NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list

James Hagens, a projected top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, earned an A rating on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list released Wednesday.

The list is a compilation of draft-eligible prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe. It will be updated throughout the season as scouts evaluate players.

Hagens (5-foot-10, 177 pounds), who turns 18 on Nov. 3, has four points (one goal, three assists) in three games as a freshman with Boston College in Hockey East. He could become the sixth NCAA player chosen No. 1 in the NHL Draft and first United States-born player selected first since Jack Hughes was picked by the New Jersey Devils in 2019. He also could become the first player from Boston College selected No. 1.

The players on the preliminary list with A ratings are considered potential first-round picks. Players with B ratings are considered possible second- or third-round choices. Those with C ratings are potential fourth- or fifth-round candidates and players with a W rating are possible sixth- and seventh-round picks.

RELATED: 2024-25 NHL Central Scouting - Preliminary Players To Watch List (PDF)

Hagens led USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 63 assists, 102 points and 1.76 points-per game in 58 games last season.

"With James, there's no doubt it's time for him to play at a higher level and be pushed, challenged, and continue to use his great compete level to push himself further," associate director of NHL Central Scouting David Gregory said. "So, playing a tough schedule at Boston College on arguably one of the best teams in the country and be in an environment that's going to polish the diamond is going to be good for him. I don't think he has any bad habits, and he plays a mature game ... it's like he's been playing college hockey for a long time and not like a freshman. Just the way he skates, thinks and competes, puts him in a class that's elite."

Among the A-rated skaters considered likely to be selected in the top half of the first round are forwards Porter Martone of Brampton (OHL), Anton Frondell of Djurgardens in the Swedish Hockey League, Roger McQueen of Brandon in the Western Hockey League, Michael Misa of Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League, Caleb Desnoyers of Moncton in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and Ivan Ryabkin of Dynamo Moscow in Russia's junior division, and defensemen Logan Hensler of the University of Wisconsin and Matthew Schaefer of Erie (OHL).

Martone (6-3, 196) is captain and leads the Steelheads with 20 points and 10 goals in nine games. In his first draft diary for NHL.com, Martone said he considers himself a power forward type with an ability to see the ice well and score from different areas on the ice.

"I like how Porter can play any type of game on the ice which will translate well at the next level," said Nick Smith of NHL Central Scouting. "He has elite hockey sense which allows him to slow the game down to the pace he chooses. He also has the elite puck skills and hands to take advantage of the time and space he creates, and he can play physical and will back it up."

Frondell (6-0, 178) had knee surgery in September but returned to the lineup a few weeks ago and has three points (two goals, one assist) in three games with Djurgarden's junior-20 team. He had 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games with Djurgarden's J-20 in 2023-24.

"Anton is a skilled and pretty sizy two-way player," NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. "He's a strong skater and has the perfect balance in his skating that makes him difficult to catch. He wins most of his 1-on-1 battles with his attitude, power, and quick stick, and delivers intelligent passes. He's a real asset, especially on the power play."

McQueen (6-5, 192) leads the Wheat Kings with 11 points and eight goals in eight games.

"He's got an elite combination of size, skill and athleticism ... and he can do it all despite being a huge center," said Tim Campbell of Central Scouting. "He's got an ability to take over and dominate games, create his own shots and set up chances for teammates."

Misa (6-0, 173) leads Saginaw with 21 points and 14 goals in 10 games. Desnoyers (6-1, 172) has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games since his return.

Ryabkin (6-0, 170) scored 58 points (24 goals, 34 assists) in 44 regular-season games with Dynamo Moscow in Russia's minor hockey league last season and no points in two games in the Kontinental Hockey League this season. He has eight assists in nine games in the MHL in 2024-25.

Hensler (6-2, 194) had 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in 61 games with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team last season and the right-handed defenseman has one assist in four games with Wisconsin this season.

Matthew Schaefer (6-1, 170) has yet to play due to an illness, but he's been opening some eyes as one of the youngest players available for the draft after just turning 17 on Sept. 5. He had six points (two goals, four assists) in five games while serving as captain for gold medal-winning Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in August.

The only A rated goalie is Joshua Ravensbergen of Prince George (WHL). The 17-year-old (6-5, 190), who catches with his right hand, is 6-1-3 with a 3.14 goals-against average and .898 save percentage in 10 games.

"He has a big pro presence, cover a lot of the net and moves extremely well throughout the crease," said Al Jensen of NHL Central Scouting. "He's quick to eliminate any holes and has a very good chance to become a good NHL starter in the future."