Daniil Prokhorov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #14 New York Islanders – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:00:09 +0000

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 20: Boston University Terriers forward Cole Eiserman (34) looks on during the Hockey East semifinal game between the Boston University Terriers and the UConn Huskies on March 20, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 14th (Last Year - 11th)
GM: Mathieu Darche Hired: May 2025
COACH: Patrick Roy Hired: January 2024

It has been a roller coaster for the New York Islanders in our McKeens rankings. After climbing an impressive 10 spots last year, the organization slides back three positions to 14th. That volatility can be tied to one player: Matthew Schaefer. After winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, the Islanders wasted no time selecting the dynamic Canadian defenceman first overall. Schaefer has exceeded even the highest expectations, making an immediate impact and graduating from prospect status the moment he took his rookie lap. In doing so, he has already begun to reshape the franchise's long-term outlook overnight.

With Schaefer no longer part of the “system”, the Islanders’ prospect pool is now headlined by two players selected shortly after him in the same draft: Victor Eklund (32nd) and Kashawn Aitcheson (35th). Eklund, taken 11th overall in 2025, has impressed during his rookie season in the SHL, showing strong offensive instincts against professional competition. Aitcheson, selected one pick later, led all OHL defencemen in scoring as captain of the Barrie Colts in 2025-26 and has since signed his entry-level contract. Cole Eiserman (45th), the Islanders’ first-round pick from 2024, has officially begun his professional journey. Following a 43-goals-in-71-game NCAA career, the sharpshooting winger has signed his papers and turned pro after his collegiate season concluded with a Hockey East quarterfinal exit.

With Schaefer accelerating the organization’s timeline, the Islanders have already begun to push their chips forward. The acquisition of veteran center Brayden Schenn — which cost the team its 2026 first-round and third-round picks — signals a clear commitment to competing now. As this new wave of young talent begins to integrate with the NHL roster, the Islanders appear to be transitioning into a new phase and one that could see a promising core quickly evolve into something far more impactful on Long Island.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
NYI	1	Victor Eklund	RW	19	5-11/170	Djurgardens (SHL)	43	6	18	24	22
NYI	1	Victor Eklund	RW	19	5-11/170	Bridgeport (AHL)	9	3	7	10	2
NYI	1	Victor Eklund	RW	19	5-11/170	NY Islanders (NHL)	1	0	1	1	0
NYI	2	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	19	6-2/200	Barrie (OHL)	56	28	42	70	97
NYI	3	Cole Eiserman	LW	19	6-0/195	Boston University (NCAA)	32	18	10	28	14
NYI	3	Cole Eiserman	LW	19	6-0/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	12	2	7	9	2
NYI	4	Danny Nelson	C	20	6-3/200	Notre Dame (NCAA)	36	13	16	29	32
NYI	5	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	19	6-6/220	Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL)	25	9	9	18	14
NYI	5	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	19	6-6/220	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	23	1	0	1	2
NYI	6	Dmitry Gamzin	G	23	6-3/175	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	40	22	10	1.49	0.938
NYI	7	Tomas Poletin	LW	19	6-2/205	Kelowna (WHL)	43	20	15	35	38
NYI	8	Isaiah George	D	22	6-0/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	47	2	16	18	20
NYI	8	Isaiah George	D	22	6-0/195	NY Islanders (NHL)	4	0	1	1	0
NYI	9	Xavier Veilleux	D	20	6-0/190	Cornell (NCAA)	34	6	20	26	12
NYI	10	Marshall Warren	D	25	5-11/170	Bridgeport (AHL)	56	6	26	32	30
NYI	10	Marshall Warren	D	25	5-11/170	NY Islanders (NHL)	8	0	3	3	4
NYI	11	Jacob Kvasnicka	RW	18	6-0/175	Penticton (WHL)	65	35	50	85	21
NYI	12	Alex Jefferies	LW	24	6-0/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	60	9	20	29	46
NYI	13	Matt Maggio	RW	23	5-10/185	Bridgeport (AHL)	56	6	26	32	30
NYI	14	Quinn Finley	LW	21	6-0/180	Wisconsin (NCAA)	37	17	16	33	22
NYI	15	Luca Romano	C	18	6-0/175	Kitchener (OHL)	55	14	19	33	22

Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL) (Currently with Bridgeport Islanders, AHL)

Eklund’s season so far has largely met expectations, and the New York Islanders organization is certainly pleased with his progress since the 2025 Draft. Eklund continues to trend upward this season, taking the next step in competition with Djurgården following their promotion from Allsvenskan to the SHL. He’s showing improved pace and growing confidence attacking high traffic areas. Playing against heavier competition, he has adjusted well, displaying stronger puck poise and an increased willingness to dictate play rather than play it safe. His offensive skillset remains his biggest asset, highlighted by quick decision making, soft hands in tight spaces, and a consistent ability to find space through coverage. Eklund elevated his stock further during the WJC, playing a meaningful role in Sweden’s gold-medal performance. He handled top line matchups effectively, showing composure in pressure moments while contributing steady offensive support. His play-driving habits and transitional awareness were noticeable throughout the tournament. His strengths are built around strong on-ice awareness, puck skill, and offensive anticipation. Eklund regularly identifies open space and supports possession sequences with quick, efficient decision making. Physical maturity remains the primary developmental challenge, as he can lose battles against bigger, stronger defenders. His projection leans toward a middle six scoring winger with power play value, with added strength potentially unlocking top six offensive upside.
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, Aitcheson is in his fourth season in the OHL and shares the captaincy with Utah Mammoth prospect Cole Beaudoin. He led all OHL defencemen with 28 goals and in points with 70. Aitcheson set the new franchise record for most career points by a defenceman in Barrie Colts history surpassing former Colt, Brandt Clarke’s record of 158 career points. Aitcheson has continued to take meaningful steps forward with his five-on-five offensive play. His physicality remains a strong suit, averaging roughly a hit per game while keeping his penalty minutes low. An area of improvement is limiting mistakes in the defensive zone; his skating has improved and moves well in all directions for his physique but recognizing when to close out quicker and making more consistent reads with the puck. Barrie has their sights on another deep playoff run so expect Aitcheson to log heavy minutes matched up against top heavy forwards.
Cole Eiserman, LW, Boston University (NCAA) (Currently with Bridgeport Islanders, AHL)

The enigmatic goal scoring machine, Cole Eiserman continued firing on all cylinders with Boston U. this year, registering 18 goals in 32 games. He brings elite shooting tools and a nose for the net to the Islanders club. The sophomore’s shot is elite, and he possesses a release that can fool goalies from any area on the ice when in scoring range. He is also not averse to the physical component of the game and is willing to sacrifice his body to set himself up into prime scoring locations. A 20th overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft, Eiserman will always be known for scoring goals, but it would be nice to see him evolve his game into more of a playmaker and look for opportunities to dish the puck when the time is right. This would make him a dual threat and help elevate his game to the next level. Set up with a good playmaker, Eiserman could easily be a top scorer for the Islanders down the road.
Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

A leader on Notre Dame, as is evidenced by the certification of team Captain, Nelson brings a hard nose and no-nonsense style game to the team. He also displayed his offensive chops by putting up 28 points in 35 games this past season. The third year player has increased his NCAA totals each of the season’s he’s played for the Fighting Irish, which is something you like to see in a prospect. What you get with Nelson is an endless motor with high compete and physicality in his game. He is always noticeable during games and is in the mix more times than not. The Islanders' second rounder is a reliable two-way forward with some offensive upside. He has a relatively high floor thanks to his size, skating, and high IQ combination. At the very least, he could develop into an excellent defensive forward and penalty killer. Expect him to make the jump to the pro ranks very soon and he could move quickly through the Islanders’ system.
Daniil Prokhorov, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg (KHL)

The 6-foot-6 second round draft pick had a chaotic start to this season, getting 1-5 shifts a game in the KHL before bouncing around between all three Russian leagues. He has finally settled into the VHL and has since played well, scoring 18 points in 25 games, some of those games with extremely limited ice time. The most consistent thing about Prokhorov is his inconsistency. Not even shift to shift, but moment to moment he can go from a high paced, physical, net driven monster to being completely checked out, not moving his feet and letting pucks go past him. At his best, he can take over possession. The size and skating combination is a beautiful thing to watch as he drives wide to blow by defenders before cutting to the crease. His shot is strong and can throw high danger passes to the slot through pressure. He is violent along the boards, always looking for big hits and to regain possession. But more often than you'd like, he floats around and is completely disengaged from play with negative awareness. He’s also quite poor defensively, out of position and looking to fly the zone for offence. There is potential to be special if he can work on his determination and decision making. A change of scenery could be the answer, as North American coaching could help round out the rest of his game and reach the heights of his full potential, but for now he looks like a bottom six heavy hitting instigator.
Tomas Poletin, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Tomas Poletin’s first season in North America has gone largely as expected. The Czech winger was selected by the New York Islanders with the 106th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (not far off our ranking at McKeen’s, where we had him 103rd overall) following a strong season in Finland splitting time between the Lahti Pelicans’ junior and professional teams, which included 15 games in the Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. Poletin joined the Kelowna Rockets this season after the Memorial Cup hosts selected him first overall in the CHL Import Draft, and he has slotted into a top six role. He also captured silver with Czechia at the most recent World Junior Championship, recording four goals and two assists in seven games. His game remains largely unchanged from his draft-eligible season. Poletin is not known for flashy or highly creative plays, operating with a direct, north-south approach that can limit his offensive ceiling from a projection standpoint. What he lacks in dynamism, however, he makes up for with his motor and work ethic. He consistently attacks the hard areas, competes for pucks, and plays with energy. His approach is simple but effective. If he can add another gear to his skating and continue to build strength, he could become a more dangerous player at higher levels. For now, his play style fits the mould of an energetic, bottom six checking role.
Isaiah George, D, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

After finding himself having surprisingly gotten into 33 NHL games in his rookie pro season, displaying plenty of potential as a future puck-moving defender with above average mobility, George has spent the bulk of this season in the AHL refining and improving his game all over the ice. A slight injury cost him roughly a month’s worth of action between November and December, but it didn’t take long to get to full speed before the holidays. And although his statistical output in the form of goals and assists has been fine and very akin to what he generated in his rookie AHL season, his +/- has improved drastically. He’s displayed a newfound calm in his game and confidence in his actions, both with and without the puck. By late January, he got a two-game call-up to the Island, where he averaged just over 13 minutes of ice time and collected an assist in a 4-1 win over the Flyers. Overall, he’s shown an ever-improving ability to outskate his opponents, regain lost space, and apply an active stick to his defensive play that allows for a higher propensity of transitional play. An NHL future is clearly in the cards and another stay on the Island this season would surprise no-one in the organization.
Dmitry Gamzin, G, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Gamzin has been on a tear this season. He currently leads the KHL in SV%, GAA, and second in shutouts, leading him to an all-star game appearance at 22 years old. He has all the tools you look for in goalies; 6-foot-3, athletic, strong skater, and effectively reads the ice in front of him. Rarely do you see opponents beat him when he has a clean look. His pads are strong; he controls rebounds and can track the puck through traffic. He recently signed an extension through the 2027-28 season, which gives him more time to dominate the KHL, and continues to develop his game. Despite the great success, he is still a bit raw. Some slight refinement to his technique, angles/positioning, and side to side mobility would bode well for him. It isn’t difficult to envision him as an NHL caliber goaltender. As of right now, there are no real elite standout traits, but he is an extremely well-rounded goalie playing at a very high level. If he takes another step over these next few years, he could very well be next in the line of elite Russian goalies that have taken over the NHL.
Xavier Veilleux, D, Cornell University (NCAA)

