Not very often does a prospect overtake an DY-1 favorite without making much of a case on the ice, but that is exactly what Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Scheafer did this year when he overtook center James Hagens as the favorite to go #1 despite being injured for all but 17 games.
The thing that makes this draft really interesting is that Hagens happens to be the home town boy for the team that won the lottery and the privilege of drafting #1 overall, the New York Islanders.
And those are not the only names that will be debated, likely as as I write this, in a board room by Islanders scouts as well as other NHL team scouting departments just hours before the big event. Other prospects like offensive playmakers, goal-scoring wingers, gritty power forwards, towering defenders, slick puck moving defenders, et all are also up for grabs.
Below are the names ranked in order of how our team of scouts view their NHL potentials panning out.
So, without further ado, here is Draft Prospect Hockey’s Final Top 100 Ranking assessment as compiled by our evaluators for the 2025 season.
For more in-depth information, a final 244 ranking, prospect profiles, and a look at future drafts be sure to pick up your comprehensive DraftPro 2025 NHL Draft Guide.
Jacob Rombach – Towering Talent with First-Round Potential By TheProspectDon
Jacob Rombach stands out the moment he steps on the ice, literally. At 6’6”, the left-handed defenseman has size, poise, and the kind of raw potential that has NHL scouts paying close attention. Committed to the University of Minnesota, he’ll be joining fellow towering blueliner Maceo Philips with the Golden Gophers. The two are close friends, and I had the chance to catch up with both at the NHL Scouting Combine.
Lincoln Stars vs Sioux City Musketeers Nov 30, 2024 (c) 2024 Brandon Andersonwww.baphotos.myportfolio.com
Rombach comes across as remarkably grounded for a player with his tools. He has a quiet confidence and deep appreciation for his development journey. As my friend and scout Sebastian High put it: “His retrieval game is one of the best among D in this class.” When I asked Jacob what’s helped him excel in that area, he credited his coaches:
“Working with my coaches from Spring Lake Park and now Lincoln with our D coach Art Bray. We did a lot of retrievals and skill drills—making sure you get the two shoulder checks. We always say you try to get one, but if you can get two, it increases the retrieval rate by like 50 percent. So yeah, just getting your shoulder checks so then you can see everything behind you.”
When asked for an NHL player comparison, Jacob named Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei:
“Yep, Brady Skjei. I’d say we both are pretty similar.”
His five-year plan reflects his focus and humility:
“Obviously go to Minnesota for three years, then make it to the AHL and hopefully NHL by the end of the five years. But if that happens a little later, I’d be cool with that.”
He also has a clear passion for staying involved in the game long-term:
“I’d want to be a coach. I’ve actually thought about that. If I didn’t make it to the NHL, I’d either want to coach or go into sales, I’m into that too.”
And to his fans?
“Just thank you for all the support. Keep supporting me over the next couple of years on my journey, hopefully to the NHL someday.”
I’ve spoken to dozens of NHL draft prospects this year, and Jacob Rombach left one of the strongest impressions. He’s a thoughtful, driven, and genuinely kind young man. His combination of elite defensive instincts, massive reach, and off ice character makes him a strong candidate to sneak into the first round. The Golden Gophers landed a gem following Sam Rinzel, and with Rombach and Philips patrolling the blue line, Minnesota’s future on defense looks rock solid.
Jacob Rombach to me could be a surprising pick to be drafted in the first round. With his size, skill and upside I think he could be a really great defender in the NHL and am excited to see where this bright and humble young man will land.
Milton Gastrin isn’t just one of the top-ranked Swedish forwards in this year’s NHL Draft. He’s a player who leaves an unmistakable mark every time he steps on the ice. Projected as a top 15 pick, Gastrin has built his reputation by impacting all three zones of play. He pushes the pace offensively, embraces the grind in board battles, and supports defensively with a relentless motor that sets him apart from his peers.
He’s the type of player who consistently drives to the net, finds open ice, and never shies away from contact. Even during a difficult season with his J20 club that ended in relegation, Gastrin was a bright spot, doing everything he could to keep his team afloat. That same leadership carried over to the international stage, where he’s worn the Tre Kronor and led by example at multiple events.
