NHL
Nashville has always done a good job at the draft, keeping its team competitive despite never picking high. The Predators took a step back this season and reloaded with several high picks, led by No. 5 selection Brady Martin. I don’t see a true star talent in this system, suggesting there’s more work for the Preds to do, but they have a lot of highly competitive players with legit talent at forward and defense.
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2024 ranking: 17
2025 NHL Draft grade: A-
1. Brady Martin, C
March 16, 2007 | 6-feet | 187 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 5 in 2025
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Martin is a highly likable center who has been impressive in the OHL and for Team Canada this season. He’s a very skilled forward who has the one-on-one abilities to beat a lot of NHL defensemen. He’s creative as a puck handler, and his offensive IQ impressed as the season went along, even if not his calling card. His skill is appealing, but it’s the combination of his skill with his compete that gets evaluators excited. Martin has a true hardness in his game, attacking the high-percentage areas and is an extremely physical player. His skating has progressed into a strength to where he can clearly move at an NHL pace. He could be a matchup second-line center who makes life hellish on opponents.
2. David Edstrom, C
Feb. 18, 2005 | 6-foot-3 | 190 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 32 in 2023
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Edstrom was quite good versus men in the SHL and was a top player on Sweden’s World Juniors team. He isn’t a center who makes a ton of highlight-reel plays, but he’s an easily likable player. He’s big and fast, competes hard, and creates a lot of offense in the high percentage areas. He has good enough hands and vision to make difficult plays with the puck and projects to have reasonable amounts of offense at the NHL level. He’s just a player who checks a lot of boxes, and with his size, he could be a solid two-way second-line center or an excellent third-line center.
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3. Tanner Molendyk, D
Feb. 3, 2005 | 6-feet | 181 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 24 in 2023
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Molendyk was a top defenseman in the WHL and for Canada’s U20 team. He’s an excellent skater, and his edgework is very good. He closes on checks like a pro and is able to evade pressure at a high level. His top speed is good, not great, but he can lead a rush in the NHL. Molendyk has strong offensive instincts and skills and can make plays from off the blue line and on the move. He’s average-sized and works hard, and while he isn’t overly physical, he will engage when he needs to. He is a player coaches tend to trust and could be a second-pair defenseman in the NHL.
4. Cameron Reid, D
April 8, 2007 | 6-foot-2 | 174 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 21 in 2025
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Reid was a big-minute defenseman for Kitchener and also played top-four minutes for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He’s a likable player in a lot of regards: a dynamic, powerful skater who closes on pucks quickly and can get the play going up the ice due to his feet. He’s average-sized but competes well and is a physical player. He makes efforts defensively and coaches trust him. Reid has strong enough puck skills and vision. He can create offense off the rush and from the offensive blue line, with flashes of high-end skill, although I don’t see him as a true NHL power-play type. Despite his average size, Reid projects to make NHL stops due to how good a skater he is. He projects as a second-pair defenseman.
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5. Yegor Surin, C
Aug. 1, 2006 | 6-foot-2 | 198 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 22 in 2024
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Analysis: Surin played a limited but helpful role on the KHL champions in Lokomotiv. He is an easy player to like: a skilled forward who can create a lot of offense. He displays quality vision and finishing touch, and skates well, too. What drives his game, though, is that Surin is a hyper-competitive forward. He brings it every game, plays both ways, is very physical and has a lot of tempo in how he creates offense. Surin has mostly played wing this season, but he has the traits to be an NHL third-line center or second-line winger.
6. Matthew Wood, LW
Feb. 6, 2005 | 6-foot-4 | 205 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 15 in 2023
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: Poor
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Wood was very good in the Big Ten before turning pro with Nashville, although he was a bit of a surprise cut from Canada’s U20 team after making it the previous season. When he’s on, Wood can create a lot of offense. He has excellent one-on-one skills, vision and ability to finish from range, which makes him lethal on the power play. Wood is a big winger as well and can use his length to maintain possession. However, his skating is an issue as he lacks the ability to separate. It’s his feet combined with his inconsistent effort/perimeter player that leads to some questions on how his skill will translate. He projects as a middle-six winger who will get points, but he could test his coach’s patience.
