In 2025, 21 CHL players were taken in the first round of the NHL draft. Fourteen of those players have continued their major junior careers. The performances of many of them in the CHL playoffs thus far reflect their status as high-end prospects.
The potential leaders of this group are forwards Bill Zonnon (PIT #22) and Justin Carbonneau (STL #19) of the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbraind Armada. Zonnon has overcome an injury-plagued start to the 2025-26 season to be tied for third with 9 playoff points and second in playoff assists (8). After an extended pre-season look by the Blues, Carbonneau returned to the Armada, recording 80 points en route to a 51-goal season. He has continued that point production in the playoffs, tallying 8 points (3G 5A) in 6 games so far.
Also in the QMJHL, Caleb Desnoyers (UTA #4) is thriving with Moncton. He has been nothing short of a playmaking machine for the Wildcats in the playoffs, tallying 7 assists in 5 games thus far, tied for fourth in the league. This is par for the course for Desnoyers, as he averaged over an assist per game in the regular season as well.
In the OHL, Brantford forward Jake O’Brien (SEA #8) is the scoring leader in this group with 11 points in 6 games, including 9 assists (3rd) & 5 power-play assists (tied for second). Then there is Brady Martin (NSH #5) of Sault Ste. Marie, whose 7 points (2G 5A) have helped the Greyhounds reach the second round against Kitchener. However, the Rangers trail 1-0 in that series, who have had an unbeaten playoff run thus far thanks in large part to d-man Chase Reid (NSH #21). Reid has maintained his near point-per-game average (4 points in 5 games), in addition to averaging over 28 minutes of ice time per night.
Like Desnoyers in the Q and O’Brien in the O, forward Carter Bear (DET #13) of Everett in the WHL is making his presence felt in the assist column. Bear’s 7 assists in 5 games have helped lead the Silvertips to a 1-0 second-round series edge versus Kelowna. Prince Albert also has reached the second round thanks in no small part to the 8 points (2G 6A) contributed by Braeden Cootes (VAN #15).
On the other side of the puck, but still in the WHL’s Western Conference, is goaltender Joshua Ravenbergen (SJS #30). His .926 save percentage has led to a 1-0 Prince George series edge over Penticton. Ravensbergen led the WHL regular season in wins (32) and save percentage (.919).