The Elite Prospects December top-50 ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft

As the halfway point of the season nears, the Elite Prospects scouting staff have assembled our second draft ranking of the season: A top 50 plus 12 honourable mentions. 

Despite being months into the season, the race for No. 1 overall has become even tighter. Our staff sees five potential No. 1 talents, but two have pulled ahead: James Hagens and Matthew Schaefer. 

Hagens, the long-time favourite, is the most dynamic forward in the draft – and a high probability top-line centre. The production will take off shortly. 

Schaefer is the most exciting defenceman in the draft, and a rare blueliner who has true No. 1 overall ability. With each passing week, he seems to get even more dynamic and detailed – despite missing the first month due to mono. 

We don’t see Hagens and Schaefer as 1 and 2, but rather two equally valuable prospects separated by the thinnest of margins. There’s a chance the order is flipped in our next ranking, set to launch in about a month-and-a-half. 

The fast-paced, elite details centre Michael Misa takes the No. 3 spot, while Porter Martone – perhaps the best passer in the draft – moves up to No. 4. Roger McQueen, our No. 2 prospect back in October, rounds out the top five. Once healthy, he could rise. 

While this remains a lighter draft for Europe, Victor Eklund’s dynamic skills and infectious energy makes him the top prospect overseas and a top-10 talent in our eyes. 

The two biggest risers are Carter Bear and Cameron Reid. Bear, an equally dynamic and physical winger, rises from No. 31 to 9 on the back of a continued hot start. Reid went from unranked to No. 11 after proving that he brings a high-end impact in all three zones.