7. Jack Ivankovic, G
May 22, 2007 | 5-foot-11 |179 pounds | Catches left
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Drafted: No. 58 in 2025
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: High-end
Hockey sense: NHL average
Analysis: Ivankovic has been an excellent junior goalie. He was dominant for Canada’s U18 team in the summer and accomplished the very rare feat of making Canada’s World Juniors team as a goalie as a 17-year-old. He’s a goalie with tremendous athleticism and competitiveness. Ivankovic makes all kinds of difficult saves that require him to move a lot. He’s great at second-effort saves and never gives up on a play. His reads aren’t as good as his quickness, but he does make a lot of smart decisions. The big issue will be his frame. There aren’t many 5-foot-11 NHL goalies, and he will need to be special at that size to make it. He could be, he has some special traits, but he’s no sure thing.
8. Fyodor Svechkov, C
April 5, 2003 | 6-feet | 187 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 19 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Svechkov played most of the season up with Nashville and looked like he belonged in the NHL. He may not do anything spectacularly, but he’s a well-rounded player. He skates and handles the puck well. He sees the ice effectively and has a good wrist shot from mid-range to finish plays. Svechkov isn’t a super physical player, but has a responsible two-way game down the middle. The sum of the parts could lead to him being a steady bottom-six center.
9. Andrew Gibson, D
Feb. 13, 2005 | 6-foot-4 | 209 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 42 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Gibson was a big-minute defenseman in the OHL this season and an important part of Canada’s U20 team as well. He’s a big right-shot defender who skates well and makes a lot of stops due to his feet, size, and strong physical play. He’s very competitive and earns his coach’s trust in tough situations. The question on Gibson at higher levels will be offense. He has a good point shot and has odd good moments with the puck, but I wouldn’t call him a natural puck-mover. I see him as a likable third-pair defenseman in the NHL.
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10. Felix Nilsson, C
June 22, 2005 | 6-feet | 192 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 43 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Nilsson was good versus men in the SHL this year. He was a top player for Sweden’s U20 team and got some games at the end of the year for their senior team. Nilsson is a highly skilled center and can often beat checkers with skill. Inside the offensive zone, he’s an excellent passer who can create a lot off the perimeter. His shot is good enough to be a threat that way, but he’s more of a pass-first type. Nilsson isn’t highly physical, but he shows up every night, gets to the net and gives a solid effort. His skating is solid. He’s not explosive, but he can carry pucks up ice and create off the rush. He projects as a bottom-six forward.
11. Ryan Ufko, D
May 7, 2003 | 5-foot-10 | 181 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 115 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Ufko played important minutes for Milwaukee in his first full pro season. He’s a very smart puck-mover who makes a lot of plays with the puck at both ends of the ice. He has the soft skills and brain to go with a strong point shot to be a constant threat with the puck. The physical tools don’t jump out to you with his 5-foot-10 frame and a lack of high-end foot speed in his skating. He’s shifty enough, though, and competes quite hard, showing no hesitancy to play the body. The feet make some scouts wary of his NHL potential, but the rest of his game is so good that I think he can find his way into the league in a third-pair role.
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12. Joakim Kemell, RW
April 27, 2004 | 5-foot-11 | 183 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 17 in 2022
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end
Analysis: Kemell didn’t take a big step forward this season, but he still played well in the AHL. He’s a talented forward with the speed, hands and offensive IQ to create a lot of chances and do so on the move. Kemell’s biggest asset is his shot, though; he has a rocket one-timer that can score from way out. He competes well. I think he can lean on his shot too much and play too much on the outside, but he does win a lot of puck battles and throws his body around. He’s a likable player, but he’s not an overly dynamic 5-foot-11 winger and unless his offense really takes off, he looks like a projected bottom-six hardworking type who will chip in offense.
13. Zachary L’Heureux, LW
May 15, 2003 | 5-foot-11 | 196 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 27 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: L’Heureux played all season with Nashville. He had good flashes at times, but the level seemed fast for him in some games. L’Heureux’s skill plus tenacity is what appealed to Nashville. He isn’t that big, but he plays with a major edge, often playing on or crossing the line with his physical play. He has legit offensive skills for the NHL level, too, and can make difficult plays off the edge and in tight. The issue for L’Heureux is his foot speed and his lack of discipline. He projects as a pesky bottom-six winger.