When asked who he models his game after, Gastrin didn’t hesitate. “Crosby or Barkov.” That speaks volumes about the standards he holds himself to and the kind of player he aspires to be. Like his idols, Gastrin generates offense through effort. He outworks his opponents, shift after shift, and creates chances by winning battles and positioning himself where it matters most.
Heading into the U18 World Championship, his focus was clear: stay confident and enjoy the ride. “When I play at my best level, I play with confidence. That’s when I play my best hockey,” he said. “I’m going there to enjoy it and have fun. Trying to take it all in. I think it will be a blast to be there and see all the people. Get the crowd going if we can win.”
There was one topic that clearly meant a lot to him: winning. Despite his international success, Gastrin had never earned a gold or silver medal. Only bronze, five times over. That changed this year at the World Juniors when he helped Sweden take home silver. It wasn’t gold, but the weight of finally breaking through to the final clearly meant something.
When asked about his strengths, Milton was direct. “My skating, my ability to win pucks and win the battles around the net. I think that is the key in my game.” And it shows. He’s at his best when the play breaks down and a player’s will to win outshines the system.
On top of those traits, his hockey IQ deserves equal praise. Gastrin has a keen sense of timing, knows how to use body positioning to protect pucks, and creates separation with subtle stick placement and deceptive reads.
We also talked about the differences between the SHL and the NHL, a conversation that revealed his maturity and readiness for the next level. “In the SHL we have bigger rinks. In the NHL it’s a faster game and you have to make decisions quicker. You get a lot more shot and goal scoring opportunities. In Sweden you have to play more outside. With smaller ice, it’s easier to score goals and get points,” he explained. That understanding, combined with his style, suggests his game may flourish on North American ice.
As for his future, Gastrin didn’t hesitate. “My dream is to play in the NHL. Even if it’s not next year or the year after, just to make it and make a difference would be an honor.” He made it clear that while he’s grateful for his time in Sweden, he wants to come over as soon as possible and earn his spot.
“I’ll stay in the SHL if I need to, but my dream is to get to the NHL and play there.”
And above all, one goal remains: “Win a Silver or Gold Medal.” Update, he won Silver at the U18’s.
Relentless and Refined: Carter Bear’s Rise as a Top NHL Draft Prospect By TheProspectDon
Carter Bear is the type of player every coach wants and every team needs. A versatile offensive threat with the ability to play all three forward positions, Bear’s skillset is as adaptable as it is dangerous. With elite agility, a powerful first step, and a knack for generating high-danger scoring chances, he stands out as one of the most complete forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft class.
What separates Bear from many of his peers isn’t just his physical tools, though his quick release, smooth hands, and reliability in all situations are undeniable. It’s his hockey sense and vision. Whether it’s threading a pass in tight spaces or anticipating pressure, Bear makes the game look simple.
“I think just keeping it simple, not doing too much,” he said when asked about his elite playmaking in tight areas. “Just making the right plays at the right time. You don’t have to complicate it. Play the game right and the bounces will go your way.”
Team play is the heartbeat of Bear’s game. “When everyone’s working together, when passes are tape-to-tape, and the whole team’s moving as one… that’s when I love it most.”
That mentality shows up in his choice of NHL comparison, Brandon Hagel, a relentless, tenacious forward known for his motor and commitment to every shift. “He doesn’t take a shift off. He’s not lazy. That’s who I like to play like,” Bear said.
Off the ice, Bear’s character shines just as brightly. “My teammates know the real me, a humble guy who loves the game and wants a long NHL career. But it’s also about having a good life outside of hockey, staying healthy, and being happy. That’s important too.”
Roughly seven weeks ago, Bear suffered a partial Achilles tendon cut, an injury that would rattle most players in their draft year. But Bear took it in stride. “I was pretty bummed, obviously,” he said. “But I didn’t want to bring that energy into the locker room. I just wanted to support the boys.” His rehab has progressed faster than expected, and he may even be on the ice for summer events, though he’s wisely cautious not to rush the process.
