The 2025 NHL scouting combine underscored the unpredictable nature of the upcoming draft. Approximately 90 prospective NHL players participated in interviews, dinners, and fitness evaluations, leaving scouts and executives impressed by the potential for an unpredictable first round on June 27-28.
One scout commented on the depth of the class, stating, “There are maybe 16 or 18 players I could see going in the top 10. It`s one of those classes. Deep. Great character guys. Lots of these players have unique skill sets. Teams will have tough decisions to make.”
Another executive noted an “embarrassment of riches” among forward prospects available to teams holding high draft picks. While Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is widely seen as the potential first overall selection for the New York Islanders, the situation becomes less clear after that. This unpredictability is creating significant intrigue and “heated internal conversations” within team organizations, as one executive quipped.
Carter Bear was frequently mentioned as a potential “wild card” prospect. The Everett Silvertips forward did not participate in the fitness testing due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained in March but anticipates being fully healthy for NHL training camps in the fall. Bear had a productive season, tying for seventh in WHL scoring with 40 goals and 82 points in 65 games. He is ranked 10th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and 13th overall on analyst Rachel Doerrie`s latest big board. Despite being unable to complete the full combine process, his on-ice performance has clearly garnered significant interest from several clubs, potentially making him a riser on draft day. Past drafts have featured surprises (such as Juraj Slafkovsky`s first overall selection in 2022), hinting at another potentially unpredictable first round this June.
Eklund and Frondell: Competitive Friends
Victor Eklund was insistent on playing on a line with his teammate Anton Frondell at Djurgardens IF, constantly lobbying their coach, Robert Kimby. Eklund mentioned asking “like 10 times” until they were eventually put together. This pairing of two promising draft prospects had been years in the making, originating from competing against each other as kids in Sweden. Eklund vividly remembers Frondell deking him at age 10, a move he “can`t forget.” Although rivals in childhood, they grew closer after joining the same team.
Frondell admitted remembering the deke (“it was really good”) and highlighted Eklund`s energy and effectiveness, stating, “Victor is easy to play with… He wins every battle… it`s just easy for me finding him in an open spot.” Eklund praised Frondell in return, describing him as “a tank on the ice” with “a shot like a missile,” confident they would perform well together. He humorously suggested his persistence likely convinced the coach.
Michael Misa Finds His Position
Michael Misa`s path illustrates the virtue of patience. The Saginaw Spirit forward initially played on the wing in the OHL for two years due to the team`s depth at center. He performed effectively there, establishing a base that positions him as a potential top-two selection in the upcoming draft. Nevertheless, Misa always intended to transition back to playing center.
This chance arose in his draft year, where he thrived, leading the OHL in scoring with 62 goals and 134 points over 65 games. Misa feels most comfortable and self-assured at center, identifying it as his primary position since his minor hockey days. His success at center has elevated his draft outlook, and he believes he is prepared to step into the NHL next season, aspiring to be a dependable 200-foot player.
Misa noted that playing center enables him to be more “involved” in the game, both offensively and defensively, allowing him more puck possession and control of the play.
Will Horcoff`s Record-Setting Performance
When asked by an NHL team which animal he would be off the ice, Michigan forward Will Horcoff replied a silverback gorilla. However, based on his horizontal jump at the combine, he might be better compared to an impala. Horcoff set a new combine record by leaping 124.75 inches, a feat he had trained diligently for.
He was confident he could achieve the record if he “executed it” and was “happy about it.” Horcoff, son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, also focused on his vertical jump but found inconsistent results, noting it was “a little weird” that he jumped higher with his hands on his hips and that his result here was lower than at the U-18 Worlds.
The 6-foot-4, 181-pound center acknowledged his competitive nature made this discrepancy perplexing but was generally pleased with his combine performance and meetings with 31 teams. Horcoff described himself as a potential skilled power forward in the NHL, aspiring to play like Brady Tkachuk, highlighting the “mean streak” he`s adding to his game. His choice of the gorilla signifies leadership and protecting his family.
Prospects Confront Past Mistakes
While the goal of the combine is to showcase one`s best qualities, past errors sometimes resurfaced. This occurred in certain team interviews where executives asked prospects to analyze video footage from their season that wasn`t necessarily positive. Moose Jaw Warriors forward Lynden Lakovic recalled Pittsburgh showing him his “lowlights” rather than highlights, asking him to break them down. He felt he handled it well, acknowledging the clips weren`t his best but demonstrating awareness.
Halifax Mooseheads defenseman Carlos Handel had a similar experience with Carolina, who used “bad clips” to evaluate his reaction and understanding of both coach`s instructions and his own perspective on the play. These types of interviews served to keep prospects sharp throughout the week.
Lakovic commented that while most discussions were enjoyable, some were “a little bit more intimidating.”
Nashville`s Draft Opportunity
The Nashville Predators did not anticipate finishing in the draft lottery, but plans didn`t unfold as expected, leading to a 30-44-8 season record. Despite this, the lottery granted them the 5th overall pick, one of their three first-round selections. This position offers them the chance to draft talent that could provide immediate help.
Potential options at pick five to strengthen their center position include James Hagens (Boston College), Anton Frondell, or Jake O`Brien (Brantford), each possessing the potential to make an NHL roster relatively soon. Brampton winger Porter Martone is also suggested as a solid fit for Nashville.
The Predators` signing of Steven Stamkos last summer indicates their intention to compete rather than rebuild, and Stamkos could serve as an excellent mentor for incoming young players. Nashville`s strategy with their later first-round picks (23rd from Tampa Bay, 26th from Vegas) will likely reveal much about their immediate goals for the upcoming season, as they aim to return to the playoff picture.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley