Schaefer, Frondell, Hagens Headline 2025 NHL Scouting Combine

The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine, set for June 2-7 at KeyBank Center and LECOM HarborCenter in Buffalo, marks the final stage for 90 top prospects to impress NHL teams before the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft in Los Angeles on June 27-28. Among the standouts are Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Djurgarden center Anton Frondell, and Boston College center James Hagens, each vying to solidify their status as potential top picks. “The NHL Combine is a rite of passage,” said NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr. “It’s a week full of interviews, medicals, and fitness testing where clubs learn about the future stars of our game.”

Matthew Schaefer: Top-Ranked Defenseman

Schaefer (6-foot-2, 183 pounds), the No. 1 North American skater on Central Scouting’s final rankings, is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick for the New York Islanders, who won the 2025 Draft Lottery. Despite a challenging season, the 17-year-old Erie Otters defenseman showcased elite two-way ability, posting 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a plus-21 rating in 17 OHL games. His campaign was disrupted by mononucleosis, sidelining him for nine games, and a broken clavicle sustained at the 2025 World Junior Championship, requiring surgery on December 30 and causing him to miss 46 games, including playoffs.

Cleared for contact on May 1, Schaefer will participate in most combine tests, including the Maximal VO2 and Wingate Cycle Ergometer tests, but will skip pull-ups and bench press. His recovery included extensive physiotherapy, and he drew inspiration from Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, a former Erie star who overcame a similar injury. “He told me to take my time and make sure it heals fully,” Schaefer said. Scouts compare Schaefer to Columbus’ Zach Werenski for his skating and hockey sense, with some seeing shades of Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar in his dynamic play.

Anton Frondell: International Star

Frondell (6-1, 198 pounds), the No. 1 international skater, leads 20 international prospects at the combine. The 18-year-old Djurgarden center, playing in Sweden’s second division, recorded 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games despite knee surgery in September. His powerful skating, high compete level, and bullet shot make him a dual-threat, projecting as a top-six NHL center or wing. Frondell’s late-season surge, averaging nearly double the league’s shots per 60, has elevated his stock, with some mock drafts slotting him third to Chicago.

Frondell’s teammate, Victor Eklund (5-11, 161 pounds), ranked No. 2 internationally, also attends. The 18-year-old right wing tallied 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games, showcasing speed and a high motor. His seven points in 16 playoff games and performance at the 2025 World Juniors for Sweden bolster his case as a first-round talent.

James Hagens: Dynamic Playmaker

Hagens (5-10, 177 pounds), No. 3 among North American skaters, brings elite playmaking to the combine. The 18-year-old Boston College freshman notched 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 NCAA games, facing opponents as old as 25. As the U.S.’s top-line center at the 2025 World Juniors, he contributed nine points (five goals, four assists) to a gold-medal win. Hagens’ hockey IQ and vision draw comparisons to Utah’s Clayton Keller, though his size and scoring output have sparked debate, with some projecting him as low as fifth.

Despite slipping behind Schaefer and Saginaw’s Michael Misa in final rankings, Hagens remains a top prospect. Posts on X reflect divided sentiment, with some praising his point-per-game college pace and others favoring Misa’s OHL dominance. His combine performance, especially in interviews showcasing his maturity, could sway teams like Chicago or Utah.

Other Prospects to Watch

Michael Misa (6-1, 184 pounds), No. 2 North American skater, is a combine focal point after winning the OHL’s Eddie Powers Trophy with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games for Saginaw. The 18-year-old’s speed and vision make him a projected No. 2 pick for San Jose.

Roger McQueen (6-5, 197 pounds), No. 8 North American skater, aims to prove his health after a back injury limited him to 17 games with Brandon (WHL), where he scored 20 points. The 18-year-old’s size and skill draw attention, though Marr noted his recovery required careful pacing.

Joshua Ravensbergen (6-5, 190 pounds), the top North American goalie, headlines five netminders. The 18-year-old Prince George (WHL) star posted a 33-13-4 record, 3.00 GAA, and .901 save percentage in 51 games, with his size and mobility earning high praise.

Combine Structure and Stakes

The combine features 58 forwards, 27 defensemen, and five goalies, all ranked by Central Scouting. Teams conduct 1-on-1 interviews from June 2-6 at KeyBank Center, with medicals on June 4 and fitness testing on June 6-7 at HarborCenter, including VO2, vertical jumps, and agility tests. A Central Scouting app guides prospects through the process. No testing occurs without medical clearance, critical for players like Schaefer and McQueen.

The combine is the last chance for prospects to influence draft stock. For Schaefer, Frondell, and Hagens, strong interviews and test results could cement their top-five status. With the draft hosted at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater, the event caps a pivotal week for the 2025 class, which Marr calls “top-heavy with talent.”

Conclusion

The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine spotlights a talented trio in Schaefer, Frondell, and Hagens, alongside other high-upside prospects. Their performances in Buffalo will shape the draft’s early selections, with the Islanders, Sharks, and Blackhawks poised to land franchise-altering players. As the hockey world watches, the combine promises to set the stage for a transformative 2025 NHL Draft.

Source: article by Mike G. Morreale on nhl.com, published May 29, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer