Before the free agent frenzy and blockbuster trades kick off, we’ve got the 2025 NHL Draft to sink our teeth into, which means it’s time for wild picks, awkward hugs, and fans booing decisions they just Googled. The top prospects are ready, the Canadian teams are hopeful (as always), and someone’s picking a guy just because he’s tall. Let’s jump in and see who the highly ranked prospects are, and who Canadian teams might be sniffing around.
- Matthew Schaefer (D, Erie Otters, OHL) – Poised puck-mover, elite skater, top overall pick consensus
- Michael Misa (C, Saginaw Spirit, OHL) – Two-way center, 134-point season, exceptional status talent
- Porter Martone (RW, Mississauga/Brampton, OHL) – 6’3″ power forward with a sniper’s shot (37 G, 98 P)
- Anton Frondell (C, Djurgårdens IF, Sweden) – Creative center, nearly a point/game in Sweden’s second-tier league
- James Hagens (C, Boston College, NCAA) – Intelligent, agile playmaker and playoff performer
- Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL) – Strong two-way center, 84 points, playoff MVP
- Jackson Smith (D, Tri‑City Americans, WHL) – Smooth-skating, offence-capable blueliner
- Jake O’Brien (C, Brantford Bulldogs, OHL) – Assist-first center, crafty and high-IQ
- Radim Mrtka (D, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL) – Towering Czech lefthanded defender with size and reach
- Kashawn Aitcheson (D, Barrie Colts, OHL) – Physical, puck-moving defenseman who broke OHL goal records
- Roger McQueen (C, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL) – 6’5″ two-way pivot with high ceiling
- Brady Martin (C, Soo Greyhounds, OHL) – Reliable center with third-line upside
- Carter Bear (LW/C, Everett Silvertips, WHL) – Tenacious scorer, played through injury, smart
- Justin Carbonneau (RW, Blainville‑Boisbriand, QMJHL) – Goal-scorer with playmaking flashes
- Lynden Lakovic (LW, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL) – Big winger with skating and a heavy shot
- Milton Gastrin (C, TBD, NA) – From European ranking list as top international center just outside elite group.
2025 NHL Draft Canadian Team Targets
With a mix of desperation, optimism, and at least one “this guy’s totally underrated” pick incoming, here’s what the Canadian squads might be cooking up at this year’s draft.
Vancouver Canucks – Pick #15
Pick Prediction: Lynden Lackovic (C, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)
A big, athletic center with raw upside. Vancouver needs center depth in the pipeline, and Lackovic brings a strong mix of size, skating, and physicality. Think of him as a project with serious upside.
Calgary Flames – Picks #18 & #32
Pick #18: Brady Martin (C, Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
A smart, reliable two-way center. Martin has the kind of calm, efficient game that scouts love and could anchor a second or third line in the future.
Pick #32: Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie Otters, OHL)
Could be taken sooner, but if he falls down the pecking order, the Flames will like this gritty, high-motor winger with offensive punch. Spence plays hard every shift and can make life miserable for defenders—a solid fit to energize Calgary’s forward group.
Montreal Canadiens – Pick #16
Pick Prediction: Carter Bear (LW/C, Everett Silvertips, WHL)
Tenacious, fearless, and productive—Bear is the kind of player Montreal fans love. He’s versatile, can play multiple forward positions, and has a sneaky scoring touch.
Toronto Maple Leafs – No First-Round Pick
Their first selection comes later (currently 2nd round), so they’ll likely target a high-upside defenseman or depth center from what’s left. Names like Kashawn Aitcheson or Justin Poirier may fall into range.
Edmonton Oilers – Pick #83 (3rd Round)
With no first or second-rounders, Edmonton will be in “best player available” mode come the third round. Likely targets include mobile defensemen or responsible two-way forwards. Look for under-the-radar names like Kristian Epperson or Logan Sawyer.
Ottawa Senators & Winnipeg Jets – No First-Round Picks
Both teams are sitting out Round 1 unless they trade back in. Ottawa is hoping to secure someone like center Jack Nesbitt at #21. While the Jets are hoping someone like Ben Kindel drops down to them at #28.
