You will find at the bottom of this article a chart with the top 50 prospects in the NHL currently. Comparing the current ranking of prospects in our report to their previous ranking in our summer yearbook (which is a top 300), these are the affiliated prospects who have improved their stock the most this season. 25 Risers for 2025. Subscribers can access the top 200 prospects with links to the players page and full profiles here.
We are releasing our team rankings in descending order from the worst prospect pool to the best on our site over the next few weeks. Subscribers can read the full profiles and the team overview and learn about the future stars of your favourite team. If you would like to subscribe you can link here.
Scott Morrow - Defense - Carolina Hurricanes
Previous Ranking: 65, New Ranking: 20
In his first full pro season after signing out of UMass, Morrow has been an immediate impact player. He was one of the top offensive defenders in the AHL and has since performed very well in a late season call up with the Hurricanes.
Tristan Luneau - Defense - Anaheim Ducks
Previous Ranking: 84, New Ranking: 32
The rich get richer. After missing most of last season due to injury, Luneau has returned with a vengeance this season. He’s been a two-way standout at the AHL level and should push for a full time roster spot in the very near future…even with Anaheim’s incredible U25 depth.
Liam Greentree - Wing - Los Angeles Kings
Previous Ranking: 87, New Ranking: 35
A late first round selection of the Kings last year, Greentree was one of the best players in the OHL this past season, helping the Windsor Spitfires go from worst to first. The power winger continues to improve his skating and looks the part of a future NHL standout.
Cole Hutson - Defense - Washington Capitals
Previous Ranking: 246, New Ranking: 44
Few affiliated prospects in the game improved their stock more than Cole Hutson this year. Look at the resume: One of the highest scoring defenders in the NCAA as a freshman, A WJC gold medal and a spot on the tournament all-star team, and a National Championship appearance with Boston University.
Owen Pickering - Defense - Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous Ranking: 131, New Ranking: 49
Sure, the Penguins prospect pool is hurting and that’s given Pickering a chance to perform at a high level with significant ice time as a rookie pro, but he’s handled it extremely well and looks the part of a longtime top four defender for Pittsburgh.
Sam Rinzel - Defense - Chicago Blackhawks
Previous Ranking: 125, New Ranking: 51
Rinzel has always been considered a long-term project, the Hawks knew this when they drafted him in the first round out of Minnesota High School hockey in 2022. But the pick is bearing fruit now. Rinzel was one of the top defenders in the NCAA this year and he looks near NHL ready.
Oliver Kapanen - Center - Montreal Canadiens
Previous Ranking: 142, New Ranking: 52
One of the biggest risers in our yearbook this past summer, thanks to a strong performance at the World Championships for Finland, Kapanen continues to rise. He nearly made the Canadiens full time this year and then was a near point per game player in the SHL. An intelligent two-way center, he looks like an NHL lock.
Luca Cagnoni - Defense - San Jose Sharks
Previous Ranking: 231, New Ranking: 60
We’re approaching the “sometimes you’re just wrong on a prospect” space with Cagnoni, a player that we’ve been skeptical about previously. But, he’s made the leap to the pro level just fine, with his offensive talent translating effortlessly.
Isaac Howard - Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous Ranking: 157, New Ranking: 61
The former first round selection exploded in his junior season with Michigan State and was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker. Improvements to his strength and conditioning have done wonders for his play with the puck. The question is…will he sign with Tampa Bay?
Owen Beck - Center - Montreal Canadiens
Previous Ranking: 132, New Ranking: 65
You could probably make the argument that Beck has looked better as a first year pro in the AHL than he did over his three OHL seasons. His game just screams long time NHL standout thanks to his speed, tenacity, and IQ. But the skill has translated better than expected.
Dmitri Buchelnikov - Wing - Detroit Red Wings
Previous Ranking: 134, New Ranking: 66
Year to year improvement is the hallmark of a strong prospect and Buchelnikov has done just that. He was one of the top rookies in the KHL two years ago. This past year, he emerged as an offensive star. Next stop NHL? Detroit will have to wait because he still has contract time left with his KHL team.
