OHL trio tops Bob McKenzie’s final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings

TSN’s hockey analyst Bob McKenzie has dropped his final projections ahead of the fast-approaching 2025 NHL Draft, based on surveys of 10 NHL scouts – and once again, OHL talent is front and centre. Twenty-two OHL players appear on McKenzie’s list, including ten within the first round and several others who have emerged as breakout candidates in their draft year.

Topping the OHL contingent is Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters, ranked No. 1 overall. Despite a shortened season due to illness and injury, the dynamic defenceman made a lasting impression, putting up 22 points (7-15-22) in just 17 games. Schaefer’s elite skating and two-way play continue to draw high-end comparisons ahead of draft day.

Not far behind is Michael Misa, the Saginaw Spirit superstar who broke records with 134 points (62-72-134) across 65 games. Misa, granted exceptional status in 2022, proved why he’s considered a franchise-altering talent, blending elite hockey IQ with an explosive offensive touch.

Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads rounds out the top three from the OHL, ranked No. 3 overall. The 6-foot-3 power forward had a 98-point season (37-61-98) and dominated on both ends of the ice, using his size and powerful shot to take over games. He even got to represent Canada on the international stage at the IIHF World Juniors and Men’s World Championship. 

If those three are selected early, it would mark the first time since 2010 that OHL players make up the entire top three of the NHL Draft.

However, McKenzie notes there’s an “unpredictability factor” looming over this year’s draft – a key reason why many across the hockey world remain unsure about how the draft order will unfold. Compared to his mid-season rankings, the final list reflects both the rise of breakout players and the tight race among prospects competing for spots in the early-to-mid first round. 

“It seems as though there is almost no gap between the [No. 3 to No. 9] guys.” said one NHL head scout.

Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and Porter Martone held firm at the top, with Misa climbing from No. 3 to No. 2 after a record-setting offensive season. Brady Martin and Kashawn Aitcheson made significant jumps into the top 15, while Jake O’Brien moved from No. 9 to No. 6 with a strong finish. Notably, the number of OHL players projected in the first round increased from nine to ten, signaling growing confidence in the league’s depth.

The 2025 NHL Draft will take place at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles from June 27-28. Stay tuned to the OHL website and social media channels for complete coverage, prospect features, and draft night reactions.

OHL players included on McKenzie’s final rankings:

1. Matthew Schaefer (D) – Erie Otters
17 GP, 7G, 15A, 22 PTS.

2. Michael Misa (F) – Saginaw Spirit
65 GP, 62G, 72A, 134 PTS.

3. Porter Martone (F) – Brampton Steelheads

57 GP, 37G, 61A, 98 PTS.

6. Jake O’Brien (F) – Brantford Bulldogs

66 GP, 32G, 66A, 98 PTS.

8. Brady Martin (F) – Soo Greyhounds

57 GP, 33G, 39A, 72 PTS.

13. Kashawn Aitcheson (D) – Barrie Colts

64 GP, 26G, 33A, 59 PTS.

17. Jack Nesbitt (F) – Windsor Spitfires

65 GP, 25G, 39A, 64 PTS.

24. Cameron Reid (D) – Kitchener Rangers

67 GP, 14G, 40A, 54 PTS.

25. Malcolm Spence (F) – Erie Otters

65 GP, 32G, 41A, 73 PTS.

32. Henry Brzustewicz (D) – London Knights

67 GP, 10G, 32A, 42 PTS.

42. Haoxi (Simon) Wang (D) – Oshawa Generals

32 GP, 0G, 2A, 2 PTS.

45. Jack Ivankovic (G) – Brampton Steelheads

43 GP, 3.05GAA, .903SAV%, 25-12-5

52. Tyler Hopkins (F) – Kingston Frontenacs

67 GP, 20G, 31A, 51 PTS.

53. Ethan Czata (F) – Niagara IceDogs

68 GP, 21G, 34A, 55 PTS.

59. Aleksei Medvedev (G) – London Knights

34 GP, 2.79GAA, .912SAV%, 22-8-2

64. David Bedkowski (D) – Owen Sound Attack

37 GP, 3G, 4A, 7 PTS.

67. Luca Romano (F) – Kitchener Rangers

67 GP, 25G, 26A, 51 PTS.

70. Kristian Epperson (F) – Saginaw Spirit

58 GP, 27G, 53A, 80 PTS.

HM. Lirim Amidovski (F) – North Bay Battalion

67 GP, 19G, 13A, 32 PTS. 

HM. Quinn Beauchesne (D) – Guelph Storm

49 GP, 6G, 24A, 30 PTS.

HM. Kieren Dervin (F) – Kingston Frontenacs

10 GP, 1G, 2A, 3 PTS.

HM. Owen Griffin (F) – Oshawa Generals

62 GP, 22G, 29A, 51 PTS.

For Bob McKenzie’s full 2025 NHL Draft final ranking list, visit TSN.ca