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USHL Dominates NHL Draft: Top Prospects and Future Stars
The United States Hockey League (USHL) is set to continue its impressive streak of developing top NHL talent at the upcoming NHL Draft, scheduled for June 27-28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, california. For the past eight years, the USHL has consistently produced more NHL draft picks than any other junior league, including the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL. As 2012, no junior league has had more drafted players than the USHL.
This year’s draft class boasts several highly-ranked USHL players, including james Hagens (NTDP/Boston College), Logan Hensler (NTDP/Wisconsin), and Sascha Boumedienne (Youngstown Phantoms/Boston University), all featured prominently in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings. thes athletes,along with others from the USHL,are expected to make a significant impact in the NHL for years to come.
USHL Prospects to watch at the 2025 NHL Draft
Here’s a closer look at some of the top USHL players who could hear their names called at the NHL Draft:
Mason West, F, Fargo Force
Did You Know? Mason West was also a top quarterback recruit in Minnesota.
Hailing from Edina, Minnesota, Mason West is ranked 27th by NHL Central Scouting. Despite being a highly-regarded quarterback prospect, West has chosen to pursue a career in hockey.He played 10 regular-season games for the Fargo Force last season and plans to rejoin the team after his senior year of high school football in 2025-26. West admires New York Islanders captain Anders Lee, who also balanced football and hockey before embarking on a successful NHL career. Lee played one season for the Green Bay Gamblers before playing three seasons for Notre Dame. West aspires to be a captain in the NHL one day.
Ryker Lee, F, Madison Capitols
Ryker Lee, from Wilmette, Illinois, and committed to Michigan State, is ranked 28th by NHL Central Scouting. Lee showcased his athleticism at the NHL Scouting Combine, recording the highest vertical jump (25.67″) and the 10th-strongest left-hand grip (151 lbs). He previously played with Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) and Cole Eiserman (New York Islanders) at Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA in 2020-21. Lee aims to transition to Michigan State quickly,stating,”If you have a good year,we think your ready to come in,then you can. And I think I had a good year, and I earned it, and I’m ready to play.”
Vaclav Nestrasil, F, Muskegon Lumberjacks
Vaclav Nestrasil, a native of Prague, Czech Republic, is committed to Massachusetts and ranked 36th by NHL Central Scouting. Nestrasil comes from a hockey family; his brother, Andrej, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2009. Vaclav has relied on Andrej for guidance throughout the season. Vaclav also has three older brothers who played professional hockey: Andrej (34), Boris (35) and Viktor (28). At the NHL Scouting Combine, Vaclav demonstrated his impressive fitness, achieving the fourth-best VO2 max (63.2 ml/kg/min) and the 10th-widest wingspan (79.25″).
Jacob Rombach,D,Lincoln Stars
jacob Rombach,from Blaine,Minnesota,and committed to Minnesota,is ranked 42nd by NHL Central Scouting. Rombach excelled at the NHL Scouting Combine, finishing ninth in anaerobic fitness testing, seventh in left-hand grip (155 lbs), and tenth in pro agility for his right side (4.35 seconds). He previously played high school hockey at Spring lake Park before joining the USHL. Rombach sought advice from fellow Minnesotan Adam Kleber, a 2024 Buffalo Sabres draftee, about transitioning to the USHL.
Ben Kevan, F, Des Moines Buccaneers
Ben kevan, hailing from Fairfield, california, and committed to Arizona State, is ranked 55th by NHL Central Scouting. Kevan billeted with blake Zielinski this season. Both players were selected in the first round of the USHL Phase I Draft. Kevan was selected fourth overall in 2023, and Zielinski was selected third overall. Kevan was among 21 players from California in the USHL during the 2024-25 season, highlighting the growing presence of California-born talent in the league.
