2025 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s Top 96 March Rankings

While this isn’t a deep class beyond the first round, there’s still a lot of talent available. Here is my March top-96 Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft.

First Round

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

Despite his World Junior Championship was cut short with a broken clavicle, Schaefer has started to pull away as the first overall pick. It’s tough to find a defender with the poise, maturity and confidence that he has at such a young age. He’s a smart and gifted puck mover that excels on the breakout, be it with his passing or utilizing his high-end speed to change the pace of the game and catch everyone off guard. He’s got strong IQ, showing great reads knowing when to join the rush and attack. He’s a difference maker, an elite facilitator with the puck from the backend and his composure and confidence are already at a pro level. 

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

What Misa is doing in the OHL, is absolutely impressive. He’s decimating the competition with 120 points and is close to being the fourth draft-eligible OHLer average a goal per game (57 in 57 currently). He’s constantly showing his dynamic offensive game, elite level vision and attention to detail. He possesses some of the best hands and the ability to connect easily with his teammates, spotting the open seams and making quick and accurate passes. His goal production took a big step this season as he’s showing that he’s more than just a playmaker with his power and accuracy as a shooter. His ability to anticipate plays, quickly transition and ability to help out defensively is what makes him an all-around threat. 

3. James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA) 

Despite a strong World Junior Championship with nine points in seven games, Hagens falls from the top spot. He’s still playing well and producing with 33 points in 33 games, but it isn’t enough compared to what Misa is doing right now. However, his dynamic and elite playmaking vision and high-end IQ is still something that continues to impress everyone. The awareness and the way that he processes the game at a quick pace is impressive, using the open ice and creating more space for himself and his teammates is already at an elite level. The way he can easily bait players to open things up is impressive, placing the puck in a perfect spot for his teammates. 

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

If you want the next version of Matthew or Brady Tkachuk, then Martone is your player. His skillset, emotion and compete level alone are going to draw a lot of attention from teams. He excels in tight spaces and in front of the net with his quick hands and ability to battle. He can attack quickly and crash the net for loose pucks, unleash a powerful shot from far out or use his slick puck-handling skills and control to get around players with ease. The combination of his size and tenacity allows him to win battles easily and bully his way past opponents. He’s not afraid to chirp, drop the gloves and get under the opposition’s skin. 

5. Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) 

There were questions with Frondell due to his health at the start. However, he’s making a comeback, just as I thought he would. His production has increased as he has 16 points in his last 10 games and his overall game is back where it was last season. His awareness, drive and compete really reminds me of Leo Carlsson at the same age at the pro level. He’s a factor in all three zones and is a difference maker on both sides of the puck providing great support and coverage. He’s able to expose open lanes in order to attack swiftly and when he gets to the high traffic areas, he’s difficult to contain. He can pull off moves quickly and accurately and protects the puck well to fend off the opposition. 

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

The younger brother of William continues to excel at the pro level as an 18-year-old as he has 29 points in 40 games this season. The way that Eklund processes and thinks the game and executes plays at a quick pace is extremely remarkable. He’s always in motion and plays with a high amount of intensity and unpredictability in his game. He’s slick with the moves he pulls off as he can slip by any defender. He can distribute the puck very well like his brother, but I feel like he’s a better shooter. The combination of his skating and puck protection skills allows him to attack and generate quality chances off the rush or on the cycle. 

7. Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL) 

Smith has the trademarks of a steady two-way defender that can make his presence known offensively or defensively. He has great size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and mobility to be strong in transition. He could develop a bit more of a shooter’s mentality, but he’s an excellent playmaker and distributor on the breakout and in the offensive zone. He defends the rush really well, is aggressive to close gaps and disrupt plays efficiently with his positioning and active stick. There are times where he can get too aggressive and can get out of position, but the willingness, engagement and tools are there. 

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

Roger McQueen made his return after missing many months with a lower body injury. While his draft stock may take a hit, there’s still going to be a team that would want to draft a highly competitive and engaging centre that stands at 6-foot-5, 192 pounds. To find a player with the blend of size, physical play and offensive awareness is difficult to find and even from last season he has been delivering that every game. He’s quick on his feet and has a powerful and accurate release, especially his one-timer where he can get it off in a flash. His positioning to win battles and battle hard will attract plenty of suitors. 

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

With a strong 77 points in 51 games, Desnoyers’ ability to play with a high-level intensity, work ethic and drive without losing the high-end skill makes him a player that can be utilized in any situation. He’s very smart and knows exactly what he needs to do or where to be. With the puck, he’s quickly scanning lanes, making plays and having a strong impact offensively. Without it, he’s smart with his positioning, making himself available as an option or creating a strong net front presence. He has great speed, can get to the dirty areas and shows great detail in his game. He’s a utility-knife kind of player and excels at it. 

