2025 NHL Draft: Top 10 prospects from the OHL you need to know

Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

There’s a realistic chance that the top three players taken in the 2025 NHL Draft could all come from the Ontario Hockey League.

That’s hard for any league to do – even if you combine the Canadian Hockey League’s three members. With so many different high-level leagues these days, it’s not uncommon to see a wide range of groups represented on the podium steps.

James Hagens, of course, might have other plans. The Boston College star started the season as the projected No. 1 prospect. But with some impressive performances out of Ontario, some scouts have pushed him down to No. 4. You might get a different top four in the draft depending on whom you talk to, and that’s exciting. It’s not a super deep draft, but the top talent will definitely get people talking.

Today, we’re looking at 10 of the best prospects out of the OHL for the 2025 NHL Draft. We could safely see about eight players taken in the first round, but it could easily be more:

1. Matthew Schaefer, LHD (Erie Otters, OHL)

Schaefer hasn’t played since suffering an injury during the World Juniors, but it definitely hasn’t hurt his draft stock. That’s a rarity when you have a fight near the top of the draft, but scouts love everything he brings to the table. He’s so smart, so skilled, and the results at just about every single level have been so promising. You can see some similarities between Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes in the way he moves and makes decisions with the puck. Schaefer is hard to beat in 1-on-1 situations, and despite playing close to 30 minutes a night with Erie, he still found ways to have some outstanding underlying analytics. Schaefer is a special talent, and he’s going to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL sooner rather than later.

2. Michael Misa, C (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Should Misa have been on Canada’s World Junior team? Absolutely. He’s one of the best pure goal-scorers in the CHL and is on track for one of the most impressive goal-scoring draft campaigns that we’ve seen out of the OHL in quite some time. I also think Misa’s ability to play both center and wing should take him far, although I expect him to be a winger in the NHL. His off-puck game can be a bit inconsistent (I just want him to give all of his effort more often), but this is a guy who continues to find ways to get into scoring positions and impact his team in the best way possible. If I was a coach and needed someone to score a big goal late to win a game, Misa would be my pick – he has the best offensive instincts of any player in this draft. I think he’s my new No. 2 prospect.

3. Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

Martone loves to be involved in the game in any way he can. He’s great with the puck. He’s a good setup man and he can push guys around. I think his defensive game has taken nice steps forward this year, too. His skating still leaves a bit to be desired, I don’t think it’s going to hurt him at the next level – he’s so good with and without the puck that I think he’ll be a 70-plus point power forward. Martone’s defensive play is still average at best, but I see a lot of translatable skills here. If you like the Tkachuk brothers, you’ll like Martone.

4. Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)

Aitcheson is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL – someone who just gives opponents nothing to work with. His physicality is the best attribute of his game because he’s willing to get involved with just about anyone. Aitcheson already has 20 goals, which is no small feat for an OHL defenseman. In fact, he’s second in goals scored for Barrie behind Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson. Aitcheson isn’t an outstanding skater and his playmaking can be a bit of a mixed bag, but I think the raw talent and the pure tenacity are there for any teams looking to get tougher to play against.

5. Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

Primarily playing in a second-line role, O’Brien has grown on me more and more as the season has progressed. His off-puck play is great, and he’s always out-thinking his opponents. O’Brien has a realistic chance of breaking the 100-point barrier this year, with his current 15-game point streak producing some incredible results. He’s never going to blow you away with his pure skill, but his work ethic and ability to be effective in all three zones will allow him to have a solid career.

6. Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)

Spence is the type of player you can put out there with anyone and get solid results. The Mississauga, Ontario native isn’t flashy, but he’s a hard worker who loves hitting everyone he can and getting anyone off their game. He’s also on pace for around 90 points, so he’s no scrub in the offensive department. Spence isn’t a high-end producer in the OHL, but he has been a point-per-gamer for most of the past two seasons. He’s very versatile, although not necessarily a top-six play-driver. I think he will be one heck of a middle-six player, at the very least.

7. Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

When evaluating Martin, you must watch his play away from the puck to truly appreciate him. His second half has been good offensively, as he broke away from his point-per-game average to put himself on a 70-point trajectory. But, again, it’s what he does when he’s trying to get the puck back where he really shines. He hits everyone in sight, constantly battles hard for the puck, and is a noted goal-scorer, too. He doesn’t always have top-level players to play with on the Greyhounds, but he does look like one of the best players to come out of the OHL this year because he does so much all over the ice and never gives up on a play.

8. Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

Reid is closing out the regular season by playing some of his best hockey of the season. He’s starting to put up points consistently, and he’s shooting in more dangerous areas, too. Reid isn’t big, but he can shut guys down. Reid can do a little bit of everything – his three-zone game is so good, and he’s got the intelligence to beat so many players in 1-on-1 situations. Some scouts think there’s top 10 potential there, just based on the way he thinks and evolves during a game. I’m not there yet, but I’ve really enjoyed watching him the past few months.

9. Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

The Spitfires have a strong case to go the distance this year, which is great for people who want to see more of Nesbitt. He’s been playing some great hockey recently, playing aggressive, but effective hockey. He’s also shooting a lot, too, averaging five shots a game over his past five outings. He’s often been one of Windsor’s better shot generators, and while he isn’t putting up Liam Greentree numbers, he’s still going to finish at close to a point per game. He’s a big, 6-foot-4 center – teams like that. I wish he had a bit more top speed, but I think Nesbitt could be a real steal for a team either late in the first or early on Day 2.

10. Henry Brzustewicz, RHD (London Knights)

Two years after watching his brother, Hunter, get selected by the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, Henry is looking to make his own mark. Standing at 6-foot-1, Brzustewicz is an all-around defender who can rush the puck up the ice and is always looking to take space away. Brzustewicz does a good job of driving play to the outside in his own zone, and has good instincts at the other end of the ice. He’s prone to making some mistakes with the puck, and I’d like to see more offense, but I think he’s a solid late-first, early second-round candidate.

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