Anton Frondell, who plays for Djurgarden in Sweden’s second division, is No. 1 on the final ranking of International skaters.
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Schaefer could become the first player from Erie to go No. 1 in the NHL draft since
Connor McDavid to the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.
Misa (6-1, 184) is the first player in Saginaw history to win the Eddie Powers Trophy as the top scorer in the OHL, finishing the regular season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists). He had a point in 60 of 65 regular-season games and tied
John Tavares (2006-07) for the most points by an OHL player under 18 since 2000 (Misa turned 18 on Feb. 16). He also was named the 26th captain in Saginaw history Jan. 8.
Hagens (5-10, 177) is one of five NCAA players among the top 32 skaters on Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters. He was third on Boston College with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games skating as the No. 1 center between
Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and
Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals).
"[Misa and Hagens] are very impressive in their own right and there's not a fine line to be drawn," Marr said. "Three years from now they both could be a point-per-game guy in the NHL, but they'll just both do it their own way."
O'Brien (6-2, 172) might be one of the best playmakers in the 2025 draft class. He led the OHL in power-play assists (41), was seventh in all assists (66) and tied for seventh in points (98) in 66 games.
"He placed himself in a special category," Marr said. "In his first year in the OHL [2023-24], everyone started to appreciate him. He's got some elite-level hockey sense and skill and I think that the ceiling on him is just a little higher with the expectations."
Mrtka (6-6, 207) began the season with one assist in 10 games with Trinec in the top professional league in his native Czechia, then signed with Seattle on Nov. 27. He had 35 points (three goals, 32 assists) in 43 WHL games.
"He could go in the top three and it's not going to shock anybody," Marr said. "He's a pretty complete package, everything that you're looking for in a player, and he's been able to deliver while having changed continents and leagues. I think he's going to continue to elevate his game. So with him, everyone's looking at him like the best is yet to come."
Martone (6-3, 208) remains one of the top players for this year's draft despite being moved down in the final rankings. The Brampton captain led the team with 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists), and had 29 power-play points (seven goals, 22 assists), in 57 games.
"Porter brings that package that teams are looking for; he has a little bit more of the size asset element to his game than some of the other skaters in the top five do," Marr said. "I think that's appealing to some teams, but I also think he's eliminated any concerns there was about the skating. He's undervalued on his skill set. He's the one who wears his compete on his sleeve and I think that's what endears him to everybody."
Frondell and Djurgarden teammate Victor Eklund are Nos. 1-2, respectively, on Central Scouting's International skater ranking.
Frondell (6-1, 198) had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games. Eklund, a right wing and the brother of San Jose Sharks forward
William Eklund, had 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games.
"Some minor injuries slowed [Frondell] a bit during the early season but he's a strong skater, skilled, and a two-way player," NHL Director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. "Eklund plays with a lot of confidence and intensity. He's a playmaker with an ability to manipulate with great vision and creativity."
Rounding out the top five International skaters are center Milton Gastrin (6-0, 185) of Modo's team in Sweden's junior league, left wing Vojtech Cihar (6-0, 175) of Karlovy Vary in Czechia's top professional league, and right wing Alexander Zharovsky (6-1, 163) of Ufa's team in Russia's junior league.
