With NHL Central Scouting releasing its first draft list this week, the race to challenge top prospect Gavin McKenna for the first overall slot come June has officially begun.

The top of this class presents an intriguing range of players who impact the game in a variety of ways. There’s a combination of size, speed, relentless compete and three-zone detail embedded amongst the group.

In recent years players like Connor Bedard (2023) and Macklin Celebrini (2024) have generated the most attention from their draft classes and remained the consensus top prospect throughout the process. Last year’s first overall pick, New York Islanders rookie Mathew Schaefer, started the year chasing top ranked James Hagens, who ended up being selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins.

The point is that

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