NHL Draft: Surprises and Key Prospects on the Radar

Expectations for an Unpredictable NHL Draft

The upcoming NHL draft promises to be exciting and unpredictable. During the combine, where 90 prospects were evaluated, scouts and executives were impressed by the depth and variety of talent. A first round full of surprises is anticipated, with difficult decisions for the teams.

There are perhaps 16 or 18 players who could be in the top 10. It’s a deep class, with players of great character and unique skills. Teams will have difficult decisions to make.

A scout

The forward position presents an “abundance of talent” for teams with high picks. Although Matthew Schaefer, defenseman for the Erie Otters, could be number 1, uncertainty reigns from there. A name that has emerged as a possible wildcard is Carter Bear, forward for the Everett Silvertips. Despite an Achilles tendon injury, he is expected to be recovered for training camp. Bear had an outstanding season with 40 goals and 82 points in 65 games, and is well-positioned on prospect lists. History teaches us that teams can be creative in their selections, as in the case of Juraj Slafkovsky in 2022. The expectation is high for a first round full of surprises in June.

Eklund and Frondell: A Competitive Friendship on the Ice

Victor Eklund’s persistence finally paid off. He managed to play on the same line as Anton Frondell, his teammate. His coach, Robert Kimby, had to give in to Eklund’s insistence. The connection between these two high-level prospects goes back to their childhood in Sweden. Eklund remembers Frondell’s ability since they were children. Frondell, for his part, values the energy and ease with which he plays with Eklund.

Victor is easy to play. I don’t think I’ve played with anyone with so much energy. He wins all the battles, even when we play against men.

Anton Frondell

Eklund praised Frondell, highlighting his game and his desire to play together. “Anton is a tank on the ice,” Eklund said. “He has a shot like a missile. He’s a really great player.”

Michael Misa: Patience and Confidence in the Center

Michael Misa learned the importance of patience. Initially, he expected to play center in the OHL, but he had to adapt to the winger position. Now, with the opportunity to return to center in his draft year, Misa feels more confident and prepared. His performance at the center has given him a boost for the draft, where he is expected to be a high pick. Misa feels ready to make the jump to the NHL and is focused on being a complete player.

I feel like I’m ready to make the jump next year. That’s my ultimate goal, to make the NHL next year. I think gaining that experience at center that I had this year definitely helped my game. And I’m just trying to become that more defensively reliable 200-foot player as well. So overall, I’m ready.

Michael Misa

Misa believes that playing as a center allows him to be more involved in the game, both offensively and defensively.

Saginaw’s Michael Misa is confident he can help an NHL team as soon as the 2025-26 season.

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Will Horcoff Sets a New Combine Record

Will Horcoff, a Michigan player, demonstrated his athleticism by setting a new record in the standing long jump during the combine. His jump of 124.75 inches exceeded all expectations. Horcoff, son of former NHL player Shawn Horcoff, focused on the long jump and also sought to improve in the vertical jump. Although he had some difficulties, he was satisfied with his overall performance.

I’m a competitive guy, so the discrepancy in my numbers was disconcerting.

Will Horcoff

Horcoff hopes to be a power player in the NHL and is inspired by Brady Tkachuk’s style of play.

William Horcoff set a new combine record in the horizontal jump.

Joe Hrycych/NHLI via Getty Images

Players Face Their Mistakes in Interviews

The combine also implies facing the past. Some prospects had to analyze images of their performances, even those not so brilliant. Lynden Lakovic of the Moose Jaw Warriors, and Carlos Handel, defenseman for the Halifax Mooseheads, were forced to review plays that were not their best moments. These interviews kept the prospects on their toes.

Most of the talks were fun. But there were a couple that were a bit more intimidating.

Lynden Lakovic

Prospects like Moose Jaw’s Lynden Lakovic were shown some not-so-great game tape, and asked to break it down for NHL team execs.

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Can Nashville Achieve It All?

The Nashville Predators did not expect to end the season with such a low position, but the lottery awarded them the fifth overall pick and two others in the first round. There is talent available that could immediately reinforce the team. James Hagens, Frondell or Jake O’Brien could be options for Nashville at center. Brampton winger Porter Martone would also fit well. The arrival of Steven Stamkos as a mentor could be beneficial. Using selections 23 and 26 will reveal the Predators’ intentions for next season.