An Islander defensive prospect with Cornell, Veilleux has shown some real promising point producing acumen, being one of the top-scoring rookie D in the NCAA with 26 points in 33 games. He has adapted well as a freshman and the progression in his game could reveal him to be a late round steal for Long Island who drafted him in the sixth round in 2024. Veilleux projects as a decent two-way, puck moving defenceman with some nice play-driving ability. He can manipulate oncoming pressure and has decent patience when the puck is on his stick. Based on his NCAA results this year, it would appear that repeating the USHL level was the correct decision as it helped a seamless transition to a higher level. Veilleux is best described as a high IQ player, with his defensive game showing great growth last year. Cornell is a great program for him to continue to develop defensively. A mobile defender, the question marks surrounding Veilleux would be around projection. Could he be a Calvin de Haan type for the Islanders in the future?
Marshall Warren, D, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

It’s been a very positive year for Warren, who wasn’t seen as one of the Islanders’ top 15 prospects heading into the season. Signed to an ELC as an unrestricted free agent in 2024 after having gone unsigned by the Minnesota Wild, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2019 draft, the Long Island native has since slowly but surely endeared himself to the fanbase and new management alike. He showed promise in his initial season with the organization, which was spent entirely with a very downtrodden Bridgeport Islanders outfit, but has seen his play jump in leaps and bounds in all three zones this season, having blown away last season’s statistical totals already by his 30th appearance of the season. This also led to him getting his first taste of NHL hockey, where he tallied three assists in eight games by the Olympic break, showing a strong ability to keep up with the pace of the NHL game while facing his challenges from a defensive standpoint. He’ll be an RFA this summer but it’s hard to imagine him not being re-upped as sound defensive depth for the organization.
Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, Penticton Vees (WHL)

Talk about a breakout year. A depth piece on the NTDP last year, Kvasnicka joined Penticton of the WHL this year and has been one of the league’s best players. He plays at a blistering pace and is a prospect on the rise.
Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

A strong skating, playmaking winger, Jefferies has had a solid sophomore pro season with Bridgeport. He’s put himself in the conversation for an NHL opportunity and could end up a solid middle six, complementary piece.
Matthew Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

The former Red Tilson winner as the OHL’s top player was a disappointment through his first two pro seasons, but Maggio has been much better this year for Bridgeport. Much like Jefferies, he has likely put himself in the Islanders plans moving forward.
Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

Finley has some pro level attributes as a goal scoring winger. He can play with pace and shows good offensive instincts off the puck. Look for him to turn pro after his junior season with Wisconsin is over.
Luca Romano, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

As the Kitchener Rangers have added to their lineup to push for a Western Conference championship, Romano has found himself further down the lineup this year in his draft plus one year. However, he’s still been effective in a depth role, showing greater consistency in all three zones. Expect a big offensive jump next year.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #11

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:42:03 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (May 2025 - 21st)
GM: Mathieu Darche Hired: May 2025
COACH: Patrick Roy Hired: January 2024

Jumping up ten spots is the New York Islanders, which significantly reshaped their prospect pool and hopefully the future of the organization.

They headlined the off-season by trading top defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for back-to-back picks at 15th and 16th in the 2025 draft. After already landing their new franchise blueliner, Matthew Schaefer, with the first overall pick, the Islanders used those mid-round slots to select Victor Eklund and throwback-style defender Kashawn Aitcheson. They also added high-regarded second-rounder Daniil Prokhorov.

Those names are in addition to adding an already high-caliber youngster in Calum Ritchie. Rarely do teams land a top-tier prospect in exchange for a rental player, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Isles acquired Ritchie from Colorado for long-time Islander Brock Nelson.

Ritchie brings slick hands, elite hockey sense, and a track record of production, finishing his OHL career with 254 points in 221 games for Oshawa. He’ll eventually join forces with Cole Eiserman, the sharpshooting Boston University freshman who scored 25 goals, earned Hockey East All-Rookie Team honours, and won gold at the World Juniors. Eiserman is set to return to school for his sophomore season, but the potential of a Ritchie–Eiserman tandem gives the Islanders a legitimate offensive foundation for the future.

Supporting that core is a trio of defensive prospects—Isaiah George, Calle Odelius, and Jesse Pulkkinen—currently developing in the AHL with Bridgeport.

With Lou Lamoriello stepping aside, the Islanders enter uncharted territory under Mathieu Darche. The NHL roster’s middling performance suggests a retool is in order, and the influx of high-end young talent this year represents a promising first step.

New York Islanders Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Schaefer

Everyone’s favourite story from this past year saw the Isles draft Schaefer first overall. A mature young man, Schaefer was selected first despite missing a significant portion of the year due to a collarbone injury. The reason for that is that Schaefer is the complete package. He’s an elite skater and processor who impacts the game in so many different ways. He’s also the kind of player who oozes leadership qualities and could, one day soon, wear a letter for the Islanders. A potential top pairing defender and minute muncher, Schaefer will attempt to make the Islanders roster this year or he will return to the OHL after signing his ELC. A return to junior hockey might not be a bad thing for his development considering how little he played last season. This would allow him to build up strength and confidence before making that jump to the show. Don’t worry, Islanders’ fans, you won’t have to wait long for Schaefer to make an impact.

2 - Cole Eiserman

Eiserman’s progression over the season showed notable growth in engagement and consistency in his game. Early in the season he displayed inconsistent effort, lack of defensive commitment, and limited puck support, often disengaged without contributing in all three zones. However, as the season progressed, he demonstrated increased physical presence, stronger puck protection, and a more competitive forecheck. His offensive strengths remained a consistent theme, with a quick release, powerful shot, and strong net-front presence. Eiserman excels as a shoot-first offensive forward with solid skating, puck handling, and net-front scoring ability. His quick release and shot accuracy are his most valuable assets. Weaknesses wise, his effort and defensive responsibility remain inconsistent. Eiserman projects as a top six scoring winger with powerplay upside. Continued improvements in compete level and decision making will be very important for his game to transition well to the pro level.

3 - Victor Eklund

The speedy, energetic Eklund immediately becomes one of the Islanders best prospects after falling into their laps at 16th overall. The young Swedish winger should endear himself to Isles fans in no time at all. He’s a total spark plug. He skates like the wind, his processing speed is excellent, and his motor never stops. He’s so slippery along the wall and makes plays from the boards to the middle with ease. He can fill the net with his laser of a shot as well. Although he’s on the smaller side, Eklund is a bulldog who plays bigger than he is. He will have to bulk up and get some seasoning against better competition before he’s considered NHL ready, however. After tearing up the HockeyAllsvenskan and helping his team secure SHL promotion, Eklund will have the chance to do so. He should assume a top six role with Djurgården and will most likely slot into the Isles top nine when he makes the jump across the pond. If all goes well, Eklund could be a 20+ goal scoring winger at the NHL level.

4 - Calum Ritchie

Acquired from Colorado for Brock Nelson, Ritchie joins a very quickly revamped Islanders’ prospect group. Last season, he cracked the Avalanche opening night roster and even scored his first NHL goal in one of the seven games he appeared in. Upon returning to Oshawa, Ritchie was generally a standout for the Generals, although you could probably make an argument that his game didn’t take a huge leap forward this past year. He was more aggressive in playing through the middle and getting to the net, but he’s still not shooting the puck enough and his defensive metrics took a bit of a step backward. Ritchie is at his best when he’s dictating pace with the puck on his stick because of how skilled a playmaker he is. He is excellent at drawing in pressure before finding open passing lanes; he’s poised beyond his years. Yet, Colorado was obviously concerned about the lack of urgency in his game at times, so hopefully the Islanders’ organization can bring out the best in him. At this point, you’re probably looking at something similar to what Dylan Strome has become, which is a valuable secondary offensive option.

5 - Kashawn Aitcheson

A true throwback, Aitcheson was one of three first-round selections by the Islanders in 2025 as they attempt to re-tool after the Lou Lamoriello era. The Barrie Colt defender is a feared and ferocious physical player. He also took massive steps forward this past season as an offensive player, emerging as one of the OHL’s elite two-way defenceman. He creates a lot of his offence from his booming point shot and off puck activation, which could make him a weapon on the power play at the NHL level eventually. As Aitcheson returns to the OHL for likely his final season, the focus for him will be to continue to build upon his two-way ability, while tightening up his decision making in the defensive end to become a true stalwart. He projects as a versatile second pairing defender who can be the kind of defender you want in your lineup come playoff time. There is a very real chance that he cracks the 30-goal plateau in the OHL this upcoming season, and that’s a milestone few junior defenders have hit recently.

6 - Isaiah George

Isaiah George was particularly impressive last season, but not just because he was a first-year pro. George was so impressive because he was thrust into a prominent NHL role very early on during his pro career, and this was unexpected by many people because of his pedigree as a later-round NHL draft pick. With that being said, George was extremely impressive in big minutes for the Islanders, and he also played quite well as a smart, strong-skating defender for a very poor Bridgeport Islanders team. Like it is for any first-year pro, last season presented its own growing pains, as George had to learn to defend against NHL-calibre players a bit on the fly, but his foundation dating back to his time with the London Knights is very strong. George looks like he has all the tools to develop into a bona fide top four defenceman that can drive the play in both the offensive and defensive zones, and he should become a full-time member of the New York Islanders’ blueline this upcoming season.

7 - Maxim Shabanov

Shabanov is the latest in a long line of undrafted Russian players who developed in the KHL and earned a chance to prove themselves at the top level. After dominating the past few seasons in Chelyabinsk, the Islanders were eager to snatch him up and pair him with Tsypaklov for a talented scoring duo. He is a speedy forward with smooth hands and a quick release. He has a knack for finding pucks and creating looks without wasting a second. He is a dual threat offensive talent with the ability to create with his passing and wristshot. Maxim’s biggest challenge will be overcoming his lack of size, but he possesses the speed and skill to give him a real shot with the Isles. Expect him to slot in as a top six forward with a real chance to improve the team's scoring potential.

8 - Daniil Prokhorov

Daniil Prokhorov was one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects from this past year's draft class. His size and highlight reel goals off the rush made him a star in many scouts' eyes. He pushes up ice with pace and has a knack for faking out defenders with skilled dekes. He has a heavy shot and can pick corners well when firing off the rush. Lots of work needs to be put in to reach the next level. His skating needs a lot of work mechanically to keep up with the speed and agility of the NHL. He also needs to work on becoming more competitive in battles for the puck. As a second-round pick, Prokhorov is a good bet to make. Lots of time will need to be put in but a high ceiling as a top six winger makes the risk worthwhile.

9 - Danny Nelson

Danny Nelson was a second-round pick by the Islanders in 2023, and though he won’t blow anyone away with his counting stats, has a two-way skill set that could make him a very valuable piece of the future on Long Island. The 6-foot-3 centerman has been a workhorse for Notre Dame in his collegiate career, being leaned upon in all situations. Nelson is a good skater, has some skill, and has a shot that is a threat in the offensive zone, but what really sets him apart is his high motor and his ability to use his size to win puck battles and create space. His play isn’t flashy, but his versatility and dependability could make him a fan favourite before long. Nelson profiles as an energetic bottom six NHL center who can kill penalties, play with grit, and chip in some secondary scoring. He is heading back to Notre Dame this season.

10 - Luca Romano

Speed and pace are the name of the game for Romano currently. He loves to play the game at a breakneck pace and is consistently looking to use his speed to attack the offensive zone. A lack of size and consistency drove him down draft boards, but a lot of that can be attributed to a lack of strength and a need to improve his conditioning. As he matures physically, his two-way game and off puck play could actually become a strength and may be the key to his future NHL success. He’ll need to develop into a versatile and competitive player to be a long time NHL forward at his size. This is especially true considering that he doesn’t possess the creativity or high-end skill to be a big time point producer at the NHL level. As an offensive player, his biggest weapon may just be his shot, so look for him to find ways to be a more consistent scorer this year with the Kitchener Rangers. A long-term project, the Islanders will be patient with Romano, who may just be the kind of player who might benefit from the new NCAA eligibility rules.

11 - Marcus Gidlof

It was quite the season for the tall, well-schooled goalie. Despite many backers his draft year, few saw him not only making the SHL this season but becoming a 1B starter of sorts for Leksands. His 11 wins in 17 SHL outings, WJC gold medal game performance, 14-4 U20 league record, and outstanding 2-0 record with a .980 save percentage to cap off Djurgarden’s historic promotion to the SHL all have him lined up as one to watch moving forward.

12 - Quinn Finley

Finley has become a sneaky good NHL prospect, displaying strong creative instincts, a deft stick, and sly shot-release motions. A bit on the light side, Finley can prance in and out of lanes and plays with a deceptive nonchalance, often a step ahead of the play. In his just concluded sophomore season, he more than doubled his total output from the year before, leading Wisconsin in scoring. Islanders brass is felt to hold him in high regard.

13 - Kamil Bednarik

After enjoying a fantastic 95-point draft year with the USNTDP, including solid contributions to a U18 Worlds gold medal, Bednarik stepped into BU’s line-up this past season and promptly became one of coach Jay Pandolfo’s key faceoff and shutdown situation specialists. Despite getting the bulk of the defensive responsibility in key situations right on into the national championship game, Bednarik also managed to finish seventh on the team in assists. Look for his TOI to increase this winter.

14 - Jesse Pulkkinen

Pulkkinen presents surprisingly solid agility and mobility for a 6-foot-6 defenceman and that’ll need to be his calling card moving forward. Last season, he showed little Liiga-play progress vis-a-vis his overage draft year, putting up comparable stats in nine more games. He then concluded the year with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL, where his -8 plus-minus in 10 games fit right in with the league-worst outfit. It’s time for the talented Pulkkinen to take the next step.

15 - Calle Odelius

After missing the vast majority of the 2023-24 season, Odelius was thrown into the deep end for the tire fire that was the Bridgeport Islanders last year. To his credit, his -34 plus-minus had as much to do with the whole team’s results as the difficulties of being a young AHL rookie. A fluid skating defenceman who can make slick breakout passes, the hope is that Odelius’ sophomore year in AHL will have him showing more routine and improved puck-protection.

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: TWO-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

Brock Otten — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:33:54 +0000

1. New York Islanders - Matthew Schaefer - Defense

Even though this year doesn’t have the allure of the first pick next year (Gavin McKenna), the Islanders still hit the gold mine by winning the lottery with such low chances. There’s been some chatter about a Hagens selection given his local connection, but you can’t pick first overall based on that. The Islanders just locked up Ilya Sorokin long term as one of the better netminders in the NHL, so it truly makes sense to jump at the chance to draft Schaefer, a potential franchise defender who can play in all situations and eventually serve as the team’s captain.

2. San Jose Sharks - Michael Misa - Center

We’ve read some chatter that draft pundits believe Mike Grier could favour selecting someone like Martone or Frondell with this pick, given his desire to add size/tenacity to the lineup moving forward. We’d argue that Misa is just as competitive, but more skilled. This is an extremely well-rounded player who gives the Sharks a ton of flexibility moving forward. He can slot at the wing or move another of their top young forwards to the wing. He also gives them a little more dynamic, play driving ability than they currently have in the system.

3. Chicago Blackhawks - Caleb Desnoyers - Center

If there has been one modus operandi of the Hawks management in recent years, it’s that they’ve heavily focused on bringing in elite skaters. When we look at the players in this range, Desnoyers is the best skater of the remaining forwards. The Hawks could see Desnoyers filling a Jonathan Toews type role for them in the future, giving them a well-rounded two-way guy and helping to shore up their center depth moving forward.

4. Utah Mammoth - Anton Frondell - Center

Similar to the Hawks, Utah has also had an modus operandi related to size and physicality. If their picks aren’t big, they need to be competitive. The newly minted Mammoth could go a variety of directions. Porter Martone would provide that size on the wing they’ve been building up. Maybe they’re enticed by Roger McQueen and not scared by the injuries. And while Frondell isn’t huge, he plays a heavy, mature game. They liked a similar player in Cole Beaudoin last year, but Frondell has greater offensive upside. Utah’s interest stems from the hope that Frondell can be their Sasha Barkov or Anze Kopitar.

5. Nashville Predators - James Hagens - Center

This is a system that needs to add a high-end playmaker and that’s Hagens. Did he have a disappointing second half? Sure. Are there concerns about his size and ability to play center at the NHL level? Probably. But the Predators have trusted their U.S. scouts a lot in recent years and Hagens would really inject skill into a system that needs it.

6. Philadelphia Flyers - Porter Martone - Wing

On the one hand, this feels low for Martone, given that NHL teams are going to be drawn to his style of play in hopes that he can be a playoff warrior in the future. But, on the other hand, it’s also possible that teams take a run on the centers available at the top of this draft. That allows Martone to fall into the lap of the Flyers. The perfect complement to Michkov in the future? Maybe there’s hope that Martone could provide what the Flyers thought they’d be getting in Cutter Gauthier prior to the trade demand.

7. Boston Bruins - Brady Martin - Center

At this point it seems inevitable that Martin goes fairly high, perhaps even higher than this. NHL teams love his work ethic and his potential to be a top shelf NHL playoff performer. Look no further than what Sam Bennett is doing in the NHL playoffs currently. Martin is the kind of all situations impact forward that the Bruins need to kickstart their retool.

8. Seattle Kraken - Radim Mrtka - Defense

Is this the year that the Kraken finally uses a first-round selection on a defender? It has to happen at some point, right? The Kraken opt for Mrtka, a big Czech defender who could develop into a top four defensive anchor. How much offensive upside is there? Can the physical game reach another level? They could go for Jackson Smith here, but it seems more likely that they go for the more polished Mrtka, especially considering he played in Seattle of the WHL this year, so they’d be very familiar with him.

9. Buffalo Sabres - Victor Eklund - Wing

Eklund is the type of player that the organization badly needs to help them take that next step. He’s an absolute warrior on the ice and projects as that strong playoff performer because of his compete level. Yes, he’s not huge and needs to fill out, but he could be the perfect complementary winger in their top six. He already had success as a pro in Sweden this past year and could move through their system quickly, fitting their timeline perfectly.

10. Anaheim Ducks - Jake O’Brien - Center

The Ducks have some great goal scorers right now, but a top shelf playmaker like O’Brien could really help the organization moving forward. Anaheim has drafted out of the OHL a lot in recent drafts, and they obviously trust that region and their scouts from that region. O’Brien is going to need some time to bulk up and get quicker, but his upside is as high as any pivot in this draft class.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins - Roger McQueen - Center

The true wild card of the draft because of his health. If McQueen’s back wasn’t an issue, he’s likely a top five pick because of his unique skill set. But, on the heels of Cayden Lindstrom, NHL teams are likely to be pretty skittish. The Penguins are a franchise who can afford to take this home run swing. Their system needs help; they badly need a home run on the heels of the end of the Crosby era. However, the Penguins scouting staff also loves physically assertive and competitive players so don’t rule out someone like Kashawn Aitcheson here.

12. New York Rangers - Jackson Smith - Defense

Smith is unquestionably one of the highest upside players available in the draft this year. He is potentially the complete package on the blueline. However, there are some concerns over his ability to process the game. For that reason, he’s probably a longer-term project who will require patience. For the Rangers, while they could use a center more, it seems unlikely they reach on a player just for the sake of positional or organizational need. Smith gives the Rangers a potential home run and they’ve had some luck with a similar kind of player in K’Andre Miller.

13. Detroit Red Wings - Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense

The Red Wings have a type. Aitcheson is that type. The organization wants to build a team eventually engineered for the playoffs, so the focus has been on compete level and physicality. There may not be a defender who exemplifies those characteristics more in this draft. But his offensive game is underrated, and it gives him a solid chance of developing into a Kevin Bieksa style two-way type. The Wings traded Andrew Gibson and Brady Cleveland hasn’t developed well since being selected. Aitcheson is better than both.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Justin Carbonneau - Wing

One of the draft’s most creative and skilled offensive players, Carbonneau has excellent offensive upside. The Jackets have not shied away from the QMJHL in recent years and he would give them another high-quality offensive player on the wing to build around, given that their center depth is fairly solid. Could make a similar impact to Kent Johnson, who is coming off his best NHL season.

15. Vancouver Canucks - Braeden Cootes - Center

Sometimes things just work out. The Canucks badly need a young center with upside in their system and Cootes just happens to be one of the best players available. It’s likely that they’d be very familiar with him too, considering he plays with Seattle of the WHL. Cootes is a well-rounded two-way center who projects as an all-situations type.

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary) - Carter Bear - Wing

With news that Bear’s achilles injury was only a partial tear and that he’s already back on the ice, his draft stock isn’t likely to take much of a hit. Montreal would see Bear as a strong fit in their organization as a complementary piece. He’s competitive and effective through the middle of the ice and would likely be the perfect fit with guys like Suzuki or Demidov.

17. Montreal Canadiens - Blake Fiddler - Defense

With back-to-back picks, the Canadiens take back-to-back WHL players. Yeah, the Canadiens have Reinbacher and Mailloux waiting in the wings as right shot defenders, but the main club badly needs one to pan out. You can never have too many solid defenders who can play the right side in the NHL. Fiddler is a solid two-way presence and gives them a great security blanket.

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey) - Jack Nesbitt - Center

This just feels like a fit. The Flames favored the OHL last year and their picks out of the league all had strong draft plus one years. Additionally, they’ve shown a desire to add size to their forward group. Nesbitt is a big pivot who showed really positive growth this year in Windsor. He is a potential all-situations, middle six center.

19. St. Louis Blues - Lynden Lakovic - Wing

While there are some concerns over Lakovic’s compete level and consistency, he’s still a high upside swing as a big winger with skill. The Blues don’t really have a player like this in their system right now, and at this point of the first round, the risks associated with Lakovic are worth taking.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota) - Joshua Ravensbergen - Goaltender

It just seems inevitable that someone is going to bite on Ravensbergen in the first round. He has all the tools to develop into a topflight netminder. The Jackets are a likely candidate. They need a true incumbent in net. They have multiple first round picks. They’ve drafted a lot out of the WHL. Yes, they took Evan Gardner in the second-round last year, but he’s not the same quality of prospect as Ravensbergen.

