HockeyProspect.com is excited to announce our first 2025 NHL Draft Ranking of the season. This list includes a top 64 ranking (link), with the top 32 available for free here and the full top 64 + goalie list accessible for members.

Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters is our top-ranked prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, and he is off to a fantastic start this season. After coming back from mononucleosis, which caused him to miss team training camp and the first nine games, he has recorded 18 points in 14 games. This already surpasses his total from last season, where he had 17 points in 56 games during his rookie year.

Schaefer is excelling in the OHL and is only going to improve, being one of the youngest players eligible for the draft as a September birthday. He consistently plays big minutes for the Otters, often exceeding 30 minutes per game. His strong skating ability and smooth hands make him a dangerous player in one-on-one situations. At this point in the season, he is clearly our number-one prospect.

Michael Misa is our second-ranked prospect and has had an outstanding season so far with Saginaw. He currently leads the OHL in scoring with 46 points in 23 games and has recorded points in 22 of those 23 games. Following Misa in our rankings is James Hagens from Boston College, who, in his freshman NCAA season, has tallied 15 points in 12 games. Although he has only scored one goal so far, his playmaking skills and two-way game are excellent.

The race for the second overall spot between these two players was close with Hagens, as they both excel in two-way play and have some similar skill sets. Ultimately, we chose Misa for this ranking because he is younger, has more size, and is a better skater and when he is really on his game, his ceiling looks quite high.

Anton Frondell is currently our fourth-ranked prospect. Unfortunately, he has faced a challenging time due to injuries. A foot injury ended his season last March, and he has since dealt with a knee injury at the start of this season. Recently, after playing two solid games in the Allsvenskan, he suffered another injury.

If he can stay healthy, we believe that Frondell has the potential to challenge for the second overall pick in this draft. However, he needs to play better as his performance this season has not met our expectations.

Frondell is a powerful player who plays a physical game, offering a contrast to players like Misa and Hagens who are more passive on the ice. He possesses a good frame, he has smooth hands and a deadly shot. We still believe in his potential.

The 2025 NHL Draft currently appears to be a weaker class than usual, and this assessment aligns with feedback we’re receiving from NHL team scouts so far. Specifically within Europe, in the USHL and the NTDP. The QMJHL, WHL & NCAA have decent talent pools comparing to their usual draft classes, while the OHL has a good class of eligible players. However, there is a noticeable shortage of high-end talents in this draft class and it starts early in our list.

Top-32 rankings are available for free on our website. Members can access our Top-64 rankings as well as our goalie list.

We’re recording an episode of Scouting Sessions this Monday night, which will be available on our YouTube channel on Wednesday at noon. In this episode, we will discuss our draft rankings. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos every week.

2025 NHL Draft Top 32 Prospects Ranking, November 25, 2024