2025 NHL Draft

Jimmy Lombardi – Flint Firebirds – Player Profile

Posted on March 19, 2025March 18, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’	178	Feb 16, 2007	C	L	29^th 2023	64^th NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Flint Firebirds	62	7	13	20
2024-2025	OHL	Flint Firebirds	60	13	28	41

Jimmy Lombardi of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by OHL Images.

Jimmy Lombardi has drawn a little attention while skating for the OHL Flint Firebirds. Born on February 16, 2007, in Toronto, Ontario, Lombardi has shown potential as a center, standing at 6’0″ and weighing 179 lbs. His journey in hockey began with his youth team in Canada, and he was drafted in 2023 as the 29th overall pick by the Flint Firebirds in the OHL Priority Selection.

Career Path

Lombardi’s career trajectory has been marked by steady if not consistent growth and development. Since joining the Flint Firebirds, he has demonstrated his ability to adapt and hold his own in a competitive environment. His performances have earned him recognition as a prospect eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, where he is ranked among the top 75 North American skaters.

Scouting Report

Jimmy Lombardi is a high-compete, two-way center known for his strong play in all three zones. Here are some key aspects of his game:

Strengths:

Hockey Sense and Playmaking: Lombardi exhibits elite game processing and anticipation. He excels in creating opportunities for his teammates and has a knack for recovering loose pucks, making him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations.

Skating and Work Ethic: His speed and relentless style of play make him a constant threat on the ice. He is capable shifting the momentum in his team’s favor with his high-tempo approach and energy.

Versatility: Trusted by his coaches in all situations, Lombardi plays significant minutes on both the power play and penalty kill. His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments highlights his leadership qualities.

Areas for Improvement:

Shooting Efficiency: Lombardi’s scoring ability is an area that requires development. With only seven goals in 62 games, improving his shot selection and finishing skills will be crucial for his progression.

Passing and Puck Management: While he has playmaking potential, his passing accuracy and puck protection skills need refinement to reduce turnovers and enhance his offensive impact.

Physicality and Face-Offs: Adding muscle to his frame and improving his face-off win rate will help him handle the physical demands of professional hockey.

Jimmy Lombardi’s journey is a testament to his hard work and determination. As he continues to develop his skills and address areas for improvement, he has the potential to become a professional hockey player. At which level will depend on his effort and willingness to improve.

David Bedkowski – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’5”	215	Dec 7, 2006	D	R	36^th 2022	38^th NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-2023	OHL	Oshawa Generals	55	2	3	5
2023-2024	OHL	Oshawa Generals	68	2	10	12
2024-2025	OHL	Oshawa Generals	2	0	0	0
2024-2025	OHL	Owen Sound Attack	31	3	4	7

David Bedkowski, is a towering defenseman from Toronto, Ontario. Born on December 7, 2006, Bedkowski stands at an imposing 6’5″ and weighs 214 pounds, making him a physical presence on the ice.

Career Overview

Bedkowski began his OHL journey with the Oshawa Generals, who selected him in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Over the years, he has developed into a reliable defenseman, showcasing his skills with both the Generals and, more recently, the Owen Sound Attack. His career statistics reflect steady growth, with notable contributions in both regular-season and playoff games.

In the 2024-25 season, Bedkowski has been a key player for the Owen Sound Attack, contributing not only defensively but also offensively. His ability to play significant minutes and his physical style of play have made him a standout player in the league3.

Scouting Report

Bedkowski is a defenseman who combines size, strength, and skill to dominate on the ice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his attributes:

Physicality: Bedkowski is known for his punishing physical play. He excels at delivering bone-crushing hits and using his size to his advantage in one-on-one battles.

Defensive Skills: He is a robust shutdown defenseman who can neutralize opposing forwards effectively. His positioning and ability to read the game make him a reliable presence in the defensive zone.

Offensive Contributions: While primarily a defensive player, Bedkowski has shown flashes of offensive skill. He is capable of making smart plays from the blue line and contributing to his team’s attack.

Hockey IQ: Bedkowski’s understanding of the game is evident in his decision-making and ability to adapt to different situations. He is a player who can be trusted in high-pressure moments.

Potential: As a draft-eligible player for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Bedkowski is ranked among the top prospects. His combination of size, skill, and hockey sense makes him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams4.

