2025 NHL Draft Thread

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Ryker Evans (my cousin) was passed up in his draft year and was selected 35th OA in 2021. I could see the same happening with Pickford if a team in the 2nd round deems him the best selection with what’s out there.

Ryker would have been a 1st rounder had it not been for an injury that took most of his draft season, I think I had him 4th or 5th on my early D chart.

Very smart and talented cousin you have there, he'll explode when he gets more PP time in Seattle.

[Bingo]

Rankings Update

Now up to 14 rankings
I'll update as they update
Need to appear in 5 rankings to be sorted
Flames 2nd pick isolated to 31/32

 	Player	Position	Average
1	M Schaefer	D	1.07

2	Michael Misa	C	2.00

3	James Hagens	C	4.07
4	Porter Martone	RW	4.36

5	Anton Frondell	C	5.50

6	C Desnoyers	C	7.14
7	Victor Eklund	LW	7.86

8	Roger McQueen	C	9.79
9	Jake O’Brien	C	9.93

10	Jackson Smith	D	11.36
11	Radim Mrtka	D	11.50
12	Brady Martin	C	12.86

13	Carter Bear	C	14.36

14	J Carbonneau	RW	17.23
15	Lynden Lakovic	LW	17.57
16	K Aitcheson	D	17.62

17	Braeden Cootes	C	18.62
18	Logan Hensler	D	19.00

19	Cole Reschny	C	20.75
20	Cameron Reid	D	21.77
21	Malcolm Spence	LW	21.92
22	Benjamin Kindel	RW	22.62
23	Cullen Potter	C	23.23
24	Cam Schmidt	RW	24.64
25	J Ravensbergen	G	25.45
26	Bill Zonnon	Lw	26.31
27	Ivan Ryabkin	C	26.70

28	Blake Fiddler	D	28.08
29	Jack Nesbitt	C	28.45

30	S Boumedienne	D	30.33
31	Jack Murtagh	C	30.50
32	William Moore	C	31.10
33	Milton Gästrin	C	31.18

34	Cole McKinney	C	33.73

35	J Ihs-Wozniak	RW	36.50
36	Ryker Lee (filler)RW	37.50
37	Eric Nilson (filler) C	37.67
38	H Brzustewicz	D	38.33
39	Shane Vansaghi	C	38.75
40	Kurban Limatov	D	39.60

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Aces Edition, Vol. 10):

LW Malcolm Spence (6'2",201lbs)
Erie: 65gp/ 32g/ 41a/ 73pts, +10, 57 PIM

Malcolm Spence (ranked # 17 NA Skaters, # 16 by McKenzie, # 15 by Button) has been highly touted (and highly scouted) for many years, having been drafted 2nd-overall (behind Mike Misa) in the 2022 OHL Draft, with this season being his third-full campaign in the OHL. This year, the Erie Otters were a respectable 10th-overall in the OHL, but they unfortunately drew the mighty London Knights as their second-round playoff opponents, and they were sadly bounced from the post-season in a sweep, with Spence (who wears an "A") placing 5th on the Otters in playoff scoring, producing 9 points in 9 games. After a 2023-24 regular season that saw Spence post 19 goals and 62 points in 66 games, he took part in the U-18 Championship with Team Canada (3 goals and 7 points in 7 games), at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he produced 2 goals and 5 points in 5 games, and scored the "golden goal" to secure his nation's victory. Spence, along with the aforementioned Mike Misa, also tied for the lead on Team CHL in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge in November, with 3 points in the two-game series against American draft-eligibles; he's known to be a big-game player, and shows up in important moments. Spence has played the majority of his time with the Otters under defense-first Head Coach Stan Butler, which may have molded his habits and defensive conscience; Butler was hired in January of 2023, but was fired in January of 2025 for reasons unknown, after the team conducted "an internal review of team policy". Under new coach Kris Mallette, Spence put up 21 points in the final 17 games of the regular season, which represents a small uptick in production for him.

