2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Schaefer swipes No. 1 spot in mid-season top 64

Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

We’re now past the halfway point in the NHL season – and that means we’re in the stretch run for most developmental and European pro leagues.

The World Juniors are over, the CHL’s trade deadline has come and gone, and we’ve had plenty of showcase events for leagues across the world. Sample sizes aren’t that small anymore – scouts have a good idea of what these kids are capable of.

A lot has changed since Daily Faceoff’s top 50 draft ranking in November – including a new No. 1 (a guy scouts seem to be in love with). The top two – Matthew Schaefer and James Hagens – are a step ahead of the pack right now as A+ prospects, while Michael Misa and Porter Martone trail closely behind. After that, there’s more depth than maybe many in the industry expected at first – that’s why you’ll see very different lists across the board.

So, here’s a look at Daily Faceoff’s top 64 for January:

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

Unlike some others on this list, a long-term injury shouldn’t hurt Schaefer’s rating. That’s because scouts absolutely 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 plays. And while Schaefer is not exactly either of them, he does have all the makings of a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL quite soon.

2. James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)

Hagens has been near the top of the 2025 NHL Draft for a few years now, and for good reason. He’s really smart, plays a great two-way game and can thrive with just about anyone. He’s currently playing with two of the best NCAA players at Boston College in Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, but Hagens also showed last year just how good he could be with more role-oriented players as he took the all-time single-tournament scoring lead at the U-18 World Championship. Hagens has all the makings of being a No. 1 center on many NHL teams – or at the very least, a high-end No. 2.

3. 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 the wing should take him far. His off-puck game needs help, but this is a guy who continues to find ways to get into scoring positions and impact his team in the best way possible. Here’s why I put Misa ahead of Martone: if I needed one of them to win a game with everything on the line, I’m taking Misa.

4. 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. For what it’s worth, I have Misa and Martone really close.

5. Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

*Victor Eklund (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

What happens when you combine slick playmaking and great hockey sense? You get Eklund, who is having a fantastic year in the second-tier Swedish league. He has a great shot that I wish he’d use a bit more, but he does like to create in open space. I also think he’s very good away from the puck, often pushing guys around and not letting others get him out of the areas he wants to be in. His skating is pretty solid too.

6. Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)

While the overall blueline corps this year isn’t as good as last year’s, there are still a lot of reasons to be excited about someone like Smith. He’s physical, he skates so well, and he’s as mobile as it gets for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds a way to explode offensively. I see him being a top-four defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles, and I think he should be an impact player on Canada’s World Junior team next year, too.

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

This might be higher than a lot of other people will have Aitcheson, but I think he has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL. His physicality is the best attribute of his game because he’s willing to get involved with just about anyone. He’s also putting up better numbers than I think most people expected this year. Aitcheson isn’t an outstanding skater and his playmaking can be a bit of a mixed bag, but I think the raw talent in the pure tenacity is there for any teams looking to get tougher to play against. Aitcheson’s goal is about being extremely difficult to play against – that’s a good sign for a defenseman.

8. Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

McQueen hasn’t played since October, but scouts still are excited about him. That’s because he blends a unique mix of size, playmaking, hockey sense, and an outstanding shot – he was scoring at a point-per-game pace before his injury. And while his skating is a bit below some of the players above him here, it’s still a strength of his. I want to see him move a bit quicker when he’s dealing with pressure-packed situations, but he has a unique base to build around, and I’m excited to see what he can do when he’s healthy.

9. Caleb Desnoyers, C (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)

Much of the talk about Desnoyers this year will surround his successful CV, as it should. He’s a proven winner already at multiple international tournaments with Canada, and he’s the one driving the bus most nights for Moncton. I like his physical play, even though he’s not huge. I think he’s a great playmaker and he’s one of the smarter centers in this draft. He might not be the flashiest, but at the very least, Desnoyers is going to be a middle-six center because he does so many great things away from the puck.

10. Lynden Lakovic, LW (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)

A recent injury will derail his progress a little bit, but there’s still so much to like about Lakovic’s game. He’s a good skater, he’s great with the puck, he’s extremely smart and he doesn’t need to rely on his physical size to help him win battles. He’s an all-around threat and he can be so explosive with his shot and on a rush. His game screams power – and he also creates high-quality chances quite consistently.

