2025 NHL Draft: Top 10 prospects who went undrafted
A total of 224 players were selected in the 2025 NHL Draft – but these 10 prospects weren’t.
We took a detailed look on how each team drafted, grading teams from A+ to C-. Nobody had a failing grade, but the teams with the fewest picks – and very few early on – obviously didn’t do well.
But with this, we’re going to look at 10 notable prospects who weren’t selected this time around. Using Daily Faceoff’s top 120 ranking as a basis, here’s a look at 10 of the most notable prospects who will either go to NHL development camps on a tryout contract, or wait another year to hear their name called:
1. Reese Hamilton, LHD (Regina Pats, WHL)
DFO Rank: 64
What Hamilton lacks in pure toughness, he makes up for it in his skating. He’s quick, agile and outworks opponents quite often. He didn’t light the WHL on fire after an impressive rookie season and ultimately saw his value trickle down all season long. But he’s good in his own zone and is competitive enough for my liking. It feels like he’s got more natural ability than he showed every single night – almost like he played nervously. I’m interested in seeing his Draft+1 development.
2. Tomas Pobezal, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)
DFO Rank: 65
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 U-18s 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 with the puck.
3. Owen Conrad, LHD (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL)
DFO Rank: 69
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. QMJHL attackers don’t seem to like to play against him.
4. Luka Radivojevic, RHD (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)
DFO Rank: 75
Heading into the season, some wondered if Radivojevic was going to go in the first round. Instead, teams looking for big defenders elected to skip the 5-foot-10 Slovakian defender. However, the raw talent is absolutely noticeable, with some scouts considering him a second-round prospect. Radivojevič spent many years competing against older players, especially at the international level. He put up good numbers with Muskegon and was a key piece of Slovakia’s blueline at the World Juniors. His more petite frame will definitely hold him back unless he can get stronger and quicker at Boston College. But at the very least, you can’t ignore just how skilled with the puck.
5. Bruno Osmanis, RW (Bjorkloven, Sweden U-20)
DFO Rank: 77
Osmanis rose up draft boards after a great showing at the World Juniors. The speedy winger boasts a ton of skill and looked good against pro competition in the second-tier Swedish league. Against U-20 competition, Osmanis is lethal. The hard-working, relentless forward likes to have the puck on his stick and is physically strong despite not being that big. I like Osmanis as a potential third-line energy forward who can help work alongside some more skilled linemates.
6. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, RHD (Univ. of Michigan, NCAA)
DFO Rank: 85
The former USA Hockey National Team Development Program blueliner is an excellent skater and was almost always one of Michigan’s best players in his own zone. He’s best when defending against skilled players who try to make quick, skilled moves, because he never seems to fall for flashy moves. His game with the puck isn’t great, though, which has hurt his stock a bit this year. The ceiling isn’t high here, but he plays strong enough defensively to give him a chance on the third pairing.
7. Philippe Veilleux, LW (Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL)
DFO Rank: 91
Veilleux was overlooked due to his small 5-foot-9 frame. Now, some scouts think he could go as high as the second round – albeit, later. He’s such a smart forward who rarely loses a 1-on-1 battle on a rush. He’s great in transition and can drive the play in high-danger situations. With the puck, few players in the QMJHL can do what he does. But his weak defensive game and his lack of physicality will knock him down a few pegs. Not every player needs to be great at everything, but smaller players always need to work a bit harder. Fortunately for Veilleux, he seems to have the raw skill to stand out in a big way. If you’re looking to bet high on talent, Veilleux would be a good value pick here.
8. Lev Katzin, LW (Guelph Storm, OHL)
DFO Rank: 99
I hope a team takes a chance on Katzin, especially with how good of a playmaker he showed he can be at the U-18s. He was consistently one of Canada’s best players, especially on the power play. Katzin is good at setting players up at speed, and he’s got a decent shot as well, too. The biggest thing against him is his smaller frame – at 5-foot-8, he’s not strong or dynamic enough in the eyes of many scouts. But just about every time he’s at a showcase event, he makes something happen.
9. Topias Hynninen, C (Jukurit, Liiga)
DFO Rank: N/A
While I’ve never been too high on Hynninen, I am surprised he didn’t get taken today. He had a productive season in the top Finnish pro league and I liked him at points during the World Juniors. He’s very quick and commits himself to a two-way game. I think his lack of physical contact hurts him – it always looks like he isn’t interested in battling guys along the boards. But he’s good with the puck, has generally good hockey sense and can outskate just about anyone.
10. Louis-Antoine Denault, G (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)
DFO Rank: N/A
I’m a little surprised nobody took a chance on the 6-foot-8 goaltender, even for the sole fact he’s that big. Like, seriously, he was the biggest player in the draft. Nobody wanted to even take a chance on him? I get the concerns – he’s not quick enough, and he has to rely on his size to make saves more often than not. But at the very least, you could take a flier on him and see if he can add some more urgency in his movements. He’s perfect down low, has a solid glove hand and I feel like he got better with rebounds the more I watched him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a good AHL career.
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