2025 NHL Draft: Center of Interest
Who are the top centers available in this draft class?
It’s no great secret NHL teams covet strength down the middle.
Though still early in the season, Upside Hockey’s prolific prospect profiler Trevor Curtis feels the top 5 will come down to C James Hagens, followed by a combination, in no particular order, of C/W Michael Misa, C Roger McQueen, RW Porter Martone, and D Matt Schaefer. The next two will be a combination of, in no particular order, C/W Anton Frondell, and C Ivan Ryabkin. If a team lands a top 10 pick between 8-10, an excellent consolation prize would be C Caleb Desnoyers.
With our November 2025 NHL Draft rankings just released, our chief of scouting Eldon MacDonald concurs.
We think that C William Moore and C Jake O'Brien will likely go later in the first or early second, but both look impressive.
The Top 8 Centerman for the 2025 NHL Draft
C James Hagens, 5'10",170lbs
10 points in 6 games for Boston College. He's not big, but reminds some of Jack Hughes with his speed, skill, and highly dynamic style. Set a scoring record at the World U18s, with 22 points.
C/W Michael Misa, 6'1",175lbs
Leads the OHL in goals, and is tied for third in the scoring race, with 15gp/18g/10a/28pts,+10, 6 PIM. Speed and skill to burn- he was known as a playmaker with his elite vision, but decided to be a goal-scorer this season.
C Roger McQueen, 6'5",190lbs
He's injured right now, but put up 8gp/8g/3a/11pts, with 18 PIM before he went down. Big C with vision and skill, who can play a hard-nosed game, and skates well for a kid his size.
C/W Anton Frondell, 6'0",195lbs
He's dealt with injuries, but is a dynamic two-way C with some physicality, great hands, and sky-high IQ.
C Ivan Ryabkin, 6'0",180lbs
Best year ever for a U17 player in the MHL in 2023-24. His hands and vision are exceptional, and he can beat opponents with his speed and 1-on-1 skill. Great hands, feet, and brain, but he's under contract in Russia until 2027.
C Caleb Desnoyers, 6'2",170lbs
22 points in 13 games for the Moncton Wildcats. He's a swift-skating, hard-working, two-way center with pro habits. He's looked great in international tournaments.
C William Moore, 6'2",170lbs
Big, north-south American power-forward with good boots, but his offensive production has been a bit disappointing with only 10 points in 14 games in the NTDP.
C Jake O'Brien, 6'2",170lbs
64 points (51 assists) in 61 games last year for Brantford of the OHL, but only 12 points in 14 games so far this season. Superb playmaker who sees the ice extremely well, and can create plays under duress.
Check out our extensive 2025 NHL Draft Rankings November Edition. We’ve ranked the Top 96 with nearly 350 prospects included.