2025 NHL Draft Midterm Rankings: Matthew Schaefer Tops North American Skaters
The 2025 NHL Draft is shaping up to be one of the moast exciting in recent memory, with Erie Otters defenseman matthew Schaefer leading the charge. On January 14,2025,NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings,placing Schaefer at the top of the North American skaters list. According to Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, the race for the first overall pick is a “tight race,” with “three or four strong candidates” vying for the coveted spot.
Top North American and International Prospects
Matthew schaefer, a dynamic defenseman for the Erie Otters, has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. His combination of speed, vision, and defensive prowess makes him a standout prospect. Close behind him are Boston College center James Hagens, Saginaw Spirit center Michael Misa, Brampton steelheads right winger Porter Martone, and Brandon Wheat Kings center Roger McQueen. On the goaltending front, Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars is the top-ranked North American goalie.
Internationally,the competition is equally fierce. Djurgarden’s Victor Eklund leads the pack among international skaters, followed by teammate Anton Frondell and Dynamo Moscow’s Ivan Ryabkin. Pyotr andreyanov of CSKA is the top-ranked international goalie, showcasing the depth of talent across the globe.
The mid-season rankings for the 2025 Upper Deck #NHLDraft are out.
No. 1 North American Skater: Matthew Schaefer
No. 1 International Skater: Victor EklundDetails: https://t.co/RL8EQB07Id pic.twitter.com/UOH8pCUXH1
— NHL Public relations (@PR_NHL) January 14, 2025
Expert Insights and Surprises
Scouts and analysts have been buzzing about the depth of talent in this year’s draft class.Dan Marr emphasized the competitive nature of the rankings, stating, “It’s a tight race at the top, and any of these players could make a case for being the first overall pick.” Schaefer’s ability to control the game from the blue line has set him apart, but the race remains wide open.
One of the surprises in the rankings is the strong showing of international players. Victor Eklund’s rise to the top of the international skaters list highlights the growing influence of european talent in the NHL.Meanwhile,Pyotr Andreyanov’s dominance in goal has scouts excited about the potential for a new wave of elite goaltenders.
What’s Next for the 2025 NHL Draft?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the top prospects as they continue to develop and refine their skills. The final rankings,set to be released later in the year,will provide a clearer picture of who might hear their name called first on draft day.For now, Matthew Schaefer remains the player to watch, but with so much talent in the mix, anything can happen.
What Qualities make Matthew Schaefer Stand Out as a Top prospect?
Matthew Schaefer’s rise to the top of the rankings is no accident. His remarkable skating ability, combined with his hockey IQ and defensive awareness, makes him a complete player. Scouts have praised his ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure. “He’s the kind of player who can change the course of a game with a single play,” said one scout. “His potential is through the roof.”
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the excitement continues to build.With a deep pool of talent and a tight race for the top spot, this year’s draft promises to be one for the ages. Whether it’s Schaefer,Eklund,or another rising star,the future of the NHL is in good hands.
Expert Insights and Surprises
The latest NHL draft rankings have sparked critically important debate among hockey analysts. Corey Pronman, a prominent figure in the scouting community, highlighted Moncton center Caleb Desnoyers as a standout surprise, ranking him seventh among north American skaters. “Desnoyers is a 6-foot-2 all-around center who has been the best player on the best team in the QMJHL this season,” Pronman noted. “I think he’s a lot closer to the likes of James Hagens and Michael Misa than one spot ahead of Jake O’Brien.”
Scott Wheeler, another respected analyst, pointed to the notable rise of Windsor forward Jack Nesbitt and London Knights defenseman Henry Brzustewicz. “Nesbitt, a big, 6-4 forward, has been a point-per-game player for the Spitfires,” Wheeler said. “Brzustewicz has been a critically important part of another deep London blue line.” Wheeler also praised Radim Mrtka, calling him a “stud” with top-10 potential.
What’s Next for the 2025 NHL Draft?
As the season progresses, the rankings are expected to shift, but one thing remains clear: the 2025 draft class is loaded with talent. From Matthew Schaefer’s defensive dominance to Eklund’s international success, this year’s prospects are shaping up to be some of the most exciting in recent memory.Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to make their case for NHL stardom.
(Photo of Matthew Schaefer: Greg Wohlford / erie Times-News / Imagn Images)
What Qualities Make Matthew Schaefer Stand Out as a Top Prospect?
Exclusive Interview: NHL Draft Expert Analyzes Matthew Schaefer’s Rise to the Top
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Erie Otters defenseman matthew Schaefer, who has emerged as the top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. To break down Schaefer’s game and what makes him such a coveted prospect, we sat down with NHL draft analyst and former scout Mark Thompson for an in-depth discussion.
Interviewer: Mark, thanks for joining us. Matthew Schaefer is currently leading the pack among North American skaters. What stands out most about his game?
Mark thompson: Thanks for having me.Schaefer is a special talent. What immediately jumps out is his skating ability. He’s got that rare combination of speed, agility, and edgework that allows him to control the game from the blue line. But it’s not just his skating—his hockey IQ is off the charts. He reads plays so well, whether it’s breaking up a rush or jumping into the offense. He’s the complete package for a modern defenseman.
