on where the Ducks sit in the draft and the fact his problem is not at all like Lindstrom/Patrick. The Ducks could have a really deep Center depth with him. That said I think the one scenario where McQueen is there at #9 for the Ducks is if Pittsburgh picks Mrtka at #8. Pittsburgh does need to plan for when Crosby and Malkin are retired but its not like they are passing on a 1C prospect, I see McQueen as a 2C or high end 3C.
Gauthier/Carlsson/Sennecke
Zegras/McTavish/Colangelo
Sidorov or Pastujov/McQueen/Terry
Proczyn/Gaucher/Masse
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This idea that Verbeek will always pick the big hard nosed guy needs to be dispelled.
None of our top 10 picks in his time have been that even though there were guys that fit that exact mold available in that area.
They also seem to have always taken the guy that will be the best player in 5 years, not the guy who will help them right away or fits the current rosters need.
None of our top 10 picks in his time have been that even though there were guys that fit that exact mold available in that area.
They also seem to have always taken the guy that will be the best player in 5 years, not the guy who will help them right away or fits the current rosters need.
Rasp
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We know the key metrics they use when selecting players.
Hockey IQ
Compete
Skating (can be improved on)
Other metrics will come into consideration but players need at least hockey IQ and compete or we will overlook them.
We also know the style of play they are aiming for which is similar to Florida. Physical, heavy forechecking and defensively responsible. Size is naturally an advantage to achieve this but does not make or break a player for this system.
I think with 1st rounders those are requirements. They will never take a guy that can't skate. In the later rounds they have taken guys that need to improve on skating, Pasta for example.
In the later rounds everyone has a hole, but it seems like IQ is always the biggest thing they shoot for.
I jinxed us saying I want a top 8 pick. With the win last night we have the 9 spot and we are closer in % to the 13 spot then the 8 spot. Oh well. Seeing the kids go off is so worth a worse pick.
Better late than never to realize that they'll almost certainly be picking out of the top 8.
Rasp
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Top 8 is still realistic. It will be tough to win any of our last 8 games but Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both will win games down this stretch. Buffalo could surprise too now that they have nothing to play for.
Eh, I'll be happy with 9. Someone ALWAYS reaches and picks a guy early that lets a guy fall. Hopefully one of the top 8 guys are there.
You should add Detroit and the NYI to your bingo card...both are basically tied with the Ducks and are playing terribly. Wouldn't surprise me if the Ducks finished better than one or both of them. Fortunately Columbus and the NYR are playing a bit better but it's not impossible that one or both could collapse down the stretch as well.
Imagine if we traded Vatrano in his 37 goal year for the Rangers 1st this year?
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Wins and improved play are by far more important this season than a slightly improved draft pick. I’m sure the guys available in the 7-8 range are a little more promising than the guys in the 10-11 range, but it’s unlikely any of them would impact the team in the next 3 seasons. And even then you’re probably looking at 3rd line guys or second pairing guys. This isn’t like past drafts where there were clear top 6 forwards and top pairing D available throughout the first 10.
And honestly, I’d be surprised if the guy they take at 12 (for example) isn’t the same guy they would take at 7 or 8.
And honestly, I’d be surprised if the guy they take at 12 (for example) isn’t the same guy they would take at 7 or 8.
