NHL Prospect Rankings: A Deep Dive into Each Team’s Future

NHL Prospect Depth Assessment for the 2025-26 Season

As the global hockey season gears up, it’s time to assess the strengths of each NHL team’s prospect depth, following the completion of the top 50 prospect rankings. In this evaluation, only players aged 22 or younger with fewer than 50 games in the NHL are eligible for consideration. Rankings are determined by evaluating the projected NHL success of each prospect and aggregating that data to understand each team’s overall pipeline quality. A team might rank higher based on having numerous prospects, but those with fewer yet more promising players can also shine. To ensure fairness, when two teams are tied, the one with more skilled prospects takes precedence.

Overview of NHL’s Prospect Pipelines

Starting from the lowest-ranked prospect systems up to the elite, here’s an overview of the NHL’s prospect pipelines for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Rankings

1. 32. Florida Panthers – After winning consecutive Stanley Cups, the Panthers have traded away many assets, leading to a sparse prospect pool devoid of likely impactful players. Gracyn Sawchyn stands out as their top prospect, while others like Jack Devine and Shamar Moses might eventually make the NHL, but require a few years of development.
2. 31. Tampa Bay Lightning – Despite the talents of Conor Geekie being excluded, the Lightning’s top prospect is Sam O’Reilly, who could evolve into a solid two-way center. This team also boasts Ethan Czata and Dylan Duke, who may prove to be valuable offensive contributors in the future.
3. 30. Dallas Stars – Lacking recent draft picks has hindered the Stars, but they struck gold with Cameron Schmidt in 2025, who shows top-six forward potential. Other promising names like Samu Tuomaala and Aram Minnetian also add depth to the defensive and offensive ranks.
4. 29. Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers are not in great shape beyond a few promising players. Isaac Howard is already contributing at the NHL level and has potential for a significant scoring role. Matt Savoie could also net a position, while the defensive ranks include Beau Akey, who displays promising skills.
5. 28. Colorado Avalanche – After losing standout prospect Cal Ritchie, the Avalanche’s pipeline took a hit, relying on Gavin Brindley and Sean Behrens, who both have potential for future middle-six roles. Mikhail Gulyayev and goalie Ilya Nabokov offer interesting options, with Nabokov having starter potential in the NHL.
6. 27. Toronto Maple Leafs – The Leafs have shifted their strategy toward large, skilled players like Easton Cowan, who is making strides in the NHL. With additional talents like Harry Nansi and Miroslav Holinka enhancing their depth, their future looks promising, even if they lack true star power right now.
7. 26. Vegas Golden Knights – Although the Knights have some NHL-ready prospects, the likelihood of them donning the Vegas jersey is slim due to the team’s trading history. Players like Trevor Connelly and Jakob Ihs-Wozniak could be impactful, but their futures may lie elsewhere if the team continues its strategy of moving young assets.
8. 25. Ottawa Senators – The Senators boast a strong defensive pipeline, with both Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler projected to become top-four defenders. This focus bodes well for their future defensive corps but limits offensive depth from their prospect pool.
9. 24. New Jersey Devils – They have prospects across various positions, led by Anton Silayev and Seamus Casey on defense, showing promise for middle-pair roles, while Mikhail Yegorov stands out as a strong goaltending candidate.
10. 23. Los Angeles Kings – This franchise features a solid grouping of goaltending prospects like Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky. The offensive pipeline sees players like Liam Greentree and break-out defender Henry Brzustewicz, both tracking well for future roles.
11. 22. Winnipeg Jets – The Jets are capitalizing on late-round draft success with players like Brayden Yager and Brad Lambert shaping up as strong contributors in middle-six roles. They also have promising Swedish defenders, laying a solid foundation for their blue line.
12. 21. Vancouver Canucks – In the midst of a transitional phase, the Canucks have several prospects, including Braeden Cootes and Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who are expected to develop into future NHL players, although consistency remains a challenge.
13. 20. Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres have witnessed some of their top prospects graduate, leaving exciting prospects like Radim Mrtka, who is becoming a valuable player. The forward pool shows solid upside with players who can potentially develop into middle-six forwards.
14. 19. New York Rangers – Hudson river-crossers have two standout prospects in Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow, who may quickly establish themselves as important forwards and defenders, respectively, while also possessing depth options in the pipeline.
15. 18. Boston Bruins – After a fruitful summer, the Bruins have seen their pipeline grow stronger, with James Hagens likely stepping into a first-line center role. Other recent additions include Fraser Minten, signaling an upward trend in their prospect development.
16. 17. Carolina Hurricanes – A system rich in high-potential players like Finnie and Sandin Pelikka, the Hurricanes remain strategically stocked for future success. Their other forwards and defensemen are poised to contribute significantly in the seasons to come.
17. 16. Minnesota Wild – Known for intelligent drafting, the Wild have amassed a solid prospect pool led by offensive-minded defenders Zeev Buium and goalie Jesper Wallstedt, indicating good positioning for future contention.
18. 15. Seattle Kraken – With promising young forwards like Jake O’Brien and Berkly Catton, along with several potential depth contributors, the Kraken are shaping an offense that could be lethal in the near future.
19. 14. Columbus Blue Jackets – With valuable prospects like Cayden Lindstrom and Jackson Smith, they are well-positioned for a balanced future lineup that can lead to sustained success.
20. 13. St. Louis Blues – A depth of forwards like Justin Carbonneau and Jimmy Snuggerud suggests an exciting future for the Blues, but they will also need to address potential weaknesses on the blue line.
21. 12. Washington Capitals – Having recently seen Ryan Leonard succeed at the NHL level, players like Lynden Lakovic and Ilya Protas also promise to uplift the roster, with defensive players Cole Hutson and Ryan Chesley shaping up as solid options.
22. 11. Calgary Flames – Their prospect pool includes skilled contributors like Zayne Parekh, who may lead the power play, showcasing the Flames’ commitment towards vital offensive improvement.