The 2025 NHL Draft may still feel far away, but it’s never too early to spotlight the rising stars who could make a splash on draft day. While plenty of attention goes to the obvious top names, there’s a group of underrated American prospects quietly building their cases. Some of the most exciting prospects are skating under the radar, ready to prove they’re red, white, and blue-chip players.
From late bloomers to breakout performers, they’re the ones you’ll want to remember when draft boards start taking shape. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing under-the-radar names who could surprise us all next summer.
Ben Kevan – (Des Mois Buccaneers, USHL)
Kevan has quietly become one of the most intriguing prospects in the hockey world. If you want to pay attention to a draftee, it’s time to start with him. He’s on the USA World Junior A Challenge roster for a reason.
Let’s start with his skating, the hardest part of the game. It’s smooth and controlled, but what sets him apart is his ability to shift gears with sudden bursts of speed. Kevan’s explosiveness allows him to separate from defenders and create space in the offensive zone. His goals come in all shapes and sizes; whether it’s a lethal wrist shot, crafty dangles, or battling for position in front of the net, Kevan finds ways to get it done. That versatility makes him a constant threat and a coach’s dream.
Kevan was the USHL rookie points leader at one point last season, and his game has translated seamlessly at each position he’s played. During his time with the Los Angeles Junior Kings 15U team, he dominated. He scored 62 goals and tallied 112 points in just 74 games. Kevan’s success carried over to international play, where he represented the U.S. at the Five Nations tournament, finishing with eight points in five games, including a Player of the Game performance against Germany.
Most recently, the 19-year-old who went undrafted last year has made noise in the USHL with 12 points in 12 games for the Des Moines Buccaneers, earning himself a call-up to the USNTDP. He also delivered one of the year’s most jaw-dropping highlights, scoring an incredible between-the-legs backhand goal that landed at #5 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.
Kevan is underrated because his game is built on instincts, patience, and translatability. He’s not a flash in the pan. He has the hockey IQ to thrive at higher levels, and his ability to perform in transition will only improve as he continues to refine his play away from the puck.
An Arizona State commit for 2025-26, Kevan is one of those prospects who might be flying under the radar now, but don’t be surprised when he makes a splash in the NHL Draft. He even played in the CHL-USA prospects challenge and held his own against the top of the class. With his skill set, versatility, and consistent production ability, he will make some teams very happy in 2025. Keep your eye on him—you’ll be glad you did.
Mason Moe – (Madison Capitols, USHL)
Mason Moe might not be the flashiest name in hockey, but make no mistake—he’s a prospect worth keeping a close eye on.
Selected in the second round of the 2023 USHL Phase I Draft by the Madison Capitols, Moe has shown steady growth in his young career. During Moe’s first season in the USHL, he only skated in 12 games and recorded two points; he spent most of that year leading Eden Prairie High School with 40 points in 27 games. His ability to balance high school dominance with significant junior hockey experience demonstrates his adaptability and potential.
Yet Moe is underrated because he does the things you don’t see on the scorecard. At 6’0″ and 170 pounds, Moe is a big, fluid center who excels in a two-way role. He’s responsible in all three zones, showing maturity and hockey IQ beyond his years. Whether making imaginative plays in the defensive zone, creating space for teammates, or getting to the inside for quality scoring chances, Moe consistently does the little things that win games.
While his skating and stickwork aren’t elite, his work ethic suggests that the area will improve as he develops. In just eight games with the Capitols this year, he’s already doubled his production from last year with four points, including two goals and two assists. He’s even donned the NTDP jersey a few times despite officially not being on the roster.
Recently committing to the University of Minnesota, Moe will join one of college hockey’s premier programs in 2026. The Gophers are getting a solid forward who can blend physicality with skill, contribute on both ends of the ice, and thrive in key situations.
Moe’s quiet trajectory only adds to his appeal as a prospect. He’s not the loudest name in the draft room, but he has all the makings of a player who can surprise people.
Ryker Lee – (Madison Capitols (USHL)
Ryker Lee is one of those players who can amaze you with his skill and creativity every time he steps on the ice. He’s incredibly talented offensively and has a knack for turning nothing plays into highlight-reel moments. Unfortunately, scouts glossed over him because of his small stature.
At times, Lee looks like the youngest player out there because he has yet to fully hit his growth spurt. While many of his peers have already developed physically, Lee is still catching up. Once he does, the sky is the limit.
The stats speak for themselves. In 168 Triple-A games with Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Lee registered 374 points, including 155 goals and 219 assists. Now, with the Madison Capitols, he’s continuing to impress. Listed as a “B” prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s watch list (projected 2nd or 3rd-round pick), he’s tied for the team lead with 14 points in just 16 games and has 3 goals in 6 games with the USNTDP U18s.
