Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.
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The 2025 NHL Draft is right around the corner, and with the hype picking up, I wanted to dive into a few names for this edition of The Journey. This week, I am leaning on the consensus rankings from our Dobber Prospects Scouting Team, I got an early peek at the final list before it drops publicly this weekend.
I am also doing things a bit differently here. Along with my usual breakdowns, I had a chance to chat with Luke Sweeney, Dobber Prospects' Director of North American Scouting, who shared insight on how the team landed on each ranking. I will also layer in some thoughts on potential landing spots based on where these players sit, nothing set in stone of course, but always fun to explore how different fits might shake out based on team structure and draft trends. Before we move forward, make sure you give Luke a follow-on X @SweeneyLuke17.
Enjoy!
James Hagens, C
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 3
Potential Team Drafting: Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are in another favourable position going into the 2025 NHL Draft, holding the third overall pick. With Schaefer and Misa projected to go 1–2, the path might already be paved for Chicago to land Hagens. Of course, the draft rarely plays out exactly as expected, names like Porter Martone and Anton Frondell have been climbing, and teams like Utah or Nashville could make a push to move up the draft but assuming San Jose takes Schaefer, Hagens could fall right into Chicago's lap.
"While much of the scouting world has faded on Hagens, our Draft Team isn't willing to be as hasty. He didn't blow the doors off in Boston College this year, and there are certainly areas of his game that needed development where it didn't occur. Nevertheless, he has a fantastic technical base to build off (his skating is among the best in the class) and there's still lots of room and time for him to grow into the player we envisioned he'd be. After Misa and Schaefer, there isn't much in the way of better options."—Luke Sweeney
Chicago would not be asking Hagens to carry the load right away. With Connor Bedard already in place, Hagens would be stepping into a much more balanced situation, one where he could develop into a high-end second-line pivot without the weight of being "the guy." That 1-2 setup could become one of the more dynamic center duos among rebuilding teams. Sure, size down the middle with Chicago will not be ideal since Bedard and Hagens are both under six feet, but the talent may be too much to pass on. Add Oliver Moore into the mix down the line, and suddenly Chicago's center depth could become a strength.
Barring a surprise from the Islanders or an unexpected slide from Schaefer, the path feels pretty clear for Chicago if Hagens is still on the board. If Misa falls into their lap, that's a bonus. Now, if the Hawks throw a wrench into things and move the pick entirely, then it's a whole new conversation, but as it stands, they are in an enviable position. If Hagens finds his rhythm, there is a real chance he ends up being one of the most offensively dynamic players in this entire class.
Victor Eklund, LW
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 8
Potential Team Drafting: Seattle Kraken
Eklund would be a strong get for Seattle at eighth overall. Last season with Djurgårdens IF, Eklund posted 31 points in 42 games and was a key contributor in helping them earn promotion back to the SHL. At times, he even looked like the more dominant player over Anton Frondell. He is relentless on the forecheck and constantly involved in the play. He always plays with urgency and you can see that in the way he attacks the game. He is a play driver, with smart reads off the puck and quick directional shifts that keeps defenders off balance.
"Eklund has a ton of fans on our team. He's a bulldog with and without the puck, but his skill level is also high-end, making him a hyper-intelligent playmaker, as well as crafty around the net and along the boards. Eklund did a lot of the heavy lifting on both ends of the ice and, before Frondell's mid-season rejuvenation, was clearly the top prospect out of Sweden, a view some of our team still holds."—Luke Sweeney
He has already proven he can produce against pros, and the transition to the NHL may come sooner than expected. There is a Jesper Bratt-like quality in how he opens space and creates offense in motion. If he is still on the board at No. 8, Seattle should not overthink it, this is the kind of high-upside, high-motor forward who you want playing alongside Matty Beniers or Shane Wright.
Radim Mrtka, RHD
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 12
Potential Team Drafting: New York Rangers
The New York Rangers may have an opportunity to select Murka at No.12, a right-shot defenseman from the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL). While the pick remains conditional, New York owes a first-round pick to Pittsburgh in either 2025 or 2026, it appears likely that the Rangers may retain this year's pick and defer the obligation to next season. That decision, however, can be made any time up until 48 hours before the draft begins. Mrtka has become one of the most well-rounded blueliners in this class. He posted three goals and 32 assists in 43 WHL games and added solid showings in both the playoffs and international play with Czechia at the World Juniors.