While the draft looms, Bear remains focused on what he can control. “Two years ago, I would’ve never imagined this. It’s been such a cool experience, and I’m just trying to stay grateful. It’s a little stressful, sure, but right now, I’m just focused on my rehab.”
Looking ahead, Bear has a clear vision for his five-year plan. “It starts with having a good summer, eating right, training every day, skating every other day. It’s about taking care of your body and pushing yourself to be the best on and off the ice.”
When asked about his biggest on-ice strength, Bear didn’t hesitate. “Hard skill, tenacity, relentless effort. I’m a hard-nosed, skilled player.” But he also recognizes there’s room to grow. “My first three strides, acceleration and skating for sure. That’s something I’m working on.”
One quality he hopes scouts see is his competitiveness. “My willingness to win, battles, races, the little details that matter. Hopefully, people spot that.”
With his blend of skill, grit, and maturity, Carter Bear isn’t just a name to watch. He’s a player you build around.
In a position where every mistake is magnified, and every shot can tilt the fate of a team, he doesn’t just survive, he thrives. The Brampton Steelheads netminder, projected to be one of the first goalie taken in the 2025 NHL Draft, plays with a calm that you can feel even from the stands. But behind that poise is a fire that fuels everything he does.
When I spoke with Jack, I asked him who he sees himself in at the NHL level. His answer came without hesitation.
“Juuse Saros right now,” he said. “I think just the way he’s always battling for pucks and competing. Someone I also watch is Jake Oettinger, the way he moves around the crease, how calm he is. His ability to keep his team in games and steal games… that’s the big thing.”
If you’ve watched Jack play, you can see exactly what he means. He tracks the puck like it owes him money. He is calm, cool and collective and when the moment gets loud, he gets quieter. That ability to block out the noise, stay in the moment, and keep calm is a trait that all the top goalies need to possess.
“I think my game will translate pretty well,” he told me. “I’m competitive, but also calm and athletic. The guys who make it, Saros, Shesterkin, those types, they don’t look robotic. They’re just athletes. That’s what I try to be.”
But growth doesn’t happen without setbacks. Jack opened up about a moment earlier this season that tested his discipline and focus.
“I got into a little fight at the start of the year,” he said with a bit of a grin. “I got suspended for four games. That was hard, almost three weeks without playing. It’s tough staying sharp when you’re not in the net. But I found ways to keep my edge.”
It’s a reminder that even the most composed players have to learn through adversity. For Jack, it wasn’t just about staying in shape physically—it was about learning how to stay ready mentally, even when the rhythm of the season gets thrown off.
When we talked about what it means to truly succeed as a goalie in the NHL, he didn’t talk about save percentages or awards.
“Winning. That’s the big thing,” he said. “You look at Hellebuyck this year, he’s winning games. Vasilevskiy when they won those two Cups, he won games. That’s what matters.”
And for Jack, it’s not just about the wins on the ice. It’s about the mark he leaves off it.
“I want to be someone who’s a great teammate, but also a winner,” he said. “You hear about guys like Marc André Fleury, he’s still playing, and everyone talks about how good of a room guy he is. Same with Jonathan Quick. Those guys didn’t just win, they made people around them better. That’s what I want to be.”
Looking ahead, Jack isn’t making promises. But he knows what he’s working toward.
“Every kid dreams of playing in the NHL,” he said. “You never know what can happen in five years. But for me, I just want to use that time to tune my game, so when the opportunity comes, I’m ready.”
Jack Ivankovic is calm. He’s focused. He’s battle-tested. And he’s just getting started.
Braeden Cootes Scouting Report: High Motor Forward with NHL Tools and Winning Mentality By TheProspectDon
If you’re looking for a player who bleeds effort, thinks the game at a high level, and thrives in the biggest moments, Braeden Cootes should be high on your radar for the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Seattle Thunderbirds captain plays the game with a relentless pace and a chip on his shoulder but he’s far from just a high energy guy. His blend of work ethic, hockey IQ, and offensive touch makes him one of the more well rounded and projectable forwards in the WHL.
When asked to describe his biggest strength, Cootes points to the intangible elements that drive winning hockey.
