Brock
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Preliminary Top 50 for the 2025 NHL Draft
It's time for my first official ranking for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. I say official because I release a preseason ranking in the summer ( w...
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1. Michael Misa - Center - Saginaw Spirit
As of writing this, Misa leads the OHL in both overall scoring and goal scoring. Simply put, he’s been the best player in the OHL this year, finally emerging as the dynamic and consistent play driver he was drafted to be (as an exceptional status player). Coming into the year, the criticism among scouts was fairly consistent, they wanted to see him step out of the shadows as a complementary piece with Saginaw to be the team’s primary offensive catalyst. He’s answered that call. So why is Misa my number one in an incredibly strong, top heavy crop from the region? I love Misa’s overall game and the way that it projects to the NHL. People speak about Porter Martone’s complete game as being the reason that he should be a first overall candidate, but I’d actually argue that Misa’s attention to detail, competitiveness, and two-way game is more consistent than Martone's. He’s one of the league’s best two-way players and with added strength, we’re seeing him more dialed and effective physically. There’s absolutely no question in my mind that he can stick down the middle as an NHL center. With improvements made to every part of his game, Misa is a serious contender to supplant James Hagens as a potential first overall selection…at least in my opinion. He does everything Hagens can do, but is bigger and more consistent off the puck.
2. Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters
Simply put, I love Schaefer. I really have no criticisms of his game. Usually it takes junior players a little while to get their game back following mono, but Schaefer hasn’t missed a beat. He is one of the most, if not the most, complete defenders to come out of the OHL in the last decade. The skating is elite. The rest grades out well above average. To top it off, this is a potential future captain at the next level. One of the most mature teenagers I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with in this league. I think you’re looking at someone who can make an impact at the NHL level similar to Drew Doughty in his non injury prime. He has the chance to be a real defensive cornerstone and a potential Norris candidate. IMO he’s the top defenseman in this draft class and it isn’t even close. Like Misa, I believe that Schaefer is going to continue to get better over the year and prove himself a worthy challenger for first overall. If the team picking first has a real need for a cornerstone on the back-end, Schaefer is going to be difficult to pass up.
3. Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads
Let’s set the record straight, having Martone ranked third does not mean that I dislike him. Far from it. He’s a very worthy top five selection this year. He’s a bit of a unicorn in today’s game the same way that the Tkachuk brothers are. He blends power and skill the way that few today do. When all is said and done, he’s going to be the kind of player who can make an impact the same way that Mark Stone does in Vegas, or the same way that a guy like Brendan Morrow did in Dallas. He’s going to play in all situations. He’s going to be on the ice whether his team is up a goal or down one. Few wingers can say that. So why is he third? Someone has to be in this amazing group. Firstly, I’m taking the franchise center or the franchise defender over the winger. Secondly, I’ve been left wanting more in regards to Martone’s decision making with the puck at times this year. Offensive zone turnovers have been a bit of an issue from him trying to force plays to the middle of the ice. Thirdly, even though I expect this part of his game to be an asset at the next level, I’ve found his defensive and physical engagement to be inconsistent this year. The Steelheads have been one of the biggest disappointments in the OHL this year and a lot of that stems from the team’s poor defensive approach; Martone is complicit there too. The reality is, depending on who you ask, who you prefer of these top three is going to be different now and the rest of the year. And it’s likely to fluctuate for everyone. Right now, Martone is third for me.
4. Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds
I’ve flip flopped on Spence and Martin a lot early in the year…and I’ll probably continue to do so over the course of the season. It’s a true toss up for me, even though they are very different players. I do appreciate Spence’s pro ready game and sheer athleticism just a little bit more, but it comes down to upside perception and again, favoring a player that I believe sticks down the middle. Martin’s skating has improved tremendously over the past calendar year. It’s really taken his game to new heights, as we saw at the Hlinka/Gretzky in the summer and as we’ve seen to start this OHL season. I think the dynamic qualities (edgework, balance, quickness) of his stride will still need to improve to help him take advantage of his hands at the next level, but I’m considerably less worried about it now. The combination of solid work rate and creativity is obviously what makes Martin most enticing. Offensive consistency has been a bit of an issue for him early on this year, but that’s likely nitpicking because I think he’s been better than the production suggests. The recent play says that too.
5. Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters
I think what makes Spence such an attractive prospect is that his game is so mature. It’s easy to see him having a 15 year career in the NHL. The combination of his frame, his quickness, his strength, and his two-way acumen will make him a valuable player and someone who likely can be counted upon to be a strong playoff performer. This year, I was looking for him to be more of a play driver offensively and he’s done that. He’s driving time of possession in the offensive end with how difficult he is to separate from the puck. He’s creating plays for linemates. He’s getting to the net. He’s not an extremely impactful physical player, but he’s strong on and off the puck. In a way, that’s way more critical for future success than having someone who looks for the big hit. I’m still a bit weary of his offensive ceiling as a pro. I think certain components of his offensive skill set will be neutralized a bit. He’s going to be more of a complementary piece. However, I do think that he can be a really good middle six guy at minimum. While I’m not sure I’d advocate for him inside the top ten for that reason, I do think that he’ll be a lock to be a lottery pick for his safety and immediate potential impact, even if I've seen a few recent lists dropping him.
6. Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers
Coming into the year after his Hlinka/Gretzky performance, I was a bit worried about Reid’s projection. He was looking like a “jack of all trades” type of defender who also happened to be a little undersized, or at least average sized. Yes, his skating is an asset, but what about the rest of his game would take that next step to make him a first round candidate? Fast forward to now and the Rangers are in first place and Reid has been the top defender and minute muncher. He’s excelling in all situations and he’s really gained confidence in his ability to carry the puck and facilitate using his quickness. He’s turned into a real difference maker offensively. This is combined with excellent defensive habits and sense. He’s got a great stick and even without high end strength and reach, he’s been able to be effective in the defensive end at this level too. I now see a defender who could potential be an all situations type at the NHL level and IMO, he should be considered a first round graded player right now. In a bit of a down year for defenders, Reid could find himself in the conversation to be the third best defender in this entire draft class behind Schaefer (and Jackson Smith). I think that highly of him.
7. Luca Romano - Center - Kitchener Rangers
Romano is playing out of his mind right now. He plays at such a feverish pace and his confidence with the puck seems to be growing by the week. The growth of his shot has been huge for his development as an offensive force. He can really fire the puck and he's on pace for over 40 goals now. You add that weapon to his tremendous speed, his tenacity, and his versatility as a two-way high energy guy who can play in all situations, and you have a very interesting pro prospect. Like his teammate Cam Reid, Romano is a very clear first rounder right now for me. He has a safe floor because of how he uses his speed to be disruptive without the puck and because of his shot. At the very least you're looking at a bottom six pro who can play the kind of role that he played for Canada at this past summer's Hlinka/Gretzky. But, there's also a good chance that his offensive game continues to grow substantially and he develops into a Brayden Point kind of player. Lots to work with here.
8. Jack Nesbitt - Center - Windsor Spitfires
One of the OHL's most improved players this year and it has him in the early first round conversation IMO. The big, power center has a very clear understanding of how he needs to play in order to be successful and that's refreshing. He's dominating near the crease this year; a very tough tie up for opposing defenders. His hands are terrific and he's having no trouble putting away second chance opportunities or redirecting shots. He's going to be a really good powerplay presence in this league and perhaps at the next level. What's really taken his game to another level are the improvements made to his skating and his play without the puck. He's catching defenders flat footed with quick changes of pace and he's having success driving the net with speed. The edgework/balance still needs work, but the quickness and speed have improved a lot. Coming into the year, one of the biggest criticisms of his game was his ability to use his size/reach to be an impactful player without the puck, but that has also improved considerably. So much so that he's being used in all situations and is being trusted to close out games. There's still room for him to develop physically; it would be great to see him become harder on and off pucks given his size, but Rome wasn't built in a day. There's lots to work with here.
9. Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford Bulldogs
I wouldn't necessarily say that O'Brien has had a weak start to his draft year. It's just that I'm not sure he's shown a ton of growth in his game in comparison to his peers. That's something I always put a ton of stock in and thus we find O'Brien ranked 9th, as a borderline first/second rounder. Still tons to like, specifically his playmaking and passing touch. He has a clear understanding of how to manipulate defenses when he has the puck, to draw in or escape pressure, opening up scoring opportunities for his wingers. The goal scoring numbers have gone up this year too, which is really promising. He's looking to get himself into the middle of the ice with consistency and he's trusting his shot more in transition, keeping defenders honest. I guess I just worry about the average physical tools and how that projects to the next level. He's not a dynamic skater. He's at his best when he can slow the game down. The cerebral component is going to need to really carry him. The last week or so has been really good for him, but I do think I prefer the upside of those I have ranked ahead.