11. Anton Frondell, C (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Multiple injuries have impacted Frondel’s draft stock this year. He’s a talented player who does so many great things well and is easily one of the best U-20 Swedish players in the world right now. I love Frondell’s shot – it’s such a dangerous release in open space. He likes to hit people and is a great playmaker, too. But until he’s able to truly dominate games at any level, I am concerned about his ability to be a top-six forward in the NHL. Still, a team looking to bet high on a young center with translatable skills will be happy with him.

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

Spence is the type of player you can put out there with anyone and get solid results. He’s not flashy, but he’s a hard worker who loves to hit everyone he possibly can and get anyone off their game. He’s also on pace for around 90 points, so he’s definitely no scrub in the offensive department. He’s very versatile, although not necessarily a top-six play-driver. I do think he’s going to be one heck of a middle-six player, at the very least.

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

I’m starting to buy into the hype a bit more. I’ve had some so-so viewings of O’Brien this year, but his consistency has been really impressive, even in the games when Brantford isn’t producing much. His off-puck play is great, and he’s always out-thinking his opponents. O’Brien is 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.

14. Carter Bear, C (Everett Silvertips, WHL)

Teammates credit his hard work off the ice and his detailed approach to preparing for a game for his success this year. Clearly, it’s paying off, as he’s on pace for more than 50 goals and 100 points. He’s a difficult player to play against and it was a shame we didn’t get to see him fully healthy for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge because he would have turned heads. The big question for scouts is what type of player he’ll be at the next level, but they clearly appreciate his ability to perform for a top contender in the WHL – something that isn’t always the case for a draft eligible.

15. Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

*Justin Carbonneau (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Carbonneau’s game has a lot of high-end attributes. Great skater? Check. Excellent shot release? Absolutely. A bit of an edge, at times? You bet. Carbonneau loves to make big, flashy, high-end plays and often comes out on the right side of it. He can get caught trying to do too much and could use his teammates a bit more, but he understands that and is doing a better job of realizing when to bail on a play. I expect him to rise up a few more spots as he continues to build on his consistency.

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

Martin’s points will definitely not jump off a page, but his play away from the puck is what makes him so intriguing as a first-round threat. He hits everyone in sight, will always battle 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.

17. Cameron Schmidt, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

Schmidt might be one of the only WHLers to crack the 50-goal barrier this year, which, if you’ve seen him before, shouldn’t be too surprising. He might be really small at 5-foot-8, but he’s a pure offensive forward with great speed and likes being in front of the net. He’s the small guy who many think will thrive out of this draft because there’s just so much offensive potential for him, and it feels like he’s not shown it all just yet. Whenever the Giants are thriving, you can count on Schmidt being a big reason why.

18. Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)

The 6-foot-4 blueliner is a big-bodied defender who clears forwards away from his net and pushes opponents to the perimeter. Fiddler is averaging around 22 minutes a night this year and already looks good with the puck. While his offensive play has improved this year, it does feel like his bread and butter will always be his own zone play.

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

Reid is not big, but he can definitely shut guys down. Reid can do a little bit of everything, making him more rounded than I think some scouts expected heading into the season. His three-zone game is so good, and he’s got the intelligence to beat so many players in 1-on-1 situations. As he continues to improve and show more confidence, we could be talking about a potential top-10 pick here.

20. Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

*Radim Mrtka (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

At 6-foot-6, Mrtka is definitely hard to miss on the ice. After starting the year struggling for opportunities in Czechia, he transferred to the WHL in late November, where he has managed to play at just less than a point per game despite Seattle’s struggles to win games. Mrtka has size and some decent creativity, making it difficult to beat him down the middle. Mrtka’s skating needs to improve to take the next step in his game, but I like that he’s playing more than 25 minutes a night in the WHL.

21. Joshua Ravensbergen, G (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

Ravensbergen has a 6-foot-5 frame, is mobile and tracks pucks as well as anyone. Mix it all together, and there’s a lot to like about the Cougars goaltender. Some scouts are still worried about taking a goalie in the first round this year, and Ravensbergen has had a few stinkers this season. But more often than not, we’re talking about an 18-year-old goaltender who has had to carry his team to wins, and it’s rare to find a goalie his age with this much starter experience already.

22. Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

Hensler was once projected to be a potential top-five pick for 2025, so his stock has fallen a bit. Some of it has been out of his hands – a few other defenders have helped make the race a bit more exciting. In other cases, scouts just want to see more. He’s a 6-foot-2, mobile blueliner who has good reach and can rough guys up, and he’s solid in his own zone. You won’t confuse him for a puck-rushing offensive defenseman, though. There’s still solid second-pairing potential, or even first-pairing if you pair him with someone who likes to do more with the puck.

23. Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Cootes might become more of an energy forward in the NHL, and that’s OK. The thing that really stands out here is just how much he wants the puck, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Cootes is also a solid playmaker, often easily finding teammates in open space. I think his value goes far beyond his numbers, but he’s also a bright spot on a bad team right now – imagine if he was playing on a more dangerous squad.

24. William Moore, C (USNTDP)

The two-way forward has good size at 6-foot-2, and he’s not afraid to outmuscle players. He doesn’t get too fancy or anything like that with the puck – instead, he spends a lot of time around the net at both ends of the ice. When Moore is really on his game – when he desperately wants the puck or has a chance to get a second, third, or even fourth look at a chance – he can be so dangerous. I just want to see more consistency.

25. Ben Kevan, RW (Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL)

*Ben Kevan (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Kevan has almost always been one of my favorite players on the ice whenever I get to see him. He’s a crafty, smart forward who’s effective in many ways. He can shoot, he’s an excellent skater and while he struggles physically, he’s smart enough to get himself out of trouble with a quick move or pass. Kevan could be a middle-six play driver in the NHL, and if he can add a bit more toughness, I could see him going in the top 20.

26. Jack Murtagh, LW (USNTDP)

The CHL USA Prospects Challenge was perfect for Murtagh’s draft stock. He was one of the only players who seemed to show up in both games and displayed everything that makes him so good. He’s a skilled puck handler who can absolutely fire a shot and is a bit of a workhorse, too. I think he’s a good skater and has the hockey sense you’re looking for in a potential middle-six player.

27. Nathan Behm, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Behm is having a breakout season with the Blazers, which has seen him scoring at a 40-goal, 83-point pace this year. He has always been a decent goal-scorer at every level, but he has found a way to put more muscle behind his shot while being better defensively, too. His skating is still a work in progress – he’s not particularly quick and can be beaten by mid-range skaters – but his play with the puck has been incredible this year.

28. Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)

Reschny can have his hot and cold momentum but I really like him as a playmaker. He has had great results with Team Canada and looks set to lead the Royals in scoring for the second straight year. In fact, I’ve liked him in just about every showcase we’ve seen from him. His pace can be underwhelming at times but he has plenty of skill. I can see him being a potential middle-six threat.

29. Haoxi (Simon) Wang, LHD (Oshawa Generals, OHL)

Wang was one of the first college commits (Boston University) to sign with an OHL team after the relaxed rules, signing with the Generals in early December. Since then, we’ve seen him bounce between the OHL and the OJHL’s King Rebellion, where he’s easily the league’s top prospect. The 6-foot-6 defender is an excellent skater – like, one of the more fluent movers in the draft – while doing an excellent job of carrying the puck up the ice. The ceiling is so high for the Chinese-born defender who has really started to figure out how to use his frame and mobility to dominate the competition.

30. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, RW (Lulea, Sweden U-20)

*Jakob Ihs Wozniak (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Ihs-Wozniak has a tendency to be a bit invisible at times, with scouts worried about his ability to be a game-changer. But the 6-foot-3 forward has good size, a high level of intelligence with and without the puck and solid playmaking chops. He’s not afraid of anything physically, and his skating has improved over the past two years. He had a good showing at the World Junior A Challenge after an underwhelming Hlinka Gretzky Cup (most of his offense came later in the tournament). But for the most part, he’s one of Sweden’s more intriguing prospects.

31. Shane Vansaghi, RW (Michigan State University, NCAA)

After being more of a support player deeper down in the USNTDP lineup last year, I grew to really like Vansaghi’s game. The strong winger is exactly what you’re looking for from a bottom-six forward: he hits hard, brings energy, and never gives up on a play. We’ve seen him bounce all throughout the MSU lineup this year, and he has always found ways to produce.

32. Bill Zonnon, LW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

Zonnon hasn’t received enough attention for his 100-point pace this year. He’s physical, smart and is an excellent passer who can do some dangerous things with the puck. When he has the puck, he makes things happen in open space. Without it, he creates space for his teammates and he gets himself to the net. His skating is below average, especially speed-wise, so that’ll need to improve for him to be taken higher.

33. Eric Nilson, C (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)

Nilson has turned heads this year – not just for his offensive prowess but his defensive play, too. He’s been great internationally, and while he might not be a play-driver, he’s a great passer who can also wire home shots, too. He’s been productive in the Swedish U-20 league and has some pro experience with Djurgardens’ Allsvenskan team, too. I can see Nilson becoming an effective bottom-six forward because he’s so committed to winning every battle while still maintaining his position in his own zone.

34. Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

It’s been a rough go for Ryabkin, who went from a possible top-five pick to a consistent healthy scratch in the Russian junior league. His inability to score didn’t help, but he also just didn’t look good enough away from the puck. He’s been productive since his move to Muskegon, though, scoring three goals in his first two games. We’ve also seen him flesh out his physical and playmaking games, with his passing and hockey sense being two of his best traits. A boost of confidence in the USHL should help Ryabkin’s overall game and maybe I’ll put him higher up down the line. But right now, there’s a lot of waiting and seeing.

35. Milton Gastrin, C (MoDo, Sweden U-20)

*Milton Gastrin (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Gastrin will not be a point producer in the NHL, but he will do so many other things that excite you. He’s defensively responsible, wins a ton of face-offs and can play the wing when you need him to. We’ve seen him play with some of Sweden’s better players in international junior tournaments, and he has never looked out of place. Maybe he’s the next David Edstrom?

36. Kurban Limatov, LHD (MHK Dynamo Moskva, MHL)

There’s a lot to like about Limatov’s complete package. The 6-foot-3 defender is mobile, hits as hard as anyone and is a great puck distributor. He’s one of the best skaters playing in Europe right now, using his mobility to beat players at speed and get himself out of danger. Limatov can put anyone on their rear end, and if you get him first, he’ll get you back with a hard shot. I think he needs to be smarter at distributing the puck under pressure, but the raw talent is there.

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

The Spitfires went from a bottom-of-the-barrel team to a true championship contender, and Nesbitt is one of the biggest reasons why. He’s a big, 6-foot-4 center putting up a point-per-game while still playing a physical, no-nonsense game. Teams crave big centermen who bring energy and can hit, and Nesbitt does it well. I wish he had a bit more top speed but I think Nesbitt could be a real steal for a team outside of first round.

38. Cullen Potter, LW (Arizona State University, NCAA)

Consistency has been a bit of an issue for Potter – but when ASU is thriving, Potter typically is too. He’s playing around 20 minutes a night as of late and scouts have been impressed with his play-driving abilities. He’s 5-foot-9, but his pure skill and ability to make things happen with the puck should keep him high in the draft conversation.

39. Benjamin Kindel, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)

Kindel is a dual-threat offensive player. He’s equally good as a shooter and a playmaker and is the driving force of Calgary’s attack. Kindel does a great job of finding open space and exploiting it and he has a shot he can unleash from just about anywhere. Below-average skating and a lack of a physical edge knock him down a few pegs, but I can see teams taking a chance on him for his pure puck skills.

40. Henry Brzustewicz, RHD (London Knights)

*Henry Brzustewicz (Ian Goodall/Goodall Media)*

It’s Henry’s time after watching his older brother, Hunter, get selected by the Vancouver Canucks back in 2023. Henry is slightly bigger at 6-foot-1 (compared to Hunter’s six-foot frame) and he’s a decent playmaker, too. He’s an all-around defender who can rush the puck up the ice and is always looking to take space away. Brzustewicz is 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.

41. Carter Amico, RHD (USNTDP)

Amico suffered a season-ending injury before the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, which definitely hurt. He’s a big 6-foot-5 right-handed defender who makes it his mission to stop you from beating him in 1-on-1 situations. He’s strong, smart and a decent skater, too. His on-puck game is still a work in progress, so the lost time won’t help. But teams love massive blueliners who can handle the right side – don’t be surprised if he still ends up around the first round.

42. Luca Romano, C (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

Romano’s offense has quieted a bit in recent weeks, but scouts aren’t worried. That’s because he’s good in so many areas without any serious, glaring flaws. He’s a good skater, puts a lot of mustard behind his shot and can hold his own physically despite being a mid-sized center. What makes him intriguing is just how energetic he is and how he chases everyone around all game long. I think he’ll be a decent bottom-six forward, and some added muscle will help.

43. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, RHD (Univ. of Michigan, NCAA)

Rheaume-Mullen was never in the spotlight with the USNTDP, but he’s looking good in in the NCAA. The defensive defender is an excellent skater and is almost always one of Michigan’s best players in his own zone. He’s best when defending against skilled players trying to make quick, skilled moves because he never seems to fall for flash and pizzazz. His game with the puck isn’t great, though, which will hurt his stock.

