The 2025 NHL Draft went according to play, at least on some level, for 224 prospects.
For the others, disappointment is ultimately settling it.
The 2025 draft saw a full seven-round slate of prospects join NHL organizations, but for the likes of Luka Radivojevic, who landed No. 33 on FCHockey’s Final ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft, there’s undoubtedly — and understandably — a bitter taste after sitting through the selection process with the expectation of an exceptional day.
Radivojevic, a poised, offensive-minded defenseman with excellent edgework, vision, and high hockey IQ, was one of eight prospects inside FCHockey’s top-100 to go unselected at the 2025 draft.
“He was one of my absolute favorite prospects,” FCHockey regional scout Kyle Pereira said. “I understand the size concerns, but you can’t use that excuse. I maintain this sentiment — he has the potential to be Hutson-lite. Not quite as dynamic, but can impact the game in the offensive end with his skating.”
Radivojevic’s lateral skating and puck control allow him to create space at the offensive blue line, where he moves the puck confidently and generates chances, especially on the power play. Though just over 5-foot-9, he competes hard and holds his ground well using smart positioning and technique.
Though it didn’t go his way, there’ll be opportunity in the future for him given the set of skills he possesses, just like there will be for other prospects certain to be sour over their 2025 draft fate.
Here’s a look at the other top prospects on FCHockey’s board that went unselected at the 2025 draft:
JULIUS SAARI | D | JOKERIT (U20 SM sarja) | FCHockey rank: 45
Julius Saari is a mobile, two-way defenseman with strong skating, physicality, and a reliable defensive foundation. He closes gaps quickly, pivots smoothly, and maintains tight coverage through agile footwork and edge control. Saari excels in board battles, uses his size effectively around the net, and consistently supports teammates with smart positioning and communication. His hockey IQ, poise under pressure, and disciplined play make him difficult to beat one-on-one. Offensively, he moves pucks well in transition and has a heavy point shot, though he plays conservatively in the offensive zone and needs more assertiveness. His leadership, competitiveness, and situational adaptability — particularly on the penalty kill and in late-game scenarios — highlight his shutdown potential.
He’s an incredibly smart decision-maker on the back end,” FCHockey chief European scout Samuel Tirpak said. “Production wasn’t there yet and his other details were not really as good as his defensive acumen. His gap control, use of smart physical play and defensive zone coverage has made him an intriguing piece going forward as his game matures and develops. I think this isn’t the last that we hear of him.”
TOMAS POBEZAL | C | NITRA (Slovakia) | FCHockey rank: 53
Tomas Pobezal is a versatile, intelligent two-way forward defined by his elite hockey sense, strong defensive instincts, and relentless work ethic. He plays all three forward positions effectively and thrives in structured, detail-oriented roles. His forechecking stands out, driven by speed and tenacity, while his penalty killing showcases elite awareness, stick positioning, and anticipation. Though his offensive tools — particularly his shot and skating — are average, he contributes through puck retrievals, net-front presence, and smart distribution. Despite lacking size and explosiveness, he competes fearlessly and consistently impacts play with his positioning and effort. Pobezal projects as a dependable, low-maintenance third-line forward with shutdown utility and penalty-kill value.
“Pobezal should have been picked,” Tirpak said. “There is no excuse not to. There are pro element to his game, he plays bigger than he is, physical, defends his teammates despite being among older and stronger guys, leader, fast, detailed defensively and scored at a historic rate in Slovak pro league. No excuse for teams other than height, but then again, watching him play, he plays much bigger game with a ton of heart.”
ARTEM VILCHINSKIY | D | SKA ST. PETERSBURG JR. (MHL) | FCHockey rank: 72
Artem Vilchinsky is a physical, shutdown defenseman who thrives in his own zone through smart positioning, excellent gap control, and composed physicality. His strong lateral mobility and short-area burst allow him to stay tight to puck carriers and recover quickly. He uses his size and reach effectively, winning board battles and denying entries with active stickwork and sound body positioning. Vilchinsky reads play well, supports his partner consistently, and is comfortable playing his off-side. Offensively, he makes clean breakout passes but contributes minimally beyond first-touch plays. He rarely activates or creates, limiting his upside. While his offensive instincts are underdeveloped, his defensive reliability, skating base, and ability to control space project him as a dependable, low-risk presence in tough minutes.
“He’s another defensive defender without much of anything else in his game,” Tirpak said. “Vilchinsky is huge and not that mobile, but he is incredibly smart defensively, plays both sides on defense very well, and a very safe puck-mover. If he can improve his skating at that size and add an offensive element, he could be a really useful player.”
