While forward James Hagens has been tipped as the best prospect in the next National Hockey League (NHL) draft for some time, an expert has just demoted him to second place from his most recent list.
• Also read: The 20 best Quebecers for the 2025 NHL draft
Craig Button of the TSN network, who has covered draft activities for several years, preferred Ontario forward Porter Martone in his brand new ranking published Monday. The latter occupied fourth place on Button’s list published before the start of the season.
Aged 18, Martone is off to an excellent start to his campaign in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OHL) with 43 points in just 21 games. He ranks second in points on the circuit behind Button’s third best prospect, center Michael Misa. He has already scored 23 goals and 46 points in 23 games, allowing him to move from seventh to third on TSN’s recruiting director’s list.
Among Quebecers, Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers is in ninth place. The 6’2″, 179 lbs skater has scored 31 points in 20 games so far this season and is very effective in both directions of the game.
“Caleb is a pivotal center player on a team, according to Button. Five-on-five, on the power play, shorthanded, in tough matches, in finesse matches. He can score and make plays. His level of competition is remarkable. He’s a great competitor and has a lot of skills.”
Two other players from Quebec find themselves in the top-32 of the rankings. Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada arrives at 21e echelon while Zachary Morin of the Saint John Sea Dogs is at 29e rang.
Bill Zonnon of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (37e), Émile Guité of the Saguenéens of Chicoutimi (49e), Mateo Nobert of the Army (57e) and Philippe Veilleux of the Val-d’Or Foreurs (63e) also get a mention.
Button’s top-5:
1) Porter Martone, AD, Brampton (OHL)
2) James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
3) Michael Misa, C/AG, Saginaw (OHL)
4) Matthew Shaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
5) Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens (SWE J20)
