Jack Murtagh is a dynamic forward to watch for the 2025 draft

Jack Murtagh is one of the top prizes in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Murtagh, coming from the United States National Development Program, has NHL-ready skating and a dynamic offensive skill set that could make him the first player from his prominent, highly-featured organization come draft day in June.

“His speed is top-end; he has an extra gear that allows him to separate and beat defenders.” FCHockey Scout Jacob Roth said. “His shot is also a strength. He gets it off quickly and can do it at top speed.”

Who is Jack Murtagh?

Murtagh is a native of East Greenbush, New York. The center and winger for the NTDP is no. 19 in the FCHockey Spring ranking and was no. 25 amongst North American skaters in  NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm ranking. He is the highest-ranked player on his team, ahead of Cole McKinney (no. 26) and William Horcoff (no. 31), as it pertains to first-round candidates.

Jack Murtagh’s Path So Far

Murtagh dominated AAA hockey as a 13-year-old with the Bishop Kearney Selects 14U team. He scored 113 points (67 goals, 46 assists) in 73 games, finishing second on the team in scoring. The 6-foot, 185-pound center topped the century mark again in his second season with the Selects 15U team with 101 points (52 goals, 49 assists) in 68 games. Murtagh led the Selects in playoff scoring with six points (three goals, three assists) in four games.

Murtagh joined the NTDP for his U17 season in 2023-24. He had modest totals with 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) in 87 games. He represented his country for the first time at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring seven points (four goals, three assists) in seven games as the USA fell 2-1 in the gold medal game to Canada White.

Murtagh has 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 44 games this season, currently sitting behind only McKinney in scoring on the team. He was also the leading goal scorer with a pair in the two-game CHL USA Prospects Challenge.

Strengths of Jack Murtagh

Murtagh is a multifaceted offensive forward, but he can also hold his own in the defensive zone.

“He is an impressive passer who can also threaten as a shooter,” FCHockey scout Kyle Pereira said. “He is also solid in his own end.”

Roth also highlighted his work ethic and not being afraid of going to the dirty areas for puck battles or positioning in front of the net.

Areas Of Improvement For Jack Murtagh

While he’s a good defender, he needs to show it more often.

“His defensive consistency needs some work,” Pereira said. “He is good there when he’s engaged, but showing more consistent engagement could add another layer to his game.”

Pereira added that Murtagh could use some improvements in his transition game. He tends to be a passenger and looks to his linemates to lead the rush, and Roth noted he needs to add another dimension to his offensive arsenal.

“He too often plays in straight lines,” Roth said. “He needs to be able to throw in a head or shoulder fake before bouncing outside defenders.”

Jack Murtagh’s Outlook

Murtagh might not have a future on an NHL top line as of now, but he should slot somewhere in the middle six and play a game coaches will love. He’s still got plenty of runway to work on his game, as he won’t turn 18 until after the draft. He is committed to Boston University for the 2025–26 season.

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