Attached is a draft ranking with what I consider to be a very helpful twist: how the skills of these young men translate to the take-no-prisoners style of hockey featured in the NHL playoffs. Adding that nuance to the mix, Boston College center James Hagens is ranked at #11, the big knock on him being his reduced ability to finish when exposed to older and stronger players. Nonetheless, despite scoring a less than expected 11 goals this season, he was still a point-per-game producer as a freshman for the Eagles. Also, he generated 9 points (including 5 goals) as an underaged player at the world junior. Still, the question mark remains.
Also, I took note of the #6 ranking given to the WHL’s Roger McQueen, together with the acknowledgment that serious questions remain about his long-term health. McQueen missed almost the entire season with a back injury, the lasting effects of which tend to be the most unpredictable, along with concussions.
Finally, I note the presence of OHL center Brady Martin, who TSN’s Craig Button has at number 6 (up from a pre-lottery rank of 20) after his performance at the U18 WJC. With his high motor and ultra-competitive drive, I must agree that his game is very translatable to playoff hockey.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6353401/2025/05/16/2025-nhl-draft-prospects-ranking-nhl-playoffs