Friday Forecast: 07/04/2025 - NHL 2025 Draftees ranked by ETA

Friday Forecast – NHL Rookie ETA Rankings

Ranking the 2025 draftees by how soon they could make the NHL.

The NHL pipeline is loaded with potential, but only a few rookies are positioned to break through virtually right away. Here are 10 names to watch as candidates to log NHL minutes in 2025 or 2026 - whether it’s an opening night debut or a midseason call-up.

1. Matthew Schaefer – NYI – D

The clear 1.01 in rookie drafts has already stated his goal: make the opening night roster. The Islanders believe in him, and he plays a mature, NHL-ready game. The path is wide open aside from 21 year old AHL graduate Isaiah George who is also competing for the Islanders final Defenseman spot.

2024-25 Stats: 17 games, 7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Top Pairing Defenseman

2. Michael Misa – SJS – LW

Elite skating and offensive instincts should fast-track Misa into a middle-six role. San Jose’s rebuild means opportunity will come early. The Sharks signed veteran winger Philipp Kurashev to keep Misa's spot in the top six warm but it seems like only a matter of time with his torrid production.

2024-25 Stats: 65 games, 62 goals, 72 assists, 134 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Top Line Winger

3. Porter Martone – PHI – RW

Physical and polished, Martone looks like a Tocchet favorite in the making. Could be a bottom-six contributor as early as late year one. Martone benefits in this list from the lack of depth the Flyers have at Forward at his size. The organization will be pushing to get this guy in the pros as soon as possible.

2024-25 Stats: 57 games, 37 goals, 61 assists, 98 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Top Six Winger

4. Anton Frondell – CHI – C

Smart, poised center who plays a pro-style game. He's heading back to Sweden for 2025 but is in play for 2026. Frondell could slot in behind Bedard by mid-season 2026. Frondell will compete with 2022 first round pick Frank Nazar for the second line center role in year one.

2024-25 Stats: 29 games, 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points in the Swedish Div. 2

Projected NHL Role: Top Six Center

5. Radim Mrtka – BUF – D

Buffalo lacks NHL-ready blueliners behind Dahlin and Power. Mrtka’s size and defensive polish make him a sneaky 2026 opening roster candidate. There is some concern his offensive production will not translate to the pros but his size and skill should lead to plenty of minutes and counting stats.

2024-25 Stats: 43 games, 3 goals, 32 assists, 35 points in the WHL

Projected NHL Role: Middle Pairing Defenseman 

6. Victor Eklund – NYI – LW

The lesser-known Eklund, but a smooth, smart winger with great off-puck habits. Could be fast-tracked to fill depth roles as early on as 2026. Eklund's calling card is his two-way game that allows him to stay on the ice in all situations. 

2024-25 Stats: 42 games, 19 goals, 12 assists, 31 points in Swedish Div. 2

Projected NHL Role: Top Six Winger

7. Brady Martin – NSH – C

Still a long shot to make the leap in year one or two, but Martin’s work ethic and defensive zone awareness give him a coach-friendly path. Has the making of a player who can come up early and provide energy minutes in a bottom six roles before ascending up the depth chart. He may be too low on this list.

2024-25 Stats: 57 games, 33 points, 39 assists, 72 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Top Six Center

8. Kashawn Aitcheson – NYI – D

Aitcheson is a fluid skater with excellent gap control and puck-moving instincts. With Schaefer grabbing headlines, Aitcheson could quietly sneak into the Islanders’ plans as a second-wave blueline option. As we mentioned above, the Islanders aren't desperate for defenseman at the pro level but there's seemingly plenty of room for Aitchenson in 2027 and beyond, as their core ages out.

2024-25 Stats: 64 games, 26 goals, 33 assists, 59 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Top Four Defenseman

9. Justin Carbonneau – STL – RW

Strong junior numbers and a versatile toolkit make him a name to watch. A year or two away, but if St. Louis needs scoring depth, don’t be surprised. Has all the physical tools to make the jump in late 2026 or early 2027.

2024-25 Stats: 68 games, 46 goals, 43 assists, 89 points in the QMJHL

Projected NHL Role: Middle Six Forward

10. Malcolm Spence – NYR – LW

A dynamic skater with strong puck protection and transition ability. Spence thrives in open ice and plays with a motor that coaches love. The Rangers could slot him into a bottom-six energy role as soon as 2026.

2024-25 Stats: 65 games, 32 goals, 41 assists, 73 points in the OHL

Projected NHL Role: Middle Six Forward