2025 NHL Draft Thread

[cral12]

Originally Posted by BagoPucks

Forget the first rounders.. who should we draft in the 3rd and beyond?

One Suggested Approach:
1. Head to Upside Hockey's Prospect Profiles page
https://www.upsidehockey.com/prospec...spect-profiles
2. Click on Sandman's awesome Top 128 with Tiers (top of our hyperlinked Index)
3. Then head to respective profiles of prospects that interest you (they're indexed in our table of contents, sorted alphabetically by surname.
4. Send your suggestions to Connie (or just post them in here) ; )

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

TPA. Tallest player available.

Who's this years Hunter Smith. Start there.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Aces Edition, Vol. 13):

LHC Caleb Desnoyers (6'2",172lbs)
Moncton (QMJHL): 56gp/ 35g/ 49a/ 84pts, +51, 39 PIM

The Moncton Wildcats were the best team in the Q this season, and went 16-3 in the playoffs en route to winning the Championship, and are currently competing in the Memorial Cup. Their best player, C Caleb Desnoyers (ranked # 7 NA Skaters, # 6 by McKenzie, # 7 by Button) led the team in regular-season scoring by an incredible 17 points, amassing 84 points in 56 games- in an era when scoring is down in the QMJHL. Those numbers were good enough for 5th-overall in league scoring, and 2nd in points-per-game (1.50), while his +51 was 3rd in the Q. He has put forth an incredible playoff performance, leading the Wildcats in post-season scoring by 8, and placing 2nd-overall in league playoff scoring (first in points-per-game), with 30 points (9 goals) in just 19 games. After the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, he won back-to-back gold medals at the U-18 Championship, and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, with identical stats- posting 1 goal and 5 points in 5 games, at both events. Desnoyers might be the most complete player in the draft, with a well-rounded skillset, a reliable 200-foot game, and the ability to contribute in any situation.

Desnoyers entire game is driven by his high-end vision, awareness, hockey sense, and anticipation, with a nod to his elevated motor and compete. A playmaker first and foremost, he sees the ice exceptionally well, and processes at lightning-speed, to make sound decisions and problem-solve on the fly. He is blessed with soft-touch passing-skill, and owns a modicum of creativity that allows him to manufacture space for himself and his teammates, and to open up seams to make plays. He can spot targets through traffic as if he had x-ray vision, and can anticipate the play before it comes to fruition, as though he had ESP. Desnoyers can connect on feeds through the smallest holes in traffic, serve-up dynamic passes across the ice, and distributes with the perfect weight and velocity to the recipient's tape- providing his comrades with a high number of grade "A" chances every game. He finds receivers in high-danger consistently, and can make plays in tight spaces with patience and poise under pressure; with his top-shelf spatial awareness, he locates lanes that few others could spot, and uses give-and-go sequences heavily. Desnoyers' goal-scoring and finishing skills are underrated, and his 35 goals in 56 games would attest to that. His shot is hard and heavy, with a quick and deceptive release to fool goalies, and he exerts the precision to bulge twine from difficult angles, as well as the power to score from a distance. With a strong net-front presence, and a willingness to get his nose dirty, he plants himself in front of the goalie to to battle for position, draw attention from defenders, cause havoc, set up a screen, and cash-in on second-chance opportunities. He's a persistent threat from the slot, gets to the middle a ton, and drives the net with the puck.

Desnoyers' puck-skills are above-average, and he uses his well-developed deception abilities to manipulate opponents. With slick one-on-one stickhandling, along with various feints, fakes, and look-offs to facilitate, he can deke and dangle around in tight spaces, and he also protects well in traffic to power his way around, and bulldoze a path through checks. He catches and handles smoothly while in-flight, with tight control, and solid puck-management. Desnoyers moves around the ice very well, and can even separate from opponents in open-ice at top-speed, but he's not quite an elite speedster, and his mechanics aren't 100% perfect. As he gets stronger and fills out, he will add more explosiveness to his stride, and will further upgrade his top-speed. He accelerates quite quickly, and is agile and evasive on his edges, for excellent maneuverability in tight-checking scenarios. With a power-forward profile, he uses his frame well as leverage to power his way through traffic, win battles along the boards, and cut to the inside. He will throw hits to separate man from puck, but never takes himself out of the play to do so. Desnoyers is a leader and a winner, who provides a positive example for his teammates with his sky-high compete, his relentless motor, and his never-say-die attitude. He's a big game player, shows up at important times, and never cheats the game- and he shines in high-pressure situations.

