2025 NHL Draft prospect rankings: Wingers 4v5w1w

The 2025 NHL Draft is quickly approaching. Familiarize yourself with the top players in the class with theScore's prospect rankings series. 9a9

Centers | Wingers | D-men (June 16) | Goalies (June 23)

1. Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads 2m6e3h

At one point midseason, Martone looked like he could challenge for first overall. Though that's far-fetched after a slight dip in the second half, Martone remains one of the more unique prospects at the top of the class with his blend of size, skill, power, and playmaking.

Martone featured for Canada at the world juniors and World Championship this year, and he didn't look out of place alongside NHLers in limited action to close out the year. With great hands and offensive instincts, he's one of the best playmakers in the class. Martone plays with power, and his blend of hard and soft skills gives him the upside to become a dominant, top-line winger in the NHL.

Pace and a lack of high-end speed are his weaknesses. Still, Martone is easily the top winger in the class, but the number of quality center options available could see him wait longer than expected come draft day.

2. Victor Eklund, Djurgarden 2r3y15

Eklund's 19 goals this season in the Swedish second division tied Elias Pettersson's record for the most by a draft-year player in league history. He also impressed at the world juniors, tallying six points in seven games.

Teams may hesitate to draft a smaller winger early, but Eklund has the traits to overcome his frame. He's a relentless competitor who combines his work rate and quickness to be an effective forechecker and will engage physically. Eklund showed those traits against men, not just at the junior level, as he helped Djurgarden earn a promotion back to Sweden's top league. Factor in his quality shot and impressive playmaking, and Eklund looks like he'll become an impactful top-six winger down the road.

3. Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips 5ia6l

Bear led the Silvertips in scoring despite sustaining a season-ending Achilles laceration on March 9. Before the injury, Bear was trending toward being a top-12 pick. While he's on track to be ready for training camp, his injury's severity adds uncertainty and could give teams pause on draft day.

Still, Bear's goal-scoring, playmaking, and relentless forechecking make him too enticing for any team picking in the early to mid-teens to up. He goes to hard areas, wins battles, and scores around the net. Bear's a likable player whose competitiveness is reminiscent of what we see succeeding in the playoffs. Teams will be kicking themselves in a few years if they let him slip down the board because of his injury.

4. Justin Carbonneau, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 254x6q

Carbonneau finished second in QMJHL scoring and third in goals to put himself as a top-15 prospect in the class.

His highlight reel is sublime, featuring high-end skating, a powerful shot, and exquisite hands. Carbonneau is an entertaining player whose sky-high potential will energize the fan base of whichever team drafts him. His defensive game is a weak point, and his decision-making needs refinement, but those are typical areas of improvement for junior-aged prospects of his type.

5. Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw Warriors 4d1327

Lakovic had an impressive campaign on a poor Moose Jaw team, as evidenced by its minus-119 goal differential. Despite playing 47 of 68 games, he led the Warriors in goals and points while accumulating only four penalty minutes.

Given his size, teams will want Lakovic to become more of a physical presence. But while that side of his game develops, he's an intriguing skater for his stature and has some real offensive juice as a dual-threat scorer with slick hands who can play both wings. Mid-first-round prospects are rarely perfect, and teams shouldn't dismiss Lakovic just because he doesn't fit the traditional mold of a power forward.

6. Malcolm Spence, Erie Otters 1n6u5p

Spence first made waves when he scored the overtime winner in the gold-medal game at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and has shown steady growth in his production over three OHL seasons. Almost a full year older than teammate and projected first overall pick Matthew Schaefer, Spence narrowly missed eligibility for last year's draft by just a week.

The Mississauga native looks like a future NHLer thanks to his well-rounded game. While he may not possess any standout, high-end traits, Spence remains a reliable, two-way winger who could become a quality complementary piece in a team's top six.

Spence is set to become one of the first high-profile CHL prospects to depart for the NCAA. He's heading to the University of Michigan this fall.

7. Ben Kindel, Calgary Hitmen 423557

In a deep class for the WHL, Kindel led all draft-eligible players with 99 points. He was also Calgary's best postseason performer, racking up eight goals and 15 points in 11 games.

Kindel primarily played center this season, but given his slighter frame, he's more likely to shift to the wing than some of the other undersized pivots in this year's class. His high hockey IQ and defensive commitment allow him to pick off es and turn them into quick offense. Kindel's a deft er and has improved significantly as a goal-scorer. He has top-six upside with his pace and blend of skills.

8. Cullen Potter, Arizona State 534n5j

Potter was one of three Under-18 skaters to play in the NCAA this season, leading that group in goals and points. Rather than chase gaudy totals in the USHL, he opted to suit up against tougher competition by jumping to college.

The Wisconsin native played down the middle for Arizona State, but his lighter frame and skill set suggest he might be better suited on the wing long term. Potter is a high-end skater, and his speed is easily his most attractive skill. He's shown flashes of exciting puck skills and playmaking, but learning to change tempo and better utilize his speed will be key to unlocking his full potential.

Potter's mother, Jenny, starred with Team USA from 1998-2012.

9. Bill Zonnon, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 5l5j6x

Zonnon has steadily improved over three QMJHL campaigns, boosting his production by 19 points as a sophomore and adding a 25-point jump in his junior season. He was excellent in the most recent playoffs, racking up eight goals and 16 points in 13 games to lead the Huskies.

The Montreal native played center for Rouyn-Noranda this campaign. Though he could stick down the middle long term, Zonnon projects more as a winger with his forechecking and ability to win puck battles. He has the makings of a middle-six winger who can mix in at center as needed and can contribute in all situations.

10. Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants 6y4v5b

Making the NHL at 5-foot-8 or shorter requires a special kind of player. Recent success stories include Logan Stankoven and Cole Caufield, and Schmidt hopes to the list in the coming years.

Schmidt's production speaks for itself. He bagged 31 goals as a WHL rookie and backed it up with a 40-goal season this year. The Edmonton native clearly can put the puck in the back of the net, and he's an absolute burner. His speed, shooting ability, and work rate give him a chance to make it as an effective NHLer.