MATT GRIMES | D | SIOUX FALLS (USHL) | FCHockey rank: 84
Matt Grimes is a poised, two-way defenseman whose game is built on fluid skating, composure, and transitional efficiency. He moves well through all zones with a long stride and sharp edge control, consistently executing accurate breakout passes and showing confidence leading rushes. Offensively, he relies on smart puck movement and positional support rather than flash, keeping plays alive at the blue line and extending zone time. Though his shot lacks power, he places it well. Defensively, he excels in gap control and east-west coverage but can struggle in net-front battles and physical engagements. With added strength, he projects as a reliable, possession-focused, middle-pair NHL defenseman.
OSCAR DAVIDSSON | LW | HV71 (J20 Nationell) | FCHockey rank: 92
Oscar Davidsson is a skilled, intelligent forward who drives offense through sharp playmaking, quick hands, and excellent spatial awareness. He thrives in give-and-go sequences, supports play with smart movement, and consistently identifies soft spots to exploit with deceptive passes. While he leans on distribution over shooting, his wrist shot is capable, and adding a shoot-first mentality could diversify his threat level. His skating features strong edge control and agility, though his explosiveness and top speed need improvement. Defensively, he tracks well and competes hard but could refine positioning. With added strength and improved shot velocity, Davidsson projects as a versatile, play-driving forward.
“He’s a glue guy on a line, someone who can be a wing or a center, be the defensive guy or be the guy that creates offense,” Tirpak said. “Not that much upside with him being a bit older and already peaked physically, frankly, but a guy that could be a pretty safe pick in later rounds and maybe develop into a depth piece.”
PHILIPPE VEILLEUX | LW | VAL-D’OR (QMJHL) | FCHockey rank: 93
Philippe Veilleux is a cerebral, playmaking winger who thrives through vision, puck poise, and smart, efficient decisions. He excels in controlled offensive-zone play, using agile edgework, quick cuts, and deceptive passing to maintain possession and create high-danger chances. Most effective as a distributor from the perimeter or as a trailer, he supports teammates well and consistently finds soft ice. Though not explosive, he manipulates pace with quick bursts and clever puck movement. His shot is deceptive but lacks power, and his forechecking is hindered by limited speed and physicality. Defensively structured but inconsistently urgent, Veilleux projects as a depth winger with power-play utility.
“As skilled and elusive as he is, Veilleux appears to be too small and relies too heavily on perimeter play for NHL teams to justify selecting him — especially in a draft dominated by bigger players,” FCHockey chief Eastern scout Joey Fortin Boulay said. “With the right development and added strength, however, I could see him carving out a role at the pro level as a secondary scorer.”
OWEN CONRAD | D | CHARLOTTETOWN (QMJHL) | FCHockey rank: 97
Owen Conrad is a poised, physically mature defenseman known for his positional discipline, defensive awareness, and calm puck management. He excels at limiting chances in his own zone with smart stick work, subtle physicality, and sound anticipation. His skating is fluid but lacks explosiveness, particularly in recovery and lateral-close situations. Offensively, he brings value with quick point shots and stretch passes but generally opts for conservative decisions. While not a power-play driver, he contributes reliably in transition. Defensively, he’s trusted in high-leverage moments, using size and positioning to control the net front. Conrad projects as a dependable, shutdown second- or third-pair defenseman.
“This one is quite surprising — especially considering that many defensemen with a similar playing style were drafted,” Fortin Boulay said. “However, Conrad may have been overlooked due to concerns about his skating and limited offensive output. That said, I believe his offensive abilities are underrated, and his skating can be developed with time. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a leading role in the Q next season and earn some re-entry consideration.”
LUKAS SAWCHYN | LW | EDMONTON (WHL) | FCHockey rank: 101
Lukas Sawchyn is a creative, high-tempo forward defined by elite playmaking, vision, and puck distribution. He excels with the puck on his stick, consistently threading precise passes through seams and creating scoring chances with quick hands and spatial awareness. His skating and shiftiness help him find soft ice to facilitate or receive. Though undersized, he competes hard, using body positioning and anticipation to win pucks and extend plays. Defensively, he flashes anticipation and an active stick but struggles with consistency, physical matchups, and zone exits under pressure. With improved strength and decision-making, Sawchyn projects as a skilled, complementary offensive contributor.
“My highest ranked undrafted player was Sawchyn,” FCHockey chief Western scout Donesh Mazloum said. “He had a bit of a late season slump which probably didn’t help as his lack of size already made him a higher risk prospect. I think he has the skill and vision however to be a difference maker in a similar way to his brother Gracyn.”