“I’d say my compete level, my motor, how hard I work and my hockey sense. How I can make turnovers and kinda make plays from there and find guys or use my shot to create offense.”
That motor is constant. Cootes is the type of player who disrupts with his forecheck, kills penalties with purpose, and then turns around and generates offense in transition. He’s detailed, reliable, and always seems to be involved in the play. His hockey sense shines in high pressure moments, the kind of player you trust late in a tie game.
Photo credit Brian Liesse/ Seattle Thunderbirds
A Brayden Point Type
Cootes draws his NHL comparison from one of the best do-it-all centers in the league: Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point.
“I would say Brayden Point. I like to watch him a lot, his motor, you know, his hockey sense. He’s not the biggest guy but he’s not the smallest guy either. Kinda similar to me. How hard he works and how skilled he is to make plays and how he sees the ice out there.”
Like Point, Cootes isn’t defined by flash but rather by function. Every shift, he adds value. Whether he’s centering a scoring line or taking defensive zone draws, the trust he earns from coaches is a result of his mature, all-situations game.
Winning Above All
At his core, Cootes is a competitor. He doesn’t just play the game, he lives for the team success that comes with it.
“I would say winning. The feeling after winning a big game with the guys in the locker room… there’s no better feeling. Scoring goals and making plays off the rush is always fun too, but I think winning as a team and that feeling you get after, just that positive energy and being able to celebrate with your teammates.” When asked what his favorite part of the game was.
That team first mentality will serve him well at the next level. NHL organizations crave players who prioritize the collective and bring contagious energy to the room.
NHL Ready Mindset
Cootes believes his playing style is built for today’s NHL and it’s hard to argue against that.
“I’d say it fits in really well. I think I have a really good hockey sense and those habits you can’t really teach. It’s my work ethic… I can play in all situations, lower in the lineup or higher in the lineup, penalty kill, power play. I think it translates well.”
His versatility, high motor, and ability to read the game make him a safe and enticing pick. He doesn’t need a perfect fit, he creates his own value by adapting and excelling wherever he’s slotted.
Photo credit Brian Liesse/ Seattle Thunderbirds
The Vision Ahead
Cootes isn’t just dreaming big, he’s built a blueprint.
“Get drafted, obviously this June. Sign an NHL contract. Win a championship in Seattle, the Memorial Cup. Then the NHL right after that and keep playing in the NHL and being successful.”
It’s clear his ambitions are matched by a process driven mindset. He knows the work never stops.
“Obviously get drafted here in June. Maybe be an All Star in the WHL or NHL. Keep getting better every day… I’m more of a day to day kinda guy. Take it month to month. Process focus kinda guy. But I mean I always wanted to win a Stanley Cup one day, I think everybody does.”
Braeden Cootes may not always be the loudest name on the scoresheet, but he’s the heartbeat of a winning team. With his blend of motor, smarts, and leadership, he’s not just an intriguing prospect, he’s a future difference-maker.
When Radim Mrtka steps on the ice, there’s no mistaking him, 6’6″, right-handed, physically imposing, and steady under pressure. The Czech-born defenseman is already drawing NHL attention ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s not just built like a pro, he thinks like one, too.
Photo credit to Brian Liesse/Seattle Thunderbirds
“I would say Moritz Seider probably,” Mrtka said when asked for an NHL player comparison. “We are kinda similar, he’s as big as me, he’s righty. So yeah, I think Seider is probably the closest one.”
It’s an apt comparison. Like Seider, Mrtka brings a well-rounded two-way presence, capable of eating tough minutes, defending hard, and still making smart, effective plays in transition. His game blends physicality with poise, and at his best, he controls shifts with his stick, positioning, and processing.
Two-Way Pillar with Sky-High Ambition
Mrtka’s greatest strength? His versatility.
“My two-way game. I can actually play like everything,” he told me — not with arrogance, but with quiet confidence. And he backs it up. Whether it’s defending a cycle, breaking the puck out clean, or jumping in to support the rush, Mrtka plays with the kind of mature reads and presence that coaches trust.
That two-way reliability projects well to the NHL, especially in today’s game where defensemen are asked to do more than just shut things down.