I've always said that Desnoyers reminds me a bit of Patrice Bergeron stylistically, mostly because of his uncompromising and detailed defensive game- and I've now read that comparison from a few other writers. As in the offensive zone, he reads the play exceptionally well on the backcheck, and works to break-up plays proactively- from the breakout to the cycle. With high-end defensive awareness, he takes away the middle from attacks, supports his defensemen in guarding the net, battles for pucks down-low, and intercepts passes. Desnoyers skates into hands, throws hits to secure possession, and upon recovery- he makes smart plays to get the puck moving in the opposite direction as quickly and efficiently as possible. He is an excellent penalty-killer, and contributes to many exits and zone-clears in man-down situations. As stated, he doesn't cheat the game, exhibits strong habits, displays a keen attention to detail, and shows elevated intensity and engagement; he is often the first forward back to the defensive zone, and the last to leave. In addition, he is also a faceoff specialist, and finished with a 63.7% on the dot. Going forward, Desnoyers will need a small tweak to his skating, and will need to fill out and get considerably stronger to be able to handle opponents at the next level. His defensive conscience has never come into question, but there are some who are seriously underrating his offensive capabilities. This kid is a top-line C in the making, and I can easily see him being picked in the top-5 of this summer's draft.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Ugh, I really wish we had landed that last ball. Desnoyers is exactly what the Flames needed.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by BagoPucks

Forget the first rounders.. who should we draft in the 3rd and beyond?

Here's a few of my favorites:

C Hayden Paupanekis: He's not likely to be available in the 3rd, but he's a 6'4" center who is quite raw, and flashes offensive potential. He plays a power game, is quite physical, and has a competitive edge. He projects as a middle-six C. 22 goals and 43 points in 71 games, divided between Spokane and Kelowna.

C Matthew Gard: Much like Paupanekis, he's a 6'4" center, with a robust physical game, and specializes in shutting down the opposition's best players- but there are flashes of more. 36 points in 66 games with Red Deer (and 81 PIM), but he looked great at the U-18's, with 4 points in 7 games. Should be picked in the second.

C Owen Martin: He's a 6'0" RHC, who put up an impressive 34 points in 39 games with Spokane. He's a responsible two-way pivot with speed and good puck-skill. Should be picked in the second.

C Jimmy Lombardi: Another 6'0" C, this one's a lefty, and he employs an energetic two-way game, highlighted by excellent playmaking skill. Put up 45 points in 63 games on a middling Flint Firebirds squad.

C Tommy Lafreniere: He's a RHC, 5'11", 170lbs, put up 56 points in 68 games for the 19th-place Kamloops Blazers. Potential diamond in the rough, with a fairly well-rounded skillset, and a good two-way presence.

D Owen Conrad: 6'3", 208lb rearguard, who put up 26 points in 64 games, but should've had more- he had 29 points in 59 games the year prior. His skating needs work, but he's an uncut gem- size, snarl, and a highly underrated two-way game. His skating needs some work, but I would easily take him in the second.

C Teddy Mutryn: 6'1",208lb RHC with size and snarl, and a solid two-way game- but might not be suitable for top-6 duty. He'll move the needle though.

RW Shamar Moses: 6'1",203lb RW who plays a power game, and flashes good potential.

LW Kristian Epperson: He's like a 6'0" honey badger. Draft re-entry, who put up 80 points in 58 games, with 87 PIM, and a +45.

RW Aidan Lane: Sample size is small, but he's a 6'2" RW, who plays a power game, and looked excellent upon joining the Soo Greyhounds- 7 goals and 13 points in 13 games.

D Carson Cameron: He played for a crappy team , and only put up 23 points in 63 games for the Petes. He's a 6'2" blueliner with a little bit of everything.

Other names to look for:
D Asher Barnett, D Carlos Handel, RW Vaclav Nestrasil, LW Vojtech Cihar, LW Tomas Poletin, D Max Psenicka, D Will Sharpe, D Karl Annborn, LW Melvin Novotny, RW Theo Stockselius, C Mikkel Eriksen, LW Max Westergard, LW Filip Ekberg, C Gustav Hillstrom, D Zeb Lindgren, D Noah Laberge, RW Bruno Osmanis, C Charlie Cerrato, RW Lirim Amidovski, LW David Rozsival

Later rounds:
C Carson Harmer, C Cole Chandler, F Philippe Veilleux, C Noah Read, C Shawn Carrier, C Harry Nansi, LW Lukas Sawchyn, LW Caden Taylor

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Draft Thoughts (Aces Edition, Vol. 13):

LHC Caleb Desnoyers (6'2",172lbs)
This kid is a top-line C in the making, and I can easily see him being picked in the top-5 of this summer's draft.

