The 32 best NHL Draft prospects Blackhawks fans can't afford to overlook

The 2025 NHL entry draft is only a few weeks away, and talks of which prospects will go to which team are beginning to ramp up gradually. As of right now, the consensus is that some combination of Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa will be the top two picks, but the "real draft" begins with the Chicago Blackhawks at third overall, where many different players are in conversation to be the next taken off the board.

As is the case with any draft, there is lots of debate surrounding prospect rankings and who deserves to be drafted higher or lower than they are projected.

This is a ranking of the top 32 players in the upcoming NHL entry draft.

1. Matthew Schaefer, defense (OHL)

Schaefer tops this year's draft as an all-around defenseman who can beat opponents with his skating ability and can move the puck at a high level.

Despite the 2025 draft being seen as weaker than years past, Schaefer still finds himself as arguably one of the best defensive prospects in recent years. He only played in 17 games this year due to a broken collarbone, but that does not impact his draft stock, as he shows traits of becoming a top-pair defenseman in the NHL.

2. Michael Misa, center (OHL)

The gap between Misa and Schaefer is much closer than some may think, as Misa is no slouch as the top forward in the class.

His outstanding production this season of 134 points in 65 games shows his dynamic offensive capabilities while also being a more than competent two-way forward, making him the complete package as a young center looking to take the next step in his development.

3. Porter Martone, winger (OHL)

Porter Martone looks the part of a modern power-forward as a player who brings high-end skill and NHL-ready size as an 18-year old. The 6-foot-3, 207 pound, winger has garnered some criticism for his skating and overall pace, but the positives outweigh the negatives as his scoring ability combined with his size and vision should make an NHL team ecstatic with their selection.

4. James Hagens, center (NCAA)

After completing his freshman season at Boston College, the discourse surrounding Hagen's play has been divisive. While he did not have the overwhelming scoring numbers of top NCAA draftees before him, he is still a very skilled center who is strong on the puck and plays a fast and well-paced game. His 37 points in 37 games is impressive for any freshman as he looks the part of a future top-six center in the NHL.

5. Anton Frondell, center (Allsvenskan)

If Anton Frondell had consistently produced all season as well as he did in the second half, he would easily be slotted in the top three.

After a slow start, he finished the season with 25 points in 29 games for Djurgårdens IF, which was similar to the production of NHL stars who had played in that league. He is a physical center with a great shot who shows signs of being a high-end two-way forward, but the consistency early in the season lowers his overall ranking.

6. Jake O'Brien, center (OHL)

After this season, O'Brien has proved himself to be arguably the most creative player in the draft. He was dynamic this season with 98 points in 66 games as he showcased elite vision and puck skills for the Brantford Bulldogs. His hockey IQ is one of his greatest weapons, as he utilizes it in both zones to be an effective two-way center who can drive play up the ice and be a true threat on the power play as well.

7. Caleb Desnoyers, center (QMJHL)

Caleb Desnoyers is a prospect who many are beginning to slot in the top five after the potential he showed this past season. The 6-foot-2 center scored 84 points in 56 QMJHL games and looks to be an all-around player with top-six skill at the next level. His two-way game has left many excited about his potential, though the overall competition he faced this season is not as high as others on the list.

8. Victor Eklund, winger (Allsvenskan)

Eklund seems to be a player who has fallen through the cracks in this draft, but his skill is not to be overlooked. He is a Swiss-army knife style of player who is able to make an impact anywhere on the ice and does so with excellent speed and adaptability. He tallied 31 points in 42 for Djurgårdens IF this season, as he showed impressive awareness and playmaking ability.