“I would say I’m a two-way guy that can play like maybe second power play,” he explained. “Every time you have some crazy guys on the first power play — like if you have Quinn Hughes on the blueline, it’s hard to get in front of him.”
Mrtka knows who he is and who he wants to become. His goals are anything but modest.
“I want to be the best Czech defenseman in history,” he said. “Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I would love to be.”
Photo credit to Brian Liesse/Seattle Thunderbirds
Driven, Detail-Oriented, and Hungry for More
What separates Mrtka might not be what you see on the stat sheet — it’s the work behind the scenes. He’s dialed in on refining his game, especially one key area.
“I want to improve my skating because I feel like this is the moment when I need to get better with the skating… just feel more confident. Feel better in my skates.”
It’s a self-aware answer, and it shows that he’s focused on what’s next. For a player his size, mobility will be the difference-maker and Mrtka is leaning into that challenge.
But don’t mistake him for just a rink rat. Off the ice, that fire burns the same way.
“I’m competitive in everything,” he said. “Never want to be like the second one. I want to be the best at everything.”
What’s Next for Mrtka?
His five-year plan doesn’t include hesitation.
“I would love to play in the NHL in three years,” he said. “It would be like my journey… It’s real, it’s nothing unreal for me. I just have to work hard, and that’s all.”
And based on what I’ve seen and heard the work ethic, tools, and mindset are all pointing toward that reality.
Radim Mrtka is more than a big frame with upside, he’s a driven, thoughtful player with top-four potential and the will to chase greatness. Don’t be surprised when his name rises up draft boards this season. He’s coming and he’s coming with purpose.
For Malcolm Spence, it’s not just about being fast, it’s about what he does with that speed.
The Erie Otters forward and 2025 NHL Draft prospect has been a household name in scouting circles since his U16 days, when he was taken 2nd overall in the 2022 OHL Draft. Now, heading into the draft, Spence isn’t just riding hype, he is living up to it with a style of play that blends speed, physicality, and purpose.
“Pace, complete… skilled,” he said when asked to describe his game in three words. Short and accurate.
Spence plays the game the way it’s trending, fast, layered, and with a strong two-way motor. He’s not just flying down the wing for highlight reel goals. He’s engaged in all three zones, constantly pressuring pucks, supporting teammates, and disrupting plays with his legs and stick. His skating pops immediately, but it’s the compete level and hockey sense that tie it all together.
“I’d probably say my hockey IQ or my skating,” he added when asked about his greatest strength. “I think both of them go hand in hand and allow me to make plays offensively and defensively, in all areas of the ice.”
Two-Way Threat with Top-Six Potential
Spence compares his game to two NHLers who embody the modern 200-foot role:
“Carter Verhaeghe — I like his game a lot. I think he plays the right way. He doesn’t cheat… plays a 200-foot game and he can kind of do all aspects. He can check, he can score, playmake.”
“My other one is Matthew Boldy — he has a knack around the net, he can score and playmake as well.”
Spence brings a heavy forecheck, sharp instincts in transition, and enough touch to make plays off the wall or down low. He’s also shown flashes of creativity and finish around the net, tools that could blossom in the right system.
From a scouting standpoint, his floor is extremely high. He projects safely as a middle-six winger who contributes at both ends of the ice. But if his offensive toolkit continues to develop, there’s a real path to top-six impact, especially alongside a line driving playmaker.
Perspective Off the Ice
Off the ice, Spence comes across as grounded, mature, and reflective. When asked about his perfect five-year plan, he gave an answer that shows he’s focused on the journey more than the destination.
“Whatever happens, wherever I end up — just enjoy it. I think that’s my biggest plan. I’m gonna continue to take classes… kinda grow the mind away from the game. There’s no cookie-cutter five-year plan, it’s just enjoy whatever you’re doing. Obviously, I’ll be playing hockey wherever that is — just kinda enjoy every minute of it, because there’s people who would love to be in the same position I am in.”
He’s also someone who values life beyond the rink.
“I love basketball and I’m starting to get into golf more… I like going on walks… I like being outside. I like swimming and doing that type of stuff.”
