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2025 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s High 32 Preseason Rankings – The Hockey Writers –


With the Hlinka Gretzky Cup behind us, leagues in Europe beginning and the CHL season approaching, the 2025 NHL Draft season is now formally underway. It’s been just a few months since my early top-32 was launched and there has already been plenty of motion with positioning and a few standouts already making their case as potential first-round picks. 

All eyes are as soon as once more going to be centered on the NCAA as Boston Faculty ahead James Hagens goes to be the highest prospect on this draft. Much like Macklin Celebrini turning heads as a freshman final season, Hagens is certain to do the identical on a group that’s loaded with expertise like Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault, Dean Letourneau and Teddy Stiga. Contemplating how dynamic Hagens is and the way he’s been dominating older competitors, it’s doable that he can have simply as robust of an impression

James Hagens, Porter Martone, and Anton Frondell (The Hockey Writers)

This class has plenty of expertise and very smart gamers that may look to be impactful gamers and have lengthy careers on the subsequent stage. Though the common season hasn’t began for some, there’s a good indication on who might be high prospects to observe. Here’s a look my preseason rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft.

1. James Hagens, C, Boston Faculty (NCAA) 

James Hagens is the early favorite to go first general within the 2025 NHL Draft as all he has finished so far is simply dominate. He registered 102 factors final season with the NTDP and his play through the World U18 Championship solidified that, the place the 17-year-old broke Nikita Kucherov’s file for many factors in a match with 22. 

James Hagens Team USA
James Hagens, Crew USA (Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP)

Hagens is ready to course of the sport at a fast tempo, utilizing the open ice and creating extra space for himself and his teammates is already at a high-end stage. Every part he does, he’s at all times pondering two steps forward of his opponents. He’s extraordinarily artistic with the puck as he can simply manipulate performs and freeze the opposition of their tracks. He can assault the offensive zone with such power and depth, nevertheless it’s his capacity to gradual the play down and shortly strike when a possibility presents itself that stands out in his sport. He’s a twin offensive menace as each a shooter and playmaker, leaving the opposition on their heels and second guessing what he’s going to do subsequent.

2. Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) 

If there’s one participant that may problem Hagens for the highest spot, it’s Porter Martone. A extremely expert energy ahead, he was very productive each within the Ontario Hockey League (71 factors) and on the U18 Championship, ending third in match scoring (17 factors). 

Martone is equal components playmaker and purpose scorer, nevertheless it’s the mixture of his skillset, work ethic, compete stage and skill to be a relentless issue offensively. Martone can damage you in a wide range of methods, be it attacking and crashing the web for free pucks, unleashing a strong shot from far out or utilizing his slick puck-handling expertise and management to deke round gamers and discover the center of the ice for a taking pictures alternative. Whereas he has high-end offensive imaginative and prescient, his measurement permits him to simply win battles, have interaction bodily and present the need to continuously struggle for possession. He by no means offers up and can do no matter it takes to win.

3. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF J20 (Nationell) 

Simply the following finest centre behind Hagens, Frondell is an especially versatile two-way pivot with nice upside. He excelled on the 5-Nations match and the J20 stage with 39 factors in 29 video games. He even noticed a while within the HockeyAllsvenskan. For a younger participant to dominate his age group and even get extra alternatives to check his talent and energy on the subsequent stage is excellent. 

Anton Frondell Team Sweden
Anton Frondell, Crew Sweden (Photograph by Michael Miller/ISI Images/Getty Pictures)

Frondell is as clean as they arrive, each together with his skating and together with his puck management and stick dealing with. Given his well-rounded, two-way sport, he jogs my memory of the best way that Leo Carlsson performed together with his confidence, creativity and skill to adapt at every stage. He’s capable of simply spot open lanes to assault and when he will get to the excessive site visitors areas, pulling off strikes shortly and precisely to get across the opposition. When he’s organising his teammates, it’s as if he has eyes behind his head, realizing the place they’re going to be. 

4. Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL) 

If the World U18 championship was the second the place Matthew Schaefer put his identify as a top-10 choose for the NHL Draft, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup bumped him up into the top-five as he was a standout defender.

Associated: The NHL’s High 100 Prospects – Preseason Rankings

Schaefer’s solely 16 years outdated and he was simply Canada’s finest participant as he captained them to a gold medal. You immediately noticed what makes him a high pairing defender, together with his composure and confidence each time he’s on the ice. He performs a gradual and well-rounded two-way sport, being a participant who can play in all conditions. He was connecting flawlessly together with his breakout passing and his pace allowed him to steer an assault whereas additionally making well timed performs within the offensive zone. With out the puck, he was accountable inside his personal zone, defending rushes and confirmed nice one-on-one protection, not often getting beat. 