21. Ottawa Senators - Jakob Ihs Wozniak - Wing

Ottawa is a team that hasn’t been afraid to go a little off the board in recent years. And they’ve primarily focused on players with unique skill sets or physical tools. Ihs Wozniak saved his draft stock with a strong second half and he has top six upside as a bigger scoring winger. Ottawa has also drafted heavily out of Sweden in recent years.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado) - Cameron Reid - Defense

After selecting Martone earlier, the Flyers go back to the OHL again to take Kitchener’s Cam Reid. Reid is a highly mobile, two-way defender. He’s not big, but he’s very intelligent and projects as a solid second pairing type who could possibly quarterback a powerplay unit in the future.

23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) - Logan Hensler - Defense

Earlier the Predators selected James Hagens out of the NCAA, and they returned there with their second pick, opting for Wisconsin defender Logan Hensler. While his offensive production disappointed in his freshman season, his physical tools make him a potential defensive stalwart at the NHL level. It will also be interesting to see how his on puck game develops as he matures. The Preds traded for Andrew Gibson previously, so there’s obviously a desire to add prospects like this to their pipeline.

24. Los Angeles Kings - Sascha Boumedienne - Defense

There’s definitely a need for the Kings to add a quality defensive prospect to their cupboard and Boumedienne would be a great selection here. He improved drastically in the second half of this year, helping Sweden to a silver medal at the U18’s and Boston University to a second place finish in the NCAA. There’s a need to refine his game and improve his decision making, but the mobility is great, and he has great upside as a top four defender.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto) - Malcolm Spence - Wing

After taking Desnoyers with the third overall selection, the Hawks take a similar player in Malcolm Spence, only Spence plays the wing. This gives Chicago another mature two-way player who skates well, who can help insulate some of their younger, higher skilled guys. Spence is leaving the OHL next year to play at Michigan (NCAA), but he could be an NHL’er in only a few years.

26. Nashville Predators (via Vegas) - Vaclav Nestrasil - Wing

The big Czech wing finished the season on a high, with a strong Clark Cup playoff performance for Muskegon. There’s a need to improve his skating, but Nashville hasn’t shied away from players who need to improve pace. With four picks inside the top 35, the Predators can afford to take a few big swings and Nestrasil has solid potential as a top six support player.

27. Washington Capitals - Henry Brzustewicz - Defense

The Capitals would have seen a lot of Brzustewicz this year while keeping tabs on defensive prospect Cam Allen, and there’s certainly been a previous connection to London with the likes of Connor McMichael and John Carlson. Brzustewicz is a raw, but toolsy two-way defender who is going to get a ton of ice time and development opportunities in London moving forward.

28. Winnipeg Jets - Milton Gastrin - Center

It seems likely that the Jets could take a center with their first this year, given the need to improve organizational depth. They have lots of options at this point in the draft, but after what happened with Rutger McGroarty, I wonder if they steer clear of an NCAA player. Gastrin is an athletic, two-way center who projects as a middle six type.

29. Carolina Hurricanes - Cullen Potter - Center/Wing

It seems like the Hurricanes always take the player who is highest ranked by the amateur scouting organizations left remaining on the board; in this case? Speedy forward Cullen Potter. One of the draft’s best skaters, there are concerns about his NHL effectiveness given his size and somewhat perimeter-oriented game. However, Potter is a player with significant NHL upside.

30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas) - Mason West - Wing

It’s starting to feel inevitable that West goes in the first round this year after fully committing to hockey. He’s such a tremendous athlete and his upside is quite high, as long as you’re willing to exhibit patience. The Sharks already have a deep system and can afford to play the waiting game here. This is the type of home run swing you take when your system is already loaded.

31. Calgary Flames (via Florida) - Cole Reschny - Center

There’s definitely a chance that Reschny goes much higher than this. He’s one of the draft’s most intelligent pivots. However, he also has the feel of the type of guy who NHL teams are a little wary of, with average size and average athleticism. This would be a coup for the Flames, who solidify their center depth with two great first round selections.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton) - Will Horcoff - Center

When you’ve got three first round picks, you probably take a big swing with one of them. Horcoff is very raw and underdeveloped physically, but when his frame fills out, he could end up being a quality pro. He had some really great moments in the NCAA as a true freshman in the second half.

33. San Jose Sharks - Bill Zonnon - Center/Wing

GM Mike Grier has a type and that’s Zonnon. He loves forwards who bring consistent energy and physicality. Zonnon is one of the draft’s best forecheckers and he’s a capable offensive player too.

34. Chicago Blackhawks - Simon Wang - Defense

It seems likely that an NHL team jumps at Wang early, even if we have him ranked a little lower. The Hawks are probably a great fit. They have the depth to take a big swing like this that requires patience. They also put more emphasis on skating ability than pretty much any other organization at the draft.

35. Nashville Predators - Kurban Limatov - Defense

Last year, the Preds opted to take Russian Yegor Surin with their first-round selection and that looks like a tremendous pick. So why not go back and select mobile defender Limatov, who possesses significant upside as a two-way rock?

36. Philadelphia Flyers - Jacob Rombach - Defense

With a few high-end offensive defenders in the system, including taking Cam Reid earlier in this draft, they take big, stay at home defender Rombach out of the USHL. He could really help to be a calming presence on the blueline in the coming years.

37. Washington Capitals (via Boston) - Michal Pradel - Goaltender

The second goaltender off the board can often be a bit off the board and the Caps continue that trend by taking Pradel, a big netminder with a ton of potential as he gets stronger and improves technically. He gives them a future netminder to build around, a weakness in the system.

38. Seattle Kraken - Eric Nilson - Center

The son of former NHL’er Marcus, Eric is a potential middle six, two-way center who gives the Kraken another pivot to pencil into their lineup in the future. They haven’t drafted a ton out of Sweden, but he checks a lot of the boxes that they typically value.

39. Buffalo Sabres - Shane Vansaghi - Wing/Center

This is a franchise that needs to turn things around and become harder to play against. Vansaghi projects as a fierce competitor who can be tough to play against and who can provide a ton of versatility to the Sabres’ coaching staff in a few years. The Sabres would be very familiar with Vansaghi after watching Maxim Strbak this year.

40. Philadelphia Flyers (via Anaheim) - Daniil Prokhorov - Wing

There’s definitely a chance that this big, budding power forward goes earlier than this. However, he’d look great in the Philadelphia organization as a crease crasher, powerplay triggerman, and overall physical nuisance.

41. Montreal Canadiens (via Pittsburgh) - William Moore - Center

The Canadiens have gotten some good players out of the NTDP in recent drafts. It’s strange to think that it’s possible (like forecasted in this mock) that none could be selected in the first round. Moore is a rangy pivot who has the tools but just needs to get stronger to become more consistent. Montreal can take a swing here in hopes that he puts things together to reach his upside.

42. New York Islanders - Ben Kindel - Center

A bit of a drop for Kindel due to concerns over his frame and skating ability, but he’s a top tier playmaker and a potential all situations pivot. With Eiserman in the system, it would make sense to target a high-end playmaker to help get him the puck in the future. Insert Kindel.

43. New York Rangers - Cole McKinney - Center

The Rangers have loved the NTDP in recent years and after taking Jackson Smith in round one, they opt for a bit safer prospect in round two. McKinney is one of the draft’s best defensive centers and he improved a ton offensively over the course of the season. He is a great fit in the Rangers’ system.

44. Detroit Red Wings - Alexander Zharovsky - Wing

Detroit hasn’t drafted a ton out of Russia lately, at least not like in the glory days, however this seems like the kind of player that they should be targeting here, especially if they go “safer” again with their first-round pick. Zharovsky is a skilled and creative playmaker who has terrific offensive upside. Gives them a player that they don’t have a ton of in the system currently.

45. Philadelphia Flyers (via Columbus) - Ryker Lee - Wing

A late bloomer physically, Lee is an intelligent and well-rounded offensive player who just needs to get stronger and quicker. There’s a bit of a similar profile to Alex Bump here, when the Flyers took him and that’s worked out pretty well for them so far. Why not go back and try to strike gold twice?

46. Utah Mammoth - Ivan Ryabkin - Center

At some point, someone is going to pull the trigger on Ryabkin early, even if his year was pretty disjointed. The offensive upside is simply too tantalizing to pass up and the Utah franchise has been all about swinging for the fences on Russian players in recent years. This feels like a fit.

47. Vancouver Canucks - Semyon Frolov - Goaltender

It definitely seems likely that the Canucks could look to bring in a goaltender with one of their early round picks this year, given the lack of a clear-cut top prospect in the pool. It seems pretty clear that the Canucks are size queens at the position and that screams Frolov, a big, athletic type that is likely one of the first off the board for the position.

48. Philadelphia Flyers (via Calgary) - Cameron Schmidt - Wing

When you have THIS many selections, you’re going to come to a point where the risk is worth the reward on a player. Schmidt isn’t perfect as a smaller winger, but he has among the highest goal scoring upside of any forward available this year.

49. Montreal Canadiens - Jack Murtagh - Wing

Back-to-back NTDP selections for the Canadiens in this mock. This is a bit of a fall for Murtagh, but his poor U18’s might have left a sour taste in the mouth of some chiefs of staff. He’s got the potential to be a solid complementary piece and that could fit in really well in the Canadiens system down the line.

50. New Jersey Devils - Matthew Gard - Center

A big pivot with good two-way upside and enticing physical tools. The Devils need to upgrade the center depth in their organization and Gard would be considered one of the better pivots still left on the board.

51. Boston Bruins (via St. Louis) - Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender

Given his lack of size, it does seem likely that other goaltenders go before Ivankovic, even if it’s debatable whether he’s the most talented netminder in the class. The Bruins badly need goaltending in the system with the two Providence standouts (Dipietro and Bussi) set to be UFA’s. The Bruins have had good luck historically with smaller netminders like Tim Thomas, Byron Dafoe, and Andy Moog, so this…kind of makes sense.

52. Minnesota Wild - Petteri Rimpinen - Goaltender

With the Wild’s first pick of the draft (after dealing their first), they take a goaltender who had a heck of a season in Rimpinen. He was the Liiga ROY and the top goaltender at the WJC’s. The reality is that Wallstedt’s development has stagnated and Rimpinen can push him pretty quickly.

53. San Jose Sharks (via Ottawa) - Carter Amico - Defense

The Sharks are loaded. We’ve already said it. But if there is a need in the system currently, it is a potential standout stay at home defender. Amico may just be this draft’s best, but he missed most of the year with a knee injury. San Jose can be patient with him in hopes that he can develop into a potential partner for someone like Luca Cagnoni down the line.

54. Calgary Flames (via Colorado) - David Bedkowski - Defense

After drafting so many high-end offensive defenders in recent years, you’d think Calgary could look to use one of their high end picks this year on a physical, stay at home type to pair with them down the line. We’re a bit lower on Bedkowski than the rest of the industry, but we expect him to be drafted this high. Calgary has also loved the OHL in recent years.

55. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) - Pyotr Andreyanov - Goaltender

Another goaltender taken early because it’s a strong goalie draft. The Predators go with another Russian, who could end up being the best goalie in this class. With so many picks in a strong goalie year, we’d be shocked if the Predators don’t use one on a goalie to groom behind Saros.

