Way too early 2025-26 NHL Draft discussion

[Fistfullofbeer]

It's probably fair to create this thread with how we are toiling in the rankings.

I wanted to mention Carter Bear from the Silvertips as someone I can see the Kraken go for if they are picking in the 6-10 range if he is still available.

I think the top-4 will be some order of Hagens, Schaefer, Misa and Martone. Beyond that, its pretty uncertain. I think Schmidt has the skill to become a Gaudreau-like player despite his size. I know we need size on our team but man, if he hits his ceiling, he would be an electric top-line winger. Beyond those 6 I mentioned, well, need to follow the prospects more ..

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[kihei]

I haven't done any research yet, though I have heard of Hagens. I know the BPA is the mantra, though a flawed one, but this time around I hope the best player available comes with size.

 

[luapejrug]

Jackson Smith

 

[Dead Coyote]

Hagens is the one I want the most but I think he probably goes #1. I've seen more than enough Misa and Martone to the point where I think they're obviously good players, but they just aren't going to be the elite kind of player we need offensively. I view them more as elite 2 way #2s I think. Mind you we could really use that so it's not like I'd be unhappy. I probably wouldn't be unhappy with any of the forwards in the top 5.

Guy I want for our range is Viktor Eklund. Kid is lighting it up as an 18yo in Allvensken (Swedish Div 2 Men's League) and had a great WJC and U19 showing too. He's a fantastic skater and doesn't have any real holes in his game, will battle at both ends of the ice and has a great shot and good IQ and vision. I like that he's already playing against men and being productive offensively while doing it. He plays both wings too which is nice.

Other two guys I'm keeping an eye on right now are Topias Hynninen who is an overager who went undrafted last year, he was mostly used in a checking role in the Finnish men's league Liiga, was on a few draft radars and showcased some skill when he was playing against his peers. He's since exploded offensively in Liiga as a 19yo and is ranked around the 3rd round among those who have him. I liked him last year in my viewings just because he's another guy who can skate really well and has that drive and competitiveness.

Second guy is Jamiro Reber, another overager who is much younger and missed the cutoff for the 2026 draft by only a few days. He had good numbers in the U20 Swiss league last year but didn't show much in the WJC. This year he's doing really well in the Swedish Men's league, SHL. .5 PPG and trusted in all situations, solid player, good playmaker, good skater, has the same kind of energy I was talking about as the previous too. I've gotten to watch him more because he's on the same team as OFM and I think he's a solid prospect. IDK how far he can go at the highest level but he's a guy that you want to root for because he's out on the ice giving it his all and only got the opportunity because of injury. He's also pretty sturdy for a small guy and if he grows a few inches I could see that being big for his development. He's also currently 2nd in scoring for U20s which is pretty good even if he gets beat out by ppg by a bunch of the others who were drafted last year.