EP17: NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking Review & Two Towering Defensive Prospects

NHL Central Scouting released their 2025 NHL Draft Midterm Rankings this week. Who was too high, and who was too low? Also, meet two of the 2025 NHL Draft's biggest prospects, and first round hopefuls, Haoxi (Simon) Wang of the Oshawa Generals & Carter Amico of the USNTDP. Hosted by Rocco Zappia & Darren Boyce

[@bajjanitor]

I don't think someone like Button sees something with Frondell that you guys don't, I think you just value things a bit differently. Like there are plenty of stars in the NHL that aren't much of play drivers themselves, and wont produce much if they aren't paired up with one. For example Reinhart, Rantanen, Tavares, Robertson. So I think it's easy to envision a high ceiling for him in the right situation thanks to his great puck touch and fantastic shot, even though he's a pretty low event player on his own. And if you put yourself in the shoes of one of the teams that will pick early, then it's easy to imagine Frondell being a better pick than someone like Desnoyers just because you'll pair him up with a great play driver like Bedard, Celebrini, Eklund, Carlsson etc. While for a team in a different situation and you envision this player to end up in for example Crosby's current situation and play with a couple of Rakell and Rust type players. Then a player like Frondell will look a lot less appealing.

[@PuckBunker]

@bajjanitor I like this take here (Rocco replying)...we have had a lot of internal debate about Frondell and where to place him. We will have our Top 50 out in the next couple days and I feel our collective opinion on him is trending upwards. He's been excellent so far at the 5-Nations.

[@jfkst1]

Carter Amico needs massive skating improvement. He'll be horribly exploited in transition in the modern NHL. Gill wouldn't make it in the NHL now. Would never draft him much less consider in the top 60.

[@DarrenBoyce]

I mean I agree his skating needs improvement, he will need it to for him to be an NHLer. However, after round 1, were looking for specific skills that can and have translated into the NHL in the past. The size package, the right hand shot, the physical play has multiple examples of working in the NHL. I disagree with the never draft him position, but I do agree teams will be mostly worried about his skating and will target that for improvement. Thanks for commenting!