Big-Game Mentality
When the lights are brightest, Spence doesn’t shy away.
“Winning goal at U18s both times was nice… At Worlds we were deemed the underdog because that’s kinda the USA’s big tournament. They train for like two years — that NTDP team — and all we heard was how good they were. Obviously they’re a great team, from the first line down.”
That chip-on-the-shoulder mindset fuels how he competes, not just against elite opponents, but in how he carries himself daily.
What’s Next?
With the NHL Draft approaching, Spence is checking the boxes that NHL clubs value: skill, speed, versatility, and the willingness to play inside contact. His game continues to round out, and his motor never stops.
And while he’s working to leave a legacy on the ice…
“In hockey, I want to be remembered as a leader. As a person, I want to be remembered as a good human.”
Malcolm Spence isn’t just one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, he’s a young man with a clear vision, a grounded mindset, and the kind of maturity NHL teams love.
Smart. Smooth. NHL Ready. Logan Hensler is Built for the Modern Game
By TheProspectDon
At just 18 years old, Logan Hensler has carved out a key role on a veteran-heavy Wisconsin Badgers blueline. The freshman defenseman has become a mainstay in the top four, logging heavy minutes and playing in all situations — a testament to both his composure and maturity well beyond his age.
But what makes Hensler such a compelling prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft isn’t just what shows up on the stat sheet. It’s the blend of elite skating, high-end hockey IQ, and a natural calmness under pressure that separates him from the pack.
“My skating for sure. I am very gifted with that and blessed with it, you really can’t measure with a stat,” Hensler told me when asked what part of his game stands out the most beyond analytics.
At 6’2” and nearly 200 pounds, Hensler has the frame of a shutdown defenseman and the mobility of a puck mover. His stride is effortless. He covers ground quickly and efficiently, rarely needing to scramble. Whether it’s closing a gap, recovering in transition, or pushing the puck up ice, his feet are often what tilt the ice in his team’s favor.
“Smooth skating defenseman that can move the puck very well, push the pace north, and has smooth breakouts…” — that’s how Hensler imagines scouts would describe him. And he’s not wrong.
The Mind Behind the Game
While his physical tools jump off the screen, Hensler’s brain might be his most valuable asset. He’s methodical in how he studies the game — not just in practice, but away from the rink.
“I’m big on film,” he said. “I just like watching it and digesting it, kinda learning from it… that’s a big thing I’ve picked up — learning from it instead of taking it to heart.”
He applies that mindset especially when evaluating the parts of his game he wants to round out.
“The defensive piece — using my frame and skating to close those plays and not let that person beat me back to the net… those little things.”
It’s clear Hensler doesn’t just want to be a dynamic player — he wants to be a complete one. When asked who he models his game after, he didn’t hesitate:
“I think the main one is [Jake] Sanderson. The two-way game, how simple he is with the puck. He’s not too flashy. He gets the job done night in and night out. He’s reliable — it’s special to watch him.”
That comparison tracks. Like Sanderson, Hensler doesn’t chase highlight plays. Instead, he thrives in the details — clean breakouts, efficient transitions, strong positioning, and a reliable stick in the defensive zone.
“Not forcing too many plays, having a really good stick and positioning overall can benefit my game and really make me grow as a player,” he added.
What’s Next?
Logan Hensler’s floor is exceptionally high, he is the kind of player NHL teams win with — dependable, coachable, and deceptively dynamic.
He still has room to grow offensively, but the foundation is already there. With continued development at Wisconsin, and possibly a few U.S. National Team nods on the way, Hensler is positioning himself as a top 15 selection in this year’s draft — and one of the most NHL-ready defensemen available.
“Building those connections and those special bonds, winning games together — that’s my favorite part about hockey,” Hensler said.
It’s that mix of humility, team-first attitude, and pro-ready habits that make Logan Hensler a name to remember come June.
