Top Ten 2025 NHL Draft Prospects

The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and with the lottery picks now in place, Draft Nation is ready to present its top ten prospects to watch at next month’s draft:

1. Matthew Schaefer – Defenseman, Erie Otters (OHL)

It’s hard to argue against Matthew Schaefer being the consensus top pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. He’s got all the measurables for a defenseman, coupled with near-elite skating and edgework. And for a young prospect, he’s got the hockey IQ that teams want to see in a future blueliner and potential team captain. But that’s not all. He’s possibly the best breakout passer in this class. 

2. Anton Frondell, Center, Djurgårdens IF

Anton Frondell may be the class’s best sniper. He’s an above-average playmaker and needs to learn to use his size and frame better, but when he does, look out. He’s pro-ready from a strength and size perspective, and his shot will get him to the league faster than nearly all other prospects in this class. 

3. Michael Misa – Center/Left Wing, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Michael Misa is the most fun prospect in this class to watch. He’s got size (6-foot-1) alongside the speed and agility to make plays. He’s still working on his consistency, but when he figures it all out, Misa may be the best offensive talent in the class of 2025. 

4. Porter Martone – Right Wing, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Porter Martone is known for his scoring ability and physical play. He fits the mold of what teams want in their plus-athletes, combining size with skill. It wouldn’t surprise Draft Nation to see Martone go higher than fourth overall, but he’s a sure-fire top-five talent, and a team looking for size and scoring will scoop him up early on the first night of the draft. 

5. Roger McQueen – Center, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Roger McQueen is a monster power forward, standing 6-foot-5, allowing him to dominate in the slot and take over games at times. For a man his size, his skating and stick handling are among the most impressive in this draft class. 

6. Logan Hensler – Right-Handed Defenseman, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

Logan Hensler is a mobile right-handed defenseman with reach and a strong sense of positional awareness when he’s on the ice. Hensler uses his size to disrupt plays and isn’t afraid to get scrappy when situations call for it. He will be a top-four defenseman for a team in need of a reliable right-handed blueliner.

7. Kashawn Aitcheson – Defenseman, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Another top defenseman in this 2025 class, Kashawn Aitcheson, broke franchise records for goals by a blueliner for the Barrie Colts and combines offensive ability with the physicality the NHL needs in their top-line defensemen. He’s 6-foot-2 and a strong skater, making him a desirable piece for any team seeking an offensive defenseman for their defensive pairings and power play. 

8. James Hagens – Center, Boston College (NCAA)

James Hagens might be the most complete forward in this draft class, already playing a strong two-way game. He possesses excellent on-ice vision and sees plays develop before they do, rare for a young forward. He, like Schaefer, will be tabbed by their new team as future captain material. 

9. Caleb Desnoyers, Center, Moncton Wildcats

Desnoyers skates like the wind and can go from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. He uses this skill to play a nice brand of two-way hockey and has the hockey IQ to just get better and better. Desnoyers still needs to work on his complete game and shot selection but is a top-ten if not top-five talent in the class. 

10. Victor Eklund – Left Wing, Sweden

Swedish winger Victor Eklund possesses excellent puck-handling skills and on-ice vision. He’s a creator in the offensive zone and can see plays develop before they happen. Eklund may need a year or two to develop before hitting the NHL ice, but he’s a steal for a team looking to beef up their future scoring talent at the ten-spot.