2025 Midseason Draft Preview: Picks 25-32
Very rarely is this section of the preview very accurate, but these are some interesting names in that the Habs may well sell a player in the next few weeks that would give them a pick in this section. Some players listed here would fit quite nicely in Montreal’s third-ranked (by The Athletic) prospect pool.
#25 – Blake Fiddler
Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) – RD – Start of season rank: 33
A big (6’4’’), rangy defender who skates extremely well and provides some offence. He’s most known for his ability to defend the rush. With that size, he’s got the frame and will be given the time for the rest to catch up. This is a high-floor, limited-ceiling pick. The Habs should stay away from this type of pick up front, but the opposite is true on the blue line where the Habs lack stability more than skill. Fiddler is certainly interesting should the Habs find themselves with a third first-round selection through a trade.
#26 – Cullen Potter
Arizona State University (NCAA) – LW – Start of season rank: 42
A small player with exceptional skating skills who has put up okay offensive numbers as a younger player in the NCAA. He did put up eight points in seven games when playing against his peers at the U-17 tournament less than a year ago. If the talent is intriguing, the size is not for a franchise that has been pretty clear about adding sized skill to its roster in recent drafts.
#27 – William Moore
USNTDP (USHL) – C – Start of season rank: 11
A big skilled centre who was considered to be a potential top-10 pick to start the season. This season started poorly, but he’s back on track now. He does everything right down the middle. Moore seems like a projectable safe pick who is instead described as being a polarizing player amongst the scouts so he might be a surprise earlier pick to a team that has fallen in love with the profile.
#28 – Jack Murtagh
USNTDP (USHL) – LW – Start of season rank: N/A
A stocky forward who plays in a straight line with pace and tenacity. He stood out for the American team at the Top Prospects Game which got him on the radar. Like Moore before him, he’s producing at a point-per-game pace in the USHL. He appears to be a player with a questionable ceiling that hit a great game on the best possible stage.
#29 – Benjamin Kindel
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – RW – Start of season rank: 49
This is another smaller winger, but he doesn’t fit the typical smaller player profile. His skating is a bit awkward, but he gets around it by thinking the game at an elite level. The offence is quite strong as his 78 points in 44 games in the WHL displays. His style and projection are often compared to Brayden Point.
#30 – Milton Gastrin
Modo J20 (J20 Nationell) – C – Start of season rank: 23
A 200-foot player that really drives possession. He’s having a solid season with 30 points in 23 games, but the Habs should be looking for more home run swings and this doesn’t seem to be it. This is more of a safe, high-floor pick with limited offensive upside at the next level.
#31 – Bill Zonnon
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) – LW – Start of season rank: 38
A tall, lanky forward who has produced 62 in 43 games for the Huskies. The biggest knock against him is that he lacks consistency. However, expectations are that he will fill out his frame and be a nightmare to play against in the future. He is a complete player which will help his floor and therefore his ranking. If the Habs believe they can get him to be more consistent, then his power game could be of interest.
#32 – Jack Nesbitt
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – C – Start of season rank: N/A
He’s 6’4 and has been following in the footsteps of teammate Liam Greentree in developing his working habits that make him a more interesting prospect. He’s more of a project pick as he needs to continue to develop his physicality and playmaking skills, but the huge jump in production this season has him at near a point per game.