North American skaters | International skaters | North American goalies | International goalkeepers
Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Junior League (OHL), ranks first in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-season rankings for the best North American skaters eligible for the upcoming draft.
The rankings for the best North American skaters and goaltenders, as well as the best international skaters and goaltenders, have also been revealed. Right winger Victor Eklund of Djurgarden, in the Swedish second division, ranks first among international skaters.
Center James Hagens from Boston College (NCAA), center Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), right winger Porter Martone from the Brampton Steelheads (OHL) and center Roger McQueen from the Wheat Kings from Brandon (WHL) complete the North American top-5.
“The 2025 crop is very rich in talent and there has not been a clear consensus on the number 1 in our group, but at this stage we have Schaefer at number one ahead of Hagens and Misa,” said Dan Marr , director of the NHL Central Scouting. “He is the best prospect available at his position and the results he is getting with his combination of speed, skill and size give him the edge over the top spot. Although his game is still improving, he is adopting a style that will be well suited when he gets the opportunity to play in the NHL. »
Among the QMJHL skaters, Moncton Wildcats forward Caleb Denoyers comes in 7th place, ahead of Blainville-Boisbriand Armada forward Justin Carbonneau (13th) and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward Bill Zonnon (29th).
Among North American goalies, Lucas Beckman of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar is the best ranked in the QMJHL at 3rd, ahead of Samuel Meloche of the Huskies (4th), Louis-Antoine Denault of the Remparts (7th) and Gabriel D’Aigle ( 8th).
Joshua Ravensbergen, of the Prince George Cougars in the WHL, is seen as the best North American goalie, while Russian Pyotr Andreyanov has the same status among European goalies.
