Let’s get physical: 20 WHLers aim to impress at 2025 NHL Scouting Combine

Buffalo, N.Y.- It’s the last chance to flex on the competition- literally.

Twenty Western Hockey League skaters have descended on Buffalo, N.Y. for the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine from June 2-7.

The annual event sees 90 top draft prospects undergo physical and medical assessments and interview with NHL clubs ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Some of the top participating Western Leaguers include towering Seattle Thunderbirds defenceman Radim Mrtka, who was ranked fifth among all North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, projected top goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen (North Vancouver, B.C. / Prince George Cougars), and powerhouse players like Carter Bear (West St. Paul, Man. / Everett Silvertips), 2024 WHL Champion Lynden Lakovic (Kelowna, B.C. / Moose Jaw Warriors) and defenceman Jackson Smith (Calgary, Alta. / Tri-City Americans).

Bear will not take part in fitness testing as he continues to work back from a partially torn achilles tendon sustained in March, but will interview with various NHL clubs after launching up mock draft boards with a breakout 40-goal season.

Brandon Wheat Kings star Roger McQueen has been tagged as a potential top-10 pick, despite missing the bulk of the season with a back injury.

The 6-foot-5, 197-pound centreman says he’s been fully cleared to take part in fitness testing later this week.

“It was, obviously, huge to be able to get the sign,” McQueen told NHL.com. “I kind of knew, just because I’ve been pain-free for a while now. So, I kind of knew I was going to be cleared. Obviously, especially for me, a hurt guy, not playing all year, (it’s important) just to see that you’re healthy.”

McQueen, from Saskatoon, Sask., still managed to rack up 10 goals and 10 assists in 17 regular season games- highlighted by a four-goal outburst in the season-opening match.

The WHL crop at the combine also includes six skaters who won gold with Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship in Frisco, Texas.- Braeden Cootes (Sherwood Park, Alta. / Seattle Thunderbirds), Matthew Gard (Winnipeg, Man. / Red Deer Rebels), Ben Kindel (Coquitlam, B.C. / Calgary Hitmen), Cole Reschny (Macklin, Sask. / Victoria Royals), Cameron Schmidt (Prince George, B.C. / Vancouver Giants) and Jackson Smith, while Blake Fiddler (Frisco, Texas / Edmonton Oil Kings) helped the United States pick up a bronze medal in his hometown.

The Draft will take place on June 27 and 28.

WHL Combine Participants (listed in alphabetical order)

F- Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips (NHL CSS: 10)

F- Nathan Behm, Kamloops Blazers (NHL CSS: 44)

F- Braeden Cootes, Seattle Thunderbirds (NHL CSS: 20)

D- Blake Fiddler, Edmonton Oil Kings (NHL CSS: 26)

F- Matthew Gard, Red Deer Rebels (NHL CSS: 37)

D- Peyton Kettles, Swift Current Broncos (NHL CSS: 39)

F- Ben Kindel, Calgary Hitmen (NHL CSS: 21)

F- Carter Klippenstein, Brandon Wheat Kings (NHL CSS: 88)

F- Tommy Lafreniere, Kamloops Blazers (NHL CSS: 57)

F- Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw Warriors (NHL CSS: 14)

F- David Lewandowski, Saskatoon Blades (NHL CSS: 51)

F- Owen Martin, Spokane Chiefs (NHL CSS: 54)

F- Roger McQueen, Brandon Wheat Kings (NHL CSS: 8)

D- Radim Mrtka, Seattle Thunderbirds (NHL CSS: 5)

F- Hayden Paupanekis, Kelowna Rockets (NHL CSS: 38)

D- Max Psenicka, Portland Winterhawks (NHL CSS: 40)

G- Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars (NHL CSS: 1)

F- Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals (NHL CSS: 25)

F- Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants (NHL CSS: 43)

D- Jackson Smith, Tri-City Americans (NHL CSS: 13)