What sets Lee apart isn’t just his numbers but how he produces them. His decision-making with the puck is exceptional. Whether identifying a passing lane or finding space to create a scoring chance, Lee’s offensive instincts are fabulous. He has excellent puck control and makes every touch meaningful, a rare skill even among top prospects.
That said, there are areas for improvement. The talent is still raw. He will be a project player wherever he goes. His quickness could use refinement, especially as he transitions to the next level, where the game’s speed increases dramatically. For now, his hockey IQ and offensive creativity more than make up for it. At 6’0″ and 181 pounds, Lee is steadily building the physical foundation to complement his skill set. If he can maintain his consistency and round out his game, there’s no telling just how far his talent can take him. He may even be the steal of this year’s draft.
Jacob Romach – (Lincoln Stars, USHL)
At 6’5″, Rombach’s size alone turns heads. What makes him unique isn’t just his towering frame—it’s how he uses it. Unlike many young, big defensemen who need years of development to mature physically, Rombach already shows the poise and skill of a seasoned player.
Rombach skates remarkably well for his size, particularly laterally, which is rare for someone so tall. He’s coordinated and solid defensively, with no glaring weaknesses. He still needs to dominate shifts, but he doesn’t make the costly mistakes you might expect from a player his size at this stage. Add that he moves the puck well and has a physical edge, and you start to see why scouts are excited about his potential.
That potential could skyrocket as Rombach fills out his frame; he’s currently listed at just 181 pounds. With another 20-30 pounds of muscle, he could transform into a giant two-way monster who terrorizes opponents nightly.
A Blaine, Minnesota native, the kid played for Spring Lake Park High School, a program not known for producing elite players. Yet he recorded 19 points in 26 games during his Senior high school season. His development accelerated with the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, where he’s quickly become an essential piece on their blue line. He stepped into a top-pair role as a rookie, saw time on the penalty kill, and made his mark with steady play.
Rombach also represented Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he tallied two assists in five games. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2025-26 season. His blend of size, mobility, and defensive reliability should allow him to promptly become a college star as he ascends to the NHL.
Scouts are starting to notice, but Rombach remains underrated. He’s not flashy, but he’s a workhorse backed by a foundation of intelligence, consistency, and potential. He’s the kind of player who might not dominate immediately but could become a cornerstone blueliner in the long run.
Sam Laurila – (Fargo Force, USHL)
Laurila might not be a household name yet, but give it time. The 19-year-old defenseman has spent the last two years honing his craft with USA NTDP. While he’s flown under the radar, Laurila has the tools to be a hidden gem in hockey.
Standing 6’0″ and weighing 187 pounds, Laurila plays a brilliant, two-way game that leans heavily on his hockey IQ. He’s a smooth skater in all directions, with a quick first step and solid acceleration. He doesn’t have rocket boosters for skates, but his top speed is impressive, and he uses it to close gaps defensively or join the rush offensively. His positioning is excellent off the puck, and he supports his teammates with intelligent routes to stay available for passes.
Offensively, Laurila’s role when with the NTDP has been more of a stay-at-home presence, but don’t let that fool you. He distributes the puck well, keeps plays alive at the blue line, and isn’t afraid to pinch in for a scoring opportunity. His heavy howitzer from the point is a weapon, and he’s smart about shooting low to create rebound chances for his teammates. His passing is sharp, with occasional saucers or seams.
Defensively, Laurila takes pride in his own-zone play, often being the first defender back and using his long reach and active stick to break up plays. He’s physical without being reckless, finishing his checks and clearing the crease with authority. Laurila excels at neutralizing opponents below the hash marks, blocking shots, and swatting away loose pucks around the net. He has elite gap control and transitions smoothly from defence to offence with a crisp first pass.
Laurila can sometimes force turnovers under heavy pressure, particularly when making outlet passes. These are teachable moments for a player who still has time to refine his game.
Now committed to the University of North Dakota, a powerhouse program known for developing NHL talent, the kid will be able to elevate his play. Before heading to UND, he’s expected to spend more Junior Hockey time with the reigning Calder Cup Champions Fargo Force, who acquired him in June from the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, who selected him 20th overall in the league’s 2024 phase 2 Draft.
Laurila’s strength, skating ability, and defensive reliability make him a fascinating prospect. While he doesn’t dominate in any area, his all-around game and steady presence make him a safe bet for long-term blueline success in the NHL, so you should view him as a late-round pick.
Finn McLaughlin – (Fargo Force, USHL)
Finn McLaughlin is the player who forces you to take a second look. The reigning national champions and top-ranked University of Denver are way ahead of everyone, already agreeing to a college deal with him. He wrapped up an impressive first season in the USHL, splitting time between Youngstown and Fargo. In 30 games with Youngstown, he tallied eight assists before moving to Fargo, adding four more points (2G, 2A) in 21 games. Then, in the postseason, he notched a goal in 12 appearances and helped Fargo claim the Clark Cup. This season, the newly minted alternate captain has four points in 21 games for the Force.
