While less skilled than this years team, I actually think the 2025 team could be a good sleeper. Not only do I think the 05s u18 performance gets kind of overshadowed because they threw the final, but it's a group that competes hard. It's way to hard to say how we will do at goalie at this point, but aside from that, the position that makes me worry a bit is center. Edstrom won't replace Östlund, and it's pretty thin behind him. I don't see Forsfjäll as a higher end center right now. Has anyone watched a good enough amount of Nilsson or Zether this year? One of them taking a step would make a massive difference. D is going to be solid, and wingers is not a big concern. Obviously not a favourite, but might be underated, especially since the 06s won't bring any high picks(or maybe even first rounders) to the table. Also, ignoring issues, I don't think we will lose any of the eligible players.
Would go even farther and say pretty much only 05s, with a very small amount of 06s that hopefully proves themselves throughout the year. The 05s present in this years team added major value to the team, should be the same for the 06/07s that gets a shot next year. If it comes down to "bottom6" players, I rather have players with more pro/physical experience as well, instead of players that get bullied or surprised by the intensity.
It's way to early to give any of the 07s serious consideration. Frondell is the one exception. We'll see how the u18s lineup look, who performs well, and who takes the next step after the summer. But the other guys people usually mentioned either have to many warts or won't have the upside at this level, as it standz right now.
Probably my current number 1 amongst the 06 forwards, edging out Eriksson. But even those guys will have to grow in my opinon. Zetterberg is as always the most skilled, but he is close to being a literal midget.