The NHL Draft always brings surprises, and last year, one of the biggest shocks came when the Anaheim Ducks picked Beckett Sennecke third overall. Many fans were stunned — and so was Sennecke himself. But a year later, the Ducks look smart. Sennecke has become one of the top playoff performers in the OHL, playing a strong, physical game while helping the Oshawa Generals reach the final.
That draft-day shock made us wonder: who could be this year’s surprise riser like Sennecke?
While top prospects like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, and James Hagens are expected to dominate the top five, a few underrated names might just jump into that conversation. Let’s take a look at three prospects who could surprise everyone on draft day.
Brady Martin – Centre, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Brady Martin is entering the draft with serious momentum. He stood out at the World U-18 Championship, helping Team Canada win gold with a strong all-round performance.
Even though the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds didn’t have many top players this season, Martin still managed to shine with solid offensive stats. He plays a physical, two-way game and brings leadership qualities that scouts admire.
One scout said, “He hasn’t even scratched the surface yet. He’s never done power skating or special summer camps. He’s just a natural hockey player with insane work ethic.”
Martin’s mix of raw talent, toughness, and leadership could make him a late riser, just like Sennecke.
Roger McQueen – Centre, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
If not for injuries, Roger McQueen would likely be a top-five pick. The 6-foot-5 center missed much of the season with what’s believed to be a back issue. This situation is similar to what Cayden Lindstrom went through, and it may make teams nervous.
But McQueen has impressive tools: size, skating ability, puck pursuit, and a great shot.
One scout explained, “If it weren’t for the injury, he’d be a top-three talent. It’s risky, but a team that believes in his potential might just grab him early.”
In a draft full of uncertainty, McQueen’s ceiling could tempt a team to take the gamble.
Jake O’Brien – Centre, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Jake O’Brien is another center with a chance to surprise. At 6-foot-2 and still adding muscle, O’Brien had a 98-point season for the Brantford Bulldogs and played solid two-way hockey.
Scouts compare him to Wyatt Johnston, a young NHL forward known for his smart, elusive game. “O’Brien isn’t going to run over defenders like Porter Martone,” said one scout. “But he’s smart, sneaky, and great at creating chances.”
With strong offensive instincts and defensive awareness, O’Brien could be a top pick that surprises many on draft night — especially for teams looking for a dependable center with long-term upside.
Every year, NHL scouts and fans get caught off guard by one or two surprise picks — and those picks often turn out to be future stars. Just like Beckett Sennecke last year, players like Brady Martin, Roger McQueen, and Jake O’Brien have the potential to rise higher than expected in the 2025 NHL Draft. Whether it’s raw talent, hockey IQ, or physical potential, these three could be names we hear called much earlier than most people expect.