"A 6-6 RHD, Mrtka is an obviously enticing player, even if the game he plays doesn't totally line up with his physical profile. Active with the puck, Mrtka likes to carry the puck in transition or sling it up ice for stretch passes. He's also frequently involved in setting up OZ plays from the offensive blue line. Defensively, Mrtka's an adept rush defender, using his frame and skating ability to deny the DZ or kill plays early. He still needs to add an extra layer of physicality and strength, and his decisions with the puck aren't consistent, but he has tremendous upside, some of the highest in the draft."—Luke Sweeney
His physical game is still coming along, but there is a clear foundation to build on, and the potential to grow into a true top-pairing NHL defenseman. Given the uncertainty around the Rangers' long-term blue line, Murka offers the kind of upside and dependability that fits both the short- and long-term vision. If available at 12, he should be a serious consideration.
Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 31
Potential Team Drafting: Calgary Flames (pick from Florida)
Aitcheson enters the draft as one of the bigger wild cards. After a strong showing at the NHL Draft Combine, some draft boards have him pushing closer to the top 10. Our team sees things a bit differently, with Aitcheson landing at No. 31, a spot that just happens to belong to Calgary. If he falls that far, it could be one of the better value plays of the first round. Aitcheson put up 59 points in 64 games for the Barrie Colts, solid numbers that reflect his knack for jumping into the play and creating offense. He moves well, brings physicality to his game, which makes him a disruptive force at both ends.
"Despite the consensus view, our team are not big fans of Aitcheson's game. A goal-scoring defenceman for whom saying ‘he plays with an edge’ is an understatement, if Aitcheson's game can translate to the next level, he will absolutely be an impact player. We're just not convinced it will."—Luke Sweeney
The upside is clear, but there is a level of risk with projection. Calgary's pipeline could use more balance, especially on the left side and Aitcheson would become one of their more intriguing blueline prospects. He is expected to return to Barrie for another OHL season, which gives him time to round out his game and grow into a leadership role. If the Flames take a shot at 31, and he puts it all together, a future pairing of Aitcheson and Zayne Parekh could become a real backbone piece down the line. High risk, high reward, but the potential payoff is worth the gamble at that point in the draft.
Jack Murtagh, C/LW
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 46
Potential Team Drafting: Utah Mammoth
Jack Murtagh as of late has climbed draft boards as a well-rounded, high-motor wingers in the 2025 class. He plays a direct and strong north-south game built on pace and relentless effort. He took a step forward this year, offensively showcasing a quick release and an improving one-timer on the power play. Murtagh recorded nearly a point per game pace of 53 points in 56 games for the U.S. NTDP U18 and added six more at the U18 Worlds. Murtagh is showing to be a natural leader who can slot in on either wing and also serve as the assistant captain, traits that should translate smoothly as he takes the next step.
"Though Murtagh doesn't project as more than a top-nine winger, that's par-for-the-course for about half of the first round. He has NHL-level speed and a quick, hard release, though he plays a focused, straight-lines game that—while very projectable—isn't as exciting. However, he's among the draft's youngest players and didn't play in an environment this season that was conducive to experimentation, making him a high-floor player with a curious ceiling."—Luke Sweeney
Murtagh's game may not have the flash or deception of some of the higher-skill wingers in this class, but there is a clear NHL path here. He brings a playoff-ready style game, physical, and direct. He has already committed to Boston University for the upcoming season, where his game should continue to grow in structure and confidence. Utah's priority right now is adding impact players who can move the needle, players who help establish an identity, bring fans through the door, and give the lineup some immediate credibility. If the right opportunity comes along, they may be better off exploring a trade, either to move up in the draft or to target a younger NHL-ready piece stuck in a depth role elsewhere, just waiting for a bigger opportunity.
Dobber Prospects Ranking – No. 60
Potential Team Drafting: Anaheim Ducks (pick from Winnipeg)
Prince George Cougars netminder Ravensbergen comes into this draft as one of the top-ranked goaltenders. While opinions vary, Ravensbergen is projected to be the first goalie off the board, likely going anywhere from late in the first round to late in the second, depending on team needs. Anaheim, sitting near the end of the second round, could be in range but with Lukas Dostal stepping up and John Gibson still under contract, the Ducks may opt to address other areas unless they see Ravensbergen as part of their long-term succession plan.
"Ravensbergen backstopped a strong Prince George team in his rookie season is seen by most as the top North American goaltender, even if he did take a step back this year. He checks a lot of boxes as a 6-5 goalie with both athleticism and technical ability, only needing to shore up his tracking. While we also see him as the top North American goalie in 2025, we have him ranked toward the end of the second round, only because we view Medvedev, Frolov, and Andreyanov (who are all viewed as being around that range) as worse but comparable options."—Luke Sweeney
With teams like Philadelphia, Columbus, and Pittsburgh also hunting for long-term help in net, Ravensbergen could come off the board earlier than expected, especially if someone wants to get ahead of a run on goaltenders. He is a long-term bet, but for the right organization, the tools and potential are there. It is just going to take time and the right development path to bring it all together.
Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.