Spence plays a very mature, pro-style game that will be highly-translatable, with a simple and direct approach. He's very well-rounded, and can perform any task on the ice with confidence and poise- never wasting any energy with his efficiency, and always employing a risk-averse game. He's a power-forward, wielding a high amount of physicality, with no fear in throwing hits or diving into puck-battles in the hard-areas, and he owns a wealth of intangibles, with character and leadership being chief among them. He provides a positive example for his teammates by working extremely hard, and displays sky-high motor and determination. With sublime hockey IQ, he is offensively aware and brings a modicum of playmaking vision, but he isn't very creative and isn't much of a play-driver, which constantly brings his NHL-ceiling into question. He does however, exhibit solid passing-skill and can thread the needle through small spaces in traffic, and displays plus-level puck-skill in his handling, catching, and distribution at high-speed. His puck-protection is also well-developed, and allows him to get around in tight areas, and beat opponents wide when cutting to the net. Most of Spence's contributions to offense come from his inside-driven game, his propensity to drive the net, and his shot- which is hard and heavy, and laced with deception to freeze goalies. He's a shooting threat from below the hash-marks, uses screens extremely well, and doesn't require a lot of room to get good zip on his snap-shot. He dips in-and-out of the low-slot as a moving screen, and times his appearance at the net-front to be there when the puck arrives for second-chance opportunities, and he owns sharp hand-eye coordination for tips, with soft hands to beat goalies in-close. He plays well around the net and down-low, and his efforts help to funnel pucks to the net, which creates a number of chances for his teammates.

Spence skates very well, but is far from a burner, and stays active at all times- keeping his feet pumping hard. His base is quite wide, giving him good balance and stability, but he's not always extending as fully as he could, so his mechanics could use a small tweak in order to produce maximum power. He navigates small areas well on his edges with smooth pivots, quick stops, brisk changes of direction, and sharp turns. He is strong on his skates, and difficult to knock off-balance. He provides value in transition, and isn't shy about chipping-and-chasing for entries, or dumping the puck in when needed, but can also rush the puck through the neutral zone, and across both blue lines at times. Spence is a disruption machine over every inch of the 200-ft ice surface, from his dogged efforts in attacking puck-carriers on the forecheck, to his tenacity in hounding opponents on breakouts, to his causing havoc in the neutral zone, to his denying entries by cutting off the blueline. He's a highly impactful defensive forward, and not only shuts down plays in the defensive zone, but also makes smart plays off of recovered pucks to get his team's breakout moving up-ice. He exhibits advanced details and awareness in checking situations, kills penalties with aplomb, and has the foresight to react proactively with stick-lifts, picks, spotless positioning, and a well-timed stick. Spence is a safe pick with his pro-style game, and has few real weaknesses, but his ceiling is not as high as other potential first-round picks; he projects as a solid middle-six winger, with a staunch two-way style, and a strong physical presence. Look for him in the top-20 of this summer's draft- his age and advanced physical development in Junior hockey might make scouts and GM's pause on draft day.

[Royle9]

Thanks for the Spence write up Sandman.
For me this guy screams highest bust potential in the 1st round.
I think he was overhyped, due to size and strength carrying him through junior (kind of like McQueen)
He's that big frame that doesn't use it enough, I feel he cap's out as a bottom 6 defensive winger.

I'm only critical because he was highly touted when drafted to Junior A (like you've outlined) and just never lived up to it offensive/numbers wise.

[Iniggywetrust]

I feel like Cootes is a good fit for us at 18. We’re probably not going to get the top line center, but we’ve seen the value of a two way center over the years with Backlund on this team. We may just be able To draft his replacement this year in Cootes.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Iniggywetrust

I feel like Cootes is a good fit for us at 18. We’re probably not going to get the top line center, but we’ve seen the value of a two way center over the years with Backlund on this team. We may just be able To draft his replacement this year in Cootes.

I don't think Cootes makes it to 18, but I'd be ecstatic to grab him there!

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Thing is, mimmicing cup teams is a fools errand. They're only a cup team until they're replaced. FLA in the Barkov era has only just gotten over the hump with two very fortuitous trades in Chucky and Bennett. And before that, signing Bobrovsky to what at the time was considered the biggest albatross contract. And Maurice was just another run of the mill coach. Wasn't too long ago we were all talking about the "Dallas model". Now it's the FLA model and it could be the Edmo.....hahahah..I can't say it with a straight face. I'll probably stop taking hockey seriously if the Edmonton model wins the cup.

You're not anything until you become something.

Anyways. The Flames will draft who they draft.

And I'll still warn folks from relying too much on "the list" this draft. It's going to be all over the place after ....well I'm guessing after pick #8. And even then there might be some variance within the top 8.

It's not a great draft.

Kind of feels like the 2025 draft, where there are about 10 names or so that were all consistently projected to be drafted in the top 10-15, and then a few guys projected to go in the middle of the first round--and then anyone's guess after that. Most of the guys consistently projected to go in the top 10 went in the top 15 but the order was a surprise. Helenius fell furthest of the consistent 10.

This year, it looks like there's a number of players that are consistently projected around the top ten of the draft and all 10 should be picked by 12-15: Schaefer, Misa, Martone, Desnoyers, Hagens, Frondell, O'Brien, Mrtka, Eklund and Martin.

And then there are a few in the 11-15 range (Aitcheson, McQueen, Smith) that seem like guys that could pop into the top 10. I'm not seeing a different name that could crack the top 10, but you never know if a team falls in love with someone.