5. Ivan Ryabkin, C, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 

Ivan Ryabkin is following within the footsteps of Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demdiov as one other dynamic Russian participant with a high-end skillset. Ryabkin completed sixth in MHL scoring with 58 factors in 44 video games, a 1.32 level per sport common and successful finest rookie for the league. He’s already off to a powerful begin this season with three assists in two video games.

Ryabkin is a relentless offensive creator within the attacking zone. He sees the ice so properly, attacking with a fast tempo and his pace catches opponents off guard. He’s at all times discovering the center of the ice to unleash a swift and highly effective launch together with his shot and his playmaking is simply as spectacular. He’s nice at manipulating conditions fooling defenders and displaying nice arms within the small areas of the ice. As well as, he has that depth to play bodily and does an incredible job to anticipate performs. 

6. Michael Misa, C/LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) 

Granted distinctive standing in 2022 after being a dominant participant within the GTHL, Michael Misa is a extremely expert offensive creator and puck distributor. He had a powerful rookie season with 56 factors in 44 video games with the Spirit and surpassed that final season with 75 in 67, successful the Memorial Cup within the course of. 

You discover how fast and agile Misa is, displaying nice pace and agility in transition and within the offensive zone. He has nice posture together with his skating and has robust edges to evade strain and breakaway from opponents. He boasts robust arms and the flexibility to attach simply together with his teammates, recognizing the open seams and making fast and correct passes. He’s an underrated shooter and if he might add extra energy in his sport, he could possibly be much more deadly. Many need to see Misa take that subsequent step as a participant with the distinctive standing label. If he can have that type of manufacturing this season, that may assist tremendously.

7. Logan Hensler, RD, USA U18 (NTDP) 

The NTDP have finished an incredible job at growing defenders and Logan Hensler has the potential to be the following in line. He had 32 factors final season with this system and whereas he will not be an offensive defenseman, he’s harmful in each side of the sport. The largest factor that stands out in regards to the 17-year-old is his smarts and skill to behave shortly in any state of affairs. He has nice four-way mobility and consciousness to create performs from the backend, be it with crisp breakout passing or displaying nice confidence carrying a play. He’s very aggressive and takes away lanes very simply. He’s accountable inside his personal finish and has plenty of upside to develop all through the season. 

8. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) 

The youthful brother of Philadelphia Flyers prospect Elliot, Caleb performs with a bit of extra tempo and talent, however nonetheless has the depth and aggressive edge. He had a incredible rookie marketing campaign with 56 factors in 60 video games, being named to the Quebec Maritime All-Rookie Crew. He was additionally a member of Canada’s gold medal group on the U18 Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Desnoyers has all of it offensively; the fast pace, the IQ, positioning and the high-end talent and puck management that he possesses. The 6-foot-2, 173 pound ahead protects the puck very properly and is at all times in movement displaying a powerful work ethic.  

9. Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL) 

Cole Reschny was one other standout on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with seven factors in 5 video games. When he bought his alternative, he made it depend as he was productive. At 5-foot-10, 183 kilos, Reschny has the flexibility to play at a fast tempo, has tender arms in tight areas, can dangle round defenders with ease and the notice to setup his teammates. When he has management of the puck, he simply dances and is hard to cease. He’s tenacious on the assault, can evade high-end strain very properly and by no means offers up on a play. He shows nice persistence and powerful edges to fend off different defenders and is consistently attacking the center of the ice.  

Cole Reschny Victoria Royals
Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals (Photograph Credit score: Kevin Gentle Photograph)

10. Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) 

Already with a professional body at 6-foot-5, 190 kilos, Roger McQueen stands out in an enormous manner together with his energy forward-like sport. McQueen completed the season third in Wheat Kings scoring final season with 51 factors in 53 video games and is poised to enhance on that this season. He’s an absolute tank on the ice, taking part in with a excessive quantity of depth, physicality and talent. He has no drawback getting in on the tough stuff, however on the offensive facet of issues, he excels in defending the puck, and driving laborious to the web to be able to create havoc. He’s fast on his ft and has a strong shot, particularly his one-timer. 

https://twitter.com/thewhl/standing/1741296829646659937?s=46

11. William Moore, C, USA U18 (NTDP) 

William Moore is a really dynamic, purpose scoring centre with a powerful general skillset. He already has the body (6-foot-2, 161 kilos) that he makes use of to his benefit very properly in powerful areas and to be able to push his technique to the center of the ice. He has nice arms and puck expertise down low in addition to in entrance of the web. His lengthy and highly effective stride permits him to assault with intent and minimize to the center of the ice with ease. He excels in each side of the sport as he possesses nice consciousness and might play a accountable, two-way sport. He will not be flashy, however he’s extraordinarily efficient with the best way he processes the sport and executes performs.

12. Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL) 

Malcolm Spence had an enormous DY-1 season. It began by scoring the game-winning purpose to win gold for Canada on the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, adopted that up with 62 factors in 66 video games after which added extra {hardware} with a gold medal on the U18 Championship. Spence performs a fast-pace, in-your-face sport whereas additionally displaying a powerful work ethic. He has nice agility and footspeed to shortly set up a forecheck and by no means backs down from a problem. He’ll at all times make himself recognized on a play a technique or one other. He can minimize down lanes successfully together with his skating and getting that inside benefit to create separation from the puck and regain possession. 

Associated: High 10 Draft-Eligible OHL Gamers for 2024-25: Preseason Version

13. Sascha Boumedienne, LD, Boston College (NCAA) 

Sascha Boumedienne had a powerful displaying with the Phantoms, scoring three objectives and ending with 27 factors. The Boston College commit is a extremely efficient offensive defenseman and facilitator of the puck. He’s robust on the breakout and has nice pace and four-way mobility for his measurement (6-foot-2, 183 kilos). He has no drawback leaping into the play within the offensive zone to rifle a shot, as he’s aggressive and picks his spots very properly. He has confidence to steer an assault and has the potential to be a deadly menace from the backend. 

https://twitter.com/ryan_sikes10/standing/1746343341472514156?s=46

14. Charlie Trethewey, RD, USA U18 (NTDP) 

The 2024 draft noticed EJ Emery and Stian Solberg as two, cellular defenders who can play a bodily function as properly. This 12 months, Charlie Trethewey is following of their footsteps as a defender who you wouldn’t need to go up towards given his capacity to play a powerful and bodily sport. He can shut gaps very simply and makes life depressing for the opposition within the powerful areas on the ice. He drives the play very properly and has some offensive upside, getting pucks on web and creating performs from the backend. If he can elevate that a part of his sport, he could possibly be a precious prospect.

15. Jakob Ihs Wozniak, RW, Luleå HF J20 (Nationell) 

A twin citizen of Sweden and Australia, Jakob Ihs Wozniak is a powerful playmaker and even higher finisher. He broke the file for most factors by a U17 participant within the J20 league with 50 in 36 video games and it’s clear to see why. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound winger is an offensive catalyst, possessing nice smarts, positioning and drive. He’s at all times placing himself in the suitable spot to create performs and is profitable within the course of. He’s extremely misleading, dangling round opponents with ease and in tight on goaltenders. His shot is simply as deadly together with his accuracy and energy. 

16. Filip Ekberg, LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 

Lately signing an OHL Scholarship and Improvement contract with the Ottawa 67’s, Ekberg can be making his manner abroad for his draft 12 months. He had 29 factors in 33 video games with Almtuna IS J20 and even bought known as as much as their major group within the HockeyAllsvenskan the place he had two assists in 19 video games. Ekberg thrives together with his playmaking talents. He can manoeuvre properly within the small areas on the ice. He has robust puck management, nice agility and edges and is a powerful facilitator with the puck when making performs. 

17. Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) 

Artistic, dynamic, daring, assured, there are many different phrases to explain Justin Carbonneau with the performs and strikes that he can pull off. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound winger put up 31 objectives and 59 factors final season and added one other six in seven playoff video games. Carbonneau performs and executes at a quick tempo. He excels at discovering and executing within the tight areas on the ice as the mixture of his tender arms, timing and puck dealing with expertise permits to him beat defenders effortlessly. He’s a slick playmaker and an correct shooter as he can do all of it offensively.

18. Viktor Klingsell, LW, Skellefteå AIK (J20 Nationell) 

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup’s main scorer with 12 factors actually put himself on the map together with his efficiency. He was very productive final season within the J18 Nationell league with 28 factors in 15 video games. Klingsell combines his puck dealing with and creativity to idiot defenders and expose open areas for him benefit from shortly. He doesn’t power performs and is affected person when discovering the suitable time to strike and create a possibility. Whereas he can distribute the puck, he may rip it and even crash the web for a rebound alternative. 

