Several Rebels hoping for call at this weekend’s NHL Draft
It will be an exciting weekend as the long list of Red Deer Rebels selected at the NHL Draft grows even longer.
The 2025 NHL Draft takes place in Los Angeles with round one going Friday night starting at 5 p.m. MT followed by rounds two through seven on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
An impressive 66 Rebels players have had their named called at the NHL Draft since the club’s inaugural season in the WHL in 1992-93. This long list includes current Rebels Ollie Josephson (SEA), Chase Wutzke (MIN), and Kalan Lind (NSH).
Several more current Rebels on the radar for this weekend’s draft.
Forward Matthew Gard is the highest ranked Rebels player sitting 37th among North American Skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings. Many draft pundits have the Winnipeg, MB native pegged as a potential second round pick – just as he was for the Rebels in 2022 – thanks to his tantalizing mix of size (6’5, 192 lbs) and dependable 200-foot play. Gard co-led the Rebels in scoring in 2024-25 before winning gold with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship. He also took part in the NHL Combine earlier this month in Buffalo, NY.
Defenceman Luke Vlooswyk is ranked 72nd among North American Skaters by NHL CSS. The Calgary, AB native is another big body (6’5, 200) whose defensive play improved steadily throughout his rookie season finishing second on the Rebels with a +8 rating. Red Deer’s first round pick at the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft (17th overall) has impressed scouts with his mobility, physicality, ability to win puck battles, and defensive positioning.
Forward Jaxon Fuder joined the Rebels in October from the BCHL and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his blend of grit and skill. The Cold Lake, AB native impressed enough to be ranked 125th among North American Skaters by NHL CSS. He collected 26 points in 45 games and was second on the Rebels with 91 penalty minutes thanks in large part to his willingness to drop the mitts and go to bat for his teammates.
Derek Thurston was solid from start to finish on his way to being named Rebels Defenceman of the Year in 2024-25. Thurston led all blue liners on the club with 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) and all Rebels players with a +9 rating. The hard-hitting Delta, BC native also led the team with 96 penalty minutes and is sure to catch the attention of a club looking to at future defensive depth in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. He is ranked 163rd among North American Skaters by NHL CSS.
Ty Coupland is another name to watch this weekend. After coming to the Rebels from Swift Current at the WHL Trade Deadline, the North Vancouver, BC looked right at home in Red Deer and finished tied for the team lead in points. His dynamic scoring ability was on high display in a four-goal performance versus the Kelowna Rockets.
