As the 2024-25 season gets underway, scouts and fans keep a close eye on the next generation of American hockey talent. With the 2025 NHL Draft still months away, it’s never too early to start sizing up the potential top picks. In this early look, we break down some of the standout American prospects at each position, offering a glimpse of what’s to come as the 2007-born stars embark on pivotal seasons ahead.
Early Looks at American 2025 NHL Draft Prospects: Center
James Hagens: Boston College (NCAA)
James Hagens is undoubtedly the star of the 2025 NHL Draft class. Last season, as a 17-year-old with the highly competitive United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), he not only led his team in scoring but outperformed even his record-breaking-profile linemate, Cole Eiserman, who was the 20th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 2024 NHL Draft.
What truly sets Hagens apart is his exceptional hockey I.Q. His offensive skills are jaw-dropping, but his game awareness makes him stand out. He controls play with remarkable ease, able to speed things up or slow them down based on the situation. His ability to read plays and think ahead is second to none, leaving scouts in awe of his strategic thinking. Defensively, he’s just as impressive. He never cuts corners and consistently contributes to board battles, using his agility and anticipation to disrupt the opponent’s plays.
As we look ahead to the 2025 draft, Hagens is the top-ranked prospect. If he has another standout season at Boston College this year, he’s all but guaranteed to hold onto that top spot. He’s the golden boy that any NHL team would be thrilled to draft, potentially becoming a game-changer for the organization that secures him.
Hagens tallied 102 points in 58 games for the USNTDP last year and led the team at the World Junior U18 tournament, setting a record with 22 points in just seven games and helping secure a silver medal.
It will be exciting to see how he transitions from junior hockey to the NCAA with the Eagles, playing alongside New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perrault and Washington Capitals future star Ryan Leonard. If he dominates the college scene akin to how reigning top selection, San Jose Shark, and Hobey Baker winner Macklin Celebrini did at Boston University, Hagens will solidify his status as the headliner for the upcoming draft.
William Moore: USNTDP U18 (USHL)
William Moore, a center for the USNTDP U18, is carving out his path in hockey, and it’s different from the usual route players take. For one, he’s a dual citizen and played all his junior hockey with the Saginaw Spirit until last season, just missing their Memorial Cup triumph. He didn’t leap from U17 to U18 during the year but posted 23 goals and 43 points in 50 games.
He’s listed at 6-foo-1 and 161 pounds, and while that weight might seem light for his height, it doesn’t slow him down. Moore’s a powerful skater who plays a straightforward, north-south game. He’s not flashy but has strong hands, can thread the needle, and makes plays from anywhere on the ice. His shot is decent, but his vision and hockey smarts stand out. Moore has excellent awareness and is constantly scanning the ice, knowing where the puck needs to go before he even gets the disc.
The kid is also great at lifting sticks and getting those quick poke checks to keep the play going and win. He’s also not afraid to use his body to win board battles, protect the puck and drive to the net. Moore could be a towering NHL center, but there’s still a lot of room for growth as he’s a raw talent. Still, there’s time, and if he fills out his frame and leans into his strengths, you’ll be hearing “Moore” of him.
Cole McKinney: USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Cole McKinney is a fascinating player to watch. He might not dazzle with flashy moves, but he excels in doing the gritty, unheralded work that often goes unnoticed. Last season, McKinney played with the USNTDP U17 team, notching 31 points in 44 games, and also had a brief stint with the U18 team, where he scored once in 11 games.
McKinney is the kind of centerman who thrives on the dirty work, forechecking relentlessly, supporting his defensemen in battles along the boards, and finishing checks whenever possible. He doesn’t have elite puck-handling skills but is bright in creating space and setting up his teammates. His faceoff skills are strong, and he’s effective on the penalty kill and power play.
Standing at 6-foot and 190 lbs, McKinney has the build to be an effective NHL player. However, his aggressive forechecking can sometimes leave him out of position during transitions. His skating is solid with effective straight-line speed and good edges but his defensive execution could use some refinement.