It's going to be interesting on the order of picks between Desnoyers, Frondell and Martin.

Amazing as it sounds but I think all 3 go before Hagens.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Aces Edition, Vol. 14):

RW Porter Martone (6'3",207)
Brampton (OHL): 57gp/ 37g/ 61a/ 98pts, +19, 74 PIM

RW Porter Martone (ranked # 6 NA Skaters, #4 by McKenzie, #4 by Button) was originally drafted 5th-overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, but was traded to the Steelheads ( who were still in Mississauga) in January of 2023 for D Ethan Del Mastro. Martone is a bit older by draft standards, with an Oct. 26th birthday, this being his third full season in the OHL, and his first wearing a "C" for his team- who are now based out of Brampton. He finished the regular season 7th in OHL scoring, with 98 points in 57 games for the 8th-placed Steelheads, who were bounced from the playoffs in six games by the Oshawa Generals- with Martone compiling 9 points along the way. In the 2023 U-18 Tournament, he managed to post 6 points in 7 games (27 PIM) as a 16 year-old, but made a name for himself at the 2024 event, where he piled up 17 points in 7 games (with a +12), which tied him for 12th-best of all-time. He won a bronze in 2023, but came home with gold in 2024 as Captain of Team Canada, placing 3rd in scoring behind James Hagens and Gavin McKenna. Martone is a physically imposing power-forward with high-end skill, top-notch offensive awareness, and a well-rounded toolkit, who can do a bit of everything- utilizing either brute force or finesse to get the job done.

What sets Martone apart from other players of his ilk is that he's a highly productive offensive forward who can both score goals, and set up teammates- displaying a wealth of soft-skill, as well as a robust power game. His puck-skills are among the best in the class, and his quick hands enable him to navigate through tight spaces with full control, wielding an array of deft stickhandling maneuvers to deke and dangle through traffic. His puck-protection is also well-developed, which makes him capable of bulldozing his way to the middle, driving the net with the puck, and skating through hands. He catches smoothly in-motion, exhibits a soft-touch on his passes, and retains control at top-speed- using a layer of deception to manipulate defenders into going one way, while he goes in the other direction. Martone is a brute, and he dominates along the boards, down low, and in front of the net, using his large frame effectively; he is ultra-competitive, and hard-working. He wins most of his 50/50 puck-battles, engages opponents physically to make room for himself, and throws big hits to separate man from puck. He will not hesitate to drop the gloves when challenged, and can be a little mean- doling out cross-checks and slashes to make his presence felt. As a playmaker, Martone exhibits high-end vision, hockey sense, and even creativity to set teammates up for grade "A" chances. He reads the ice extremely well, and makes quick, sound decisions- often seemingly a step or two ahead of the play. With exceptional spatial awareness, and an inate ability to read gaps, he locates seams to pass through, can connect with teammates through traffic, and can dish-off in full-flight, but also knows how to shift defenses and draw pressure in order to open space. Martone is a catalyst for his team, and a big chunk of the Steelhead's offense flows through him- he puts teammates in advantageous situations off of his feeds, and often sets them up for easy goals.

Though he is more of a playmaker, Martone has shown himself to be a capable goal-scorer as well, and he brandishes a hard and heavy wrister, with a tricky release. Most of Martone's tallies are scored in-tight though, with soft, silky mitts to beat goalies, a willingness to drive the net with the puck, and a daunting net-front presence to clean up garbage around the crease. He will plant himself in front of the goalie to set up the screen, draw pressure, and battle for positioning to get his stick on a rebound or tip, and he is a hard opponent to move. He's a frequent visitor to the slot, and muscles his way inside to await the high-danger pass. A lot of his assists come from his nose for the net, and from being inside-driven, which provides opportunities for teammates by proxy. Martone was learning how to play with more pace as the season wore on, but his skating is still a work in progress. While he's above-average speed-wise in a straight-line, he needs to upgrade his explosiveness and top-gear. Improving the efficiency in his stride will go a long way in accomplishing this, as he's not getting enough extension in his step. Gaining more strength in his lower-body will help as well. He also needs a bit of improvement in his agility and edgework in order to get quicker in turns, and become a bit more maneuverable in traffic. Still, he's a good straight-line skater for a player of his size.