19. Alex Huang, RD, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) 

Other than Schaefer, I believed Alex Huang was Canada’s subsequent finest defenders on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He displayed a really accountable sport with nice consideration to element in any state of affairs that he was in. He’s a important thinker of the sport and executes performs very properly. He picks his spots to leap into the push and is at all times assured when doing so, stepping into the taking pictures lanes. He’s efficient together with his play making discovering the suitable alternative to distribute the puck and reveals nice poise inside his personal finish. He was named to the Quebec Maritime Junior All-Rookie group as he completed with 36 factors in 61 video games.  

20. Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-Metropolis People (WHL) 

After posting 29 factors in 62 video games as a rookie, Jackson Smith is poised for a much bigger function this season with the People. He’s extraordinarily gifted offensively, displaying nice pace and motion by the impartial zone to steer an assault, but in addition has a fairly robust defensive sport as properly. He has nice hole management and lively stick with disrupt performs very properly. There have been some conditions the place perhaps his timing and choice making wasn’t the very best, however he has plenty of instruments as a two-way, puck-moving defender. 

Jackson Smith Tri-City Americans
Jackson Smith, Tri-Metropolis People (Photograph Credit score: Tri-Metropolis People)

21. Émile Guité, LW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) 

Ending with 57 factors in 61 video games final season, Émile Guité was named QMJHL Rookie of the Yr and it’s clear to see why. Guité is a dominant power on the ice, displaying nice energy and energy in his sport. He’s at all times battling and displaying a powerful manner each shift, nevertheless it’s his highly effective shot and purpose scoring talents that stand out. He’s a shooter and is at all times discovering himself in the suitable spots for these prime scoring alternatives. He’s affected person and when given extra space to work with, he’ll make you pay. He has large energy in his one-timer because it explodes off his stick. 

22. Adam Benak, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) 

Adam Benak made his manner into the file ebook on the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup by surpassing Magnus Pääjärvi’s file for many factors on the match with 21. Benak was completely electrical the final two tournaments being a dynamic offensive power for Czechia. He’s extraordinarily artistic with the puck, making swift dekes at a fast tempo and is extraordinarily elusive within the course of. He’s a really fluid skater with nice agility and edges to evade strain and activate a dime. Whereas he’s an offensive expertise, he’s undersized at 5-foot-7, 157 kilos. It didn’t appear to have an effect on his play on the match, however he must proceed to point out that at every stage because the physicality will amp up. 

Adam Benak Team Czechia
Adam Benak, Crew Czechia (Photograph by Leila Devlin/Getty Pictures)

23. Milton Gästrin, C, MoDo (J20 Nationell) 

I used to be very impressed with Milton Gästrin’s drive and general consciousness for Sweden on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He completed with 10 factors in 5 video games, nevertheless it was his willpower and relentless pursuit of the puck that stood out. Along with his high-end motor, he performs laborious and reveals no stop in his sport. At 6-foot-1, 183 kilos, he makes use of his measurement to his benefit in board battles and pushing off defenders to assault the web. His depth reveals each shift and is consistently making himself concerned. 

24. Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) 

The youthful brother of San Jose Sharks ahead William, Viktor is very very like his brother with regard to being artistic and utilizing his tempo of play to their benefit. Viktor is consistently in movement, pondering shortly and making performs at full pace. He has nice footspeed and edges that makes him so elusive within the offensive zone. He attracts in gamers successfully to open issues up and his puck placement is at all times on level for his teammates. He must work on getting stronger, however the skillset is clear.

25. Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL) 

Brady Martin could be what Jett Luchanko was final season for me– flying beneath the radar to start out the season, however many will come to worth his on-ice impression. He was continuously making himself noticeable and creating performs on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup together with his energetic model and tempo of play. Though he was in a depth function, he was a standout. He’s consonantly concerned in a play and reveals that by no means surrender mentality. His pace, puck expertise and two-way sport is what makes him a extremely regarded participant and I’m positive he’ll surpass his 28 factors from final season. 

Brady Martin Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Brady Martin, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Natalie Shaver/OHL Pictures)

26. Radim Mrtka, RD, HC Ocelari Trinec U20 (Czechia U20)

NHL groups love massive and cellular defenders and Radim Mrtka undoubtedly showcased that on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. At 6-foot-6, 198 kilos, Mrtka confirmed that he can lead an assault and be a driving power on the again finish. He has nice confidence and strikes very properly for his measurement, defending the puck properly to fend off attackers. He defends the push properly and provides little time and area for attackers to work with. He’s a participant that would proceed to stand up the draft board all season. 

27. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL) 

Cameron Schmidt began to get loads of consideration final season, after scoring 31 objectives and being slightly below a degree per sport (58 factors in 59 video games) as a rookie. He’s listed as 5-foot-8, 152 kilos, although the shortage of measurement doesn’t have an effect on his capacity to battle and be a deadly taking pictures menace on the ice. He’s extraordinarily agile, displaying nice pace to get to the damaging areas on the ice and has a lightning fast launch in his shot. He continues to take strides together with his defensive sport, displaying the drive to assist out on the again test and strain opponents. 

Cameron Schmidt Vancouver Giants
Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants (Photograph Credit score: Rob Wilton)

28. Kashawn Aitcheson, LD, Barrie Colts (OHL) 

Ending with 39 factors in 64 video games final season, Kashawn Aitcheson shortly grew to become one of many Barrie Colts’ high defenders after Beau Akey underwent season ending shoulder surgical procedure. In consequence, he answered the decision very properly because the group’s go-to offensive driver on the backend. Aitcheson is at all times assessing his choices when he has the puck and is at all times executing performs very properly. He has a really sound two-way sport with a powerful bodily ingredient. If he’s capable of improve his offensive manufacturing this season, he could possibly be a really precious defender who can play in all conditions. 

29. Luka Radivojevič, RD, Örebro HK J20 (Nationell) 

The son of former NHLer, Branko, Luka is a really cellular and offensive defenseman. His mixture of his skating, offensive imaginative and prescient and playmaking talents, makes him harmful. His actions and edges permit him to flee strain, giving him extra time to evaluate his choices. He’s fast at figuring out passing lanes and is consistently making crisp and correct passes. He already has some professional expertise beneath his belt as a 17-year-old which is an effective step for his growth. 

Associated: High 10 Draft-Eligible WHL Gamers for 2024-25: Preseason Version

30. Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) 

He didn’t have the very best Hlinka Gretzky match, however Jake O’Brien had a standout rookie marketing campaign with the Bulldogs, ending fourth in group scoring with 64 factors in 61 video games being named high rookie of the OHL. O’Brien possesses nice smarts and is an distinctive playmaker, drawing in gamers to open area up and discovering cross seams with ease. He’s very artistic together with his decision-making, could make fast one contact performs and even makes probably the most tough of performs look easy. 

31. Artyom Vilchinsky, LD, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) 

Artyom Vilchinsky might very properly repeat what Anton Silayev did final 12 months, put his identify on the map and make himself generally known as a high prospect. The distinction is Silayev was within the KHL and Vilchinsky remains to be on the junior stage. Once you’re 6-foot-6, 240 kilos and generally is a clean skater within the course of, you’re going to get plenty of consideration as groups love that mixture. He’s very aggressive and undoubtedly makes use of his body to his benefit in battles and making his presence recognized within the open ice.  

32. Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) 

He could be smaller for goalie requirements (6-feet, 179 kilos), however Jack Ivankovic has been growing his inventory from final season the place he had a .915 save share and a 14-5-4 file. If he can construct off a formidable Hlinka Gretzky Cup the place he was arguably the highest goalie, he could possibly be the highest goalie chosen within the draft. He’s extraordinarily composed within the crease and when issues get tough, Ivankovic dials in and his reflexes and fast response time kicks in to make spotlight reel saves. Whether or not it’s within the OHL or in worldwide play, he’s at all times at his finest and elevates his sport. 

Though it’s early on within the draft season, there’s loads of high quality expertise which have already made themselves potential first-round alternatives. The record of gamers even extends into the second spherical as Invoice Zonnon, Cameron Reid, Joshua Ravensbergen and Quinn Beauchesne are different intriguing names to maintain a detailed watch on as they’re potential first-round candidates themselves. It’s undoubtedly going to be one other intriguing season.

Honourable Mentions

Invoice Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL), Quinn Beauchense, RD, Guelph Storm (OHL), Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL), Conrad Fondrk, C, USA U18 (NTDP), Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL), L.J. Mooney, RW, USA U18 (NTDP), Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Love Härenstam, G, Luleå HF J20 (Nationell), Max Westergård, F, Frölunda HC J20 (Nationell), Blake Fiddler, RD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), Jordan Gavin, C/LW, Tri-Metropolis People (WHL)

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Olivia Brown
Olivia Brownhttps://usdailysports.com
Olivia Brown specializes in soccer, covering MLS, NWSL, and international competitions. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Sports Media. Olivia has written for Goal.com and ESPN FC, providing thorough coverage and in-depth analysis of the sport.

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