The 2025 NHL Draft is quickly approaching, with theScore releasing prospect rankings to showcase the top players in each position. Centers lead off the series, followed by wingers, defensemen, and goalies in the coming weeks.
1. Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit
Misa broke onto the scene in 2022 when he shattered Connor McDavid’s scoring record at the OHL Cup. That performance helped him earn exceptional status to enter the OHL a year early.
After two solid seasons on the wing with Saginaw, Misa moved back to center this year. He thrived in the transition.
Only Patrick Kane has scored more points than Misa’s 134 as an OHLer in a draft year since 1995.
Misa combines speed with skill. He’s got breakaway pace and can score goals, though he’s not a pure sniper. His production comes from hockey intelligence and puck handling rather than a dominant shot. Misa projects as a legitimate top-line center who can score and set up teammates.
2. James Hagens, Boston College
Hagens entered the draft cycle as the projected first overall pick after breaking Nikita Kucherov’s scoring record at the 2024 Under-18s.
The Long Island native played well at the world juniors this year. He led Team USA forwards in ice time during the gold-medal game. His Boston College season was solid but not spectacular, causing him to slip slightly in rankings.
Hagens excels as a playmaker. He drove play at the U.S. National Team Development Program and served more as a facilitator at Boston College. He skates really well with speed and elusiveness. His goal scoring disappointed this season, and he sometimes struggled against older, more physical NCAA teams. Still, Hagens’ skill and smarts make him a top prospect who can play center despite his smaller frame.
3. Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Wildcats
Desnoyers was the first overall pick in the 2023 QMJHL Draft. He’s proven to be the best prospect from that league since Alexis Lafreniere.
He was the top player on the best QMJHL team this year and earned playoff MVP honors despite being the youngest Wildcat.
Desnoyers brings a mature two-way game. His commitment to defense will attract NHL teams looking for future Selke Trophy candidates. He’s smart and uses that intelligence in his playmaking. Desnoyers stands 6-foot-2 but needs to fill out his frame. As he adds strength, he’ll use his size better at both ends.
4. Anton Frondell, Djurgarden
Frondell had an inconsistent season in Sweden’s second-tier professional league. He posted nine goals and 21 points in a 12-game stretch from late January through mid-March but managed just four points in his other 17 games.
His 0.86 points per game ranks second to Elias Pettersson among players in their draft year in that league. That’s ahead of William Nylander and David Pastrnak.
The Swede has a dangerous shot. Both his wrist shot and one-timer should translate as power-play weapons. There’s strength in his game that should help him transition from wing to center against professional competition. His pace and playmaking might limit his ceiling.
5. Jake O’Brien, Brantford Bulldogs
O’Brien had a breakthrough sophomore season in the OHL. He recorded more assists (66) than he had total points (64) as a rookie with Brantford.
At 17 years old, the 6-foot-2, 172-pound right-handed center has significant room for physical development.
The Toronto native is an elite playmaker with some of the best vision in the draft class. O’Brien led the OHL in power-play scoring this season. He routinely confused opposing penalty kills with his creativity. His shot isn’t elite, but his puck skills make up for the lack of pure goal-scoring ability.
6. Brady Martin, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Martin might be this year’s biggest late riser. He posted 17 goals and 37 points in his final 22 games, then starred for Canada at the Under-18s where they won gold.
Martin plays a punishing style. He’s relentless on the forecheck and delivers crushing hits regularly.
He plays much bigger than his frame suggests and is more physical than some projected first-rounders who are 4-5 inches taller. While physicality defines his game, he has legitimate skill and developed into an impact offensive player. Martin is the type of player general managers want for playoff runs.
7. Roger McQueen, Brandon Wheat Kings
McQueen is one of the draft’s biggest question marks. He’s among the tallest centers available and has skill to match his size, but he’s older than most prospects and played just 17 games due to a back injury.
The injury concerns echo those of Cayden Lindstrom, the fourth overall pick in 2024 who missed almost his entire first NHL season with back problems.
McQueen has an intriguing skill set when healthy. He can reach high speeds despite his size. He’s skilled and plays with an edge. McQueen has top-five talent based on pure potential. His injury history and limited playing time will make teams cautious.
8. Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals
Reschny finished strong. He scored nine goals and 25 points in 11 WHL playoff games before adding five goals and eight points in five Under-18 games as Canada won gold.
The Saskatchewan native is an excellent passer with quick hands. That puts him among the draft’s best playmakers.
Reschny’s compete level, intelligence, and defensive play should let him stick at center professionally despite being undersized. He’s a good skater but not the burner that’s ideal for a center under six feet tall.
Reschny is among the first top prospects this year making the switch from the CHL to NCAA hockey. He’ll attend the University of North Dakota this fall.
9. Braeden Cootes, Seattle Thunderbirds
Cootes captained both the Thunderbirds and Team Canada at the Under-18s this spring. He led Canada with six goals and 12 points, solidifying his first-round status.
His numbers aren’t as flashy as other WHLers in this class, but he led Seattle in scoring and posted strong defensive metrics.
The Alberta native plays hard and fast. The right-handed center likely won’t be a high-impact scorer at the next level but is well-rounded enough to become a useful top-nine player. If his offense improves, there’s top-six potential.
10. Jack Nesbitt, Windsor Spitfires
Nesbitt made a huge leap as an OHL sophomore. He went from 18 points and a minus-32 rating as a rookie to 64 points and a plus-12 rating this year.
He has a big frame and can become more imposing as he fills out. Nesbitt has good hands and one-on-one skill, but his skating needs work. His lack of pace limits his ceiling, but he could become a useful top-nine center with grit and two-way ability.
(Stats source: Elite Prospects)