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

O’Brien is as dangerous as they come, as he can instantly take charge and change the result of the game. He’s got a soft set of hands, making difficult moves look easy with his slick dangles in tight spaces. He’s very deceptive and patient when he has the puck and is deceptive with his movements and body positioning. He does a great job to open things up to attack the middle of the ice and distribute the puck for quick give-and-go plays or long-distance passes in the offensive zone. His head is on a swivel, scanning lanes or providing a strong presence defensively. He’s constantly cutting through defenses and has opponents on their heels with his decision-making.

11. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Lynden Lakovic continues to display his power-forward game and dominance in the offensive zone. He has the perfect blend of size, strength and speed. He has the ability to create that separation and break free from opposing players with his long stride and agility and has a powerful shot to boot. He’s physically engaging and excels along the boards or below the goal line, imposing his will in those areas. He has a lightning quick and powerful wrist shot from far out and can do a lot of damage anywhere in the offensive zone. When you already have the kind of style of play as part of your arsenal, you’ll generate a lot of buzz.

12. Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Cameron Reid continues to fly under the radar as his play throughout his draft year continues to improve his draft stock. He’s one of the more productive defenders in the OHL as he’s ninth among defenders with 50 points in 61 games, but it’s his simplistic style and execution as a defender that really impresses me. He isn’t flashy by any means, but he’s smart and is always making the right play in any situation. He’s quick and strong on puck retrievals and has the ability to rush a play or breakout out effectively. His timing to break up plays is impeccable and has the ability to quickly transition for a rush opportunity. 

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

An absolute force physically, Kashawn Aitcheson has become a favourite amongst many as a result. He has no problem stepping up to make a big open ice hit or be a handful in the corners or in front of the net. He truly is a handful to play against and when you’re on the ice, you better keep your head up. He has a sound two-way game with great anticipation and has an absolute bomb with great accuracy from the point. His 22 goals is third among OHL defenders, showing his willingness to get pucks on net and even pinch up and join in the offensive zone. He’s quick on the breakouts, defends rushes very well and is coming up clutch in key moments in a game.

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

Martin’s offensive production has picked up significantly as of late. His 61 points has him just outside the top-30 in OHL scoring, it’s his 200-foot game and work ethic that he possesses that has him on alert every night. He continues to get better as the season progresses with his IQ and ability to thrive in all situations. Martin always seems to be in the right place at the right time to make something happen, be it offensively or defensively. He has a great set of hands and always possesses a great mindset. He’s relentless and constantly engaging with the play. He’s a play driver and his style of play is similar to Jett Luchanko last season. 

15. Radim Mrtka, RD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Signing with the Thunderbirds in November, Mrtka continues to be impactful as he’s producing under a point per game with 32 points in 36 games. Already having pro experience in Czechia to start the season, Mrtka’s ability to be a highly mobile, two-way defender continues to be on display. He’s very effective with his skating, changing his angles and utilizing his edgework very well. He’s effective on the breakouts and is confident in driving a play forward. Defensively, he breaks up plays very well with his reach and outmuscles puck carriers along the boards or in front of the net. 

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

Spence has taken a big step forward in his draft year as he sits third in scoring for the Otters with 59 points in 56 games. His speed and work ethic are what makes him effective when he has the puck, constantly driving hard to the middle and creating opportunities for others. He excels in a lot of areas of the game as a player that can do it all and can provide a spark for his team. His work ethic is very noticeable and his strength standouts in plays below the goal or on the boards winning battles. He’s an effective speedy, energetic and hard-working forward that will be a difference maker for the future.

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

Carbonneau is an extremely creative and dynamic player with the moves that he can pull off at a quick pace. He’s currently third in QMHJL scoring points with 78. When in the offensive zone, he’s always dancing with the puck and always finds himself in the high danger area. He’s got great precision and timing with his dekes and he’s always in motion, displaying great agility and edgework. Although, there are times where his strength can be his weakness as he would tend to do much and lose control, though you can’t deny the excitement he brings every shift. 

18. Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Another draft-eligible player that’s tearing it up offensively in the WHL, Benjamin Kindel continues to dominate as he’s sixth in league scoring with 94 points in 57 games. Kindel brings a lot of versatility to his game. He’s competitive, has a strong work ethic, offensively driven, shows great smarts and decision making and positioning away from the puck. He’s always following the play and is always in position to break up a play or create an opportunity. He’s effective in all three zones and is a difference maker every time. 

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

Goal scoring is always on Schmidt’s mind as his 34 tallies suggest. No matter where he is on the ice, he’s going to be a scoring threat and find the back of the net. He excels at finding the open spaces to get those prime scoring chances, utilizing his speed and agility to his advantage and put defenders on their heels. He has a fantastic release and can beat you from long range or in tight with his swift wrist shot. He’s 5-foot-8, but that doesn’t bother him at all as he continues to power his way through traffic, attack with intent and make life miserable for defenders. 

