2025 JGHL Entry Draft: Atlantic Division Grades
As the JGHL entry draft concludes, the six teams of the Atlantic Division have reshaped their prospect pools with a mix of high‑upside standouts and depth builders. From impact rookies to hidden gems, here is a comprehensive look at how each club fared.
Buffalo Sabres — Grade: A+
Buffalo doubled down on centre depth by using its two first‑round picks on Michael Misa and Roger McQueen. Misa’s dynamic two‑way prowess immediately addresses the Sabres’ need for transition speed, while McQueen brings a power‑forward frame and creative finishing touch. In Round 2, the club fortified its blue line with Logan Hensler, acquired poise and outlet passing with Sascha Boumedienne, and picked an offensively minded rearguard in Blake Fiddler. Round 3 produced Eric Nilson’s scoring instincts, Simon Wang’s cerebral playmaking, and Matthew Gard’s net‑front tenacity. Goaltender Michal Pradel followed in Round 4, adding athleticism to Buffalo’s pipeline. This class blends star potential at the top with depth across every position.
Underrated Pick:
Matthew Gard (Round 3, 58th overall; ranked 44th in our guide) brings a hard‑nosed edge and garbage‑time scoring touch. Scouts highlighted his willingness to engage along the boards, though they noted that refining his first few strides would help him reach his full physical potential. With dedicated work on explosiveness, Gard projects as a key bottom‑six finisher.
Boston Bruins — Grade: B+
The Bruins leaned into their established identity by drafting Radim Mrtka, a big, two‑way defenceman who can kill penalties and anchor the blue line. William Horcoff’s veteran poise in Round 2 should accelerate his pro readiness, while Nathan Behm in Round 3 offers a smooth first pass and leadership qualities at the back end. Lucas Beckman adds rebound control in goal (Round 4), Adam Benak brings forechecking tenacity on the wing, and Brandon Gorzynski caps the class as a versatile depth forward. Each selection reinforces Boston’s emphasis on size, character, and competitive drive.
Underrated Pick:
Nathan Behm (Round 3, 61st overall; ranked 36th) combines a pinpoint outlet pass with surprising agility for his frame. His ability to control play in the defensive zone and ignite quick breakouts stood out in the guide, even as scouts suggested adding strength to win more board battles. With improved engagement in puck battles, Behm could develop into a top‑pairing, puck‑moving defender.
Montreal Canadiens — Grade: B
Montreal targeted speed and skill by selecting Anton Frondell for his game‑breaking skating and then adding centre Braeden Cootes, who excels in on‑the‑move playmaking. Bill Zonnon (Round 2) bolsters secondary scoring, while Cole McKinney and Lasse Boelius shore up two‑way depth. After passing in Round 4, the Habs closed out with sniper Gustav Hillstrom, whose ability to shoot from distance adds a new dimension to their attack. This group underscores Montreal’s commitment to injecting pace and puck movement into every lineup slot.
Underrated Pick:
Braeden Cootes (Round 1, 12th overall; ranked 11th in our guide) blends fearless board work with tape‑to‑tape vision. The scouting report praised his knack for threading passes through tight seams, though it urged him to add strength and improve shot power. If Cootes continues refining his release and physical game, he could anchor Montreal’s middle six.
Ottawa Senators — Grade: C+
Ottawa’s draft haul focused on physicality and defensive stability. Shane Vansaghi (Round 2) brings a punishing shot and relentless forecheck, while Kurban Limatov offers shutdown acumen on the back end. Hayden Paupanekis adds a power‑forward presence at centre, and Tyler Hopkins and Malte Vass reinforce grit up front and defensive depth. Though missing a first‑round choice, this class should shore up Ottawa’s middle six and penalty kill units.
Underrated Pick:
Kurban Limatov (Round 3, 50th overall; ranked 33rd in our guide) impressed with his gap control and stick work in front of the crease. Scouts noted his deliberate stride and softer breakout pass, but if Limatov picks up pace and sharpens his outlet feed, he could anchor a bottom‑pair role for years to come.
Quebec Nordiques — Grade: B+
Quebec opened with Cole Reschny, a natural play‑driver at centre, then stocked up on high‑IQ forwards in Cullen Potter and Ryker Lee. Ivan Ryabkin’s work ethic adds two‑way balance, while Semyon Frolov brings puck‑moving flair to the defence. Cameron Schmidt’s quick release, Ethan Czata’s playmaking vision, Michal Svrcek’s board‑battle tenacity, John Mooney’s grit, and Petteri Rimpinen’s reflexes round out a well‑balanced board reflecting the Nordiques’ possession‑first ethos.
Underrated Pick:
Cameron Schmidt (Round 3, 53rd overall; ranked 22nd in our guide) boasts a lightning‑quick release and anticipatory play in tight quarters. Scouts flagged his lean frame and occasional lapses in consistency, but with added strength and sustained compete level, Schmidt could blossom into a dangerous middle‑six scorer.
Toronto Maple Leafs — Grade: C+
Toronto used its top pick on Carter Bear, a fierce competitor whose relentless board work and playmaking ability jump off the page, and then targeted Alexander Zharovsky’s offensive flair in Round 2. With most mid‑round assets traded away, the Leafs leaned heavily on these selections to bolster an already potent attack, prioritizing intensity and creativity up front.
Underrated Pick:
Carter Bear (Round 1, 10th overall; ranked 8th in our guide) is perhaps the draft’s most intense competitor—fearless, physical, and always driving play. Scouts praised his board battles and zone‑driving vision, yet noted that polishing his burst off the mark and shot release would elevate his impact. If Bear refines those elements, he has the tools to become a dynamic dual‑threat winger.
So cool!
Great writeup! Lets revisit in a few years for a regrade