56. Tampa Bay Lightning (via Los Angeles) - Adam Benak - Center

When you don’t have a ton in your system and your best prospect (Issac Howard) sounds like he’s spurning you, you’ve got to shoot for the stars. There’s obviously a chance that he’s a faller even further than this because of his size, but you get to a point where the risk is worth it. Benak could certainly end up being a great player for the Lightning.

57. Seattle Kraken (via Toronto) - Ethan Czata - Wing/Center

The Kraken have loved them some OHL since joining the league and even though they took a similar player in Nathan Villeneuve last year, you can’t have too many of these types of players come playoff time. Czata is a staunch competitor and two-way forward who projects as a possible elite third line player down the road.

58. Vegas Golden Knights - Max Psenicka - Defense

The Golden Knights haven’t taken a defender in the first two rounds since Daniil Chayka and that isn’t working out. So, with their first pick in the draft, they go to the WHL to select Import defenseman Max Psenicka. He’s got some really intriguing tools, but he’s still learning to use them to develop an identity.

59. Pittsburgh Penguins (via Washington) - Ben Kevan - Wing

Kevan is a well-rounded offensive player with a chance of developing into a middle six piece in the future. He would instantly become one of the higher upside forward prospects in the system, even if there’s a need for him to get quicker and refine his critical thinking skills on the ice.

60. Anaheim Ducks (via Winnipeg) - Eddie Genborg - Wing

The Ducks have really loved drafting out of Sweden in recent years and here they take Genborg, one of the draft’s most physical forwards. The offensive upside may be a bit limited, but he’s the kind of player who fits in the system well because he projects as a solid complementary piece to the other talented players they have. He’d be a potential playoff warrior for them when the time comes.

61. Boston Bruins (via Carolina) - Everett Baldwin - Defense

Prep kid from Rhode Island who is heading to Providence. Outstanding upside as a two-way defender and one of the better skaters in the draft. He’s a long-term project who needs time to improve his decision making, but he’s a somewhat local kid they would likely be very familiar with.

62. Chicago Blackhawks (via Dallas) - Charlie Trethewey - Defense

Coming into the season Trethewey was seen as a contender for the top defender selected along with Schaefer. Not the case anymore after a poor year with the NTDP. However, he still has great upside as a two-way defender with good mobility. The Hawks can take that chance that he gets back on track.

63. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Florida) - Alexei Medvedev - Goaltender

The Leafs haven’t used a pick in the first three rounds on a goalie since 2016 (when they took Joseph Woll), so they’re due. They’d be very familiar with Medvedev and his development from scouting Easton Cowan this year. His timeline also perfectly lines up with when the pro system will need a new injection of youth. He has the upside to be an NHL netminder and is one of our top goalies available this year.

64. New Jersey Devils (via Edmonton) - Theo Stockselius - Wing/Center

Stockselius is a player flying under the radar a bit right now who could go higher than the pre-draft consensus says. He’s a high IQ type who could potentially be a very versatile player for the Devils down the line. As his frame fills out, it will be interesting to see how the offensive side of things becomes more consistent for him.

2025 NHL SCOUTING REPORT (VIDEO + GRADES): Daniil Prokhorov, RW, MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

Henry Lawrence — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:30:33 +0000

RW - MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

6-foot-6, 218 pounds, Shoots: L

DOB: 27.04.2007 - Krasnodar, Russia

Daniil Prokhorov is Russia’s “boom or bust” prospect this year, flashing impressive skill, explosiveness, and physicality that have piqued scouts’ interest, while also revealing glaring red flags that temper the hype with caution. Prokhorov put up an impressive 20 goals in his second MHL season and tallied 27 total points in 43 games played. Prokhorov plays a prototypical power forward's game, rushing pucks up ice with speed, creating some separation with his body, and carving out space in the crease to find and bury loose pucks.

A majority of Prokhorov’s offense comes from two distinct styles of play. The first is utilizing his heavy wrist and slap shots off the rush. He has shown an impressive ability to push pace in transition, enter the offensive zone with control, and open up space for himself to shoot with well-executed, creative moves around and through defenders. The second style is rebound play around the net. He has a real knack for finding loose pucks and getting his stick on them first. He uses his big frame to win battles in the crease and buries a majority of his chances in the crease. While his rush ability will be a major advantage for his future team, he will likely slot in as more of a net front, grinding forward at the professional level.

Puck handling has become one of Daniil’s best attributes. He has smooth hands, which he uses well off the rush to beat defenders and create space for himself to fire off shots. He has displayed great creativity, showcasing a variety of fakes and cuts to open up defenders before jumping into space, which he quickly takes advantage of. He will need to learn to pick his spots and simplify his game a bit to emphasize protection over highlights, but he has the talent and timing to pull off moves that few players his size would ever even attempt.

Now onto the red flag portion. The first being his point production this season. While his 20 goals are impressive, the 20:7 goals-to-assist ratio is a bit concerning. Prokhorov is very stuck in a shoot-first mentality and rarely dishes the puck even in the most necessary situations. He prefers to fire the puck from a distance, no matter the impossible angle or number of bodies standing in his shooting lane. On top of that, a very significant percentage of his points came against the MHL’s worst teams. In games where Daniil matched up against the league's top gold division teams, he was often a non-factor, ending games with 0 points and a minus on the score sheet. Few players have been drafted from the MHL without consistent scoring against every team in the league.

Another potential issue is his skating. While he has been able to use his feet to transition pucks into the offensive zone very effectively, there are many mechanical issues with his skating which hold him back. He can beat opponents with his feet at the MHL level, but fails to create true separation, which can be an early sign of struggles at the pro level. He beats weaker defensemen with ease, but can struggle to pass veteran MHL defensemen.

For a 6’6 power forward, Daniil Prokhorov has shown a lot of promise to become a skilled puck transporter and net front monster for years to come. He pushes opponents with his pace and executes skilled dangles to work his way to the net for scoring chances. While his highlights may suggest high upside, these traits should be looked at with some caution. Many difficult improvements to his mechanics and style of play must be made over the next few seasons to give him a shot at making an NHL roster in the future. Teams looking to draft Prokhorov will have to look at him as a major project. One that will need lots of tailored attention and patience to attempt to guide him in the right direction. Drafting Daniil will be a major investment, but for a team willing to give the time and energy required to develop talent, there could be a diamond in the rough with a real chance to make a big impact at the NHL level.

Skating

At the moment, Prokhorov’s skating needs major mechanical improvements, but he has shown impressive pace when rushing the puck up ice and can consistently beat defenders. He relies heavily on crossovers to generate speed and becomes significantly slower when using straight-line strides.

When pushing up ice without crossovers, his stride is very short and choppy, flicking his legs to the side to attempt to generate power. He typically stays in motion when he's on the ice, generating decent speed and power from his turns and when skating on edges, which gives him a boost in straight lines, but there is a noticeable drop off in efficiency between these two modes.

Daniil plays the game at a very high pace, which benefits his style of play tremendously. He is able to push pace around opponents off the rush and blend well-timed cuts and dekes with his footwork to place himself in beneficial spots in all three zones. There are some slight concerns with his ability to create real separation from top defenders in the MHL, which could pose problems next season if he gets looks in the VHL or KHL. With poor form, Daniil is still significantly faster than just about any 6’6, 18-year-old he could be compared to. With some technical practice and conditioning, it is not much of a leap to think these issues could be overcome.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_5_46_-_5_58.mp4

Transports puck all the way to the net with a very crossover-heavy stride.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_8_16_-_8_28.mp4

Outpaces his opponent and gets a look on goal.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_1_54_-_2_6.mp4

Able to get all the way to the net against weaker defenseman, but the stride is very slow and inefficient.

Grade: 47.5

Shot

One of Prokhorov’s better attributes is his shot. He has proved himself to be a talented goal scorer, able to open up space with his hands before unleashing heavy shots on goal. He does a great job creating scoring chances with well-timed cuts with and without the puck, opening up lanes for dangerous looks. He has also shown flashes of becoming a dangerous one-time option, cutting at smart times to open himself up for shot opportunities.

A majority of Daniil’s goals this season came in the slot. He looks to be a very effective net front player, screening the goalie well with his big frame, getting to loose pucks first, and battling to carve out space. He seems to consistently get the first touch on rebounds and quickly buries his looks in tight. His net front finishing looks very strong and will likely be a major portion of his role as he continues to develop into a player capable of playing at the pro level.

Timing and shot selection will need to be worked on as he often forces poor looks from distance as well as into defenders, but he has shown plenty of potential to smooth these rough spots out. Many of his goals were created by well-timed cuts to space, and at times, he can blend fancy dekes directly into dangerous scoring chances. With some more dedicated practice and improved decision-making, we likely see Daniil score with more consistency next season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_14_11_-_14_23.mp4

Nice play in the neutral zone to beat the man and generate speed. Bullet into the top corner from the slot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_24_14_-_24_26.mp4

Netfront on the power play. Gets a great screen on the goalie, finds the loose puck and buries it before anyone else knows what happened. A large percentage of his scoring comes from plays like these. Prokhorov has a great chance to become a netfront menace at the pro level.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_22_5_-_22_17.mp4

Good effort to win puck and transport to the offensive zone, but the shot choice is a real head scratcher. He needs to learn to pick his spots instead of shooting every time he runs out of room.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_27_49_-_28_2.mp4

Another strange shot choice. Enters zone with multiple teammates but chooses to fire a shot through the defender rather than slow play down.

Grade: 55

Skill

Puck handling has been another one of Prokhorov’s stronger traits this season. He has shown off an impressive ability to work his way around opponents and maneuver himself into enough space to get shots off. He likes to find creative ways to get to his spots, trying to embarrass opponents as he passes them.

He will need to rework his decision-making process a bit when going 1v1. At times, he can become too overconfident, trying to force plays through the legs of opponents and many attempts at dragging pucks through his own legs while passing by. These moves are fun and can produce some great highlights, but I’m not sure he has the pace or skill to pull them off consistently against higher-quality competition.

By slowing down his game a bit and changing his mindset to become more team-centred, he can drastically increase his effectiveness as a puck-rushing forward and offensive asset. We would like to see him use his hands to set up offensive sequences, settling down play by working his way to space rather than gunning towards the net every time. He has the talent to beat defenders and work his way through difficult situations, but should focus on using his skill to create space for his linemates rather than forcing one-off drives to the net.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_2_37_-_2_49.mp4

Very talented young player. Embarrassed the defender with a drag through his own legs before completing the play with a wrap-around finish.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_7_13_-_7_25-1.mp4

Very talented move around the defender here. Creative look gets him to the net, where he inevitably scores on the rebound.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_12_49_-_13_1.mp4

Skilled handling to work his way around opponents to get to the net. The teammate buries the loose puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_2_28_-_2_40.mp4

Shows some skill to receive a pass around the opponent, but gets way too cute trying to beat the defender off the rush. Any high-level defender is stepping up this way the second they see him try a move like this. He needs to simplify his play.

Grade: 55

Smarts

Daniil’s decision-making currently lags way behind where it should be. While he can pull off the occasional setup play in the offensive zone, he often opts for a more selfish approach, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. When he does choose to pass the puck, he rarely conducts scans and rushes his decisions.