McKinney is a solid, well-rounded player with an abundance of upside. He’s set to make an impact with the U18 team and at Michigan in the coming seasons. His ability to do the little things right and his work ethic make him an intriguing developmental project.
Early Looks at American 2025 NHL Draft Prospects: Defenseman
Logan Hensler: University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Logan Hensler is the bulldozer you want on your blue line. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, he’s also a tough guy to knock off the puck. He’s excellent at using his size and reach to disrupt opposing plays. Whether in transition or using his blade protection skills, his composure and confidence are impressive. Hensler is committed to the University of Wisconsin, and his footwork is what sets him apart.
He has agility that allows him to take away space quickly, and even when he gets beaten, his stick work helps him regain possession. What’s also noticeable about Hensler is his pro-ready size. He’s a smooth skater with good posture and uses it confidently, closing gaps with a solid stick-on-puck play or leading a rush up the ice. The situational awareness is solid. He knows where to be and uses his size to push players off the puck.
The big right-handed defenseman can also contribute offensively, as he posted 32 points in 61 games last season, but it feels like there’s more to his game. At Wisconsin, he might unlock another level, especially if he can time when to activate and jump into the forward group compared to maintaining his position. Logan will be among the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft if he keeps building on this confidence.
Sascha Boumedienne: Boston University (NCAA)
Sascha Boumedienne is a player to keep an eye on. The young Swedish defenseman is in this group because he has been honing his game in North America, starting at the AAA level in Ohio before making his mark in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms last season. Now, he’s taking the next step in his development at Boston University as a true freshman.
At 6-foot-2, Boumedienne has a natural size, though he could still bulk up. He’s already an excellent skater with a smoothness to his game, reading the ice incredibly well. His puck-handling stands out, and he’s a great distributor with a heavy clapper, and it’ll be more dangerous as he builds muscle. He had a strong year with Youngstown, notching 27 points and showing off his physicality, especially during the Finnish bro’s time with Sweden’s U-17 team. He has great mechanics and can move effortlessly in all directions, which is what you want in a modern defenseman. That skill makes him effective when exiting the zone.
A few areas on the defensive side of his game need improvement, like walking the blueline or his first pass, but with the right coaching and the stricter competition he’ll face at the NCAA level, the kid is in a great spot to develop. His potential for improvement is promising, giving fans hope about his future development.
Charlie Trethewey: USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Charlie Trethewey is an intriguing defenseman from the USNTDP with considerable offensive potential. This right-shot blueliner has a lethal shot, and smooth puck-handling and skating skills. Last season, with the U17 team, he scored 35 points in 52 games. He also shone at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, leading the tournament in defensive scoring.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Trethewey already has the build of an NHL defenseman. His offensive game is where he stands out. He makes intelligent reads all over the ice and can create scoring chances. His long strides and good edge work help him recover defensively, although he tends to rely more on stick-checking than using his body.
The kid started the season strong, proving himself as one of the top two-way defenders in the 2025 draft. He’s got the raw skill, physicality, and power that catches your attention even when he doesn’t have the puck. He can drive plays, though his decision-making and timing still need some fine-tuning. One area where Trethewey needs to improve is his consistency. Sometimes, he can be passive, waiting for the play to develop rather than actively engaging. His aggressive stick-checking can also leave him out of position. A year with the U18 team and a season at Boston University should help him refine these aspects of his game.
Trethewey has a ton of potential. If he can polish up his defensive woes, he could become a top-four NHL defenseman with a solid offensive upside. Regardless, his current toolbox makes him a valuable asset in a bottom-pair role. It’ll be interesting to see how his play evolves leading to the draft.
Early Looks at American 2025 NHL Draft Prospects: Wingers
L.J. Mooney: USNTDP U18 (USHL)
L.J. Mooney is one of the most exciting wingers to watch in this year’s draft class. The righty has been phenomenal with the USNTDP, starting with the U17 team and finishing last season strong with the U18s, posting 20 points in 20 games. Then, at the 2024 U18 Men’s World Championship, he registered 6 points in 7 games, helping Team USA capture a silver medal.
