The NHL playoffs are where games tighten up, whistles disappear, and finesse gives way to grit. The 2025 NHL Draft class is full of talent, but not all top prospects thrive under playoff pressure. With that in mind, here’s a list of the top 10 playoff-ready prospects from the 2025 NHL Draft in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' grind based on their physicality, pace, and competing levels.
Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
Original Ranking: 1
Top two-way blueliner with world-class skating and shutdown ability. Matthew Schaefer's workload and pace-setting allow him to be the type of blue-line stud who plays a half-game in May.
Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Original Rank: 2
Dynamic in transition and very skilled. Michael Misa won't overpower opponents with his body but will exact a price from them with speed and intelligence. Look for him to adjust well to the accelerated postseason pace.
Porter Martone, RW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Original Rank: 3
Built for playoff hockey with a solid frame and net-front presence. Even if his skating is in doubt, Porter Martone's inclination for wearing down defenders in the trenches is impressive.
Caleb Desnoyers, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Original Rank: 4
A trustworthy 200-foot center who excels in structure. He checks well against first lines and will be leaned on in all situations by playoff coaches.
Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Original Rank: 7
Jake O'Brien combines high-level hockey smarts with a rugged offensive skill in close. Not very physical, but courageous and composed in traffic—something that is needed in the playoffs.
Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Original Rank: 9
Tall and talented, Roger McQueen's only blemish is his injury record. Healthy, he's a classic playoff center: long, quick, and difficult to hold in check.
Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)
Original Rank: 6
A dynamic forward who battles with speed and toughness. Anton Frondell's play translates well to postseason hockey.
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Original Rank: 11
Kashawn Aitcheson finishes checks and excels in rugged matchups—just what clubs are seeking in a second-pair shutdown player in a close series.
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Original Rank: 12
Radim Mrtka's size and skating mix are perfect for taking playoff minutes. He is cool under fire and passes the puck well, and he can handle the forecheck.
Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)
Original Rank: 8
Small but tough. Victor Eklund skates like a pest, darting around with pace and edge. His pace would be a plus deep in the lineup.
Also read: 'He is in beast mode': Leon Draisaitl's words about his winning mentality have left fans in awe of him
Not all prospects are ready for the playoffs—and that's just fine. But for NHL franchises pursuing springtime success, the names at or near the top of this list provide a mix of grit, speed, and composure under duress. On draft day, don't be shocked if one or two of them pass more talented contemporaries based on precisely that.
Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
Original Ranking: 1
Top two-way blueliner with world-class skating and shutdown ability. Matthew Schaefer's workload and pace-setting allow him to be the type of blue-line stud who plays a half-game in May.
Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Original Rank: 2
Dynamic in transition and very skilled. Michael Misa won't overpower opponents with his body but will exact a price from them with speed and intelligence. Look for him to adjust well to the accelerated postseason pace.
Porter Martone, RW, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Original Rank: 3
Built for playoff hockey with a solid frame and net-front presence. Even if his skating is in doubt, Porter Martone's inclination for wearing down defenders in the trenches is impressive.
Caleb Desnoyers, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Original Rank: 4
A trustworthy 200-foot center who excels in structure. He checks well against first lines and will be leaned on in all situations by playoff coaches.
Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Original Rank: 7
Jake O'Brien combines high-level hockey smarts with a rugged offensive skill in close. Not very physical, but courageous and composed in traffic—something that is needed in the playoffs.
Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Original Rank: 9
Tall and talented, Roger McQueen's only blemish is his injury record. Healthy, he's a classic playoff center: long, quick, and difficult to hold in check.
Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)
Original Rank: 6
A dynamic forward who battles with speed and toughness. Anton Frondell's play translates well to postseason hockey.
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Original Rank: 11
Kashawn Aitcheson finishes checks and excels in rugged matchups—just what clubs are seeking in a second-pair shutdown player in a close series.
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Original Rank: 12
Radim Mrtka's size and skating mix are perfect for taking playoff minutes. He is cool under fire and passes the puck well, and he can handle the forecheck.
Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)
Original Rank: 8
Small but tough. Victor Eklund skates like a pest, darting around with pace and edge. His pace would be a plus deep in the lineup.
Also read: 'He is in beast mode': Leon Draisaitl's words about his winning mentality have left fans in awe of him
Not all prospects are ready for the playoffs—and that's just fine. But for NHL franchises pursuing springtime success, the names at or near the top of this list provide a mix of grit, speed, and composure under duress. On draft day, don't be shocked if one or two of them pass more talented contemporaries based on precisely that.
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