Position: Left Wing Shoots: Left Height: 6’4” Weight: 190 lbs Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) Draft Year: 2025 NHL Draft Eligible
Player Overview
Lynden Lakovic is a big-bodied, high-skill winger who blends top-end finesse with raw power potential. At 6’4″, he has the frame that NHL teams are drawn to, but it’s his offensive instincts, fluid skating, and commitment to becoming a complete player that truly stand out. As he continues to mature and fill out physically, Lakovic is shaping into a modern-day power forward, one who can drive play, contribute offensively, and grow into a reliable 200-foot presence.
Offensive Skillset & Hockey IQ
Lakovic plays a skill first game, possessing smooth hands, deceptive puck control, and the ability to make plays at full speed. His creativity and confidence with the puck are clear, and his ability to operate in traffic gives him real offensive upside. He sees the ice well, processes play quickly, and rarely forces the game, traits that point to high-end hockey sense.
“I think it’s evolved a ton,” Lakovic said when I asked him how his game has grown since entering the WHL. “When I first came into the league, I was kind of like every other skilled forward who just wants to dangle and go for the highlight reel goal… you weren’t too focused on the defensive part of the game. Just growing up and maturing, being around players going to the next level, you realize you have to grow that 200-foot game if you want to play in the NHL.”
That self-awareness and willingness to adapt are essential qualities in a high-end prospect and Lakovic is leaning into it.
Skating
For a player his size, Lakovic moves very well. He’s got long, powerful strides that allow him to build speed quickly and cover ice with ease. He plays with good pace and isn’t afraid to push the tempo off the rush. His agility and edge work continue to develop, giving him tools to become a more elusive puck carrier as he matures.
When asked to build the “perfect forward,” Lakovic’s pick for skating was clear:
“For skating I would have to go with McDavid, for obvious reasons.”
Shot & Scoring Potential
Lakovic owns a quick release and shoots with both confidence and accuracy. He’s a natural finisher when he gets time and space, and his reach allows him to change angles effectively. As he continues to get stronger and more comfortable using his body to carve out space, his goal-scoring totals could see a significant jump.
“For shot, right now I would take Matthews,” Lakovic added when building his perfect forward.
Physicality & Puck Battles
Though Lakovic plays a finesse-heavy game, he knows the next step in his evolution lies in becoming harder to play against. He’s working to leverage his 6’4” frame more consistently in board battles and net-front scenarios, an area of growth he’s very open about.
“Consistency winning puck battles, that’s a big skill if you want to play more minutes in the NHL,” he said. “When you kind of look at me, you see all the actual skills there like the stick handling, the shooting, and the skating. Maybe the puck battles are something I lack a little bit, but it’s improving.”
That commitment to development and acknowledgment of areas to improve is a standout quality that bodes well for his NHL future.
Two-Way Game & Maturity
Lakovic’s defensive awareness has taken significant steps this season. His improved attention to detail away from the puck is a reflection of his maturing mindset and exposure to older teammates. He’s begun to play more responsibly in his own zone, supporting down low, tracking back effectively, and using his length to close passing lanes. As he continues to add muscle and refine his positioning, he could become a reliable penalty killer or shutdown presence on top of his offensive contributions.
Mindset & Intangibles
Lakovic brings more than just tools, he brings the mentality of a future pro. When asked what a team is getting if they draft him, his answer was both passionate and revealing:
“They’re getting a passionate, big, skilled forward that can skate, has good hockey IQ, and plays with a lot of pace. Is going to show up to the rink every day with passion and a positive mindset, to put in the work, be a good teammate, and push the pace at practice. That’s kind of what I do every day here.”
That kind of character, paired with his physical and offensive upside, will draw serious interest from NHL clubs.
Five-Year Vision
“My ideal, perfect five-year plan would be playing in the NHL in a top 6 role on whatever team drafts me… hopefully get a chance to win a cup.”
It’s a big dream, but one he’s building toward every day. Lakovic isn’t just chasing the NHL, he’s preparing to thrive when he gets there.
Projection
Lakovic projects as a potential top six winger with power-forward capabilities and offensive flair. If he continues to develop his physical game and round out his consistency, he has the tools to become a dangerous all-situations player at the NHL level. Scouts love his size, skill combo, and improving 200-foot play. The arrow is pointing firmly upward.