44. Vojtěch Čihař, LW (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)

Čihař seems to find teammates with high-danger chances often. He’s quick, crafty and took very little time to adjust to playing against men in the top Czech league this year. I like how hard he works along the boards, although I wish he committed himself in the same way defensively. Still, we’ve seen enough from him, both internationally and domestically, to be excited about his overall package – Čihař is always moving and looking to impact every shift.

45. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD (Boston University, NCAA)

*Sascha Boumedienne (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Boumedienne made noise after an explosive start to his junior career with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms last year. But it feels like we’ve missed on him making any big steps in his game ever since he struggled to make the right decisions with the puck at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Now at Boston University, he’s playing between 18-20 minutes a night and has gotten better as the season has worn on. Moving forward, I want to see Boumedienne simplify his passing game and add more four-way mobility.

46. Charlie Trethewey, RHD (USNTDP)

I’ve wanted to see more from Trethewey this season, simple as that. He’s one of the USNTDP’s most mobile players and has an outstanding shot, but we’re not seeing the numbers many thought he’d produce after a great Draft+1 campaign. Still, he has a lot of different skills at his disposal, both with and without the puck. Trethewey is a bit of a project player, but one who might be able to take a bigger step once he heads to Boston University in the next few years.

47. Adam Benák, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)

Will Benák’s pure skill be able to outmuscle his 5-foot-7 frame? After a bit of a rocky start to the year with the Phantoms, Benák is on pace for around 60 points as one of the team’s best playmakers. The all-time Hlinka Gretzky Cup points leader isn’t strong, but he’s quick and so good with the puck. He uses his quick hands and creativity to open up space for himself and others, and he’s excellent on the power play. But scouts will definitely knock him down some pegs for being as small as he is, and there’s no real way around that.

48. Jordan Gavin, LW (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

Gavin has posted modest numbers in the WHL this year, but he should still surpass the 50-point mark. He’s done a lot of losing this year between Tri-City and now Brandon, so he has had to find other ways to stay effective. Like Brady Martin out of the OHL, Gavin is an energetic, two-way forward who makes everyone around him better. And he’s doing so without putting up explosive numbers – imagine if he had better help around him. Gavin could end up being one of the more underrated prospects in the top 50 this year.

49. Kristian Epperson, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Epperson was passed over after posting mediocre numbers with the U-18 USNTDP team last year – he even got demoted to the U-17 team. But he is a key piece of Saginaw’s attack this year, with the winger expected to put up more than 30 goals and 60 assists. He’s also one of the toughest players on any given shift, playing a bit of a power forward game (although he can be subject to some dumb penalties from time to time). However, his ability to produce while being smart away from the puck makes Epperson the best second-year eligible prospect available.

51. Carlos Händel, RHD (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL)

*Carlos Handel (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

The World Juniors was a perfect opportunity for Händel to show just how capable he is with and without the puck. He was Germany’s best defenseman despite being just 17. He’s not afraid to get engaged on the rush and is capable of leading a power play, too. Händel is producing at half a point per game with Halifax, but scouts have noticed that it didn’t take him too long to figure out how to create and make moves on the smaller North American ice.

51. Cole McKinney, C (USNTDP)

McKinney is a mid-sized, two-way center who can play on the penalty kill, block shots and win a ton of faceoffs. He’s not going to be a playdriver in the NHL, but he’s detail-oriented and exceptionally smart. McKinney also isn’t afraid to land a big hit to channel some energy, either. He’s one of the USNTDP’s better players, and I feel like college will be an opportunity for him to get stronger.

52. Tomas Pobezal, C (Nitra, Slovakia)

Pobezal has been a leading fixture for Slovakia in this age group for a while, and it was nice to see him at the World Juniors. He’s smart, speedy and makes good decisions with the puck. He seemed to be one of Slovakia’s most consistent players from the get-go at the U18s last year and he always brought the energy. I could see Pobezal becoming a bottom-six forward who is defensively responsible but also skilled enough to make things happen.

53. Jack Ivankovic, G (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

If it wasn’t for Ivankovic’s 5-foot-11 frame, we’d be talking about a potential top 20 pick this year. Ivankovic played his way onto Canada’s World Junior team and looked good in his one start – which just happened to be the loss to Latvia. The athletic keeper does an excellent job of tracking shots and is as competitive as they get in the crease. His save percentage isn’t great in the OHL, but he’s been left hung out to dry a bit too often this year. More often than not, he’s finding a way to steal a game or two for the Steelheads. But if he doesn’t grow… it’s just going to be a tough hill for him to climb.

54. Viktor Klingsell, LW (Skelletfea, Sweden U-20)

Klingsell is an excellent skater who can play with just about anyone and find a way to be effective. His numbers are quite modest in the Swedish U-20 league, but he has had some solid numbers internationally in the past few years. Klingsell isn’t someone who likes to get too physical, but he’ll kill you with pure skill – and he has a lot of it. For not being a huge kid, Klingsell is good along the boards, something scouts appreciate.

55. Conrad Fondrk, LW (USNTDP)

*Conrad Fondrk (Rena Laverty/USA Hockey)*

Fondrk can be a bit too hot and cold for my liking, but he’s known for making some fantastic plays in open space. But when he’s hot, Fondrk can be a difference-maker. I liked him at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and I think he’s better than his stats might suggest. That’s because he’s a solid 200-foot player who brings speed and a great shot to the table every night.

56. Pyotr Andreyanov, G (Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL)

The top-rated international-based goaltending prospect, Andreyanov has been truly dominant in the Russian junior league. His save percentage has been above .940 for most of the season, and while his team does score a lot, he seems to thrive when he faces more action. His glove hand is quick, he’s reactive when he needs to be, and he doesn’t get frazzled when he lets a goal in. He might be just 6-foot-1, but he’s athletic enough to make up for not having truly ideal size.

57. William Horcoff, C (Univ. of Michigan, NCAA)

Horcoff comes from NHL bloodlines, with his father being Shawn Horcoff – who happens to have two titles with Canada’s World Championship team. His dad was a gritty playmaker during his peak days with the Oilers, but Will loves to put players through the glass whenever possible. He hasn’t put up a ton of points this year, but he’s good in his own zone. It’ll be interesting to track his progress at the University of Michigan, where, physically, he already looks up to speed.

58. Matthew Gard, C (Red Deer Rebels, WHL)

Gard has looked good for the Rebels this year, serving as a toolsy, 200-foot center. He has a good 6-foot-4 frame and can make some highlight-reel plays. His true value comes in just how hard he battles in his own zone, rarely allowing opponents to get the better of him. Gard won’t be a top-six forward in the NHL, but he has good size and is an effective support player deeper down.

59. Zachary Morin, LW (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)

Morin jumped from the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms after just four games and has looked solid with Saint John. The Boston University commit (there are a few on this list) has produced at a 50-point rate, showcasing his strong playmaking ability. He doesn’t get pushed around easily and he can make quick enough passes to help take the pressure off him and get into a scoring role. Morin is best at creating opportunity for others – and the Sea Dogs are better because of it.

60. Luka Radivojevic, RHD (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

*Luka Radivojevic (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Radivojevic is intriguing thanks to his pure skill and hockey IQ. He has already shown that he can handle playing against older competition in this tournament and will be given every opportunity to play key minutes. Radivojevic is a mobile defenseman who is always looking to make the right play, but he lacks ideal size at 5-foot-10. I thought he looked good at the World Juniors, but the absence of pure strength will hurt his draft stock.

61. Owen Conrad, LHD (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL)

Conrad is an athletic, strong defenseman who can move the puck and take space away. Conrad’s offense might not be a shining element of his game, but he’s playing with more aggressiveness than we’ve seen from him at other levels – and he’s dang good in his own zone. At the very least, Conrad will earn love for just how rugged he is.

62. Mace’o Phillips, LHD (USNTDP)

Phillips is a massive, 6-foot-5, 214-pound defender who uses every bit of his frame to push guys around and poke pucks away. He’s strong and always seems to be looking to land at least one big hit a game. He skates well, too. His mobility and frame will make him a solid option for teams chasing size and decent mobility.

63. William Belle, RW (USNTDP)

Belle is a force of nature. He’s a 6-foot-4, 218-pound monster who can take down just about anyone who gets in his way and will then proceed to make life miserable for you in front of the net. I like his shot, too. Teams looking for someone to push guys around while being competent with and without the puck will be attracted to Belle’s skillset.

64. Lucas Beckman, G (Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL)

*Lucas Beckman (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Beckman is having a standout year with the Drakkar, stealing a bunch of games throughout the year. He might only be 6-foot-1, but he’s calm in the crease and doesn’t give up many bad rebounds. He’s athletic and tracks pucks well, and some scouts have noted that his positioning looks a lot better than it did in his QMJHL Draft year. He has had a bunch of shutouts over the past two years, too, which doesn’t hurt.

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