Bedkowski’s journey in hockey is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As he continues to develop, he is poised to make a impact at the professional level. Keep an eye on this rising player as he takes the next steps in his promising career.

Kristian Epperson – Saginaw Spirit – Player Profile

Posted on March 15, 2025March 14, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’	185	May 16, 2006	LW	L	84^th 2022	45^th NA	USA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	OHL	Saginaw Spirit	53	25	49	74

Kristian Epperson of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by OHL Images.

Kristian Epperson is a name that has been steadily gaining recognition in the hockey world. Born on May 16, 2006, in Mequon, Wisconsin, Epperson has carved out a promising path in his hockey career, showcasing his skills and determination at every level.

Early Career and Development

Epperson’s journey began with the USNTDP, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. In 2022, he was drafted by the Saginaw Spirit in the fifth round of the OHL Priority Selection Draft. After spending a season with the USNTDP, he joined the OHL to play for the Spirit, a move that marked a turning point in his career.

Rise with the Saginaw Spirit

Epperson’s time with the Saginaw Spirit has been nothing short of transformative. Paired with standout teammate Michael Misa, Epperson has become a key player on the team’s top forward line. His relentless work ethic and ability to make plays in high-pressure situations have made him a fan favorite. This season, he has contributed significantly to the team’s success, with impressive stats that include 25 goals and 49 assists in 53 games. His performance has not only elevated his game but also positioned him as one of the OHL’s top second-year draft-eligible prospects.

Scouting Report

Epperson’s game is defined by his high energy and versatility. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his strengths and areas for improvement:

Strengths:

Non-Stop Motor: Epperson is known for his relentless effort on the ice. He is constantly moving, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Net-Front Presence: He excels in the dirty areas of the ice, particularly in front of the net, where he looks for rebounds and tips to score.

Defensive Responsibility: Epperson is a sound defensive forward, staying engaged with his matchups and contributing effectively on the penalty kill.

Playmaking Ability: His vision and passing skills allow him to connect with teammates in high-danger areas, making him a valuable asset in the offensive zone.

Areas for Improvement:

Skating Mechanics: His upright skating style limits his explosiveness and agility, which can affect his ability to evade defenders and close gaps defensively.

Shooting: While his playmaking is a strength, his shot lacks the power and accuracy needed to be a consistent scoring threat at higher levels.

Draft Prospects

After being passed over in his initial draft year, Epperson has made significant strides, earning recognition as a potential late second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His ability to adapt and improve has caught the attention of scouts, making him a player to watch in the coming years.

Ethan Czata – Niagara IceDogs – Player Profile

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’1”	175	May 29 2007	C	L	5^th 2023	41^st NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Niagara IceDogs	62	7	10	17
2024-2025	OHL	Niagara IceDogs	59	19	31	50

Ethan Czata of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by OHL Images.

Ethan Czata is a young and talented center from Brampton, Ontario. Born on May 29, 2007, Czata has shown potential and skill on the ice, making him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. We will delve into his hockey career to date, the upcoming draft, and provide a detailed scouting report on this promising player.

Early Career and Development

Czata began his hockey journey with Brampton Hockey Inc., where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in the sport. His dedication and hard work paid off when he was drafted 5th overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Since then, Czata has been a key player for the IceDogs, showcasing his talent and making significant contributions to the team’s success.

Performance with the Niagara IceDogs

Czata’s time with the Niagara IceDogs has been rather impressive, when all things considered. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 175 lbs, he has the physical attributes to compete, although he needs to add some bulk. The left-shot pivot plays a 200-foot game makes him a versatile and valuable asset to his team. Over the past two seasons, Czata has consistently demonstrated his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive awareness.

In the 2024-25 season, Czata’s performance reached new heights. He recorded multiple multi-point games and played a crucial role in leading the IceDogs to several victories. His ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and execute plays with precision has earned him recognition from scouts and analysts alike.

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is set to take place on June 27-28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This year’s draft will feature a decentralized format, with team executives, scouts, and coaches participating virtually while top prospects, media, and fans will be in attendance. Czata looks to hear his name called in the second round, and his performance over the past few seasons has solidified his position.

Detailed Scouting Report

Ethan Czata’s scouting report highlights several key aspects of his game that make him a sought-after prospect:

Skating: Czata is an excellent skater with strong acceleration and agility. His ability to change direction quickly and maintain balance allows him to navigate through traffic and create scoring opportunities.