20. Logan Hensler, RD, USA U18 (NTDP) 

It was an adjustment period for Hensler at the collegiate level. He didn’t quite find his footing until later on, but now he appears to have found his game. He’s a smooth skating, two-way pivot that can be a strong puck mover and distributor from the back end. He has a strong transitional game and can be very deceptive with the puck. He can disrupt and breakup plays very well while closing gaps effectively to take time and space away from attacking players.

21. Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) 

There should be more eyes on Bill Zonnon with the power and skill he brings. Sitting eighth in points in the QMJHL with 73, he’s a high motor player with blazing speed and skill. With his 6-foot-2, 190 pound-frame, he’s extremely competitive when battling in 50-50 puck battles and down low. He anticipates plays very well to force turnovers, does a great job to push defenders back and attacks quickly to open things up on the rush. He also has no problem attacking one-on-one and drive hard to the net. Even when defending, he’s hounding pucks and pressuring defenders. He has a powerful shot, great hands and is a very accurate playmaker. 

22. Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)

His production may be be average (21 points in 32 games), but Potter is a stand out. He’s always creating and generating chances when he’s on the ice, as he has a really strong skillset and is a fantastic play driver. At 5-foot-9, 168 pounds his pace of play, agility and edgework can get him out of tough situations. As a result, it’s a big reason why he’s a threat on the rush, as his speed allows him to cut in and get around defenders with his movement. His puck skills and handling instantly stand out as he can easily manipulate plays and fool defenders. 

23. Carter Bear, C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

After a hot first-half, Bear’s production has taken a dip over the last few months. However, his power and pace to his game is a big reason why he’s a top name. He’s tenacious when on the attack and has great control of the puck in tight spaces. He smothers opponents to close gaps and gain the inside edge in puck battles on the boards or down low. He never quits or gives up on plays and he’s always coming out with the puck and driving hard to the middle. He has good speed, but his edges and pivots need work and his shot selection can be questionable. 

24. Blake Fiddler, RD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) 

Another fierce defender, Fiddler is a stalwart on the backend as he’s a tough customer to go up against one-on-one. He can make big-time checks, is aggressive to take time and space away from the opponent and also has some strong offensive tools. While he’s not an offensive defenseman, he’s a great skater for his size and has no problem to lead an attack when he has the opportunity. He’s a responsible player that can handle big minutes and can handle a heavy work load as a result.

25. Eric Nilson, C, Djurgårdens IF J20 (Nationell)

With 38 points in 36 games, Eric Nilson possesses great smarts and vision on the ice, He’s quick on the rush, attacking swiftly to the middle of the ice and exposing weak points against the opposition. He has great hands to fool defenders and can easily make moves in traffic, all without breaking stride. He’s very responsible within his own end, providing great support for his teammates, but also closes gaps and taking space away effectively. He’s always where the puck is. Even if he doesn’t have possession, he’s ready to anticipate a play and break it up. 

26. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 

Jack Nesbitt has taken a big step forward with his overall play and production this season with 55 points in 58 games. Nesbitt is an intimidating player to go up against with his 6-foot-4, 183-pound frame and he uses that to his advantage constantly. He’s engaging physically, protects the puck very well and can outmuscle opponents along the boards or in front of the net to win a puck battle. Combine that with his strong, two-way presence away from the puck and you have the making of a centre that can do it all in all three zones. 

27. Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 

I love the way that Behm approaches the game as his blend of size, smarts and skill standout. He’s highly skilled with his playmaking and ability to generate offense and chances for, but instantly change that to a more physical style whenever he needs to. He has great smarts and reads each situation well. He’s tenacious when battling and shows great composure and strength when fending off attacking players. He can be very deceptive as you’ll be guessing whether or not he’s going to pass or shoot and vice-versa.  

28. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL) 

Joshua Ravensburgen is the favourite to be the first goalie selected in this draft because of size, mobility and vision he has in the crease. He’s extremely athletic in the crease, making long stretch saves and taking up a good chunk of the net with his 6-foot-5, 192-pound frame. He has strong lateral movements and has a great eye to track the puck through traffic. While his .902 save percentage and 2.97 goals against average may be average, he has a 30-11-4 record and is a very important player for the Cougars in net. 

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

Cole Reschny’s stock may have fallen, but his two-way game and puck skills are a major staple to his success. He has great patience and his puck control is top notch. He has great on-ice vision as he has great attention to detail and his passing and playmaking skills are very precise and accurate. He can spot seams very easily, has soft hands in tight spaces and plays with a great amount of energy and drive. He’s always engaging in the offensive zone and wants to make something happen as he’ll never give up on a play.