The next 15-20 names, however, could go all over the place. Gonna be a fun draft, especially if the Flames keep two or three first round picks.

[cral12]

Originally Posted by CanucksWorstNightmare

I think Bryce Pickford deserves more attention , 47 pts in 48 gp and just turned 19 in April. Went undrafted last year but was ranked #73 in this years Midseason NHL Central Scouting rankings (North America) & #100 in their final rankings. Great skater / Smart / Tough / Good puck skills/ Great Defensively he has it all!! When you compare his production to Carter Yakemchuk's 49 pts in 56gp there's not much difference and thats last years 7th OV pick. I think this guy could easily go in the 2nd round or even jump into the late first. He had one hell of a playoff run (24pts in 18gp) after coming back from injury and scored 2 goals in the first game of the Memorial Cup. Grab this kid with your late 1st Craig you wont be disappointed I promise.

Sandman's profile from 2024:
https://www.upsidehockey.com/prospec...h.7x7dwgoh6fqs

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Ryker would have been a 1st rounder had it not been for an injury that took most of his draft season, I think I had him 4th or 5th on my early D chart.

Very smart and talented cousin you have there, he'll explode when he gets more PP time in Seattle.

Ya, he's like Brayden Point or Josh Morrisey (DMAN whisperer) who dads were hockey skills guys that probably made them better. If your kid is playing hockey in Calgary get him with Mike Evans (even though he's a grumpy bugger).

[traptor]

Cootes or Reschny would be a fantastic grab at 18.


I wouldnt mind Nesbitt with 32

[FanSince'01]

The more I read about McQueen, the more I weary I get of taking him at 18 should he fall to us.

But sign me up for Reschny or Cootes at 18

[Bingo]

Always interesting with the FC Hockey Mock.

They of course, use their own rankings and because of that things fall a certain way every time you run it.

Would be a great addition to have a toggle for what ranking you want to use as the determinant; FC Hockey or a behind the scenes "consensus".

Last year Iginla fell every time, which made the process seem silly as you knew he wouldn't be there. But then again he's struggled a bit so many they know what they're doing?

This year is Mrtka and Bear that fall every time.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Always interesting with the FC Hockey Mock.

They of course, use their own rankings and because of that things fall a certain way every time you run it.

Would be a great addition to have a toggle for what ranking you want to use as the determinant; FC Hockey or a behind the scenes "consensus".

Last year Iginla fell every time, which made the process seem silly as you knew he wouldn't be there. But then again he's struggled a bit so many they know what they're doing?

This year is Mrtka and Bear that fall every time.

There is a FC Draft / Concensus toggle under rankings in the mock builder if thats what you mean.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by traptor

Cootes or Reschny would be a fantastic grab at 18.


I wouldnt mind Nesbitt with 32

The Athletic did an in-depth analysis and profile of Nesbitt on the weekend. He’s been a riser since his strong second half to the season. Seems to be growing into his body (grew 4 inches since he was 15). Unfortunately, I doubt he makes it to 32.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Always interesting with the FC Hockey Mock.

They of course, use their own rankings and because of that things fall a certain way every time you run it.

Would be a great addition to have a toggle for what ranking you want to use as the determinant; FC Hockey or a behind the scenes "consensus".

Last year Iginla fell every time, which made the process seem silly as you knew he wouldn't be there. But then again he's struggled a bit so many they know what they're doing?

This year is Mrtka and Bear that fall every time.

I agree, I think we need a CP Mock draft builder

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Toonage

There is a FC Draft / Concensus toggle under rankings in the mock builder if thats what you mean.

That's so funny ... didn't notice that.

Now my new beef is a dated consensus! No way Calgary gets Brady, Aitcheson and Horcoff with their picks.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Bingo

That's so funny ... didn't notice that.

Now my new beef is a dated consensus! No way Calgary gets Brady, Aitcheson and Horcoff with their picks.

Yeah, I wish they had a better consensus plug in. Also, I liked that mock tool (i think it was mynhldraft.com or something) a few years ago that added team needs and randomness factors. That made for some really compelling mock draft scenarios.

[Icon]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Yeah, I wish they had a better consensus plug in. Also, I liked that mock tool (i think it was mynhldraft.com or something) a few years ago that added team needs and randomness factors. That made for some really compelling mock draft scenarios.

That's this one:

https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftsim/#/

(not updated for 2025)

[Monahammer]

Yes! That one! Thanks Icon. I wish that one was updated with new rankings and draft order.

[Niemo]

Just from positional need and some reports,

Cootes at 18th
Ryabkin at 32nd

William Horcoff at Avs 2nd