Hockey IQ: Czata possesses a high hockey IQ, which is evident in his decision-making and positioning on the ice. He reads the game well, anticipates plays, and consistently makes smart choices with and without the puck.

Offensive Skills: Czata’s offensive skills highly rated, not elite. He has a quick release, accurate shot, and the ability to find open teammates for scoring chances. His vision and creativity make him a dangerous playmaker.

Defensive Play: Czata is a responsible two-way player who excels in the defensive zone. He backchecks diligently, wins battles along the boards, and is effective at disrupting opponents’ plays.

Physicality: Despite his relatively lean frame, Czata is not afraid to engage physically. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck, win battles, and create space for himself and his teammates.

Consistency: One of Czata’s most notable attributes is his consistency. He brings a high level of effort and performance to every game, making him a reliable and dependable player.

Conclusion

Czata’s hockey career to date has been marked by impressive achievements and continuous development. As he prepares for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, his skill set, work ethic, and potential make him a highly attractive prospect for NHL teams. With his combination of skating, hockey IQ, offensive prowess, defensive responsibility, physicality, and consistency, Czata is for the professional level.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: February

Posted on March 2, 2025March 1, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Forward of the Month – Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

We may as well start calling this the Misa Award. The top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 14 games in February and scored 17 goals and added 17 assists. He registered at least one point in all 14 games, had 6 multi goal games, 6 multi assist games and 12 multi point games, 5 game winning goals and 9 powerplay goals and is currently riding a 25-game point streak starting back on December 29.

Also considered was the Soo Greyhounds Marco Mignosa. He appeared in 13 games in February and scored 13 goals and assisted on 14. He had 4 multi-goal games and 6 multi-assist games with 9 multi-point games during the month. He was held off the score sheet just once on February 9 in Oshawa.

Defenceman of the Month – Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

A great month of February saw Cristoforo climb to the top of the scoring race among draft eligible defencemen. Appearing in 12 games during the month, Cristoforo scored once and added 16 assists. He was held off the scoresheet just once on February 5 against Saginaw. He had 5 multi point games and his lone goal came on the powerplay. He only managed 15 shots on goal with 5 of them coming on February 22 in Flint.

Also considered was Alexis Daviault of the Erie Otters. He appeared in 12 games in February and scored once while adding 10 assists but his production came in bunches with 3-three assist games.

Goaltender of the Month – Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

This wasn’t the easiest choice because of the discrepancy in games played, but we ultimately decided on Ivankovic here. He posted a 5-1-0-0 record while stopping 165 of 176 shots for a .938 save percentage.

Also considered was his partner Brayden Gillespie who went 4-1-0-0 and stopped 165 of 176 shots for a .926 save percentage. Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion went 5-3-0-0 and stopped 226 of 248 shots for a .911 save percentage.

Previous choices

Forward of the Month

October: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

November: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

December: Ethan Czata – Niagara IceDogs

January: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

February: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

Defenceman of the Month

October: Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers

November: Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters

December: Martin Matejicek – Peterborough Petes

January: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

February: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

Goaltender of the Month

October: Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires

November: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

December: Ben Hrebik – Barrie Colts

January: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

February: Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: February

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

As the calendar flipped to 2025, Michael Misa held a slim 8-point lead in the scoring race over Porter Martone with the latter having played in 6 fewer games. Fast forward to March 1^st, 2025 and that lead has more than tripled to 29 points.

At the same time, Misa held a 9-goal advantage over Martone in the goals scored department. Now, that lead is 25 over Marco Mignosa. That is the kind of absolute tear Misa has been on and why many of the rankings have him as the first forward off the board at the NHL Entry Draft in June.

