Jason Bukala's Top 64 Draft list

[SympathyForTheDevils]

Sportsnet analyst and former NHL scout Jason Bukala released his March list:

Scout's Analysis: Ranking the top 64 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft

Former NHL scout Jason Bukala updates his own personal ranking of the prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, from 1 to 64.

www.sportsnet.ca

Martone a bit lower than usual, at 6.
Carter Bear at 9 despite the injury.
Lakovic at 30, which seems real low to me. Though I know some people don't like his compete level/physicality.

Any thoughts? Preferably about rankings other than James Hagens?

 

[Ford Prefect]

If Ryabkin slips into the second round he'll be the steal of the draft.

 

[tomd]

Sportsnet analyst and former NHL scout Jason Bukala released his March list:

Scout's Analysis: Ranking the top 64 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft

Former NHL scout Jason Bukala updates his own personal ranking of the prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, from 1 to 64.

www.sportsnet.ca

Martone a bit lower than usual, at 6.
Carter Bear at 9 despite the injury.
Lakovic at 30, which seems real low to me. Though I know some people don't like his compete level/physicality.

Any thoughts? Preferably about rankings other than James Hagens?

Agree on Lakovic...unless his interviews are really bad I can't see him going later than 20. And wouldn't be surprised if he went in the top 12-15.

I think a lot of teams are going to be hot on Brady Martin.

Also think Bear will be a faller.

Nesbitt could force his way into the top 15 as well.

 

[Czechboy]

2 czechs? Amateur.lol.

 

[Giant Panda]

2 czechs? Amateur.lol.

Let's face it. 6'6, right shot dman, 35pts in 43 games, already in North America, good defensively for his age...

I don't think he should be but I can see it... I think it's about 50/50 a team picks a Czech, Mrtka, in the top 6. Not that they should, he's the prototype of a draft riser.

 

[Star Platinum]

Sportsnet analyst and former NHL scout Jason Bukala released his March list:

Scout's Analysis: Ranking the top 64 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft

Former NHL scout Jason Bukala updates his own personal ranking of the prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, from 1 to 64.

www.sportsnet.ca

Martone a bit lower than usual, at 6.
Carter Bear at 9 despite the injury.
Lakovic at 30, which seems real low to me. Though I know some people don't like his compete level/physicality.

Any thoughts? Preferably about rankings other than James Hagens?

Just another Canadian in on the draft conspiracy

 

[Castle8130]

Sportsnet analyst and former NHL scout Jason Bukala released his March list:

Scout's Analysis: Ranking the top 64 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft

Former NHL scout Jason Bukala updates his own personal ranking of the prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, from 1 to 64.

www.sportsnet.ca

Martone a bit lower than usual, at 6.
Carter Bear at 9 despite the injury.
Lakovic at 30, which seems real low to me. Though I know some people don't like his compete level/physicality.

Any thoughts? Preferably about rankings other than James Hagens?

This is a much better read than I thought it'd be

 

[BKarchitect]

This is a much better read than I thought it'd be

Agreed. I like the compact player profiles he provided.

The Lakovic ranking is definitely low but if it’s one guy’s list and not a “prediction”, that’s fine. Mrtka over Smith may raise some eyebrows but it’s definitely within reason that certain teams or scouts would prefer him.

 

[Stewie Griffin]

I honestly could see the top-10 going just like that on draft day

 

[Castle8130]

Agreed. I like the compact player profiles he provided.

The Lakovic ranking is definitely low but if it’s one guy’s list and not a “prediction”, that’s fine. Mrtka over Smith may raise some eyebrows but it’s definitely within reason that certain teams or scouts would prefer him.

Weird enough Lakovic and Smith are the two consensus lottery picks I am the lowest on. I alway viewed Lakovic as a late 1st and Smith as a high teens pick. That's probably why I liked this read even more. It agreed with my own opinions and gave it more reassurance

 

[LeProspector]

Reading that was rough, every prospect was deployed in all situations lol

Clearly needs to work on expanding his writing vocab.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

I honestly could see the top-10 going just like that on draft day

Same, flip McQueen and Eklund and I can see it happening.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Cameron Reid at 18 is very interesting. Haven't seen many who are that high on him. I like Reid quite a bit, not sure where he goes though

 

[BKarchitect]

Reading that was rough, every prospect was deployed in all situations lol

Clearly needs to work on expanding his writing vocab.

To be fair, this draft is loaded with two-way types with a ceiling.

 

[newsportsfan123]

Ryker Lee is going to be the most underrated guy in this class. He has the 4th best microstats amongst CHL/NCAA/USHL players in their draft year below Desnoyers, Misa, and Schaefer. Also, I created a table taking NHLFoley's data cards and Byron Bader's NHLer% and Star% and he ranked 4th highest in the class.

 

[newsportsfan123]

Cameron Reid at 18 is very interesting. Haven't seen many who are that high on him. I like Reid quite a bit, not sure where he goes though

He has the 2nd best microstats among NA defenseman in this class.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

He has the 2nd best microstats among NA defenseman in this class.

I think he is clearly the 2nd best defenseman in this class. It's easy to envision him as an impactful offensive player at the next level. That said, I can see picking Smith or Mrtka or even Hensler ahead of him, as Reid's size/stature make him a more risky pick.

 

[Giant Panda]

Same, flip McQueen and Eklund and I can see it happening.

As much as I like Eklund as a prospect, I think projected picks and prospect lists will be quite a bit different for him.

A scouting report that says "big center" and "6'6 RD" will see McQueen and Mrtka picked a lot earlier than "high skill winger".

I'd say there's a good chance someone in the 10-15 range leaves super excited to have drafted Eklund.

 

[Nabrules]

Same, flip McQueen and Eklund and I can see it happening.

Unless McQueen re injuries himself, do you really think NHL teams are going to take a small winger who isn't dynamic ahead of a 6'5 C? Lol

 

[Czechboy]

Let's face it. 6'6, right shot dman, 35pts in 43 games, already in North America, good defensively for his age...

I don't think he should be but I can see it... I think it's about 50/50 a team picks a Czech, Mrtka, in the top 6. Not that they should, he's the prototype of a draft riser.

I still have him around 15. Round 1 should be a lock at this point. The Czech D are looking great on draft day and floudering though so hopefully it goes better for him. Hajek and Zboril are back home. Spacek isn't making much headway. I haven't heard a word about Svozil. Both Jiriceks aren't playing much.

I won't lie, I'd be hesitant to pick a Czech D in top 6. Sounds crazy but it's true.

 

[newsportsfan123]

I still have him around 15. Round 1 should be a lock at this point. The Czech D are looking great on draft day and floudering though so hopefully it goes better for him. Hajek and Zboril are back home. Spacek isn't making much headway. I haven't heard a word about Svozil. Both Jiriceks aren't playing much.

I won't lie, I'd be hesitant to pick a Czech D in top 6. Sounds crazy but it's true.

I can't blame you. The Czech D aren't exactly impressing right at this moment, however I do like Mrtka, but I don't like him in the top-10. He's definitely going to be a project pick though. I think a lot of the big defenseman are project picks outside of Fiddler.

 

[Czechboy]

I can't blame you. The Czech D aren't exactly impressing right at this moment, however I do like Mrtka, but I don't like him in the top-10. He's definitely going to be a project pick though. I think a lot of the big defenseman are project picks outside of Fiddler.

Exactly, he won't be in NHL at 19. I do think he'll be a great NHLer but moreso as a 22 year old