Daniil very rarely, if ever, looks to pass the puck. His brain seems to be locked into a shoot first mentality, opting to fire shots into crowds and from distance rather than slowing the game down with a set up pass. His lack of playmaking was very apparent in every viewing this season and substantiated by his 20:7 goals-to-assists ratio. When he does choose to pass, he has a habit of forcing fancy behind-the-back and no-look attempts, which do not work very often, even at the junior level, let alone the pros.

There have been moments where Prokhorov has blended dekes with cuts to space, which he uses well to set up teammates with area passes, which directly lead to chances off the rush. He does a good job using his skill to open up space to maneuver to create shots for himself, manipulating defenders with his timing and handling. If Daniil can learn to slow his brain down enough to scan for options before defaulting to a shot, there is real potential for him to add a dangerous passing element to his game. Based on how he played this season, however, it might be a stretch to assume he will be a high-level playmaker at any point in his career.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_19_8_-_19_20.mp4

Great play here. Skilled toe drag around the defender and a quick choice to slide the puck to his teammate in the slot sets up an easy finish.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_3_54_-_4_6.mp4

A nice pass here sets up an easy redirect in front. A glimpse into what could be for Prokhorov’s playmaking game, but these plays are not the norm for Daniil just yet.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_25_9_-_25_21.mp4

A few more plays like this and Prokhorov could redefine his entire potential. A majority of the time, he chooses to keep his head down on the rush, opting for poor shots, but this is a much better read. Rather than shoot, he picks his head up and hits a teammate with a better look, who finishes his chance. Would love to see more plays like this next season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_22_16_-_22_28.mp4

A pretty large percentage of the few rebounds he did collect his season came on plays like this. Shots towards the net which are finished by teammates. He needs to learn to distribute the puck better to become more of an offensive asset.

Grade: 50

Physical/Compete

Physicality and compete is a section where Prokhorov has been good but not great. Based on his profile and expected play style, I feel like there is always more that he could be doing to provide off-puck production for his team. The potential to be a game-changing forechecker and physical weapon is there, but he is still a long way from unlocking this style of play.

He has a big, powerful frame and is able to pull off some big hits occasionally, but not consistently enough for him to earn the label of “physical”. He uses his body well to separate opponents from the puck and create additional space for himself at times, but again, consistency is a real issue as he shies away from battles and contact just as often.

When he does get involved around the boards with 100% effort, he is effective in forcing turnovers and settling down play. The issue is that he very rarely gets involved in battles and is relatively easy to shut down with minimal contact applied to him. Daniil goes into battles soft, not ready to fully compete, making life for opponents very easy.

Prokhorov has the size and strength to win battles. We see it on occasion around the boards and pretty consistently when fighting for space in front of the net. He will need to learn to be more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical overall to earn an NHL role in the future. He has the tools to be successful, which gives him a huge leg up on the competition, but to take full advantage, he must increase his motor without the puck and become more of a contributor than just a goal scorer.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_33_32_-_33_44.mp4

Big hit drives his opponent hard into the boards and then to the ice. Would like to see a lot more physicality like this in the future.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_5_7_-_5_19.mp4

Keeps his feet moving and wins possession of the puck in the neutral zone. Able to get enough speed to enter the zone, freezes man with a fake-and-drag to get to the net.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_8_49_-_9_1.mp4

Nice dump-in chase wins possession, but hit off the puck far too easily below the goal line. Palms up to teammate.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_1_29_-_1_41.mp4

The big man has to bear down. Can’t get hit to the ice this easily against a smaller defender who only takes one step.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_6_56_-_7_8.mp4

Need more effort going into the corner. Goes in soft and gives himself very little chance to win that puck.

Grade: 57.5

OFP: 52.5

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

2025 MCKEEN’S NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD!

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:05:49 +0000

We are very proud to release our 2025 NHL Draft Guide. The culmination of a season's worth of scouting, travelling and logging countless hours on video, we want to thank our dedicated team of scouts across the country.

140-page magazine (PDF format) for download
Top 300 NHL Draft Prospects
In-depth profiles with grades in five characteristics for forwards, six for goaltenders.
Best of skills rankings
A two round mock draft
Feature articles including interviews, top sleepers, plus much more ...

You can read about our final first round rankings in this free article

Subscribers can download the magazine here.

If you are not a subscriber and interested in learning more, you can learn more here.

Subscribers will receive access for three months and will include all of our other NHL draft coverage as well preparation for the upcoming season. If you choose not to subscribe and wish for a direct download, that will be available next week.

Check out our in-depth profile of #1 ranked Matthew Schaefer as an example of our coverage.

2025 NHL DRAFT: Daniil Prokhorov, RW, MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL – Russia) – Detailed Scouting Report (Video + Grades)

Henry Lawrence — Tue, 27 May 2025 18:46:16 +0000

Position: RW, Shoots: L

H/W: 6-foot-6 209 Pounds

Date of Birth: 2007-04-27

Daniil Prokhorov is Russia’s “boom or bust” prospect this year, flashing impressive skill, explosiveness, and physicality that has piqued scouts’ interest, while also revealing glaring red flags that temper the hype with caution. Prokhorov put up an impressive 20 goals in his second MHL season and tallied 27 total points in 43 games played. Prokhorov plays a prototypical power forwards game, rushing pucks up ice with speed, creating some separation with his body, and carving out space in the crease to find and bury loose pucks.

A majority of Prokhorov’s offense comes from two distinct styles of play. The first is utilizing his heavy wrist and slap shots off the rush. He has shown an impressive ability to push pace in transition, enter the offensive zone with control, and open up space for himself to shoot with well executed, creative moves around and through defenders. The second style is rebound play around the net. He has a real knack for finding loose pucks and getting his stick on them first. He uses his big frame to win battles in the crease and buries a majority of his chances in the crease. While his rush ability will be a major advantage for his future team, he will likely slot in as more of a net front, grinding forward at the professional level.

Puck handling has become one of Daniil’s best attributes. He has smooth hands which he uses well off the rush to beat defenders and create space for himself to fire off shots. He has displayed great creativity, showcasing a variety of fakes and cuts to open up defenders before jumping into space which he quickly takes advantage of. He will need to learn to pick his spots and simplify his game a bit to emphasize protection over highlights but he has the talent and timing to pull off moves that few players his size would ever even attempt.

Now onto the red flag portion and the first being his point production this season. While his 20 goals are impressive, the 20:7 goals to assist ratio is a bit concerning. Prokhorov is very stuck in a shoot first mentality and rarely dishes the puck even in the most necessary situations. He prefers to fire the puck from distance no matter the impossible angle or number of bodies standing in his shooting lane. On top of that, a very significant percentage of his points came against the MHL’s worst teams. In games where Daniil matched up against the league's top gold division teams, he was often a non factor, ending games with 0 points and a minus on the score sheet. Few players have been drafted from the MHL without consistent scoring against every team in the league.

Another potential issue is his skating. While he has been able to use his feet to transition pucks into the offensive zone very effectively, there are many mechanical issues to his skating which hold him back. He can beat opponents with his feet at the MHL level but fails to create true separation which can be an early sign of struggles at the pro level. He beats weaker defensemen with ease but can struggle to pass veteran MHL defensemen.

For a 6’6 power forward, Daniil Prokhorov has shown a lot of promise to become a skilled puck transporter and net front monster for years to come. He pushes opponents with his pace and executing skilled dangles to work his way to the net for scoring chances. While his highlights may suggest high upside, these traits should be looked at with some caution. Many difficult improvements to his mechanics and style of play must be made over the next few seasons to give him a shot at making an NHL roster in the future. Teams looking to draft Prokhorov will have to look at him as a major project. One that will need lots of tailored attention and patience to attempt to guide him in the right direction. Drafting Daniil will be a major investment but for a team willing to give the time and energy required to develop talent, there could be a diamond in the rough with a real chance to make a big impact at the NHL level.

Skating

At the moment, Prokhorov’s skating needs major mechanical improvements, but he has shown impressive pace when rushing the puck up ice and can consistently beating defenders. He relies heavily on crossovers to generate speed and becomes significantly slower when using straight-line strides.

When pushing up ice without crossovers, his stride is very short and choppy, flicking his legs to the side to attempt to generate power. He typically stays in motion when he's on the ice, generating decent speed and power from his turns and when skating on edges which gives him a boost straight line but there is a noticeable drop off in efficiency between these two modes.

Daniil plays the game at a very high pace which benefits his style of play tremendously. He is able to push pace around opponents off the rush and blend well timed cuts and dekes with his footwork to place himself in beneficial spots in all three zones. There are some slight concerns with his ability to create real separation from top defenders in the MHL, which could pose problems next season if he gets looks in the VHL or KHL. With poor form, Daniil is still significantly faster than just about any 6’6, 18 year old he could be compared to. With some technical practice and conditioning, it is not much of a leap to think these issues could be overcome.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKATING-1-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_5_46_-_5_58.mp4

Transports puck all the way to the net with a very crossover heavy stride.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKATING-2-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_8_16_-_8_28.mp4

Outpaces his opponent and gets a look on goal.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKATING-3-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_1_54_-_2_6.mp4

Able to get all the way to net against weaker defenseman but stride is very slow and inefficient.

Grade: 47.5

Shooting

One of Prokhorov’s better attributes is his shot. He has proved himself to be a talented goal scorer, able to open up space with his hands before unleashing heavy shots on goal. He does a great job creating scoring chances with well timed cuts with and without the puck, opening up lanes for dangerous looks. He has also shown flashes of becoming a dangerous one time option, cutting at smart times to open himself up for shot opportunities.

Timing and shot selection will need to be worked on as he often forces poor looks from distance as well as into defenders but he has shown plenty of potential to smooth these rough spots out. Many of his goals were created by well timed cuts to space and at times he can blend fancy dekes directly into dangerous scoring chances. With some more dedicated practice and improved decision making, it is very likely we see Daniil score with more consistency next season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHOT-1-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_14_11_-_14_23.mp4

Nice play in neutral zone to beat man and generate speed. Bullet into the top corner from the slot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHOT-2-daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_24_14_-_24_26.mp4

Netfront on the powerplay. Gets a great screen on the goalie, finds the loose puck and buries it before anyone else knows what happened. A large percentage of his scoring comes from plays like these. Prokhorov has a great chance to become a netfront menace at the pro level.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHOT-3-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_22_5_-_22_17.mp4

Good effort to win puck and transport to offensive zone but the shot choice is a real head scratcher. He needs to learn to pick his spots instead of shooting every time he gets runs out of room.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SHOT-4-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_27_49_-_28_2-1.mp4

Another strange shot choice. Enters zone with multiple teammates but chooses to fire shot through defender rather than slow play down.

Grade: 55

Skills

He will need to rework his decision making process a bit when going 1v1. At times he can become too over confident, trying to force plays through the legs of opponents and many attempts at dragging pucks through his own legs while passing by. These moves are fun and can produce some great highlights but I’m not sure he has the pace or skill to pull them off consistently against higher quality competition.