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

Milton Gästrin continues to be consistent with his play and is well over a point per game in the J20 Nationell with 39 points in 37 games. He displays a tremendous amount of compete and has a strong two-way game. He’s relentless when pursuing the puck and his high-end motor shows that. He’s constantly using his size to win battles, or using the combination of his hands, speed and edgework to power through defenders and generate plays. He doesn’t possess the high-end skill like other players, but he’s effective and can be relied upon in any situation.

31. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) 

Braeden Cootes is one of the hardest working players in this draft class with his drive, as he’s always hunting down pucks, establishing attacks with his forechecking style and 200-foot game. He is extremely persistent and constantly coming out on top of puck battles. He plays heavy, is very intense and doesn’t back down from a battle. Defensively, he’s just as effective hustling back to help on the backcheck, getting the inside edge on puck carriers, lifting sticks and quickly regaining control.

32. Haoxi “Simon” Wang, LD, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

After gaining attention early on in the season in the OJHL and joining the Generals, Haoxi Wang continues to be an intriguing prospect as he gets more recognition for being a first-round pick. He has all the tools you want in a defender. He has the size, mobility to provide support on the rush, compete and defensive zone positioning in his game that teams covet in a steady, two-way defender. He’s raw, but the projection and tools are evident. Over time, he could develop into a very impactful defender as he continues to rise up leading into the draft. 

Second Round

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

34. Luca Romano, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

35. Jack Murtagh, C/LW, USA U18 (NTDP)

36. Carter Amico, RD, USA U18 (NTDP)

37. Melvin Novotny, F, Leksands IF J20 (Nationell)

38. Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State (NCAA)

39. Eddie Genborg, F, Linköping HC J20 (Nationell)

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

41. William Moore, C, USA U18 (NTDP)

42. Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

43. Kurban Limatov, LD, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

44. Kristian Epperson, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

45. Cole McKinney, C, USA U18 (NTDP)

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

47. Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

48. Conrad Fondrk, C, USA U18 (NTDP)

49. Sascha Boumedienne, LD, Boston University (NCAA)

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

51. William Horcoff, C, USA U18 (NTDP)

52. Tomas Pobezal, C, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

53. Henry Brzustewicz, RD, London Knights (OHL)

54. Ryker Lee, RW, Madison Capitals (USHL)

55. Vojtěch Čihař, LW, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia)

56. L.J. Mooney, RW, USA U18 (NTDP)

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

58. Pyotr Andreyanov, G, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

59. Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

60. Malte Vass, LD, Färjestad BK J20 (Nationell)

61. Quinn Beauchense, RD, Guelph Storm (OHL)

62. Reese Hamilton, LD, Regina Pats (WHL)

63. Owen Conrad, LD, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)

64. Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, LD, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)

Third Round

65. Mason West, C, Edina High (USHS-MN)

66. Arvid Drott, RW, Djurgårdens IF J20 (Nationell)

67. David Rozsíval, LW, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

68. Alexei Medvedev, G, London Knights (OHL)

69. Semyon Frolov, G, MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

70. Theo Stockselius, C, Djurgårdens IF J20 (Nationell)

71. Matthew Gard, C, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

72. Shamar Moses, RW, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

73. Tomas Poletin, LW, Pelicans U20 (SM-sarja)

74. Mateo Norbert, C, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

75. Ethan Czata, C, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)

76. Petteri Rimpinen, G, Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga)

77. Hayden Paupanekis, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

78. Carson Cameron, RD, Peterborough Petes (OHL) 

79. Kieren Dervin, C, St. Andrew’s College (HIGH-ON)

80. Luka Radivojevič, RD, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

81. Lucas Beckman, G, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

82. Max Psenicka, RD, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

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

84. Zachary Morin, LW, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

85. Philippe Veilleux, C/LW, Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)

86. Oscar Davidsson, LW, HV71 (SHL)

87. David Lewandowksi, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

88. Tomas Galvas, LD, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

89. Lucas Karmiris, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

90. Max Westergård, F, Frölunda HC J20 (Nationell)

91. Karl Annborn, RD, HV71 J20 (GOOD)

92. Lasse Boelius, LD, Ässät (Liiga)

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

94. Zeb Lindgren, LD, Skellefteå AIK J20 (Nationell)

95. Love Härenstam, G, Luleå HF J20 (Nationell)

96. Topias Hynninen, C, Jukurit (Liiga)

Honourable Mentions

Owen Griffin, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL), Oliwer Sjöström, LD, Luleå HF J20 (Nationell), Lirim Amidovski, RW, North Bay Battalion (OHL), Jordan Gavin, C/LW, Tri-City Americans (WHL), Filip Ekberg, LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL), Émile Guité, LW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL), David Bedkowski, RD, Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Ethan Wyttenbach, LW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)