Heise, Dell’Elce listed in NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings
NHL Central Scouting released their Midterm Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft presented by Upper Deck Tuesday morning, and Penticton Vees forward Max Heise (’06) is a projected seventh round draft pick.
Heise, in his second year of NHL draft eligibility, is ranked 200th among North American Skaters. He was also listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Draft Rankings in October.
Heise, 18, has 16 goals and 23 points in 31 games this season. The 6’2.5,” 169-pound centre sits fourth in team scoring and second in goals. His eight power play goals ranks third in the B.C. Hockey League (BCHL). The Calgary, Alberta, product marked his return to the lineup on Saturday with a goal in the Vees 5-4 overtime win over the Cranbrook Bucks. Heise is committed to Michigan State University.
Heise is one of four current BCHL players who are listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings.
Former Vee defenceman Francesco Dell’Elce is ranked 91st overall among North American Skaters, as he is a projected third round pick. Dell’Elce is a freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The 20-year-old is off to great start with 14 points in 21 games. Dell’Elce posted 38 points in 54 games last season with the Vees.
NHL Central Scouting will release their final draft rankings in April. The 2025 NHL Draft is expected to take place in June, following the Stanley Cup Final.