Nick Lardis - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks
Previous Ranking: 152, New Ranking: 69
Putting a wrist injury behind him, Lardis exploded in his final junior season to be the first OHL player to score 70 goals since John Tavares. He was dominant in every fashion. Lardis is such a dangerous player because of the combination of his skating ability and shot. His progression this year has given him a more optimistic outlook as a top six contributor for the Hawks.
Igor Chernyshov - Wing - San Jose Sharks
Previous Ranking: 185, New Ranking: 72
Talk about meeting the hype of a long-awaited debut. When Chernyshov’s shoulder rehab finally finished and he suited up for the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), he immediately became one of the OHL’s elite players, leading the league in points per game this season.
Leevi Merilainen - Goaltender - Ottawa Senators
Previous Ranking: 196, New Ranking: 90
Merilainen has really turned things around after a couple disappointing post draft years. He’s improved every year as a pro and has been fantastic in limited starts for the Senators this season. Have the Senators finally found their netminder of the future?
Ilya Protas - Wing - Washington Capitals
Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 91
One of two prospects to go from being unranked previously, to inside of our top 100. Protas was one of the best players in the OHL this season with Windsor. His skating does still need work, but everything else about his game is top notch. Protas is a highly intelligent player.
Colton Dach - Center - Chicago Blackhawks
Previous Ranking: 227, New Ranking: 96
Even if injuries continue to be an issue (a recent elbow injury has limited his NHL participation), he’s had a terrific season split between the AHL and the NHL. The big, power pivot is the ideal middle six pivot for the Hawks rebuild.
William Stromgren - Wing - Calgary Flames
Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 99
The other prospect to climb from outside of the top 300 to inside the top 100, Stromgren is an elite skating winger whose offensive skill set has finally caught up to his feet. He’s been one of the best players in Calgary’s system this year and has put himself in contention for a roster spot next year.
Ilya Nabokov - Goaltender - Colorado Avalanche
Previous Ranking: 250, New Ranking: 102
Nabokov has proven this year that he’s no fluke, after coming out of nowhere to capture the KHL rookie of the year and KHL playoffs MVP awards last year. He’s been equally strong in Russia and Colorado may look to bring him into the fold sooner, rather than later.
Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center - Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous Ranking: 238, New Ranking: 103
A strong shooting and creative pivot with a center lane mentality, Del Bel Belluz had a terrific second pro season in the Jackets system. Not only was he a standout at the AHL level, but he’s produced offensively when called upon by the Blue Jackets.
Roman Kantserov - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks
Previous Ranking: 230, New Ranking: 104
An undersized, but highly skilled winger, Kantserov exploded offensively in the KHL this season, more than doubling his output from the previous year. He has another year on his KHL contract, but after that? He could be a big part of Chicago’s rebuild.
Elias Pettersson - Defense - Vancouver Canucks
Previous Ranking: 300, New Ranking: 106
Not every high-end defensive prospect needs to be a world beater offensively. Pettersson has climbed the prospect rankings thanks to his attention to detail at both ends and his outstanding upside as a defensive stalwart. He hasn’t looked out of place as an NHL player this season.
Mikhail Yegorov - Goaltender - New Jersey Devils
Previous Ranking: 253, New Ranking: 110
It’s no exaggeration to suggest that Yegorov may have saved Boston University’s season, after making the jump from the USHL at midseason. He shored up their shaky netminding, helping them reach the National Championship.
Alex Bump - Wing - Philadelphia Flyers
Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 120
A breakout star in the NCAA with Western Michigan, Bump may just be one of the most underrated affiliated prospects in hockey. He’s a dynamic creator in transition and could be a real diamond in the rough for the Flyers.
Jesse Kiiskinen - Wing - Detroit Red Wings
Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 133
The Andrew Gibson for Kiiskinen swap between the Predators and Red Wings has worked out incredibly well in Detroit’s favor after Kiiskinen’s breakout season in Liiga, where he was a near point per game player as a U20.