There has been instances in international competitions where Martone has been tasked with playing a checking role, and he has performed admirably. As in other areas, he reads the play well defensively, reacts proactively to make stops, and of course, he wields grit and physicality to repel attacks- but he isn't always fully engaged, and not always properly aware of his surroundings, as he can lose his man in traffic at times. He's a quality three-zone player for the most part, but his contributions in the defensive-third need some work. Martone is a unicorn; a sturdily built power-forward with grit and physicality, who also possesses a wealth of soft-skill and offensive acumen. He's a sure-fire first-line winger in the NHL in the future, and will help whatever teams that drafts him succeed in the playoffs. Look for him in the top-5.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Sooooo who should be available at 32 that's good?

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

Sooooo who should be available at 32 that's good?

The home run swing at 32, for me would be Ryabkin, but I still think someone might grab him sooner. Check out Bingo’s consolidated rankings, updated frequently in this thread as well as a starting point for players projected in that range.

[sureLoss]

Looks like Mason West has decided to commit to Hockey over Football. He will be attending the NHL draft combine

https://twitter.com/user/status/1927877617048240533

[rogermexico]

Sandman, your Martone description gives me Bertuzzi vibes. Is that a fair comparison?

[FlamingHomer]

Pp

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Looks like Mason West has decided to commit to Hockey over Football. He will be attending the NHL draft combine

https://twitter.com/user/status/1927877617048240533

Would be thrilled to grab him or Benak with our 2nd - as they both have the potential be home runs

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Aces Edition, Vol. 15):

C/LW Michael Misa (6'1",185lbs)
Saginaw (OHL): 65gp/ 62g/ 72a/ 134pts, +45, 45 PIM

Saginaw's Captain had a banner year, tying for the 9th-best season of all-time for a U-18 player in the OHL, as well as the 14th-best points-per-game (2.06), and the 7th-most goals-scored, with an incredible 134 points in 65 games. C/W Mike Misa (ranked # 2 NA Skaters, # 3 by McKenzie, # 2 by Button) is a Memorial Cup Champion from 2024 (5 assists in 5 games), and a Gold-Medal winner from last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (2 goals and 8 points in 5 games), and is one of only nine players who have received Exceptional Player Status. The Saginaw Spirit finished the regular season in 9th-place, but were dispatched from the playoffs in the first-round by the Erie Otters in 5 games, with Misa only producing 3 points in 4 games, to go with a disastrous -10 (!). He missed Game # 5 with an injury that also kept him out of the U-18's. We all know this kid- he's an elite offensive producer with exceptional skill, speed, and intelligence. A game-breaker, he plays at an unmatchable pace, and likewise- processes the game at light-speed. In 2023-24, he looked more like a natural playmaker, with 29 goals and 75 points in 67 games (with 46 assists), but he added a much deeper goal-scoring dimension this season, which comes from a newfound ability to get to the middle of the ice, a further willingness to drive the net, and greater confidence in unleashing his shot. With the ability to read gaps well, he finds space in the slot to make himself a high-danger passing option for his teammates, and brandishes a wicked snap-shot laced with deception in his release to beat goalies clean, as well as a lethal one-timer, and a deadly catch-and-release wrister that he can fire off in-flight. Misa owns soft, silky mitts to fool goalies in-close for the majority of his goals, and has the precision to pick corners, find holes, and pop water-bottles.

Misa is still a dynamic playmaker, who makes players around him better, displaying elite hockey sense and vision, with high-end creativity, facilitated by his space-creation skills and finely-tuned deceptive tactics. Constantly in motion, he persistently pushes pace with his mobility, making defenders move and chase, and drawing pressure to pry open passing seams; he attracts almost as much attention off-puck, as he does in possession. When attacking off the rush, he pushes defenders back to make room at the top of the zone, dissects defenses on the cycle by shifting boxes, and makes plays off the wall to teammates in the slot. With well-developed passing-skill, he can thread the needle through the smallest holes in traffic, usually putting the receiver in an advantageous situation, and often setting up an easy grade "A" scoring chance. He is able to read the play, and make sound decisions at high-speed, executing plays at a blistering pace to keep the opposition on their heels. An exceptional skater, Misa already possesses NHL-level speed, agility, and edge work; his straight-ahead mobility is borderline-elite on a long, powerful stride, with fluid mechanics, and provides him with a wealth of advantages. With his strong edges, he can solve problems on the fly, to maneuver through tight spaces, while evading checks and making defenders miss with quick changes of pace and direction. He can spin off of checks, pivot on a dime, and make sharp cuts and tight turns. Misa can explode from a stand-still, and accelerates rapidly to a game-breaking top-speed. Almost as impressive as his skating is his puck-skill; his hands are quick and can blend seamlessly with his footwork, handling smoothly at high-speed with confidence and composure. He also catches impeccably while in-motion, and can knock down saucer-passes, and settle down wild pucks quickly while skating. Misa could stickhandle in a phone booth, and can deke and dangle his way through tight spaces.