What stands out with Mooney is his explosiveness and incredible hands. He’s a playmaker with a quick release, fast feet, and the ability to make intelligent decisions in a split second, which means he’s a threat whenever the puck touches his blade.
Despite being only 5-foot-6 and 146 lbs, Mooney doesn’t let his size hold him back. He reminds many of the late great Johnny Gaudreau. He’s got powerful acceleration, excellent edge work, and can put defenders on their heels from a standstill. He’s confident in one-on-one situations and reads the ice exceptionally well. He never takes a shift off and always puts himself in the best position to succeed.
Mooney’s defensive game is solid, too. While it’s not his most substantial area, he’s responsible and knows how to cover for his defensemen. He’s quick on the backcheck, scanning the surface and timing his attacks perfectly to break up odd-man rushes. Then, when he regains possession, he turns on the jets, making smooth transitions into offence with a well-placed stretch feed or a slick drop pass for a high-danger chance.
Mooney, who was drafted in June 2025, is set to follow in his cousin and Utah Hockey Club star Logan Cooley’s footsteps. He will attend the University of Minnesota for the 2025-2026 season. L.J. may stand for Little John, but there’s nothing “little” about how Mooney plays. He’s fearless going to the net and has a knack for finding open spots on the ice to make himself a target for a scoring opportunity. The Moon’s the limit for this kid, and it’ll be fun to see where his game goes next.
Cullen Potter: Arizona State (NCAA)
Cullen Potter is one of the most exciting skaters eligible for the 2025 draft, and he’s making waves with his speed and tenacity. At 5-foot-9, Potter may be small; don’t let it fool you. He’s a relentless forechecker who loves getting in the mix, and his edge work allows him to blow past defenders.
It feels like Potter was destined for this. His mom Jenny, is a 14-time U.S. Women’s National Team medalist; his dad Rob, has been coaching for decades. Growing up in Minnesota, the “State of Hockey,” it’s no surprise he’s got the sport in his blood.
Potter’s skating is where he shines. His speed control allows him to pull off moves that leave defenders scrambling at every turn. His powerful stride helps him quickly get back into the defensive zone, setting up for breakouts and creating space.
Potter’s game isn’t just about speed; he also has a high hockey IQ. He’s even logged penalty kill time with the USNTDP U17 team. His puck-handling is sharp, and he possesses the vision to find teammates with slick saucers. That said, sometimes he can move too fast and get over-aggressive. Yet he’s always the first kid back when a turnover happens. His shot is solid but can be better, and he sometimes gets overpowered in front of the net because of his size disadvantage. However, it rarely takes him out of sequences.
Off the puck, Potter’s game is smooth. He’s intelligent in how he plays the give-and-go, timing his movements perfectly to break free and get open. The energizer has a knack for reading the ice, magnifying opponents’ mistakes, and generating chances with quick thinking and fast hands.
You can find Potter this season at Arizona State University. He had initially committed to Michigan State, but after they didn’t have a roster spot for him a year early, he chose to head to the desert instead. It’s interesting to leave a traditional powerhouse for a newer program, especially in your draft year, but Potter wanted to challenge himself against better competition immediately. His rookie campaign at ASU will be a strong test, but if he continues to develop, expect him to rise to draft boards quickly.
Potter’s 0.85 points per game with the NTDP U17 ranked him 40th all-time, and many players above him have made it to the NHL, earning their banner at the USA Hockey’s rink. With his skating, smarts, and work ethic, there’s a good chance he will join them.