Tarin Smith - Defense - Anaheim Ducks
Previous Ranking: 269, New Ranking: 144
Drafted in the third-round last year, Smith’s offensive upside was considered a major strength and he’s shown that this year, emerging as one of the WHL’s most dangerous scoring blueliners with Everett. As he continues to improve defensively, the sky is the limit.
| RNK | PLAYER | NHL | POS | AGE | HT/WT | Acquired | TM - 2024-25 Stats | GP | G(W) | A(L) | PTS(GAA) | PIM(SPCT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivan Demidov | Mtl | RW | 19 | 5-11/180 | `24(5th) | SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) | 65 | 19 | 30 | 49 | 22 |
| 2 | Ryan Leonard | Wsh | RW | 20 | 5-11/190 | `23(8th) | Boston College (HE) | 37 | 30 | 19 | 49 | 46 |
| 3 | Sam Dickinson | SJ | D | 18 | 6-3/205 | `24(11th) | London (OHL) | 55 | 29 | 62 | 91 | 39 |
| 4 | Artyom Levshunov | Chi | D | 19 | 6-2/205 | `24(2nd) | Rockford (AHL) | 52 | 5 | 17 | 22 | 59 |
| 5 | Berkly Catton | Sea | C | 19 | 5-10/175 | `24(8th) | Spokane (WHL) | 57 | 38 | 71 | 109 | 30 |
| 6 | Alexander Nikishin | Car | D | 23 | 6-4/215 | `20(69th) | SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) | 61 | 17 | 29 | 46 | 32 |
| 7 | Yaroslav Askarov | SJ | G | 22 | 6-3/175 | T(Nsh-8/24) | San Jose (AHL) | 22 | 11 | 9 | 2.45 | 0.923 |
| 8 | Jonathan Lekkerimaki | Van | RW | 20 | 5-11/170 | `22(15th) | Abbotsford (AHL) | 36 | 19 | 9 | 28 | 0 |
| 9 | Beckett Sennecke | Ana | RW | 19 | 6-2/175 | `24(3rd) | Oshawa (OHL) | 56 | 36 | 50 | 86 | 66 |
| 10 | Zeev Buium | Min | D | 19 | 6-0/185 | `24(12th) | Denver (NCHC) | 41 | 13 | 35 | 48 | 44 |
| 11 | Zayne Parekh | Cgy | D | 19 | 6-0/180 | `24(9th) | Saginaw (OHL) | 61 | 33 | 74 | 107 | 96 |
| 12 | Anton Silayev | NJ | D | 19 | 6-7/210 | `24(10th) | Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) | 63 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 37 |
| 13 | Tij Iginla | Uta | C | 18 | 6-0/190 | `24(6th) | Kelowna (WHL) | 21 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 13 |
| 14 | Daniil But | Uta | LW | 20 | 6-5/203 | `23(12th) | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) | 54 | 9 | 19 | 28 | 16 |
| 15 | Axel Sandin-Pellikka | Det | D | 20 | 5-11/180 | `23(17th) | Skelleftea AIK (SHL) | 46 | 12 | 17 | 29 | 22 |
| 16 | Danila Yurov | Min | RW | 21 | 6-1/175 | `22(24th) | Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) | 46 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 10 |
| 17 | Dalibor Dvorsky | StL | C | 19 | 6-1/200 | `23(10th) | Springfield (AHL) | 61 | 21 | 24 | 45 | 22 |
| 18 | Matthew Savoie | Edm | C | 21 | 5-9/180 | T(Buf-7/24) | Bakersfield (AHL) | 66 | 19 | 35 | 54 | 28 |
| 19 | Brad Lambert | Wpg | C | 21 | 6-0/180 | `22(30th) | Manitoba (AHL) | 61 | 7 | 28 | 35 | 28 |
| 20 | Scott Morrow | Car | D | 22 | 6-2/195 | `21(40th) | Chicago (AHL) | 52 | 13 | 26 | 39 | 47 |
| 21 | Bradly Nadeau | Car | LW | 19 | 5-10/165 | `23(30th) | Chicago (AHL) | 64 | 32 | 26 | 58 | 36 |
| 22 | Dmitri Simashev | Uta | D | 20 | 6-4/198 | `23(6th) | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) | 56 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| 23 | Gabe Perreault | NYR | RW | 19 | 5-11/165 | `23(23rd) | Boston College (HE) | 37 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 25 |