10. Henry Brzustewicz - Defense - London Knights
Not sure why Brzustewicz isn't receiving more attention given his tremendous start to the year. He took advantage of the Dickinson/Bonk absences to start the year, performing well with increased ice time and responsibility. As such, that's put him in Hunter' good books and he's now cemented his place in the top four, often pairing with Dickinson. He's like his brother (Hunter), but I think the physical tools are way better at the same age. Here's a 6'1, right shot defender, who is flashing an ability to be a difference maker at both ends. Offensively, his game has been more consistent. He's leading the rush. He's showing confidence in the offensive end by drawing in pressure and looking to get pucks to the middle of the ice. He's shown an ability to quarterback the powerplay. Defensively, his reads need work. He can chase the play a bit. He can get caught out of position. He can struggle to tie up his assignment near the crease. However, he also shows an active stick, the potential to be an above average rush defender, and he has some jam to his game physically. No question, he's raw, but I really like the upside here.
11. Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts
Maybe a bit shocking for some to see Aitcheson ranked outside of my top ten. I see him in a lot of first rounds and I can see why. If you've followed my work, you know that I'm a fan of Aitcheson. I've been commending him since early last year. What you see is what you get here. Aitcheson is a hard nosed throwback kind of defender. He brings it physically every shift. He blocks shots. His overall mobility continues to improve. He has enough offensive skill and sense to be a point producer and puck mover at the OHL level. At the next level, he projects as someone who can play regularly on the penalty kill and who can take some tougher defensive assignments. I guess my issue is that I believe the players that I have ranked ahead of him have higher upside. I'm not sure Aitcheson is creative enough or a quick enough processor under pressure to be a big point producer at the NHL level. And we're not talking about a 6'4 behemoth either. Size is not an issue, but I wouldn't call it a pro level asset either. No question, Aitcheson is a safer prospect than a few a players that I have ranked above him. I think he has a really good chance of being a #4-6 at the NHL level.
12. Jimmy Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds
The production doesn't match the upside here. Lombardi is consistently creating with his hands. Strong skating pivot too. That combination makes him difficult to contain when he is given time and space to operate. The two beautiful assists from the other night are a prime example. You look at the advanced stats available for the OHL and Lombardi is right near the top of the league in successful dekes completed. Flint has been using him on the PK too, a testament to his two-way awareness and active stick. He's certainly not a one dimensional player. Flat out, Lombardi just needs to get stronger. He's visibly slight out there and he can have a real tough time playing through contact. He gets knocked off stride. He gets separated from the puck. He's just not able to be as consistent as he wants to be. However, I do understand why NHL Central Scouting gave him a B grade. When the physical maturity catches up, he could be a real player. I could easily see myself moving him up over the season if his game becomes more consistent.
13. Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender - Brampton Steelheads
I'm not entirely sure what to do with Ivankovic this early in the year. He's really struggled lately and his lack of size is going to really hurt him in the eyes of NHL scouts. Yet, we've all seen just how dominant he can be. He's quick. He's a tremendous play reader. He's like a third defender back there with how he can handle the puck and start the breakout. His rebound control is solid. So what's the issue been lately? He seems to be giving up goals to the body and from a distance, which is going to concern NHL scouts because of his lack of size. If there's one player from this crop that I'm curious about regarding their eventual NHL draft position it's Ivankovic.
14. Jake Crawford - Center - Owen Sound Attack
The production has been inconsistent on an Owen Sound team that finds themselves near the bottom of the West standings, but he's playing a lot and there's a lot to like. His combination of size and strong skating ability makes him an impact player at both ends. He's a strong forechecker because of his closing speed and he's quick to loose pucks, making him an asset in puck pursuit in all three zones. Like Nesbitt, I also appreciate how Crawford already has a clear identity on the ice. He gets to the net. He works hard without the puck. He is a versatile player. I think the one thing that I'm watching for over the course of the rest of the year is his ability to play with pace and use his speed with the puck. He's a lot quicker without the puck than he is with it. He can struggle to maintain possession as he tries to lead the charge through the neutral zone and he can be easily separated from the puck for a guy his size. How he can learn to improve this will likely dictate his high end upside. However, I really like the athletic tools here.
15. Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs
Hopkins has evolved into a strong secondary scoring option for the current first place Frontenacs. He's way stronger on the puck now and he's able to take greater advantage of his speed to drive the net and get to the middle, much like he did as a U16 player with Halton. He's got a lot of skill too. He can beat defenders one on one to create time/space for himself. Hopkins has also been really good at the faceoff dot this year, which will certainly help to keep him down the middle, even if I think his skill set could play better on the wing at the pro level. The key for Hopkins is to continue to add strength and improve his play without the puck. As much as like some of the tools, I also find myself wondering if he's a true top six option at the next level...or if his game will need to really evolve to become an NHL regular.
See the link for the rest of the top 50 and write ups.
As always, happy to answer any questions that you might have.