While Misa isn't exactly the most intimidating physical presence, he doesn't shy away from the rough-going, plays through contact, and will battle for pucks in all of the greasy areas- he will even throw the odd hit to separate man from puck. Going forward, he will need to bulk up and get a lot stronger to be more effective in board-battles, and could use a better engagement level, with more intensity; he still manages to be a disruptor on the forecheck, though. In transition, Misa can skate the most dynamic, winding routes through the neutral zone, and can sometimes use the entire width of the ice to gain entry, employing cut-backs and delays to shake off pressure and find the best option for the pass. He is not afraid to streak through the middle of the ice to drive defenses back upon gaining the zone, to make room for teammates to set-up, and to open-up the option for a drop-pass to the trailer. He challenges defenders with insurmountable pace, evasive edgework, deception, and deft stickhandling to cross both bluelines, but will also hook up with teammates in give-and-goes to expedite travel through the middle-zone, and can support the play with connective passing. Misa is not just a one-dimensional offensive player, as he's also a responsible defensive contributor, who disrupts enemy plays throughout all 200-feet of the ice. He sports solid defensive awareness, with smart positioning, and is given time on the penalty-kill- which shows that he is trusted by his coaches in his own-zone. Misa supports his D down-low, and subs in for them when they are pressed into leaving their post. He tenaciously pursues pucks, and places supreme pressure on attackers in all three zones with deft use of his stick, and recovers a ton of pucks- that he then turns into rushes going the other way. Though he is involved and impactful defensively, he isn't yet a staunch shut-down virtuoso, as he could use (once again) a better engagement level off-puck, with more physicality. 51% on the faceoff dot is not bad, but he will need work in this area if he wants to play the C position in the show.

Misa's most pressing need is to fill-out, and get stronger for the next level, in order to better handle the rigors of pro-hockey, but also to give himself a better chance in winning 50/50 contests. Of course, it would benefit him greatly to add more physicality to his repertoire. If one wanted to nitpick, it could be said that he needs to work on his decision-making, as he sometimes paints himself into a corner by holding on to the puck for too long, and trying to get way too fancy. There is still a question as to where Misa will play when he gets to the NHL, with many suggesting that he could be better suited to LW duty. Look for him in the top-2 of this summer's draft.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by rogermexico

Sandman, your Martone description gives me Bertuzzi vibes. Is that a fair comparison?

I like that comparison.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I like that comparison.

This is mainly why I like him for San Jose at 2. Pairing him with Celebrini for the next decade would be pretty amazing.

He'd also look pretty good lining up with Bedard in Chicago too although I would expect them to go with another high end centre as they build up the middle as their rebuild will still take a couple more years.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

Would be thrilled to grab him or Benak with our 2nd - as they both have the potential be home runs

I wouldn't be upset if the flames took West at 32

[dammage79]

2x home run swings:
18 Ryabkin
32 West
I'm okay with that.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

This is mainly why I like him for San Jose at 2. Pairing him with Celebrini for the next decade would be pretty amazing.

He'd also look pretty good lining up with Bedard in Chicago too although I would expect them to go with another high end centre as they build up the middle as their rebuild will still take a couple more years.

San Jose is in a great spot and a terrible spot - they can't move down a spot and grab something if they prefer Martone. I agree it makes more sense to draft Martone (who I really love this draft and would be happy with the Flames taking even if he isn't a C), and pair him either with Celebrini or Smith. Smith started off slow this year, but he has looked like a blossoming player about to become elite towards the end of the season. Drafting Misa probably turns Misa into a winger, unless it pushes Smith to the wings.


Chicago is happy either way. They need to make Bedard happy this year. Playing with a winger like Martone can do that. They can also draft Misa and push him to the 2nd line spot, or push Bedard to the wing and have Misa the #1 C (which some people feel Bedard is better suited for).


No way can SJ move down past 3 I think - unless they really covet someone else more than Misa or Martone (which I doubt). I agree with you, and I predict Martone goes 2nd - perfect compliment for what SJ really needs, and he comes with some size and snarl which also helps. I think he is a bit like Brady Tkachuk in that way.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by dammage79

2x home run swings:
18 Ryabkin
32 West
I'm okay with that.

I fell off the Ryabkin train a while back, but I am back on. I would be happy with them taking him at 18 now, even with the risk.