| 24 | David Reinbacher | Mtl | D | 20 | 6-2/185 | `23(5th) | Laval (AHL) | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| 25 | Liam Ohgren | Min | LW | 21 | 6-1/200 | `22(19th) | Iowa (AHL) | 41 | 19 | 18 | 37 | 10 |
| 26 | Carter Yakemchuk | Ott | D | 19 | 6-3/200 | `24(7th) | Calgary (WHL) | 56 | 17 | 32 | 49 | 82 |
| 27 | Sebastian Cossa | Det | G | 22 | 6-6/229 | `21(15th) | Grand Rapids (AHL) | 41 | 21 | 15 | 2.45 | 0.911 |
| 28 | Tom Willander | Van | D | 20 | 6-1/180 | `23(11th) | Boston University (HE) | 39 | 2 | 22 | 24 | 8 |
| 29 | Easton Cowan | Tor | RW | 19 | 5-10/170 | `23(28th) | London (OHL) | 46 | 29 | 40 | 69 | 41 |
| 30 | Calum Ritchie | NYI | C | 20 | 6-2/185 | T(Col-3/25) | Oshawa (OHL) | 47 | 15 | 55 | 70 | 50 |
| 31 | Cayden Lindstrom | CBJ | C | 19 | 6-3/215 | `24(4th) | Medicine Hat (WHL) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 32 | Tristan Luneau | Ana | D | 21 | 6-1/195 | `22(53rd) | San Diego (AHL) | 59 | 9 | 43 | 52 | 21 |
| 33 | Denton Mateychuk | CBJ | D | 20 | 5-11/190 | `22(12th) | Columbus (NHL) | 45 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 20 |
| 34 | Jacob Fowler | Mtl | G | 20 | 6-1/215 | `23(69th) | Boston College (HE) | 35 | 25 | 7 | 1.63 | 0.940 |
| 35 | Liam Greentree | LA | RW | 19 | 6-3/215 | `24(26th) | Windsor (OHL) | 64 | 49 | 70 | 119 | 59 |
| 36 | Michael Hage | Mtl | C | 19 | 6-1/190 | `24(21st) | Michigan (B1G) | 33 | 13 | 21 | 34 | 23 |
| 37 | Konsta Helenius | Buf | C | 18 | 5-11/190 | `24(14th) | Rochester (AHL) | 65 | 14 | 21 | 35 | 28 |
| 38 | Jimmy Snuggerud | StL | RW | 20 | 6-2/185 | `22(23rd) | Minnesota (B1G) | 40 | 24 | 27 | 51 | 29 |
| 39 | Lian Bichsel | Dal | D | 20 | 6-6/233 | `22(18th) | Dallas (NHL) | 38 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 41 |
| 40 | Quentin Musty | SJ | LW | 19 | 6-2/200 | `23(26th) | Sudbury (OHL) | 33 | 30 | 29 | 59 | 14 |
| 41 | Joshua Roy | Mtl | RW | 21 | 6-0/190 | `21(150th) | Laval (AHL) | 47 | 20 | 15 | 35 | 10 |
| 42 | Jett Luchanko | Phi | C | 18 | 5-11/185 | `24(13th) | Guelph (OHL) | 46 | 21 | 35 | 56 | 46 |
| 43 | Seamus Casey | NJ | D | 21 | 5-9/165 | `22(46th) | Utica (AHL) | 30 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 8 |
| 44 | Cole Hutson | Wsh | D | 18 | 5-10/165 | `24(43rd) | Boston University (HE) | 39 | 14 | 34 | 48 | 64 |
| 45 | Logan Mailloux | Mtl | D | 22 | 6-3/215 | `21(31st) | Laval (AHL) | 63 | 12 | 21 | 33 | 74 |
| 46 | Jesper Wallstedt | Min | G | 22 | 6-3/215 | `21(20th) | Iowa (AHL) | 27 | 9 | 14 | 3.59 | 0.879 |
| 47 | Cole Eiserman | NYI | LW | 18 | 6-0/195 | `24(20th) | Boston University (HE) | 39 | 25 | 11 | 36 | 27 |
| 48 | Ivan Miroshnichenko | Wsh | LW | 21 | 6-1/185 | `22(20th) | Hershey (AHL) | 53 | 23 | 19 | 42 | 28 |
| 49 | Owen Pickering | Pit | D | 21 | 6-4/180 | `22(21st) | Wilkes-Barre (AHL) | 47 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 10 |
| 50 | Nate Danielson | Det | C | 20 | 6-2/185 | `23(9th) | Grand Rapids (AHL) | 71 | 12 | 27 | 39 | 33 |