Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg Top Prospect Rankings: The Final Pre-Draft Shake-Up

The countdown to the NHL Draft in June is officially on, and the scouting world is buzzing with a familiar tension. Every year, a handful of prospects separate themselves from the pack, and this season is no different. The conversation has shifted from “who is the top guy?” to “how will the board fall?” Our latest top prospect rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft reveal a fascinating dichotomy at the very top: the explosive, game-breaking talent of Gavin McKenna versus the cerebral, two-way dominance of Ivar Stenberg.

While the debate rages on in war rooms across the league, we have compiled an updated list of the top 32 players available. This is not a rehash of mock drafts. This is a deep dive into the skill sets, the red flags, and the intangibles that will separate future superstars from the rest of the class. Let’s break down the elite tier and the hidden gems that could define the first round.

The Two-Headed Monster: McKenna vs. Stenberg at the Summit

For months, the consensus top-two has been a battle of styles. Gavin McKenna, the electrifying WHL forward, has drawn comparisons to a young Connor Bedard for his ability to warp defenses with his shot and edge work. But the narrative has shifted slightly. Scouts are now raving about the maturation of Ivar Stenberg, the Swedish power forward who plays a pro-style game that is ready for the rigors of the NHL tomorrow.

Gavin McKenna (C/LW) – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
McKenna’s hands are a cheat code. He processes the game at warp speed, and his release is arguably the best in the entire draft class. However, the question mark remains his frame and his engagement away from the puck. In our latest viewings, McKenna has improved his backchecking, but there is still a tendency to float when the play moves north-south. His ceiling is a 100-point, dynamic offensive driver. His floor? A high-scoring winger who needs sheltered minutes. For a team picking first overall, that risk is real.

Ivar Stenberg (LW/C) – Frolunda HC (SHL)
Stenberg is the anti-McKenna in the best way possible. He is a 6’2″ power forward who plays a heavy, intelligent game. He doesn’t just score; he dictates the tempo of the game. His hockey IQ is off the charts, and he has proven he can produce against men in the SHL. The knock? He lacks that “wow” factor of a highlight-reel deke. But in a playoff series, Stenberg is the player you trust to win board battles and make the smart pass. He is the safest bet to become a top-line NHLer, even if his offensive ceiling might be slightly lower than McKenna’s.

Our Prediction: If a team like Chicago or Anaheim wins the lottery, the pressure to swing for the fences with McKenna is immense. But if a team like Columbus or San Jose picks first, expect them to value the complete 200-foot game of Ivar Stenberg. This is a coin flip that will be decided by organizational philosophy.

Top 10 Breakdown: The Elite Tier and the Surge of Defensemen

Behind the top two, the draft board gets incredibly interesting. The 3-10 range is loaded with high-end defensemen, which is a gift for teams needing blue-chip blueliners. Here are the key names to watch in the top prospect rankings:

• 3. Anton Silayev (D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL): The 6’7″ Russian monster is a unicorn. His mobility for his size is jaw-dropping. He is raw offensively, but his defensive range is already NHL-elite. He could be the best defenseman in this class.
• 4. James Hagens (C, Boston College, NCAA): The American center is a pure playmaker. He has elite vision and can quarterback a power play. Size is a concern, but his hockey sense is undeniable. He is a top-line pivot in the making.
• 5. Sam Dickinson (D, London Knights, OHL): The smoothest skater in the draft. Dickinson is a modern-day two-way defenseman who can log 25 minutes a night. He is not flashy, but he is incredibly reliable and has a booming point shot.
• 6. Berkly Catton (C, Spokane Chiefs, WHL): Catton is the most dangerous scorer outside of McKenna. He has a sniper’s mentality and a lethal wrist shot. He needs to add strength, but his offensive toolkit is top-tier.
• 7. Aron Kiviharju (D, HIFK, Liiga): The Finnish prodigy has been scouted for years. He is a brilliant puck-mover with elite offensive instincts. Injuries have slowed his momentum, but his ceiling as a power-play quarterback is massive.
• 8. Michael Hage (C, University of Michigan, NCAA): Hage is a late riser. He is a powerful, two-way center with a heavy shot. He projects as a perfect second-line center who can play in all situations.
• 9. Cole Eiserman (LW, USNTDP): The purest goal-scorer in the draft. Eiserman broke goal records in the USNTDP. His shot is a weapon. The concern? His playmaking and defensive commitment are below the top tier. He is a boom-or-bust pick.
• 10. Zayne Parekh (D, Saginaw Spirit, OHL): An offensive dynamo from the blue line. Parekh has incredible hands and loves to join the rush. He is a risk-taker, which leads to highlight goals and defensive gaffes. He is the most exciting defenseman to watch.

Risers, Fallers, and Sleepers: The Hidden Value in the 11-32 Range

The middle of the first round is where championships are built. Our updated top 32 list highlights several players who have surged up the board and a few who have slipped due to inconsistency.

Players on the Rise:

• Jett Luchanko (C, Guelph Storm, OHL): Luchanko is a jack-of-all-trades. He is a fantastic skater with a relentless motor. He is climbing boards because of his versatility and leadership. He is the perfect middle-six center for a contending team.
• Emil Hemming (RW, TPS, Liiga): The Finnish winger has a pro-ready shot and a physical edge. He is not a fancy player, but he goes to the dirty areas and finishes. He is a safe bet to be a 20-goal scorer in the NHL.
• Liam Greentree (RW, Windsor Spitfires, OHL): A massive winger with soft hands. Greentree is a power forward who can protect the puck and make plays. His skating is a work in progress, but his size and skill combo is rare.

Players to Watch for a Fall:

• Igor Chernyshov (LW, Dynamo Moscow, KHL): The Russian winger has immense talent but has been inconsistent in the KHL. The “Russian factor” and contract uncertainty could push him down the board, making him a steal for a team with patience.
• Trevor Connelly (LW, Tri-City Storm, USHL): Connelly has high-end offensive skill, but character questions have dogged him all year. Some teams will take him off their board entirely. If he falls to the 20s, a bold GM could get a top-10 talent.

Final Predictions: How the First Round Could Unfold

Based on team needs and recent scouting trends, here is how we see the first five picks shaking out in June:

1. Chicago Blackhawks: Gavin McKenna. They need star power to pair with Bedard. The risk is worth it.
2. Anaheim Ducks: Ivar Stenberg. A perfect fit for their identity of size and two-way play.
3. San Jose Sharks: Anton Silayev. They need a franchise defenseman, and Silayev is the best in class.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: James Hagens. They need a top-line center for the future.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Sam Dickinson. A perfect complement to their young defense corps.

Bold Prediction: Look for a team in the 15-20 range to trade up for Cole Eiserman. A team like the Nashville Predators or Seattle Kraken, who lack elite scoring, will gamble on his shot. Also, do not be surprised if Ivar Stenberg goes first overall. The NHL is shifting back toward size and structure, and Stenberg embodies that trend perfectly.

Conclusion: A Draft Defined by Philosophy

This draft class is not about a single generational talent. It is about a fork in the road. Do you bet on the explosive, high-risk genius of Gavin McKenna, or the reliable, two-way excellence of Ivar Stenberg? The answer will define the next decade for whichever franchise wins the lottery. Beyond the top two, the depth of this class is exceptional, particularly on defense. Teams that do their homework on the risers and sleepers in the 11-32 range will walk away with players who become core pieces.

As June approaches, the scouting reports will be finalized, and the interviews will be conducted. But one thing is certain: this is a draft where the smartest team, not just the luckiest team, will win big. Stay tuned.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.

Image: CC licensed via www.nps.gov