Today marks the start of the first-ever CHL USA Prospects Challenge, where we will see some of the top prospects of the 2025 NHL Draft compete. This showcase will see the Canadian and American prospects battle in two games, the first on November 26th in London and the second on November 27th in Oshawa.
As things kick off, let’s look at three players to watch on the CHL squad. Note that while Porter Martone and Michael Misa are the two players likely to be drafted the highest, this piece will focus on who to watch out for in addition to Martone and Misa. Martone and Misa are having phenomenal years for their respective teams, and both have elite offensive skills. They will use those skills to try and push past Team USA.
Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans
At the start of the season in my WHL Early Looks article, I highlighted Jackson Smith as a physical defenseman with offensive skill to watch, which has shone through this season. After putting up 29 points in 62 games last season, Smith’s offense has reached another gear as he’s at 21 points in 23 games played. The 6’3″ defenseman is playing a solid two-way game and has been a major contributor to Tri-City sitting at third in the Western Conference in the league. Smith will look to use his offensive skill and physicality to help push the CHL squad past the Americans.
Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs
Jake O’Brien is in his second season in the OHL and has a solid shot, but more impressive is his hockey IQ and playmaking abilities. O’Brien has 28 points in 23 games on the season and is looking to help the Bulldogs improve on their last season. O’Brien will likely be slightly lower in the lineup in this showcase, but look out for him as his vision can help create plays out of thin air.
Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats
Caleb Desnoyers has had quite an impressive start this season with the Wildcats. Desnoyers had 56 points in 60 games last season as a 16-year-old and has built upon that with 31 points in just 20 games to start this season. Desnoyers has been a major contributor to the Wildcats and is a major reason that the team is first in the East. Desnoyers is a dynamic playmaker and was named as an Alternate Captain for this prospect challenge. Caleb Desnoyers will look to help the team offensively and defensively as they look to push past team USA.
The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will begin November 26th at 7:00 PM ET and can be watched in Canada on TSN.
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