By slowing down his game a bit and changing his mindset to become more team centered, he can drastically increase his effectiveness as a puck rushing forward and offensive asset. We would like to see him use his hands to set up offensive sequences, settling down play by working his way to space rather than gunning towards the net every time. He has the talent to beat defenders and work his way through difficult situations but should focus on using his skill to create space for his linemates rather than forcing one-off drives to the net.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKILL-1-daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_2_37_-_2_49.mp4

Very talented young player. Embarrassed the defender with a drag through his own legs before completing the play with a wrap-around finish.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKILL-2-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_7_13_-_7_25-1.mp4

Very talented move around the defender here. Creative look gets him to the net where he inevitably scores on the rebound.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKILL-3-daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_12_49_-_13_1.mp4

Skilled handling to work his way around opponents to get to the net. Teammate buries the loose puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SKILL-4-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_2_28_-_2_40.mp4

Shows some skill to receive pass around opponent but gets way too cute trying to beat the defender off the rush. Any high level defender is stepping up this way the second they see him try a move like this. He needs to simplify his play.

Grade: 55

Smarts

Daniil’s decision making currently lags way behind where it should be. While he can pull off the occasional set up play in the offensive zone, he often opts for a more selfish approach, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. When he does choose to pass the puck, he rarely conducts scans and rushes his decisions.

Daniil very rarely, if ever looks to pass the puck. His brain seems to be locked into a shoot first mentality, opting to fire shots into crowds and from distance rather than slowing the game down with a set up pass. His lack of playmaking was very apparent in every viewing this season and substantiated by his 20:7 goals to assist ratio. When he does choose to pass, he has a habit of forcing fancy behind the back and no look attempts which do not work very often even at the junior level let alone the pros.

There have been moments where Prokhorov has blended dekes with cuts to space which he uses well to set up teammates with area passes which directly lead to chances off the rush. He does a good job using his skill to open up space to maneuver to create shots for himself, manipulating defenders with his timing and handling. If Daniil can learn to slow his brain down enough to scan for options before defaulting to a shot, there is real potential for him to add a dangerous passing element to his game. Based on how he played this season however, it might be a stretch to assume he will be a high level playmaker at any point in his career.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMARTS-1-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_19_8_-_19_20.mp4

Great play here. Skilled toe drag around defender and a quick choice to slide the puck to his teammate in the slot sets up an easy finish.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMARTS-2-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_3_54_-_4_6.mp4

A nice pass here sets up an easy redirect in front. A glimpse into what could be for Prokhorov’s playmaking game but these plays are not the norm for Daniil just yet.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMARTS-3-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_25_9_-_25_21.mp4

A few more plays like this and Prokhorov could redefine his entire potential. A majority of the time, he chooses to keep his head down on the rush, opting for poor shots but this is a much better read. Rather than shoot, he picks his head up and hits a teammate with a better look who finishes his chance. Would love to see more plays like this next season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMARTS-4-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_22_16_-_22_28.mp4

Grade: 50

Physicality and Compete

Physicality and compete is a section where Prokhorov has been good but not great. Based on his profile and expected play style, I feel like there is always more that he could be doing to provide off puck production for his team. The potential to be a game changing forechecker and physical weapon is there but he is still a long way from unlocking this style of play.

He has a big powerful frame and is able to pull off some big hits occasionally but not consistently enough for him to earn the label of “physical”. He uses his body well to separate opponents from the puck and create additional space for himself at times but again, consistency is a real issue as he shies away from battles and contact just as often.

When he does get involved around the boards with 100% effort, he is effective in forcing turnovers and settling down play. The issue is he very rarely gets involved in battles and is relatively easy to shut down with minimal contact applied to him. Daniil goes into battles soft, not ready to fully compete, making lives for opponents very easy.

Prokhorov has the size and strength to win battles. We see it on occasion around the boards and pretty consistently when fighting for space in front of the net. He will need to learn to be more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical overall to earn an NHL role in the future. He has the tools to be successful which gives him a huge leg up on the competition but to take full advantage, he must increase his motor without the puck and become more of a contributor than just a goal scorer.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHYSICAL-1-daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_33_32_-_33_44.mp4

Big hit drives his opponent hard into boards and then to the ice. Would like to see a lot more physicality like this in the future.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHYSICAL-2-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_5_7_-_5_19.mp4

Keeps his feet moving and wins possession of puck in neutral zone. Able to get enough speed to enter zone, freezes man with fake and drag to get to the net.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHYSICAL-3-daniil_prokhorov_-_1st_period_8_49_-_9_1.mp4

Nice dump in chase wins possession but hit off of the puck far too easily below the goal line. Palms up at teammate.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHYSICAL-4-daniil_prokhorov_-_2nd_period_1_29_-_1_41.mp4

Big man has to bear down. Can’t get hit to the ice this easily against a smaller defender who only takes one step.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHYSICAL-5-daniil_prokhorov_-_3rd_period_6_56_-_7_8.mp4

Need more effort going into the corner. Goes in soft and gives himself very little chance to win that puck.

Grade: 57.5

OFP: 52.5

2025 NHL DRAFT: TOP 100 PLUS HONOURABLE MENTIONS – March edition – FOR SUBSCRIBERS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:34:18 +0000

Porter Mantone of the Brampton Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

It’s time for an update to our 2025 NHL draft rankings. Back in December, prior to the World Junior Championships, we released our top 64. Now, not only are we updating, but we’re expanding to a Top 100 (plus honorable mentions). This will be our final draft ranking prior to the release of our Top 300 (along with our annual draft guide).

Erie Otters defender Matthew Schaefer remains on top, despite not playing since our last release due to a collarbone injury suffered at the World Juniors. However, we have no doubt that Schaefer will return stronger than ever. He has been skating recently and is gearing up for a return for the OHL playoffs. At this point, Schaefer is our clear number one and we don’t expect that to change.

The other players in our top ten are all the same, with some minor shuffling. Michael Misa moves ahead of James Hagens based on his strong production with Saginaw, mixed with Hagen’s drop in production with Boston College post World Juniors. We feel that both players have similar projections as top six pivots, but we feel Misa’s frame gives him a greater opportunity to be a more complete pro. Caleb Desnoyers is the other big riser. While, admittedly, we do have some minimal concerns about his offensive upside, we appreciate his pro style of play and safe floor, in combination with the improvement he has shown offensively over the course of this season. Roger McQueen is the big “faller” inside our top ten due to injury and durability concerns. He has recently returned to action and we’re eager to see how he performs down the stretch.

Among the biggest risers, Bill Zonnon, Cole McKinney, and Jake O’Brien standout. O’Brien is knocking on the door of the top ten, moving from 23 to 13 thanks to his elite playmaking ability and three zone awareness. McKinney elevated his play in the second half to become the top pivot on the US NTDP, giving our scouts a better indication of his offensive upside. Zonnon is an energetic forward with a pro frame who has been a favourite of our Eastern scouts thanks to consistent production.

Among the biggest fallers are Malcolm Spence (from 13 to 23, switching with O’Brien), Luca Romano (24 to 44), Ivan Ryabkin (26 to 39), and Tomas Pobezal (from 39 to 81).

You may have caught our recent, and annual second chances series that outlined the top “re-entries” available for 2025. Kristian Epperson (49), Francesco Dell’Elce (82), Petteri Rimpinen (84), and Sam Laurila (98) cracked our Top 100. Additionally, Jamiro Reber is listed as an honorable mention.

Overall, the picture is becoming more and more clear regarding this draft class. Simply put, the majority of our scouts are not enamored with the depth of this group. “In a normal year, when we put together our March list, the debate for the first round is often charged, with the regional scouts all fighting to have their personal, regional favourites included in the top 32,” said Director of Scouting Brock Otten. “But this year, the debate was more about who actually deserved to be ranked in the first round…there was significantly less table pounding.”

“The way I see it” continues Otten, “there is a clear drop off after about the 20th position. There are unquestionably some solid players available outside this range, but few high upside players. Potential role players are the name of the game this year. As a staff, we’re really hoping some players step up in their respective league playoffs and at the U18’s to help give this draft class a little more excitement.”