The best word to describe McLaughlin is deceptive. When retrieving the puck, he’s a master at faking one way to draw pressure before escaping the other direction. His vision is equally crafty, as he’ll show one pass to bait defenders, then thread a puck up the middle to create a better opportunity. McLaughlin constantly mixes up his pace, keeping opponents guessing.
What intrigues him is how these subtle skills translate into significant moments. He’s the type of defender who thrives under pressure, adapting his game to exploit weaknesses and making intelligent plays when it matters most.
As McLaughlin heads to Denver, his game will only grow. His ability to outthink opponents and create opportunities makes him a player worth watching. Don’t underestimate his quiet consistency—it makes him so effective.
John Stout – (Madison Capitols, USHL)
John Stout’s name might be on some draft radar, but it should be. The 6’2″ left-shot defenseman from Minnetonka High School has quietly built an impressive resume that screams “underrated.” Over three seasons with the Skippers, Stout scored 67 points in 96 games, leading his team’s blueliners in scoring during his junior and senior years. He played a pivotal role in Minnetonka’s state championship run.
While his senior year ended with a tough loss in the Section 2AA championship, the Skippers didn’t lose a single regular-season game. Add his leadership as an alternate captain, and it’s clear this player steps up in every situation. At 6’2″ and 187 pounds, he immediately became one of the biggest defensemen on the Tri-City Americans roster, adding size and a steady presence on the back end. Stout’s six goals and 24 assists in 28 games as a senior earned him the prestigious Reed Larson Award as Minnesota’s top senior defenseman. So far, in his first full USHL season, he has three goals and eight points in 19 games for the Madison Capitols.
So, why is Stout underestimated? It’s likely because he wasn’t drafted last year, but that only adds to his story. Now ranked No. 165 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, he’s poised to be a smart late-round pick for a team willing to look past the prominent names.
He’s committed to the University of Wisconsin for a year and brings a mix of size, smarts, and offensive skill — the kind of player who can quietly transform a blue line. This year, don’t sleep on John Stout.
Kam Hendrickson – (Omaha Lancers, USHL)
All you have to do is peek at Hendrickson’s Hlinka pre-tournament exhibition game for Team USA, and you’ll know what you’re getting. This 6’2″ goaltender deserves serious attention.
In that game, Hendrickson stole the show with a display that turned heads. His movement was fluid, his tracking was sharp, and his positioning was impeccable.
Hendrickson isn’t with the NTDP or playing in the USHL or CHL. Instead, he’s carving out his path through the Omaha Lancers where he sports a 2.63 GAA in 11 games so far this season. The University of Connecticut commit is quietly developing into one of the most intriguing goaltending prospects in the country.
Those who follow the Minnesota Hockey scene will tell you he’s a worthwhile investment. There’s a case to be made that Hendrickson might be better than either of the NTDP’s current draft-eligible goalies, Patrik Quinlan and Joey Slavick. His skill set, size, and ability to rise to the moment suggest he has what it takes to compete at the highest levels. With his combination of raw talent and poise under pressure, it won’t be long before the hockey world notices and the cameras start clicking for Kam.
Caleb Heil – (Madison Capitols, USHL)
Caleb Heil is much better than his stats might suggest. Ranked as the No. 23 North American goaltender in Central Scouting’s final rankings, the future North Dakota University backstopper has quietly shown flashes of the talent that could make him a household name in the years ahead.
Playing a secondary role for Sioux Falls in 2023-24, Heil posted a 6-10-1 record with a 4.32 goals-against average and a .850 save percentage in 19 appearances. In 10 games for the Madison Capitols thus far, he’s 8-1-1 with a 2.48 GAA. It’s easy to overlook those numbers on paper, but dig deeper; there’s a lot to like. Heil made a few appearances for the USNTDP last year and was on the U18 World Juniors roster. The experience he gained should help him move forward. At 6’2″, Heil has the size and athleticism scouts covet in modern goaltenders. The 18-year-old’s technique is sharp, his composure is solid, and he’s shown the ability to make big saves in challenging situations.
Standing tall, he takes away much of the net. His athleticism and flexibility make him tough to beat, as he uses every part of his body to defend against scoring chances. The Minnesota native’s sharp footwork allows him to stay mobile and track the puck aggressively. However, his greatest attribute can sometimes work against him.
When committing to plays, he occasionally overextends, leaving himself out of position. What sets him apart is his relentless competitive level. He never gives up on a save, battling to keep the puck out no matter the circumstances. As Heil works through the growing pains, his potential remains high. With his toolbox, he’s a name to watch as he continues to refine his game. When Caleb finds his stride, there’s the makings of a game-changer in the crease.