Here is a look at the leaderboard in a few different categories among the OHL’s draft eligible players. While we take great care in accumulating stats, always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Michael Misa	Saginaw	56	56	62	118
Porter Martone	Brampton	49	30	59	89
Jake O’Brien	Brantford	59	29	56	85
Marco Mignosa	Soo	50	31	43	74
Kristian Epperson	Saginaw	49	23	45	68
Brady Martin	Soo	50	29	32	61
Charlie Paquette	Guelph	57	29	30	59
Malcolm Spence	Erie	54	23	32	55
Jack Nesbitt	Windsor	57	21	33	54
Anthony Cristoforo	Windsor	58	12	41	53
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player	Team		GP	G	GPG
Michael Misa	Saginaw		56	56	1.00
Marco Mignosa	Soo		50	31	0.62
Porter Martone	Brampton		49	30	0.61
Jake O’Brien	Brantford		59	29	0.49
Brady Martin	Soo		50	29	0.58
Charlie Paquette	Guelph		57	29	0.51
Justin Cloutier	Soo		60	25	0.42
Kristian Epperson	Saginaw		49	23	0.47
Malcolm Spence	Erie		54	23	0.43
Carson Harmer	Saginaw		59	22	0.37
Assist Leaders
Player	Team		GP	A	APG
Michael Misa	Saginaw		56	62	1.11
Porter Martone	Brampton		49	59	1.20
Jake O’Brien	Brantford		59	56	0.95
Kristian Epperson	Saginaw		49	45	0.92
Marco Mignosa	Soo		50	43	0.86
Anthony Cristoforo	Windsor		58	41	0.71
Cameron Reid	Kitchener		60	36	0.60
Tanner Lam	Kitchener		59	36	0.61
Jack Nesbitt	Windsor		57	33	0.58
Shamar Moses	North Bay		56	33	0.59
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Anthony Cristoforo	Windsor	58	12	41	53
Cameron Reid	Kitchener	60	14	36	50
Kashawn Aitcheson	Barrie	55	21	25	46
Jack Brauti	Niagara	54	8	30	38
Mitch Young	Sarnia	50	7	31	38
Henry Brzustewicz	London	55	10	26	36
Lukas Fischer	Sarnia	41	15	19	34
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player	Team	GP	Min	GA	Avg
Aleksei Medvedev	London	29	1659	72	2.60
Ben Hrebik	Barrie	28	1644	75	2.74
Joey Costanzo	Windsor	46	2589	122	2.83
Mike McIvor	North Bay	37	2105	100	2.85
Sam Hillebrandt	Barrie	32	1849	94	3.05
Jack Ivankovic	Brampton	35	2018	108	3.21
Noah Erliden	Erie	47	2617	141	3.23
Nate Krawchuk	Sudbury	44	2361	135	3.43
Jaeden Nelson	Ottawa	30	1727	103	3.58
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player	Team	GP	SH	SVS	SV%
Ben Hrebik	Barrie	28	966	891	0.922
Aleksei Medvedev	London	29	877	805	0.918
Mike McIvor	North Bay	37	1095	995	0.909
Sam Hillebrandt	Barrie	32	973	879	0.903
Jack Ivankovic	Brampton	35	1100	992	0.902
Noah Erliden	Erie	47	1426	1285	0.901
Nate Krawchuk	Sudbury	44	1367	1232	0.901
Joey Costanzo	Windsor	46	1186	1064	0.897
Jaeden Nelson	Ottawa	30	952	849	0.892

Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on February 28, 2025February 27, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Aleksei Medvedev of the London Knights. Photo by OHL Images

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’3”	180	Sep 10, 2007	G	L	38^th 2023	2 NA	RUS

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	GAA	SV%	SO
2023-2024	GOJHL	St Thomas Stars	28	4.00	.904	0
2024-2025	OHL	London Knights	29	2.60	.918	2

Aleksei Medvedev, born on September 10, 2007, in St. Petersburg, Russia, has been drawing attention in the hockey world and rightfully so. At just 17 years old, Medvedev has already shown immense potential and skill, making him one of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Early Career and Development

Medvedev began his hockey journey with the St. Petersburg youth team, where he quickly stood out as a talented goaltender. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and he was drafted by the London Knights in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Since then, Medvedev has been honing his skills in the OHL, where he has continued to impress with his agility, quick reflexes, and strong positional play.

Achievements and Highlights

Throughout his career, Medvedev has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. In the 2024-2025 season, he played a crucial role for the London Knights. His standout performances have earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in the league, and he is currently ranked #2 by NHL Central Scouting for North American goalies.

Scouting Report

As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, Medvedev is considered one of the top goaltending prospects. Here’s a detailed scouting report on his strengths and areas for improvement:

Strengths

Reflexes and Agility: Medvedev’s quick reflexes and agility make him a formidable presence in the net. He has an excellent ability to track the puck and make rapid saves, even in high-pressure situations.

