Playoff-Ready: Ranking top 10 2025 NHL Draft prospects for Stanley Cup playoffs

The NHL playoffs are where games tighten up, whistles disappear, and finesse gives way to grit. The 2025 NHL Draft class is full of talent, but not all top prospects thrive under playoff pressure. With that in mind, here’s a list of the top 10 playoff-ready prospects from the 2025 NHL Draft in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' grind based on their physicality, pace, and competing levels.Original Ranking: 1Top two-way blueliner with world-class skating and shutdown ability. Matthew Schaefer's workload and pace-setting allow him to be the type of blue-line stud who plays a half-game in May. Original Rank: 2Dynamic in transition and very skilled. Michael Misa won't overpower opponents with his body but will exact a price from them with speed and intelligence. Look for him to adjust well to the accelerated postseason pace.Original Rank: 3Built for playoff hockey with a solid frame and net-front presence. Even if his skating is in doubt, Porter Martone's inclination for wearing down defenders in the trenches is impressive.Original Rank: 4A trustworthy 200-foot center who excels in structure. He checks well against first lines and will be leaned on in all situations by playoff coaches.Original Rank: 7Jake O'Brien combines high-level hockey smarts with a rugged offensive skill in close. Not very physical, but courageous and composed in traffic—something that is needed in the playoffs.Original Rank: 9Tall and talented, Roger McQueen's only blemish is his injury record. Healthy, he's a classic playoff center: long, quick, and difficult to hold in check.Original Rank: 6A dynamic forward who battles with speed and toughness. Anton Frondell's play translates well to postseason hockey.Original Rank: 11Kashawn Aitcheson finishes checks and excels in rugged matchups—just what clubs are seeking in a second-pair shutdown player in a close series.Original Rank: 12Radim Mrtka's size and skating mix are perfect for taking playoff minutes. He is cool under fire and passes the puck well, and he can handle the forecheck.Original Rank: 8Small but tough. Victor Eklund skates like a pest, darting around with pace and edge. His pace would be a plus deep in the lineup.Also read: 'He is in beast mode': Leon Draisaitl's words about his winning mentality have left fans in awe of himNot all prospects are ready for the playoffs—and that's just fine. But for NHL franchises pursuing springtime success, the names at or near the top of this list provide a mix of grit, speed, and composure under duress. On draft day, don't be shocked if one or two of them pass more talented contemporaries based on precisely that.