Here are the biggest risers in FCHockey’s Spring ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft
The home stretch has hit, and with the release of FCHockey’s Spring ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft comes the biggest risers among prospects eligible for the selection process.
And there are no shortage of players that have boosted their stock over the course of the past couple months.
In total, six players elevated themselves into first-round status in FCHockey’s Spring offering, and an additional 16 prospects skating into FCHockey’s top-100 after failing to secure a position in FCHockey’s Winter ranking in December.
Here’s a look at some of the most impressive climbs we’ve witnessed ranking over ranking with our top risers.
Jack Nesbitt | C | Windsor (OHL)
Jack Nesbitt, a forward with Windsor in the Ontario Hockey League, led the charge in terms of rising stocks, going from no. 50 in FCHockey’s Winter ranking to inside the first round at no. 30. The 6-foot-4, 183-pound center has taken a huge leap from his rookie season in the OHL a year ago. the now sophomore is fifth on Windsor in scoring with 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) in 60 games after registering just 18 (nine goals, nine assists) in 2023-34.
“Nesbitt is a big-bodied forward whose all-around game has really taken a leap forward this season,” FCHockey regional scout Mike Kennedy said. “His mobility for his size, defensive acumen, and improved playmaking ability are all highly desirable attributes. This blend of size, steady two-way play, and unlocked offensive production has caused a significant rise in the draft rankings.”
Carter Bear | C | Everett (WHL)
Carter Bear of Everett in the Western Hockey League was showing everyone he deserved to be considered for the first round before an injury ended his draft year on Sunday. The speedy winger is third in league scoring amongst draft-eligible players with 82 points (40 goals, 42 assists), and jumped from no. 35 to no. 20 to move into the first round.
“Bear steps onto the ice every shift as if shot from a cannon,” FCHockey crossover scout Greysen Goudy said. “He’s lightning quick and impressive on his edges, using his speed to cause chaos, disrupt opposition rushes, and transport the puck north. It remains to be seen if Bear can translate his offense to the next level, but there’s no doubt about his skating ability and compete level.”
Cameron Reid | D | Kitchener (OHL)
Kitchener defenseman Cameron Reid was the other riser into the first round after he was on the outside looking in before, raising his stock up to no. 23 in the Spring ranking after slotting in previously at no. 33. While not the flashiest of players, Reid has smarts near the top of the class that has seen him elevate from his no. 59 ranking in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking in September.
“He doesn’t jump out at you immediately, but as the game goes on, you begin to realize just how offensively talented this guy is,” Goudy said. “His skating is smooth and agile, and his offensive awareness is elite. All over the ice, Reid consistently shows his ability to process the game at a higher speed than his peers.”
Vaclav Nestrasil | RW | Muskegon (USHL)
Vaclav Nestrasil of Muskegon in the United States Hockey League is a massive riser, jumping the highest number of spots overall. The 6-foot-4, 187-pound winger didn’t register in FCHockey Winter ranking but found his way to no. 52 in the spring edition. The Czechia native has 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 49 games this season, and his package of size and skill is sure to have a team take a swing on him after early questions around his puck skills were answered.
“With Nestrasil, it’s his size that stands out as soon as he steps on the ice,” FCHockey regional scout Jacob Roth said. “He’s smart with the way he uses his big frame, especially off the puck. He draws a lot of attention from defenders and uses it to clear space for teammates. He’s more of a playmaker than a shooter. He sees the ice well and distributes the puck well, especially on the rush.”
Alexander Zharovsky | RW | Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
Another player who jumped from off the board into the conversation as a potential second-round pick is Russian winger Alexander Zharovsky. The 6-foot-1 winger from Tolpar Ufa in the MHL leads the league production among draft-eligible players with 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 45 games.
“MHL defenders have absolutely no idea how to defend this guy,” Goudy said. “He’s utterly dominant at this level with his athleticism, creativity, and ability to read the game. He’s a raw talent, and the MHL is always a difficult league to judge, but Zharovsky’s offensive tools are among the best in the class.”
Linus Funck | D | Luleå HF J20 (J20 Nationell)
Also making the jump into second-round territory, after landing closer to the end of the third round in the Winter ranking, is Swedish defenseman Linus Funck. Ranked no. 89 in December, Funck has jumped up 36 spots to no. 53 because of his projectability to the NHL game.
“Funck is a highly intelligent puck-mover who plays a ton of minutes after a slower start to the season,” FCHockey chief European scout Samuel Tirpak said. “He gets necessary production while not sacrificing defensively. His size and ability to read plays defensively and then quickly move the puck the opposite way and start a positive sequence are very impressive at this age.”
Henry Brzustewicz | D | London (OHL)
Defenseman Henry Brzustewicz of London has also jumped up from a potential third-round selection into the top half of the second round. The combination of his skillset while playing big minutes on a top OHL contender has helped him to rise up the rankings from no. 71 to no. 40.
“Brzustewicz is an incredibly smooth, agile skater that allows him to navigate the ice effectively,” Kennedy said. “He possesses excellent vision, hockey sense, and playmaking ability. I believe he has risen up the rankings the way he has due to the combination of his size, solid defensive play, and how his offensive game is starting to shine at the OHL level.”
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