Overview of the 2025 NHL Draft Prospects
As preparations intensify for the 2025 NHL Draft, I’ve assembled a comprehensive package to highlight key talents in the upcoming draft class. Earlier this week, I unveiled my evaluation of the top 15 overagers, leading up to the release of my finalized top 100 prospects. Today, I will spotlight 30 players who narrowly escaped inclusion on that prestigious list. These individuals showcase the depth of talent available this year, spanning from those projected as mid-to-late-round selections to others who, despite not being acknowledged by NHL Central Scouting, have caught my attention and merit ongoing observation. Consider this a collection of honorable mentions worth noting.
Notable Mentions
Among the notable mentions is Annborn, once regarded as a leading prospect in Sweden’s age bracket. He remains an integral part of his national team and has so far recorded a point in the SHL, yet his performances leave much to be desired. My observations reveal that he exhibits average abilities across the board—size, skating, offensive, and defensive skills—which may hinder his potential for advancement beyond a utility role in leagues like the AHL or SHL.
Another player, Barnett, committed to Michigan, distinguished himself as a captain in the NTDP, showcasing his capabilities on a team struggling with consistency. While he demonstrates solid skating and tactical understanding, his average size and tools suggest he might settle into a secondary role in professional hockey rather than emerge as a star.
Beauchesne is a highly regarded player in Canada and has taken on significant responsibilities in high-pressure situations for the Storm in the OHL. Despite strong fundamentals and competitiveness, my assessment leads me to question his performance under duress, which may limit his capabilities at the pro level without enhanced offensive output.
Bracco stands out as a player without an NHL Central Scouting ranking but possesses an impressive hockey IQ that could translate well to college. He displays exceptional puck-handling ability, vision, and an advanced understanding of the game, but he must work on becoming more physically dominant to navigate higher levels successfully.
Chovan, though he had a less productive season in Finland, is recognized for his size and ability to protect the puck. His offensive skills, including a potent shot, positioning, and potential for development, put him on the radar for later rounds in the draft.
Dach, an undersized center, requested attention after a stellar season in the BCHL, leading the league in assists. His commitment to Penn State indicates a path forward, yet questions linger about his physicality and ability to succeed in faceoffs at higher levels.
Dervin‘s move from prep school to the OHL showcased his potential, but his lack of intensity at times raises concerns about whether he can maximize his considerable talents in the professional realm.
With the likes of Gavin, who initially showed promise, his uninspiring pace this past year has dimmed his standing among scouts, while Griffin‘s late-career growth demonstrates the high ceilings some prospects possess. This draft class holds a wealth of talent; however, understanding each player’s unique strengths and weaknesses is crucial to identifying potential future NHL contributors.
Developmental Trajectories and Future Potential
Finally, both Morin and Rheaume-Mullen, despite their heritage and pedigree, illustrate the unpredictability of development trajectories that can lead to inconsistent performances. Similarly, prospects like Kilfoil and Klippenstein present solid work ethics but lack standout skills that could ensure higher draft positions.
This exhaustive examination presents a rich diversity of players, reflecting the complexities of scouting and drafting in hockey. As we look ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s essential to acknowledge that each of these players could weave a distinct narrative in their careers, contingent upon further development and opportunity.
