2025 NHL Draft - Top Ontario-Born Players (September 2024)

Below is the rankings for the top Ontario-born players eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft:


1. Matthew Schaefer (LD), Erie Otters

A smooth, slick defensemen who controls the game with and without the puck. His skating is his best element. He is both agile and powerful.

2. Porter Martone (RW), Brampton Steelheads

A 06' born, late birthday player, Martone brings a unique skillset with a mixture of power and grit. He controls the puck exceptionally well and excels in 1-on-1 battles. He is not afraid to stir the pot.

3. Michael Misa (C), Saginaw Spirit

Misa was granted exceptional status at the age of 15. The once projected first-overall selection has shown minimal growth on a stacked Spirit team. Expect Misa to take more of a dominant role on his team. The Oakville native has some of the best hands and vision in the entire draft class.

4. Jack Ivankovic (G), Brampton Steelheads

Ivankovic is most certainly the best goaltender in the 2025 draft class. He stands at just under six feet but still has time to grow. He is the son of former-OHL goalie Frank Ivankovic. Jack plays a structurally sound game. He was named Goaltender of the Tournament at the U18's.

5. Brady Martin (C/RW), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Martin is a player that can play all throughout a lineup. He has an elite skating stride to match with his quick puck handling skills. He started the U18 tournament on the fourth line but gradually earned ice-time as the tournament progressed. By the gold medal game he played on both the power play and penalty-kill. Martin is a true-goal scorer.

6. Malcolm Spence (LW), Erie Otters

Spence is another super skilled player that likes to use his vision to set up his teammates. He is a tenacious player that is not afraid to drive the net. Spence is expected to carry a rather weak, Otters team again this season.

7. Jake O'Brien (C), Brantford Bulldogs

O'Brien is one of the smoothest players in the draft class. He is a player that plays with a tone of confidence. The Toronto native is a true playmaker, he prefers to pass over shooting at times. He won the OHL Rookie of the Year award, but struggled points wise at the U18's.

8. Quinn Beauchesne (RD), Guelph Storm

Beauchesne is a 5'11'' defensemen that plays a two-way style of hockey. He isn't afraid to join the rush but also has the speed to come back and make a play. The Ottawa native was injured for most of his rookie year, but came back strong at the U18's, where he played a predominantly defensive role. This is a kid that is not afraid to "rough it up".

9. Cameron Reid (LD), Kitchener Rangers

Reid plays a defensive-style but is also quite effective in the transition game. He is not projected to produce a ton of points but earns a ton of trust playing a sound defensive game. He has terrific gap-control and an active stick. He also played a defensive role at the U18's.

10. Tyler Hopkins (C), Kingston Frontenacs

Hopkins is a skilled two-way player that played a limited role this season. Hopkins struggled in his rookie season but has shown flashes of greatest when he has the puck. The Halton native was once a 100+ point scorer in U16 play. Hopkins is expected to play a more substantial role this season.

11. Lev Katzin (C), Green Bay Gamblers

Katzin, a Harvard commit was one of the best players in the U16 GTHL circuit a year ago. Katzin is an undersized, 5'7'' forward that plays with a tone of pace. Despite his size he plays the game with a lot of edge. His favourite player is Brad Marchand.

Other Players to Look out for:
  • Jack Nesbitt (C), Windsor Spitfires
  • Parker Snelgrove (C), Guelph Storm
  • Jaeden Nelson (G), Ottawa 67s
  • Alexei Medvedev (G), London Knights
  • Ethan Czata (C), Niagara Ice Dogs
  •  Carson Cameron (RD), Peterborough Petes
  • Caden Taylor (LW/C)  Peterborough Petes
Note: William Moore was not included in this list. Moore, a dual-citizen has opted to represent the United States nationally. Moore played his minor hockey in Mississauga.