A Pair of 2025 NHL Draft Prospects

The 2024 hockey season has started and is in full swing, so you know what that means? The 2025 NHL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NHL teams.

Here is a pair of draft eligible players who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NHL draft.

Forward- Michael Misa, Saginaw (OHL)

• 6-foot-1 185 lbs
• 2024 stats: 22 games- 23 goals 20 assists 43 points

Michael Misa was born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. At the 2020 OHL Cup, Misa scored 20 points in seven games to beat Connor McDavid's record for tournament scoring. In April 2022, Misa was granted exceptional player status to enter the Ontario Hockey League for the 2022-2023 season, becoming the eighth player to be granted the exception. A few weeks later, he was selected first overall at the 2022 OHL draft by the Saginaw Spirit. Despite missing six weeks with a fractured tibia, he had the most productive season for an exceptional-status player in OHL history, achieving 1.24 points per game, ahead of John Tavares' 1.18. Misa would go on to win the Emms Family Award as OHL rookie of the year.

Appearing in 67 games during the 2023-2024 season, Misa had 29 goals and 46 assists. 

In international play, Misa won a gold medal representing Canada in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing the tournament with eight poinst in five games.

What to like about Michael Misa

Michael Misa is an elite skater who uses his edge work and top end speed to navigate with the puck through all three zones. He is aware of his surroundings on the ice and can see plays develop sooner than the average player. Misa's vision is next level and he has the ability to make passes through traffic, tape to tape. 

What makes Misa so valuable is his ability to play both center and left wing and do so confidently. He has a quick release and can generate some power in his one-timers. He is a weapon on the power play when given the extra time and space and can be a quarterback for a team that is up a man. 

Reason for concern

On the downside, Misa has issues with his compete level at times, especially on 50/50 battles against the boards. Part of this could be his lack of strength, so he tends to try and dig pucks out with his stick instead of using his body. Adding muscle may help him moving forward as his body matures. Misa is dominant on the power play but has not been as consistent during five on five. Scouts will want to see more consistency from shift to shift.

Player Comparison

William Nylander

Misa's game reminds Draft Nation of Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander. Misa may actually be a better skater, while Nylander probably has a better shot, but both players excel moving the puck and are weapons on the power play. Nylander's game has only improved as he has added weight, and DN expects the same from Misa.

Draft Projection

Top-5 pick

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Erie (OHL)

• 6-foot-2 183 lbs
• 2024 stats: 13 games- 6 goals 12 assists 18points

Matthew Schaefer was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Playing at the under-16 level for the Halton Hurricanes of the South-Central Triple A Hockey League in 2022-2023, Schaefer recorded 12 goals 20 assists in 25 games, earning player of the year honors. Following the season, he was selected first overall in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League draft by the Erie Otters. He became the third first overall pick in Otters history, after Ryan O'Reilly and Connor McDavid.

Schaefer suffered some personal struggles during his rookie campaign, as both his mother and his billet mother died during the season. He would finish the year with three goals and 14 assists in 56 games, earning first team all-rookie honors.

In international play, Schaefer represented Ontario at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, Schaefer as the team's captain, scored a game-winning goal in overtime of the finals to secure a 3-2 victory over Saskatchewan and a gold medal.

What to like about Matthew Schaefer

Matthew Schaefer is a strong skater who can get to top speed instantly and out skate forecheckers. He has the ability to make long and crisp breakout passes which helps to spring the offense ahead. The left-handed defenseman has an accurate and low shot that he can put on the net through traffic, which has been an effective tool to set up juicy rebounds. Schaefer has excellent hockey IQ and understands positioning and angles, putting himself in the right areas to be successful. He plays with a ton of effort and never gives up on a play. It is rare to see Schaefer's feet stationary on the ice. 

Reason for concern

Schaefer did not produce the type of numbers that scouts expect to see from top-10 prospects, but scouts say his attention to detail is very advanced for a 17-year-old. That being said, there should be a rise in production in 2024. Like many other young prospects, Schaefer needs to add some muscle and strength to his 6-foot-1, 183-pound frame. Although in position, he struggles to move forwards out of the front of the net which is another part of his game that should improve has he continues to grow and add muscle. 

Player Comparison

Miro Heiskanen

Matthew Schaefer's skating ability reminds Draft Nation of Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Both players have the ability to skate the puck through all three zones or make a 100 foot outlet pass from tape to tape. Heiskanen has been an outstanding playmaker in his seven NHL seasons, including 62 assists in the 2022-2023 campaign.

Draft Projection

Top 10 pick