The 2025 NHL Draft: Final Mailbag Insights
The 2025 NHL Draft has come to a close, with the final mailbag now compiled after my recently published top 100 rankings. On Monday, I shared my last evaluation for this year’s draft class, and on Tuesday, we invited readers to submit their questions. Today, I tackled a variety of inquiries about intriguing prospects who could emerge as hidden gems, the distinction between this year’s and next year’s draft classes, and comparisons between Brady Martin and Mason McTavish.
Emerging Hidden Gems
Several readers were curious about players who could mimic the trajectory of Logan Stankoven, Will Cuylle, and Matthew Knies—those mid-to-late second-round prospects that may surprise everyone by moving into the first round after some years. For instance, I identified Ryker Lee as a player likely to be selected in the later rounds despite his undeniable skill level with the puck. Though not physically imposing, Lee possesses the potential for high offensive output in college hockey.
Another player to note is William Moore, who, with continued development, could significantly improve his draft position. His intelligence on the ice is commendable, and I expect he could rise from a mid-round selection to a contender for the top 20 following a re-evaluation.
Prospects Beyond the Top 32
Readers also expressed interest in prospects outside of my top 32. I particularly favor Alex Huang, who, while criticized for a perceived lack of physicality at around six feet, has decided to return to juniors for a season of dominance in the QMJHL after considering college options. On a similar note, Owen Conrad has promising potential moving forward in the QMJHL, while Michal Svrcek and Mikkel Eriksen stand out as mid-round candidates with promising attributes.
Comparing Draft Classes
As we eye next year’s top prospects, many are still skeptical about this year’s draft class, primarily due to the absence of a standout player at the pinnacle. When asked about comparisons between 2025’s top prospects and those anticipated for 2026, I specified that while Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens hold significant promise for 2025, Gavin McKenna tops the 2026 prospects. Both classes have compelling players, but McKenna’s scoring potential marks him as a clear frontrunner.
Insights on Player Comparisons
A discussion centered around Brady Martin and Mason McTavish revealed interesting similarities; both are strong centers and have faced intense scrutiny. While McTavish earned a No. 3 pick in his draft year, I foresee Martin potentially going in the top five due to his physical play and quick skill set.
Over-scouting Concerns
When asked whether certain players might be over-scouted, I expressed concern that both Hagens and Porter Martone seem to fall victim to excess scrutiny, focusing too heavily on minor flaws rather than their numerous strengths. Many scouts have seen them too frequently and seem to be too critical based on their previous performances.
The Role of the Combine
Finally, the reader wanted to understand the relevance of the combine in player evaluations. By the time the combine arrives, comprehensive assessments should already be completed for each player. It serves primarily as a final check-in to collect any additional updates on prospects. While some players do occasionally outperform expectations in physical testing, my evaluations rely more on thorough pre-existing knowledge established through repeated interactions with players and coaches throughout the season.