Positional Play: Medvedev’s strong positional play ensures that he is always in the right place to make a save. He has a keen understanding of angles and effectively covers the net, making it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities. His rebound control is very good.

Composure: Despite his young age, Medvedev displays remarkable composure on the ice. He remains calm and focused, even during intense moments, which allows him to make crucial saves and maintain his team’s confidence.

Puck Handling: Medvedev is also proficient in handling the puck, which adds an extra dimension to his game. He can effectively play the puck to his defensemen, helping to initiate offensive plays and relieve pressure on his team.

Areas for Improvement

Consistency: While Medvedev has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs to work on maintaining a high level of performance consistently. This will come with experience and continued development.

Conclusion

Aleksei Medvedev’s career to date has been nothing short of impressive. With his exceptional skills and potential, he is poised to make an impact in the NHL. As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, teams will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this talented young goaltender. Whether he becomes a franchise cornerstone or a reliable starter, Medvedev’s future in hockey looks bright.

Luca Romano – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

Posted on February 27, 2025February 26, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
5’11”	168	June 25, 2007	C	R	11^th 2023	35^th NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	56	10	12	22
2024-2025	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	58	21	23	44

Luca Romano of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by OHL Images.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 25, 2007, Luca Romano is an OHL player to watch. The 17-year-old has shown great skill. He now plays for the Kitchener Rangers. Romano’s talent points to a promising future. Many expect Romano to be drafted into the NHL in 2025.

Early Career

Romano’s hockey career started in the Amesbury Minor Hockey Association. He worked hard to improve his hockey abilities. His hard work paid off. The Kitchener Rangers selected him 11th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

Since joining the Kitchener Rangers, Romano has been a consistent performer. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 168 lbs, he is a right shot center. His agility, speed, and playmaking abilities have made him a key player for the Rangers. In the 2024-2025 season, Romano has played 58 games, scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists, totaling 44 points.

Scouting Report

Skating: Romano is an exceptional skater with great acceleration and top-end speed. His agility allows him to maneuver through tight spaces and evade defenders. His edge work is also commendable, making him a dynamic player on the ice.

Offensive Skills: Romano is a constant offensive threat. He has a quick release and accurate shot, making him a goal-scoring threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. His vision and playmaking abilities are also top-notch, allowing him to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.

Defensive Play: Romano is an offensive talent. Yet, he shows defensive responsibility too. He backchecks hard and uses speed to interrupt opponents. His defense zone play needs to improve. His spot on the ice and focus need work. Still, he has gotten better as the season has moved forward.

Hockey IQ: Romano possesses a high hockey IQ, which is evident in his decision-making on the ice. He reads the game well and anticipates plays, allowing him to be in the right place at the right time.

Physicality: Although not the biggest player on the ice, Romano does not shy away from physical play, and he can be overwhelmed at times. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck. His competitiveness and determination are evident in almost every shift.

Conclusion

Luca Romano’s journey in hockey is just beginning, but he has already shown potential and promise. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he is poised to make a significant impact in the hockey world. With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, Romano is a player that scouts and fans alike should keep an eye on. His combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

Posted on February 23, 2025February 22, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’	175	Apr 8, 2007	D	L	10^th 2023	27^th NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	49	2	21	23
2024-2025	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	57	12	35	47

Cameron Reid of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by OHL Images.

As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, one name to keep an eye on is Cameron Reid. This young defenseman from Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League is drawing the attention of scouts and hockey fans alike. I will delve into Reid’s background, his strengths and areas for improvement, and what makes him a prospect worth considering for the upcoming draft.

Background

Cameron Reid, born on April 8, 2007, in Aylmer, Ontario, stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 175 pounds. He plays as a left-handed defenseman for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. Despite his relatively modest size for an NHL defenseman, Reid’s mobility, puck-handling, and ability to dictate play make him a legitimate prospect.

Strengths

Skating: Reid’s smooth stride and quick acceleration allow him to move the puck up the ice effectively and close gaps defensively. His edge work and lateral mobility make him highly effective at evading pressure and creating space, particularly at the offensive blue line. His ability to transition quickly from defense to offense make him a modern two-way defenseman.

