The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, particularly for teams seeking to bolster their right-wing depth. Several highly skilled players at this position are projected to be selected in the first few rounds. Here's a look at ten of the top right-wing prospects who could hear their names called early in the draft.
1. Porter Martone (Brampton, OHL): Martone is considered one of the top prospects in the entire draft. He is a big, strong winger with an excellent scoring touch and playmaking ability. Martone possesses a high hockey IQ and the capability to be a difference-maker. Some analysts point to inconsistency as an area for improvement, but his raw talent is undeniable. He had 98 points in 57 games.
2. Victor Eklund (Djurgården, J20 Nationell/SHL): Eklund is a Swedish winger known for his offensive skill and hockey sense. He has a knack for finding open ice and creating scoring opportunities. While not the biggest player, Eklund compensates with his smarts and puck skills. He is a dependable player in all three zones.
3. Cameron Schmidt (RINK Academy Kelowna): Schmidt is an offensive-minded player with blazing speed and a wicked shot. While his smaller stature might cause him to slide a bit in the draft, his offensive upside is undeniable. Coached by Jarome Iginla, Schmidt has a strong foundation and could be a steal for a team willing to bet on his skill.
4. Shane Vansaghi (Michigan State University, NCAA): Vansaghi is a physically mature, high-motor winger who plays a direct, hard-nosed game. He thrives on the forecheck, using his size and strength to pressure defenders. He projects as a middle-six forward at the NHL level, bringing a relentless, grinding presence to every shift.
5. Benjamin Kindel (Calgary, AMHL): Kindel is a dynamic player. He is known for his playmaking and hockey IQ.
6. Justin Carbonneau (Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL): Carbonneau is a prototypical power forward with plenty of grit and smarts. His skating continues to improve, as does his 200-foot game.
7. Daniil Prokhorov (Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr., Russia Jr.): At 6-foot-6, Prokhorov stands out on the ice thanks to his size. He plays a mix of a power-forward and a goal-scorer's game. He has a hard shot with a quick release, but needs to improve his shooting efficiency and accuracy.
8. Filip Ekberg (Sweden): Ekberg won the tournament scoring title — and MVP honors, too — with 10 goals and 18 points in seven outings for Team Sweden.
9. Brady Martin: Martin is a versatile player who can play both center and right wing.
10. William Schneid (Northwood School): Schneid put up eye-popping offensive totals at the prep school level with 55 goals and 100 points in 62 games. He is committed to the NCAA's UConn Huskies. He could be a late-round sleeper.
This year's draft class boasts a diverse range of right-wingers, offering teams a variety of skill sets and playing styles to choose from. From pure goal-scorers to playmakers and power forwards, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft promises to be an exciting opportunity for teams to add talent to their prospect pools. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see where these talented players ultimately land and how they develop in their respective NHL organizations.
