Plenty of Undrafted Talent to Consider
June 16, 2025
By Bob Trask
While fans and media in Montreal are focused on the first—and possibly second—round of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, the Canadiens have demonstrated an ability to think creatively in the later rounds.
Most teams use their early picks to target players with top-six forward or top-four defense potential. Later-round selections are generally aimed at filling bottom-six forward roles or third-pair defense spots if they make it to the NHL. Any offensive upside is considered advantageous—typically, it’s their grit, reliability, or specific skill set that earns them a chance at higher levels of play.
Recent playoff hockey has emphasized endurance as much as skill. This shift has made some general managers more cautious about drafting smaller, offensive-minded players, regardless of their talent, particularly in the later rounds.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has suggested that the team will focus on prospects who add physicality to their gameplay. With multiple picks beyond the top two rounds again this year, Hughes might be looking for another valuable player.
Considering these factors, here are ten prospects who were overlooked in previous drafts but may still have NHL potential. It is worth noting that these players are likely to be available in the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds of the draft, having been passed over previously for various reasons in their initial eligibility years.
Full disclosure: The information here is based on public scouting reports and video clips reviewed, not full games. Whether any of these players are on an NHL team’s list is unknown.
Leslie Mazden – RD 6-1 201 April 15, 2005
Mazden served as captain of the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, recording 21 goals and 51 assists over 66 games. He was awarded Save-On-Foods Scholastic Player of the Year (2022–23), demonstrating his combination of athletic talent and academic achievement.
He is a right-shot defenseman known for his smooth skating, vision, and point shot. His playing style includes physicality, active gap control, and engagement at both ends of the ice.
Mazden’s offensive instincts are developed, but he needs to continue refining his defensive positioning and decision-making. He is working on translating his skills into consistent, professional-level performance.
Mazden is seen as a mobile, two-way defenseman with the potential to contribute on a team’s second or third pairing. He may not be projected as a top-pairing NHL player, but he offers value and potential as an offensively inclined defenseman.
Rasmus Svartstrom – LW 6-5 201 November 24, 2005
Rasmus Svartstrom led the BCHL in goals last season with 46 goals in 54 games. Cranbrook’s general manager highlighted his big frame and soft hands, stating he excels along the boards, in tight spaces, and between the dots.
Svartström adapted swiftly to the North American game, blending size, scoring ability, and physicality. With improvements in skating and agility, he could become a mid-to-late-round NHL draft pick as a net-front power winger.
Aidan Park – C/RW 6-1 187 January 6, 2006
Aidan Park finished second in scoring for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, recording 66 points in 55 games. He was also second in the league in goals scored with 33 markers. Park is a forward who contributes to playmaking with his teammates and performs consistently in all three zones. While he has a strong shot, his decision-making with the puck—especially in shooting situations—has room for improvement.
To enhance his capabilities at the professional level, Park will need to work on his skating stride. With continued development, he could become a reliable middle-six NHL forward. Two scouting services have him projected to be selected early in the fourth round.
Martin Johnsen – C 5-11 181 March 7, 2004
Martin Johnsen, one of the older prospects in this year’s draft class, led Mora IK with 47 points and 90 penalty minutes in 49 games. His high hockey IQ and elite playmaking make him effective at zone entries and controlling the pace of play. He plays bigger than his size and has dominated offensively at international junior tournaments. Continued development in positioning, strength, and consistency could further elevate his game and earn him a professional opportunity. His upside is a third-line centre with offensive potential if he maintains consistent defensive awareness.
Yegor Borikov – LW/RW 6-1 183 August 28, 2005
Yegor Borikov was a 19-year-old player in the KHL, recording 12 goals with Dinamo Minsk this season. He has demonstrated his ability to compete physically in Russia’s premier professional league.
Borikov’s offensive output was modest; however, his consistent presence on the ice and appearances for Belarus’s senior national team are notable. His shooting skills have room for improvement, but his energy, defensive reliability, and commitment to team play contribute to his role as a bottom-six forward.
Despite having two years of KHL experience at the age of 19, an uncommon occurrence, Borikov has received limited scouting attention, with only two public scouting services ranking him, placing him as high as 93rd overall. The absence of a signing deadline indicates that investing a late-round draft pick in Borikov could be worthwhile.
Maxon Vig – LD 6-2 212 November 17, 2005
Maxon Vig is a left-shot defenseman known for his physical play and offensive contributions. His assertive style and puck-moving skills are notable, though he needs to improve his skating and defensive consistency for collegiate competition. If successful, he could have a significant NCAA career and potential for professional advancement.
Last season, Vig served as alternate captain for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL, recording 32 points and 85 penalty minutes in 62 games. His leadership, physical presence, and defensive abilities are key strengths.
Maxim Velikov – RW/LW 6-1 198 October 21, 2005
Velikov accumulated 16 points across 37 games in the VHL last season and experienced a brief four-game stint in the KHL. He is recognized for blending offensive instincts with defensive duty, demonstrating proficient puck control. Velikov possesses the ability to outmaneuver defenders and the vision necessary for executing give-and-go plays. He exhibits moments of composure and patience while attempting to penetrate high-danger zones on the ice.
However, his passes often lack precision, and he tends not to demand the puck assertively. Neutral Zone statistics reveal a modest 51%-win rate in 50/50 puck battles, suggesting the need for improvement in contested scenarios.
While his professional production has yet to significantly escalate, his capability to manage pressure and exhibit offensive poise—coupled with his physical attributes—provides him with genuine middle-six potential. His shot is notably effective.
Jack Kernan – C 6-2 196 March 30, 2005
Jack Kernan led the Des Moines Buccaneers in scoring last season with 52 points (29 goals) in 62 USHL games. Winning over 53 percent of faceoffs and serving as an alternate captain, he is noted for his leadership, physical play, and effectiveness along the boards and net front. As a 6′2″, 196-lb two-way center with strong hockey IQ and consistent scoring, Kernan’s development suggests potential for mid-level professional play and a dependable power forward role with improved skating quickness.
His teammate, Ben Kevan is ranked as a second-round pick by many public scouting services. While Kernan outscored Kevan last season, he is also two years older.
Axel Lofgren – LD 6-4 198 June 22, 2005
Axel Lofgren scored 17 points in 22 games after being traded to the Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL. He added six points in five playoff games. He skates with notable speed and mobility for his size. Scouts describe his skating as quick and agile, uncommon for his height. He demonstrates playmaking ability, handles the puck well, can contribute offensively, and has a solid shot. Coaches note his eagerness to learn, creativity, and positive attitude.
Lofgren needs to tighten his defensive footwork and positional discipline—some scouts observe average defensive play and inconsistency under pressure. Although he skates adequately, further refinement in footwork and situational awareness will be essential against stronger, faster competition.
He was expected to be a mid-round pick in 2023 but was passed over. His potential is as a second-pairing, two-way defenseman who can occasionally drive offence.
Roman Luttsev – C 6-1 174 April 1, 2006
Roman Luttsev is a speedy forward with strong puck skills who notched 57 points in 45 MHL (Russian junior league) games last season. He had a cup of coffee in the KHL, appearing in three games with limited ice time.
Luttsev makes smart plays using excellent vision and a deceptive wrist shot to make quick decisions. He is lightning-fast with elite puck-handling—able to elude pressure and generate space in tight areas, and has displayed good edge-work as well as quickness in his skating.
He tends to have fluctuating intensity and needs to maintain tenacity from game to game, but he has shown the ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His upside is a middle-six, two-way center.
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