Repost from FloHockey
We’re still months away from the 2025 NHL Draft, but that should not hinder excitement surrounding the draft-eligible talent playing in the USHL.
Added, the recent release of the Central Scouting Preliminary List gave us a baseline for where these players are ranked at the start of the season.
As the season progresses, these rankings certainly will evolve when the Mid-Term Rankings are published in January and the final rankings just before the draft.
With that, let’s look at how the draft-eligible players are performing in the USHL through the first two months of the season:
William Moore, C, NTDP U18 Team
Moore was one of two current NTDP skaters who checked in as an “A” rating in the initial installment of the list.
The 17-year-old’s combination of size and speed pairs well with a strong game down the middle.
Moore already has four goals and six assists, making his 10 points the most on the NTDP U18s roster through the first 14 games of the season.
While his three-game point streak ended last Saturday, Moore has been a consistent producer as the U18s work their way through the NCAA portion of their schedule.
Charlie Trethewey, D, NTDP U18 Team
Trethewey just might have the hardest shot among all defensemen in this draft class.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound blueliner has four points on two goals and two assists in 14 games so far.
Trethewey has demonstrated his ability as a two-way defenseman.
He has strong offensive instincts and plays a physical brand of defense in his own zone.
Carter Amico, D, NTDP U18 Team
While Amico checked in as a “B” rating in the preliminary rankings, he is a player who certainly could work his way into first-round conversation.
At 6-foot-5 and 217 pounds, Amico skates very well for someone his size.
Amico primarily has played a defensive role for the NTDP and can quickly shut down plays by imposing punishing hits.
Still, his mobility suggests he can provide some offense from the blueline as he continues to develop.
Adam Benak, F, Youngstown Phantoms
Benak has made the transition to the USHL look seamless.
The 17-year-old already has two goals and six assists, making his eight points the second-most on Youngstown’s roster.
Listed at just 5-foot-7, Benak rightfully was listed as a “B” rating in the initial rankings.
However, he is a player who can elevate his draft stock as he continues to produce against bigger competition.
An offensive speedster, Benak certainly has the tools to make it happen.