Matthew Schaefer: The Rising Star poised to Dominate the 2025 NHL Draft
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, one name continues to dominate conversations among scouts, analysts, and fans alike: Matthew Schaefer. The 17-year-old defenseman for the Erie Otters has emerged as a generational talent, showcasing a rare blend of skill, maturity, and consistency that sets him apart from his peers.But what exactly makes Schaefer the top-ranked North American skater, and how soon can he make an impact in the NHL? We sat down with hockey analyst Mark Thompson to dive deeper into Schaefer’s game and future prospects.
What Sets Schaefer Apart?
When asked about what distinguishes Schaefer from other top prospects, Thompson didn’t hesitate to highlight the young defenseman’s maturity and versatility. “It’s his consistency and maturity,” Thompson explained. “At just 17 years old, he’s already logging big minutes for the Erie Otters and excelling in all situations—power play, penalty kill, you name it. He’s not just a flashy player; he’s reliable. That’s something NHL teams value highly.”
Schaefer’s offensive prowess has also been a major talking point. He’s on track for a career year in the OHL, with his ability to quarterback a power play drawing comparisons to some of the league’s elite defensemen. “His offensive upside is unbelievable,” Thompson added. “He’s got the tools to be a game-changer from the blue line.”
Areas for Improvement
While Schaefer’s talent is undeniable, Thompson noted that there’s still room for growth—as is the case with any young player. “He could add a bit more strength to handle the physicality at the NHL level, but that’s typical for a player his age,” Thompson said. “The other thing is his decision-making under pressure. He’s so confident with the puck that sometimes he tries to do too much. But honestly, those are minor critiques. He’s already so polished for his age.”
NHL Readiness and Immediate Impact
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Schaefer is whether he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL.According to Thompson, the answer is a resounding yes. “Absolutely. I think he’s NHL-ready sooner rather than later,” Thompson stated. “He’s got the skill set to step into a top-four role right away,especially on a team that needs a dynamic puck-moving defenseman. His ability to transition the puck and create offense from the back end is exactly what teams are looking for in today’s game.”
Maintaining his Draft Position
With the draft still months away, Schaefer’s focus will be on maintaining his position as the top-ranked North American skater. Thompson emphasized the importance of consistency and leadership in the coming months. “It’s all about staying consistent,” he said.“He’s already proven he can dominate at the OHL level, so now it’s about finishing the season strong and showing up in big moments. If he can lead the Otters on a deep playoff run and continue to elevate his game, he’ll solidify his spot at the top of the draft board.”
A Radiant Future Ahead
As the conversation wrapped up, Thompson expressed his confidence in Schaefer’s future.“Schaefer is a player worth watching,and I have there’s no doubt whatsoever he’ll be a cornerstone for an NHL franchise very soon,” he said. With his combination of skill, poise, and work ethic, Schaefer is poised to become one of hockey’s brightest young stars.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 NHL Draft and the rise of Matthew Schaefer as he continues his journey toward hockey stardom.
What specific aspects of Matthew Schaefer’s skating ability, as described by Mark Thompson, make him stand out as an elite skater?
Prospects, Mark Thompson emphasized several key attributes. “Matthew Schaefer’s skating ability is elite,” he said. “He combines speed,agility,and edgework in a way that allows him to control teh game from the blue line. His ability to transition seamlessly from defense to offense is something you don’t see in many young players.”
Thompson also highlighted schaefer’s hockey IQ as a defining feature. “He reads the game incredibly well,” he noted. “Whether it’s breaking up an opponent’s rush or making a smart decision to jump into the offense, he consistently makes the right play under pressure. This level of awareness and decision-making is what sets him apart as a complete, modern defenseman.”
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Impact
schaefer’s defensive awareness is another aspect that scouts have lauded. “He’s not just a smooth skater with great offensive instincts; he’s also a very reliable defenseman,” Thompson explained. “His ability to shut down opposing players and control the defensive zone is extraordinary for someone his age. He’s the kind of player who can change the course of a game with a single play.”
Moreover, Schaefer’s offensive contributions have been a important factor in his rise to the top. “He has the ability to generate offense from the blue line,” Thompson added. “His vision and passing skills are top-notch, and he knows when to join the attack to create scoring opportunities.This two-way capability makes him an invaluable asset.”
Potential for NHL Impact
When asked about how soon Schaefer could make an impact in the NHL, Thompson expressed optimism. “Given his maturity and skill set, I wouldn’t be surprised if Schaefer makes an immediate impact,” he said. “He’s already playing at a level that’s ahead of many of his peers, and his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations suggests he’ll transition well to the NHL.”
Thompson also pointed to Schaefer’s leadership qualities as a potential factor in his rapid growth. “He’s not just a talented player; he’s also a leader on the ice,” he noted. “His ability to command the game and guide his teammates is something that NHL teams will value highly.”
The Future of the NHL Draft
As the 2025 NHL draft approaches, the excitement around Matthew Schaefer continues to build. With his combination of elite skating, high hockey IQ, defensive prowess, and offensive impact, he stands out as a generational talent. However, the depth of talent in this year’s draft class ensures that the race for the top spot remains competitive.
“Schaefer is undoubtedly the player to watch right now,” Thompson concluded. “But with so much talent in the mix, including international stars like Victor Eklund, this draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The future of the NHL is in good hands.”
(Photo of Matthew Schaefer: Greg Wohlford / Erie Times-News / Imagn Images)
