2025 Final Draft Rankings – Picks 25-32
This is somewhat of a dead zone of prospects for the Habs. It is unlikely that they reach far enough back that these players become their pick at 16 or 17. Also, it is unlikely that the more intriguing options here slip far enough to be available to the Canadiens at 41. Still, some players here are interesting for Montreal to consider should an unforeseen drop in rank occur and the Habs can get lucky at 41. After all, they did select Lane Hutson at 62.
#25 – Sascha Boumedienne
Boston University (NCAA) – LD
Start of season rank: 33 Midseason Rank: 37
Boumedienne is a 6’1 smooth-skating defender who is great when joining the rush. After scoring only 13 points in 31 games this season, he had an outstanding U18 where he scored 14 points in seven games, which explains his jump up the ranking. He will need to develop his defensive reads and decision-making with the puck to succeed at the next level. For the Habs, this is not a positional or stylistic match for what they truly need and are looking for even if he falls down the rankings on draft day which is possible.
#26 – Jack Nesbitt
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – C
Start of season rank: N/A Midseason rank: 32
He’s 6’4 and has been following in the footsteps of teammate Liam Greentree in climbing the board throughout his draft season. He has worked hard to develop good habits in all three zones which makes him an interesting prospect. He’s more of a project pick as he needs to continue to develop his physicality and playmaking skills, but the huge jump in production this season had him near a point per game as he finished with 64 points in 65 games. His greatest strength is his positional intelligence and his willingness to go to the dirty areas on the ice. He’ll need to work on his foot speed to access the next level. As stated above, this is a reach at 17 and a steal at 41, seems inaccessible to the Habs.
#27 – Blake Fiddler
Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) – RD
Start of season rank: 33 Midseason rank: 25
A big (6’4), rangy defender who skates extremely well and provides some offence at the junior level, racking 33 points in 64 games. He is most known for his ability to defend the rush which is remarkable at his size. He’s got the frame but he’s still skinny, so he will need to be given the time for the rest to catch-up. Fiddler is, without question, a high-floor, limited-ceiling pick. While I’m not usually a fan of those picks for forwards, I think the Habs boast plenty of offensive skill on their young blue line and projectable picks like Fiddler are likely a great idea to round out their blueline. A player to watch for the Habs, especially if he remains available at 41.
#28 – Milton Gastrin
Modo J20 (J20 Nationell) – C
Start of season rank: 23 Midseason rank: 30
The 6’1 centre is a 200-foot player who really drives possession. He had a decent season with 42 points in 40 games in the junior league and even made his SHL debut. The profile here is another high-floor, low-ceiling player, so I’d prefer more of a home run swing regardless of whether the debate is around pick 17 or 41. That conversation might have been different if Jake Evans, Owen Beck, and Oliver Kapanen weren’t all signed for the foreseeable future.
#29 – Cameron Schmidt
Vancouver Giants (WHL) – RW
Start of season rank: 35 Midseason rank: 19
Speed, acceleration, edges, and a wicked shot are this player’s calling card. You guessed it! This is an undersized winger to be found this late in the round. He shot the lights out with 78 points in 61 games this season, even if he needs to round out his game away from the puck and has had a tendency to disappear against higher-end opponents. The Habs are already on the smaller side of things up front, so I’m not really interested, but the talent appears to be there.
#30 – Jack Murtagh
USNTDP (USHL) – LW
Start of season rank: N/A Midseason rank: 28
A stocky forward that plays in a straight line with pace and tenacity, Murtagh has committed to Boston University for next season. He stood out for the American team at the Top Prospects Game, which initially got him in the first-round discussion. His production cooled off down the stretch and he finished with 37 points in 53 games, so the ceiling is definitely in question. This is a player I could see slipping all the way to 41, and I’d still pass if I were the Habs.
#31 – Joshua Ravensbergen
Prince George Cougars (WHL) – G
Start of season rank: 19 Midseason rank: 23
The top goaltender on this year’s list. He’s 6’5 and might be a rare breed of goaltender to get legitimate consideration in the first round although it wouldn’t be shocking if he had to wait until day two. Montreal’s cupboards aren’t exactly bare at the goaltending position, so I’d be surprised to see them select him even at 41.
#32 – Shane Vansaghi
Michigan State (NCAA) – RW
Start of season rank: 55 Midseason rank: 41
A sizable winger who relies on his size to create offensively, Vansaghi appears to be a high-floor player with a questionable ceiling. It is unclear whether his ability to create will really translate to the pros when he faces bigger and stronger competition. However, the power game is always one that is valued in the NHL, so Vansaghi would certainly be able to carve a path for himself as a bottom-six player at minimum. His 16 points in 37 games seem low but remember, this was a freshman in the NCAA. This would be an interesting selection should he remain available at 41 though his steady progression up the rankings would suggest that it isn’t likely to happen.
Final Rankings
2nd Round