You can expect our final draft ranking to be released in late May, coinciding with the release of our annual draft guide.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS
1	Matthew Schaefer	D	Erie (OHL)	6-2/180	5-Sep-07	17	7	15	22
2	Michael Misa	C	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/185	16-Feb-07	62	59	67	126
3	James Hagens	C	Boston College (NCAA)	5-10/175	3-Nov-06	35	10	25	35
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton (OHL)	6-3/205	26-Oct-06	54	32	60	92
5	Jackson Smith	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-3/195	13-May-07	65	7	41	48
6	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-2/180	11-Apr-07	56	35	49	84
7	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	5-11/160	3-Oct-06	42	19	12	31
8	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	6-1/195	7-May-07	29	11	14	25
9	Roger McQueen	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-5/195	2-Oct-06	14	9	9	18
10	Lynden Lakovic	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-4/190	12-Dec-06	45	24	31	55
11	Radim Mrtka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-6/205	9-Jun-07	41	3	31	34
12	Brady Martin	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-0/175	16-Mar-07	55	30	37	67
13	Jake O'Brien	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-2/170	16-Jun-07	64	32	64	96
14	Cullen Potter	C	Arizona State (NCAA)	5-10/170	10-Jan-07	34	13	9	22
15	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-06	61	46	43	89
16	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-1/195	21-Sep-06	63	25	33	58
17	Cameron Reid	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-0/190	8-Apr-07	66	14	39	53
18	Ben Kindel	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/175	19-Apr-07	62	34	64	98
19	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/180	9-Feb-07	58	25	36	61
20	Carter Bear	LW	Everett (WHL)	6-0/180	4-Nov-06	56	40	42	82
21	Jack Murtagh	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	22-Aug-07	42	20	24	44
22	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver (WHL)	5-7/160	19-Jan-07	59	39	37	76
23	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie (OHL)	6-1/200	22-Sep-06	62	32	38	70
24	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-5/190	27-Nov-06	50	33	12	2.93
25	Jack Nesbitt	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-4/185	12-Jan-07	63	24	39	63
26	Cole McKinney	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/200	16-Mar-07	45	21	29	50
27	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	5-11/155	11-May-07	37	12	26	38
28	Logan Hensler	D	Wisconsin (NCAA)	6-2/190	14-Oct-06	32	2	10	12
29	Henry Brzustewicz	D	London (OHL)	6-2/200	9-Feb-07	65	10	29	39
30	Blake Fiddler	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-4/210	9-Jul-07	62	9	22	31
31	Shane Vansaghi	RW	Michigan State (NCAA)	6-2/210	11-Oct-06	35	6	10	16
32	Bill Zonnon	C	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-1/185	3-Oct-06	62	28	53	81
33	Jakob Ihs Wozniak	RW	Lulea (Swe J20)	6-2/185	1-Feb-07	40	23	34	57
34	Nathan Behm	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-1/190	18-Apr-07	57	31	35	66
35	Adam Benak	C	Youngstown (USHL)	5-7/160	10-Apr-07	53	16	38	54
36	Kurban Limatov	D	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-3/195	20-Mar-07	45	8	15	23
37	Carter Amico	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/225	15-Mar-07	13	0	3	3
38	Cole Reschny	C	Victoria (WHL)	5-10/180	6-Apr-07	60	23	63	86
39	Ivan Ryabkin	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-0/195	25-Apr-07	18	11	8	19
40	Milton Gastrin	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	6-1/185	2-Jun-07	40	18	24	42
41	Will Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/175	24-Mar-07	49	21	22	43
42	Sascha Boumedienne	D	Boston University (NCAA)	6-1/175	17-Jan-07	35	3	9	12
43	Conrad Fondrk	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/190	1-Jun-07	40	13	14	27
44	Luca Romano	C	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/175	25-Jun-07	65	25	26	51
45	Alexander Zharovsky	RW	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-1/165	22-Feb-07	45	24	26	50
46	Max Psenicka	D	Portland (WHL)	6-4/175	18-Jan-07	22	1	5	6
47	Jack Ivankovic	G	Brampton (OHL)	5-11/180	22-May-07	41	23	12	3.13
48	Maxim Agafonov	D	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-2/195	10-Apr-07	33	6	7	13
49	Kristian Epperson	LW	Saginaw (OHL)	5-11/180	7-May-06	55	26	51	77
50	Vaclav Nestrasil	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-5/185	6-Apr-07	51	14	19	33
51	Jimmy Lombardi	C	Flint (OHL)	6-0/180	16-Feb-07	61	13	28	41
52	Gustav Hillstrom	C	Brynas (Swe J20)	6-1/175	20-Jan-07	43	16	22	38
53	Pyotr Andreyanov	G	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	6-0/205	22-Jan-07	37	23	6	1.75
54	Arvid Drott	RW	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-0/180	11-Aug-07	40	18	18	36
55	Matthew Gard	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-5/190	7-Apr-07	63	18	17	35
56	Ethan Czata	C	Niagara (OHL)	6-1/175	29-May-07	65	20	33	53
57	Hayden Paupanekis	C	Spokane-Kelowna (WHL)	6-4/195	4-Feb-07	68	22	19	41
58	Charlie Trethewey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	2-Aug-07	51	6	12	18
59	Aleksei Medvedev	G	London (OHL)	6-2/180	10-Sep-07	33	22	7	2.72
60	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/210	27-Apr-07	41	19	7	26
61	William Horcoff	C	Michigan (NCAA)	6-5/190	23-Jan-07	18	4	6	10
62	Tyler Hopkins	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/180	23-Jan-07	64	19	31	50
63	Lasse Boelius	D	Assat (Fin-U20)	6-0/180	16-Mar-07	34	4	14	18
64	Eddie Genborg	RW	Linkopings (SHL)	6-1/180	20-Apr-07	28	2	0	2
65	Semyon Frolov	G	MHK Krylia Sovetov (MHL)	6-3/200	17-Jan-07	5	2	2	2.75
66	Ben Kevan	RW	Des Moines (USHL)	6-0/180	3-Jan-07	46	12	29	41
67	Peyton Kettles	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-5/195	1-Sep-07	51	5	9	14
68	Zeb Lindgren	D	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	6-1/195	14-Apr-07	38	4	15	19
69	Everett Baldwin	D	St. George's School (USHS-RI)	5-11/175	15-Jan-07	22	10	10	20
70	Ryker Lee	RW	Madison (USHL)	5-11/180	8-Nov-06	48	27	33	60
71	Michal Svrcek	LW	Brynas (Swe J20)	5-10/175	26-Jan-07	30	14	16	30
72	Zachary Morin	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	6-1/185	25-Jan-07	54	16	20	36
73	Jacob Rombach	D	Lincoln (USHL)	6-6/200	1-Apr-07	50	3	15	18
74	Alex Huang	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-0/170	30-Jul-07	62	6	33	39
75	Tommy Lafreniere	C	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/170	16-Jan-07	66	24	32	56
76	Haoxi (Simon) Wang	D	Oshawa (OHL)	6-6/210	27-Jul-07	29	0	2	2
77	William Belle	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/220	14-Jan-07	50	4	11	15
78	Jan Chovan	RW	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-3/185	9-Jan-07	39	11	12	23
79	Luka Radivojevic	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-9/165	3-Jan-07	28	1	16	17
80	Shamar Moses	RW	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/200	6-May-07	58	12	35	47
81	Tomas Pobezal	C	HK Nitra (Svk)	5-10/180	18-Sep-06	42	15	8	23
82	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	Massachusetts (NCAA)	6-0/170	23-Jun-05	38	6	16	22
83	Vojtech Cihar	LW	Karlovy Vary (Czechia)	6-0/175	29-Mar-07	43	4	5	9
84	Petteri Rimpinen	G	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin)	6-0/175	25-Apr-06	40	16	9	2.36
85	Carlos Handel	D	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/170	31-Mar-07	50	3	23	26
86	Burke Hood	G	Vancouver (WHL)	6-3/195	30-Apr-07	41	18	13	3.21
87	Melvin Novotny	LW	Leksands (Swe J20)	6-1/185	3-Apr-07	41	12	26	38
88	Sean Barnhill	D	Dubuque (USHL)	6-5/205	8-Jan-07	46	4	4	8
89	Tomas Poletin	LW	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-1/200	30-Apr-07	25	13	7	20
90	Roman Bausov	D	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/180	28-Apr-07	39	2	9	11
91	Mason Moe	C	Madison (USHL)	6-1/185	26-Mar-07	41	13	24	37
92	Reese Hamilton	D	Calgary-Regina (WHL)	6-0/170	26-Mar-07	59	4	10	14
93	Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen	D	Michigan (NCAA)	6-0/180	18-Dec-06	35	3	6	9
94	Nathan Quinn	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-11/170	29-Aug-07	52	17	29	46
95	Samuel Meloche	G	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-2/190	22-Jul-07	49	29	13	2.96
96	Maceo Phillips	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-6/225	25-Feb-07	47	2	4	6
97	Eduard Bondar	D	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-5/195	31-Jan-07	52	3	9	12
98	Sam Laurila	D	Fargo (USHL)	6-1/185	2-Sep-06	50	7	28	35
99	Owen Conrad	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-2/210	10-Mar-07	62	7	19	26
100	Malte Vass	D	Farjestads (Swe J20)	6-2/185	28-Mar-07	40	2	9	11
HM	Karl Annborn	D	HV 71 (Swe J20)	6-1/185	6-Mar-07	39	3	21	24
HM	Lucas Beckman	G	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-1/180	23-Aug-07	51	30	18	2.68
HM	Carson Cameron	D	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/190	27-Jun-07	60	7	16	23
HM	Hayden Harsanyi	C	Medicine Hat-Saskatoon (WHL)	5-10/175	10-Jan-07	34	11	12	23
HM	Dmitri Isayev	LW	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	5-9/150	26-Jun-07	43	22	23	45
HM	Atte Joki	C	Lukko (Fin-U20)	6-1/190	21-Jul-07	40	15	17	32
HM	Viktor Klingsell	RW	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	5-10/185	10-Feb-07	43	17	22	39
HM	Nathan Lecompte	C	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-10/165	19-Jan-07	56	14	35	49
HM	Jeremy Loranger	C	Sherwood Park (BCHL)	5-9/160	15-Jun-07	50	37	57	94
HM	Jamiro Reber	C	HV 71 (SHL)	5-10/170	4-Sep-06	47	8	7	15
HM	Grayden Robertson-Palmer	C	Phillips Academy (USHS-MA)	5-11/195	29-Aug-07	30	16	23	39
HM	David Rozsival	RW	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	6-0/185	1-Jun-07	30	17	20	37
HM	Lukas Sawchyn	LW	Edmonton (WHL)	5-10/175	27-Feb-07	64	15	38	53
HM	Theo Stockselius	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-2/180	24-Jul-07	40	22	29	51
HM	Mason West	RW	Edina (USHS-MN)	6-5/205	3-Aug-07	31	27	22	49
HM	Max Westergard	RW	Frolunda (Swe J20)	5-11/160	3-Sep-07	41	19	31	50

Daniil Prokhorov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #14 New York Islanders – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 14th (Last Year - 11th) GM: Mathieu Darche Hired: May 2025 COACH: Patrick Roy Hired: January 2024

Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL) (Currently with Bridgeport Islanders, AHL)

Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Cole Eiserman, LW, Boston University (NCAA) (Currently with Bridgeport Islanders, AHL)

Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

Daniil Prokhorov, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg (KHL)

Tomas Poletin, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Isaiah George, D, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Dmitry Gamzin, G, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Xavier Veilleux, D, Cornell University (NCAA)

Marshall Warren, D, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, Penticton Vees (WHL)

Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Matthew Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

Luca Romano, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #11

New York Islanders Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Schaefer

2 - Cole Eiserman

3 - Victor Eklund

4 - Calum Ritchie

5 - Kashawn Aitcheson

6 - Isaiah George

7 - Maxim Shabanov

8 - Daniil Prokhorov

9 - Danny Nelson

10 - Luca Romano

11 - Marcus Gidlof

12 - Quinn Finley

13 - Kamil Bednarik

14 - Jesse Pulkkinen

15 - Calle Odelius

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: TWO-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

1. New York Islanders - Matthew Schaefer - Defense

2. San Jose Sharks - Michael Misa - Center

3. Chicago Blackhawks - Caleb Desnoyers - Center

4. Utah Mammoth - Anton Frondell - Center

5. Nashville Predators - James Hagens - Center

6. Philadelphia Flyers - Porter Martone - Wing

7. Boston Bruins - Brady Martin - Center

8. Seattle Kraken - Radim Mrtka - Defense

9. Buffalo Sabres - Victor Eklund - Wing

10. Anaheim Ducks - Jake O’Brien - Center

11. Pittsburgh Penguins - Roger McQueen - Center

12. New York Rangers - Jackson Smith - Defense

13. Detroit Red Wings - Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense

14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Justin Carbonneau - Wing

15. Vancouver Canucks - Braeden Cootes - Center

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary) - Carter Bear - Wing

17. Montreal Canadiens - Blake Fiddler - Defense

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey) - Jack Nesbitt - Center

19. St. Louis Blues - Lynden Lakovic - Wing

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota) - Joshua Ravensbergen - Goaltender

21. Ottawa Senators - Jakob Ihs Wozniak - Wing

22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado) - Cameron Reid - Defense

23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) - Logan Hensler - Defense

24. Los Angeles Kings - Sascha Boumedienne - Defense

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto) - Malcolm Spence - Wing

26. Nashville Predators (via Vegas) - Vaclav Nestrasil - Wing

27. Washington Capitals - Henry Brzustewicz - Defense

28. Winnipeg Jets - Milton Gastrin - Center

29. Carolina Hurricanes - Cullen Potter - Center/Wing

30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas) - Mason West - Wing

31. Calgary Flames (via Florida) - Cole Reschny - Center

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton) - Will Horcoff - Center

33. San Jose Sharks - Bill Zonnon - Center/Wing

34. Chicago Blackhawks - Simon Wang - Defense

35. Nashville Predators - Kurban Limatov - Defense

36. Philadelphia Flyers - Jacob Rombach - Defense

37. Washington Capitals (via Boston) - Michal Pradel - Goaltender

38. Seattle Kraken - Eric Nilson - Center

39. Buffalo Sabres - Shane Vansaghi - Wing/Center

40. Philadelphia Flyers (via Anaheim) - Daniil Prokhorov - Wing

41. Montreal Canadiens (via Pittsburgh) - William Moore - Center

42. New York Islanders - Ben Kindel - Center

43. New York Rangers - Cole McKinney - Center

44. Detroit Red Wings - Alexander Zharovsky - Wing

Prospect System Ranking – 14th (Last Year - 11th)
GM: Mathieu Darche Hired: May 2025
COACH: Patrick Roy Hired: January 2024