Teddy Mutryn, F, Chicago steel
Teddy Mutryn, from Norwell, Massachusetts, and committed to Boston college, is ranked 59th by NHL Central Scouting. Mutryn has represented the U.S. internationally at various tournaments, including the World Junior A Challenge and the World U18 Championship. He is the son of former Boston College quarterback Scott Mutryn and brother to Casey Mutryn (NTDP), both committed to Boston College.
Sam Laurila, D, Fargo Force
Sam Laurila, a Moorhead, Minnesota native committed to North Dakota, is ranked 65th by NHL Central Scouting. Laurila previously played with Brendan mcmorrow (Waterloo Black Hawks) and Jack Parsons (chicago Steel) at the NTDP from 2022-24. He showcased his exceptional fitness at the NHL Scouting Combine, finishing first in anaerobic fitness/mean power output numbers (12.2) and fifth in anaerobic fitness.
Bruno Idzan, F, Lincoln Stars
Bruno Idzan, from zagreb, Croatia, and committed to Wisconsin, is ranked 67th by NHL Central Scouting. Idzan is positioned to become the first Croatian player ever selected in the NHL Draft. He has gained experience playing in various leagues across Slovenia, Croatia, sweden, and the United States.
Sean Barnhill, D, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Sean Barnhill, from Scottsdale, Arizona, and committed to Northeastern, is ranked 64th by NHL Central Scouting.Barnhill demonstrated his athleticism at the NHL Scouting Combine, finishing third in the horizontal jump (118″) and pro agility tests.
Nicholas Sykora, F, Sioux City Musketeers
Nicholas Sykora, a Roseland, New Jersey native committed to Quinnipiac, is ranked 109th by NHL Central Scouting.He is the son of former NHL veteran Petr Sykora, who played over 1,000 games in the NHL and won two Stanley cups.If Nicholas is drafted, it will be almost 30 years after his father was selected by the New Jersey Devils.
USHL’s Impact on NHL Advancement
The USHL’s success in developing NHL talent is undeniable. The league’s commitment to player development, highlighted by the USA Hockey Declaration of Excellence, provides young players with an optimal environment for growth. This includes a focus on skill development, academic support, and exposure to high-level competition. The USHL’s emphasis on development has made it a premier pathway for aspiring NHL players.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| NHL Draft Picks (2024) | 49 |
| Years as Top Draft-Producing League | 8 |
| NCAA Division I roster Spots (USHL Alumni) | Over 50% |
| NHL Players with USHL Experience | Over 25% |
Pro Tip: keep an eye on players who excel at the NHL Scouting Combine, as their athleticism often translates to on-ice success.
What USHL prospect are you moast excited to watch in the NHL? How will the Declaration of Excellence impact the future of USHL player development?
The USHL: A Breeding Ground for NHL Stars
The United States Hockey League (USHL) stands as the premier junior hockey league in the United States, dedicated to fostering the development of players aged 16 to 20. Comprising 16 member clubs, the USHL has consistently proven its ability to cultivate talent for the National Hockey League (NHL) and NCAA Division I programs. The league’s commitment to player-centric development, coupled with a demanding schedule and high-caliber competition, has solidified its reputation as a vital stepping stone for aspiring professional hockey players.
The USHL’s success is rooted in its comprehensive approach to player development, which encompasses on-ice training, academic support, and personal growth opportunities. The league’s structure, including a balanced practice-to-game ratio and a schedule that prioritizes weekend games, allows players to hone their skills while maintaining a healthy balance in their lives. This holistic approach has attracted top young players from across the United States and around the world, making the USHL a melting pot of hockey talent.
The USHL’s impact on the NHL is undeniable,with a significant percentage of NHL players having honed their skills in the league. The annual NHL Draft serves as a testament to the USHL’s ability to produce top-tier talent, with numerous USHL players being selected each year. These players go on to make significant contributions to their respective NHL teams, further solidifying the USHL’s position as a leading development league.
Frequently Asked Questions About the USHL and NHL Draft
- What is the united States Hockey League (USHL)?
- The USHL is the top junior hockey league in the
