Elite Prospects names 29 CHL players in December’s 2025 NHL Draft rankings
Elite Prospects have named 29 CHL players to its December 2025 NHL Draft rankings.
Eight of the Top 10 players listed are CHLers and are led by Erie’s Matthew Schaefer at no. 2.
“Already a world-class activator, Schaefer spots the tiniest gaps in coverage as he skates up ice, dangling defenders and passing the puck through seams – and he’s getting better by the week,” wrote Elite Prospects. “He could become the motor of an NHL team’s offence and has all of the foundational pieces and high-end tools needed to build a solid shutdown game, too.”
Saginaw’s Michael Misa is at no. 3 while Brampton’s Porter Martone comes in at no. 4.
“Misa can rush the puck and make plays off the cycle,” Elite Prospects wrote. “He operates at one of the highest paces in the draft class, constantly pressuring the opposition and driving inside.”
Brandon’s Roger McQueen is the highest ranked WHL player at no. 5 and is followed by Tri-City’s Jackson Smith (no. 6), Vancouver’s Cameron Schmidt (no. 8), Everett’s Carter Bear (no. 9) and Moose Jaw’s Lynden Lakovic (no. 10) to round out the Top 10.
“Sidelined since October with an injury … McQueen represents a unique quantity when considering his blend of size and skill,” Elite Prospects wrote. “His proactive movement, off-puck skating, manipulation, full-range handling, and projectable shooting are instant advantage creators. With a few adjustments to his game under pressure, we see a top-line forward who will dominate on his return.”
Blainville-Boisbriand’s Justin Carbonneau is the highest ranked QMJHL player at no. 14.
The 2025 NHL Draft will take place next June.
Ranking | Name | Team |
No. 2 | Matthew Schaefer | Erie Otters |
No. 3 | Michael Misa | Saginaw Spirit |
No. 4 | Porter Martone | Brampton Steelheads |
No. 5 | Roger McQueen | Brandon Wheat Kings |
No. 6 | Jackson Smith | Tri-City Americans |
No. 8 | Cameron Schmidt | Vancouver Giants |
No. 9 | Carter Bear | Everett Silvertips |
No. 10 | Lynden Lakovic | Moose Jaw Warriors |
No. 11 | Cameron Reid | Kitchener Rangers |
No. 12 | Braeden Cootes | Seattle Thunderbirds |
No. 13 | Brady Martin | Soo Greyhounds |
No. 14 | Justin Carbonneau | Blainville-Boisbriand Armada |
No. 15 | Caleb Desnoyers | Moncton Wildcats |
No. 16 | Malcolm Spence | Erie Otters |
No. 18 | Blake Fiddler | Edmonton Oil Kings |
No. 19 | Jake O’Brien | Brantford Bulldogs |
No. 20 | Joshua Ravensbergen | Prince George Cougars |
No. 21 | Kashawn Aitcheson | Barrie Colts |
No. 22 | Radim Mrtka | Seattle Thunderbirds |
No. 25 | Nathan Behm | Kamloops Blazers |
No. 27 | Bill Zonnon | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies |
No. 33 | Cole Reschny | Victoria Royals |
No. 34 | Benjamin Kindel | Calgary Hitmen |
No. 36 | Henry Brzustewicz | London Knights |
No. 39 | Luca Romano | Kitchener Rangers |
No. 40 | Kristian Epperson | Saginaw Spirit |
No. 41 | David Bedkowski | Owen Sound Attack |
No. 43 | Jordan Gavin | Tri-City Americans |
No. 47 | Matthew Gard | Red Deer Rebels |