Jack Murtagh: USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Jack Murtagh’s shot might be one of the best in this draft class. He’s not the fastest skater, but he knows how to play to his strengths and thrives in board battles. His 6-foot, 185-pound frame can improve over the season, but he is highly physical and fast on his feet. Despite not lighting up the scoresheet, the winger is ranked around the end of the first round. He shows flashes of elite puck skills, wise decision-making, and has a powerful shotgun. Whether it’s a quick release or a full wind-up, he knows how to precisely position himself to get the puck and fire it off.
Murtagh is a versatile forward. He’s got a little of everything. There’s an offensive upside, natural size, physicality, and defensive play, and he’s unafraid to get inside the dirty areas. He might not be a points machine, but you could see him going in the second or third round and developing into a solid middle-six NHL player. He’s set to be a winger on the NTDP and is committed to Boston University for the 2025-26 season. What makes Jack more intriguing is his ability to power through defenders. With his strong stride, he can attain top speed and barrel toward the net, using his frame to shield the puck. His attention to detail is excellent, especially when leading odd-man rushes.
Defensively, he can be involved and lock down his man when engaged. Unfortunately, he has stretches where he fades and loses mental focus, missing his positioning after a hit, or covering for his defenseman. The contrast makes his weaknesses noticeable because he’ll pull off these big plays, then vanish once he’s off the puck and required to do the gritty work. Yet this season presents the chance for Jack to prove himself. If he shapes up, expect him to rise into the middle of the first round.
Early Looks at American 2025 NHL Draft Prospects: Goaltenders
Patrik Quinlan USTNDP (USHL):
Patrik Quinlan is on the smaller side at 6’0″, and you’d like to see him grow an inch or two before the 2025 draft. While 6-foot vs. 6-foot-1 might not seem like much to us, it’s a big deal in scouting circles. Aside from that, he’s got all the tools you want in a goalie. He’s explosive, makes difficult saves look easy, and has solid positional play. His hockey sense is sharp. If you compare him to someone like reigning U20 World Junior Gold medalist, and Detroit Red Wings prospect, Michigan State’s Trey Augustine at the same age, Quinlan has his makeup. Now, can he put it together and make himself worthy of a second-round selection like his predecessor Augustine just did in his draft year? Only time will tell.
Harrison Boettiger: USTNDP (USHL)
Harrison Boettiger is a name hockey fans should keep an eye on. He’s already 6-foot-1 and 174 pounds, possessing the size to dominate the crease. After his upcoming season with the U18 USNTDP, he’s committed to the reigning national champions Denver University. It’s not bad for a kid who is still developing his game.
Boettiger’s resume is building nicely. His 14U USA Hockey Youth National Championship win with Shattuck-St. Mary’s was an early sign of his potential. In the 2023-24 season with the U-17 National Team, Boettiger played 26 games, recording a 3.89 GAA and a .869 save percentage. He even earned USHL Goaltender of the Week honours in October, which shows he has the talent and consistency to shine at the next level. He also played in the 2024 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, but despite the boys winning gold, his single-game numbers weren’t his best, as he sported a 7.20 GAA and a .727 save percentage. With his U-18 National Team season ahead and Denver on the horizon, Boettiger is poised to prove to scouts why he’s a young goalie with a bright future.
Joey Slavick USNTDP: (USHL)
Joey Slavick may not be the biggest goalie on the ice at 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds, but he has the skills and experience to stand tall when it matters. Heading into the 2024-25 season as the starting netminder for the USNTDP U18 team, Slavic is proving big things can come in small packages.
He’s fresh off a solid run with the U-17 National Team, where he played in 21 games, posting a 4.07 GAA and a .864 save percentage. While that doesn’t scream dominance, his competitiveness and resilience in the net have convinced the coaching staff to let him take the reins.
Internationally, Slavic helped his team take first place in the 2024 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, playing three games and earning a 4.29 GAA and a .844 save percentage. Yes, there’s a long way to go, but netminders need more time to develop anyway. If he remains steady, Slavic can be a diamond in the rough during this year’s draft. Getting picked later in the showcase won’t stop his pursuit of proving you don’t have to be big to rule the crease.
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