14. Teddy Stiga, LW
April 5, 2006 | 5-foot-10 | 179 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 55 in 2024
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
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Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Stiga was an important player on a top college team and had a huge moment scoring the golden goal for Team USA at the World Juniors. Stiga is an excellent skater who brings a lot of energy and pace to his shifts. He buzzes around the ice, winning a lot of races to pucks. He’s quite skilled and creates a lot of controlled entries. Stiga sees the ice well and while he can create at the net, he has perimeter playmaking ability, too. Stiga’s only real issue is his frame at barely 5-foot-10. I don’t know if he’s dynamic enough at that size, but it’s a debate, and he has a puncher’s chance to carve out a bottom-six role in the NHL because of his talent and consistency.
15. Ryker Lee, RW
Nov. 8, 2006 | 6-feet |181 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 26 in 2025
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Lee was one of the top forwards in the USHL this season. His talent stands out when he has the puck on his stick. He shows high-end small-area skills and the ability to beat opponents one-on-one. He’s a creative playmaker who can find lanes and run a power play well. Lee has a great wrist shot and the ability to beat goalies from the faceoff dots. His compete level is OK. He shows up consistently, but he’s not overly physical, and like a lot of shooters, he stays too much on the outside. His skating is also a concern for scouts. He gets around fine in the USHL, but he lacks the quick twitch you’d like in an NHL winger, especially given his average-sized frame. His talent could get him games, but his lack of pace will likely test a coach’s patience.
16. Reid Schaefer, LW
Sept. 21, 2003 | 6-foot-4 | 218 pounds | Shoots left
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Drafted: No. 32 in 2022
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: High-end
Analysis: Schaefer’s second pro season was going much better until a mid-year injury. He had his ups and downs as a rookie pro and one of the youngest players in the AHL. Schaefer is a big, heavy winger who loves to throw his body around and was a physical presence in the AHL this season. He has good skill and finishing ability as well. His skating is just OK, and he doesn’t make many plays. The hope is he can be a hard-nosed bottom-six winger.
17. Alex Huang, D
July 30, 2007 | 6-feet |161 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 122 in 2025
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Huang didn’t have the season some expected after his big underage year in the Q, but he was still impressive. Huang is one of the better skaters in his age group. He flies up the ice, with the foot speed and edge work of a clear NHL-level player. He attacks very well with his speed and skill. I wouldn’t describe his vision as high-end, but it’s good enough to run a junior power play. Despite his mobility, Huang’s defending is an issue. He can get pushed around and will need to be more consistent in his own end to have a clear NHL role unless his offense takes a major step forward.
Aiden Fink has been a great college hockey player as a leading player on a top team at Penn State. He’s very skilled, can make and finish plays and skates well. He’s quite small, though, and not overly physical, so there are questions about whether his game will translate. Jacob Rombach is a big, mobile defenseman who can make a decent first pass.
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Aiden Fink, RW
Nov. 24, 2004 | 5-foot-10 | 161 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 218 in 2023
Hiroki Gojsic, RW
May 1, 2006 | 6-foot-3 | 209 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 94 in 2024
Viggo Gustafsson, D
Sept. 11, 2006 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 77 in 2024
Sutter Muzzatti, C
June 28, 2003 | 6-foot-6 | 229 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 143 in 2023
Viktor Nörringer, RW
Aug. 31, 2006 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 127 in 2024
Austin Roest, RW
Jan. 22, 2004 | 5-foot-10 | 181 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 175 in 2023
Jacob Rombach, D
April 1, 2007 | 6-foot-7 | 209 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 35 in 2025
Joseph Willis, C
March 14, 2005 | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 111 in 2023
* Listed in alphabetical order
Player eligibility: All skaters who are 22 years old or younger as of Sept. 15, 2025, regardless of how many NHL games they’ve played, are eligible. Player heights and weights are taken from the NHL.
Tool grades: Tool grades are based on a scale with six separate levels, with an eye toward how this attribute would grade in the NHL (poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end and elite). “Average” on this scale means the tool projects as NHL average, which is meant as a positive, not a criticism. Skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete for every projected NHL player are graded. Shot grades are only included if a shot is notably good or poor.
Tier definitions: Tiers are meant to show roughly where in an average NHL lineup a player projects to slot in.
(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic. Photo: Andrew Nelles / Getty Images)
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Corey Pronman is the senior NHL prospects writer for The Athletic. Previously, Corey worked in a similar role at ESPN. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreypronman
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