Offense: Reid demonstrates excellent vision and hockey IQ and passing abilities that lead to scoring chances. He can quarterback the power play, using deception and footwork to find shooting lanes or distribute pucks to teammates. His ability to read and anticipate plays allows him to jump into the rush and make himself an option.

Defense: While not overly physical, Reid uses his mobility and active stick to disrupt plays and maintain strong positional defense while keeping his gaps very tight. He more than his share of puck battles. He is calm under pressure and more often than not makes the right play to escape the zone and transition to offense.

Hockey IQ and Awareness: Reid processes the game at a high level, showing patience and poise in his decision-making. His anticipation is excellent and at times seems to know what the opposition is going to do before they know.

Areas for Improvement

Physical Play: While Reid does not shy away from contact, his physicality along the boards and in front of the net could improve. Adding strength and learning to use his body more effectively will help him handle larger, more physical forwards at the professional level.

Defensive Intensity and Containment: Reid relies on his mobility too much and when he develops more strength it would benefit him to have a more aggressive game along the walls and in front of his net.

Shooting Efficiency: While Reid’s playmaking abilities are impressive, improving his shooting efficiency will make him an even more dangerous offensive threat.

Conclusion

Cameron Reid’s blend of high-level skating, hockey IQ, and offensive instincts, combined with his solid defensive reliability, make him a highly attractive prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. While there are areas for improvement, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses, and with continued development, Reid has the potential to become a player in the NHL. Keep an eye on this young defenseman as he continues to make impressions in the hockey world.

Brady Martin – Soo Greyhounds – Player Profile

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds. Photo by OHL Images.

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’	176	Mar 16, 2007	C/W	R	3^rd 2023	17^th NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Soo Greyhounds	52	10	18	28
2024-2025	OHL	Soo Greyhounds	44	25	25	50

As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, scouts and draft enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on emerging talents. One name to watch out for Brady Martin, a dynamic and versatile player who has been making waves in the Ontario Hockey League. Here, I delve into Martin’s journey, his playing style, and his potential impact in the NHL.

Early Career and Development

Martin began his journey with the Waterloo Wolves U-16 team, where he showcased his exceptional skills and hockey IQ. During his OHL Draft year in 2023, Martin was the standout player, amassing an impressive 85 points in 34 games between the regular season and playoffs. His performance in the OHL Cup further solidified his reputation, as he led his team with eight goals and 12 points in six games1.

Playing Style and Strengths

Martin is known for his physicality and relentless work ethic. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 176 lbs, he is a formidable presence on the ice. His ability to dominate in all three zones makes him a valuable asset to any team. Martin’s playing style is characterized by his aggressive forechecking, strong puck possession, and willingness to engage in physical battles. He describes himself as a power forward and one can only imagine his physical dominance only getting better as he bulks up.

One of Martin’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can play both center and right wing, providing flexibility to his coaches while also excelling in all situations. His offensive upside is evident in his ability to create scoring opportunities and his knack for finding the back of the net. Despite not always putting up eye-popping numbers, Martin’s contributions away from the puck make him a first-round threat.

What Others Are Saying

According to various scouting reports, Martin’s combination of skill and compete level is what sets him apart. Corey Pronman of The Athletic highlights Martin’s “true hardness” in his game, noting his ability to attack high-percentage areas and his physicality. Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet emphasizes the importance of multiple viewings to fully appreciate Martin’s game, as his ranking has grown with his consistent play.

Hannah Stuart of Bleacher Report praises Martin’s involvement in every aspect of the game, describing him as a player who “doesn’t quit”. Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff points out that while Martin’s points may not always jump off the page, his play away from the puck and his goal-scoring ability make him an intriguing prospect.

It’s difficult to argue with any of them as it is all true.

Recent Performance and Impact

In the 2024-2025 OHL season, Martin has continued to impress. Through 44 games with the Soo Greyhounds, he has recorded 25 goals and 25 assists, leading his team in goals and second in points. His performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U-17s further demonstrated his ability to make an impact on the international stage.

Conclusion

Brady Martin’s journey to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft is a testament to his willingness to play on both sides of the puck and his pursuit of success and winning. As a versatile and physical player with a strong hockey IQ, he has the potential to make an impact in the NHL. Teams looking for a player who can contribute in all facets of the game should keep a close eye on Martin as the draft approaches.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: