The 2025 NHL Draft is generating buzz, especially among the Indigenous community.
In recent years, more indigenous players have been drafted into the league, with a peak in 2024 when four talented players were selected.
This excitement inspires the next generation, showing that hard work and dedication lead to success in professional hockey. Here are six players to keep an eye on in the 2025 draft.
Carter Bear
Carter Bear is turning heads in the WHL this season with his impressive stats and dynamic play.
Standing at 6-foot and weighing 179 pounds, the 18-year-old from Winnipeg is currently second in the league with 41 points, including 20 goals, in just 23 games.
Bear isn’t just scoring goals; he’s also dominating on the power play with seven goals, making him a key player for the Silvertips.
His standout performances earned him a spot in the 2024 USA CHL Prospects Challenge, highlighting his potential for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Jack Nesbitt
Jack Nesbitt, a 17-year-old center from Sarnia, Ontario, is making waves in the OHL with his strong presence on the ice.
Standing tall at 6-foot-four and weighing 185 pounds, he’s a force for the Windsor team, scoring 11 goals and securing a solid spot as their second-highest goal scorer.
Hailing from Wiikwemkoong Territory, Nesbitt isn’t just known for his size but also for his contributions, like winning gold with Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Hayden Paupanekis
Meet Hayden Paupanekis, a skillful center for Spokane in the WHL, hailing from the Norway House Cree Nation.
At just 17, this Winnipeg native is making headlines with his playmaking abilities, tallying up 13 points in 22 games.
His impressive play has not only earned him a ‘B’ rating by NHL Central Scouting but also made waves at various national events such as the Canadian Winter Games and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
As fans eagerly follow his journey, they keep an eye on NHL odds by FanDuel, where they can dive into the excitement of building parlays and exploring countless NHL player prop bets at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Jett Lajoie
Jett Lajoie, a right winger for Prince George in the WHL, is making a big impression this season. At 5-foot-11.5 and hailing from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, this talented 17-year-old from Winnipeg has racked up 17 points in just 23 games.
Last season, Lajoie showed promise with 10 points across 60 games and boosted his experience with Team Manitoba in the Canadian Winter Games and National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
His skills and potential have earned him a ‘C’ rating by NHL Central Scouting, spotlighting him as a future star to watch.
Dylan LeBret
Dylan LeBret is making strides as a defenseman at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep.
This Spokane Tribe member from Mead, Washington, has seven assists across 15 games, showcasing his strong playmaking skills.
With his commitment to the University of Maine next season, LeBret is poised for an exciting future in hockey.
Lukas Sawchyn
Lukas Sawchyn is a promising center playing for Edmonton in the WHL. At just 5-foot-9, this Métis player boasts skillful playmaking, with 16 points in 23 games this season.
He comes from Grande Prairie, Alberta, and is making a name for himself, following in his brother Gracyn’s footsteps.
Lukas had an impressive run at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, where he scored 78 points in 57 games, showing a knack for both goals and assists. This young talent is definitely one to watch as the draft approaches.
