Despite not having a high ranking, there are always some players who end up having a significant impact at the next level. At the same time, some top ten draft picks did not stick to the league, and they could not even be achieved at all.
Related: 2025 NHL Draft Guide
Below, I think I don’t think I’ll get enough attention on social media and can be considered a “sleeper” player before this month’s NHL draft.
Sascha Boumedienne
Sascha Boumedienne is the only possible first-round draft pick on this list. However, despite being outstanding at both the U18 World Championship and the U18 International Junior Level, he has not received enough recognition in the media as a whole. Boston University expects more game time next season, and his production should climb from his 13-point range in 2024-25.
Boumedienne is a highly skilled offensive defender who may be a steal in this year’s draft. At Boston University, he played with outstanding Blues Tom Willander for much of the season. With his comfort as the youngest player in college hockey, his production increased, ending his freshman with three goals and 10 assists in 40 games and earning 33 minutes of free throw minutes and eight.
While he didn’t immediately become an NCAA star, his skills show that he’s ready for the 2025-26 season with the Terrier. His offensive intuition was fully exhibited internationally, ranking second in Sweden in the U18 World Championship and second in Sweden, with 1 goal and 13 assists in seven games. His match helped Sweden into the gold medal match, and they eventually fell into Canada. He scored 17 points and 15 assists in 15 international youth games, the most ever defensive player in the U18 world. This invited him to his invitation to the NHL combines earlier this month.
A big reason why Boumedienne stood out at this draft was his experience in the East of Hockey, a conference known for its hardships and physical performance. Compared to other leagues, NCAA hockey requires players to fight for space harder, adapt to tighter structures and handle stronger inspections, and the advantages can translate well into new levels.
While most rankings put him anywhere from early to late second round, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Boumedienne go to mid-to-high. In my opinion, he should be ahead of defensemen Logan Hensler and Cameron Reed in most mock drafts, and in my opinion, he ranks 10-15 overall.
His name deserves more attention among the defensemen.
Bryce Pickford
Bryce Pickford is one of the most exciting defensive players in the Western Conference Hockey League (WHL) this season, playing a big role in The Medicine Hat Tigers’ Deep Playoffs. Despite his offensive ability, his game goes far beyond that – he is responsible at the end of his own, moving the puck effectively and good at knocking out the puck out.
After winning his first WHL title in Seattle in 2023, Pickford won another title this season with Medicine Hat, wearing a “A” on his jersey. He finished the regular season with 47 points in 48 games and maintained a strong 34 points, highlighting his ability to produce offense without sacrificing defensive responsibilities. His playoffs were even more impressive – 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 18 playoff games – which allowed the Tigers to win the WHL title before falling down in the Memorial Cup final.
Related: Bryce Pickford – 2025 NHL Draft Prospects Information
Pickford’s breakthrough ability is one of his biggest assets. He transitioned quickly, making smart passes under pressure to create space for his teammates. Despite his offensive mentality, he played a controlled defensive game, knowing when to jump into the offense and when to back off. His single training wrist shot made him a legal offensive weapon for the Blue Line.
Pickford was not drafted in 2024, but this time shouldn’t happen again. His production and impact on the ice both make him an attractive to NHL teams seeking hockey defensive players, who can decide on the game, especially in power play.
Despite his skill set, Pickford was not invited to the NHL Combinator, which is surprisingly given his playoff performance and overall development. He remains one of the most underrated defenders in the draft, and he proved himself when he was most important in the WHL playoffs. Currently, the media outlets project him anywhere from the second to the seventh round, but according to his work, he can hear his name earlier and I wouldn’t be shocked if a team became a second round pick.
Aidan Park
Aidan Park is a sophomore qualified striker who, despite being expected to be a transit draft pick, was surprisingly undrafted in 2024. He shouldn’t be standing out again after his strong season with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. His draft stock has recently climbed, jumping from No. 151 in the mid-term ranking to No. 94 in the final ranking, one of the biggest moves among qualified players. Currently, he ranks 114th in Elite Prospects, FC hockey ranked 115th, and NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters) ranked 114th.
Park is a comprehensive striker with some ability to play, high hockey IQ and reliable shooting. He also brings position versatility to play center, right and left, which adds his potential as future depth. He scored 66 points in 55 games at Green Bay, ranked second in the USHL for the 2024-25 season and fifth in the USHL, a testament to his ability to create offense in a league known for his tense ways.
In addition to offensive productions, Parker has a defensive responsibility, consistently performing backward checks and blocking many forwards’ shots. While his defensive game doesn’t always draw attention to his scoring numbers, it’s an underestimated part of his skills. He also brought in playoff experience, playing in the Clark Cup playoffs twice, despite Green Bay being eliminated in the first round of last season. Even if the playoffs are short, this level of competition will be valuable to his development.
Park is a great early transit option with all-out offensive games, reliable defensive details and flexibility in NCAA development.
Artemi Nizameyev
Artemi Nizameyev is the sleeper draft pick entering the 2025 NHL Draft. Despite being ranked 217th by NHL Central Scouts (NA Skateboarders) earlier this year and Foley’s mid-season draft guide ranked 200th, he is now out of line after the season ended with the Tri-city storm, a surprising drop considering his work. He hasn’t selected in 2024, but a year later, this shouldn’t happen again.
Nizameyev’s game is built on creativity and intelligence, not on size. He is 5-foot-10 and weighs 192 pounds and reads very well and can adapt to his defensive weaknesses at any time. His elite symptoms allowed him to beat the defender with smooth Dekes and highlight curly matches, making him a dangerous offensive weapon. His high shots and fast, precise wrist shots make him a legal scoring threat anywhere in the offensive area. Coupled with his outstanding offensive vision and playing skills, he is a player who can complete and create games, especially in breakthroughs and regional entries.
“A brief winger, who performed well on defense, followed the game and jumped quickly. He could beat the defender with his footsteps, but lost some control at the highest speed. Get a good pass, but not necessarily in sync. Killer shot. – Gabriel Foley, recruit reconnaissance
His discipline is another outstanding feature. Despite being active and popular in all situations, he kept his free throw time low, thus maximizing his time on the ice. He has shown a flash of promising in the back check, going well and putting his efforts on defense. If he can perfect his consciousness and become more effective without hockey, he can reach his full potential.
Nizameyev scored 27 goals and 28 assists in 53 games in Tri-city in 2024-25 USHL season, scored 55 points in 53 games and added 2 points in two playoff games.
Looking ahead, he will be reunited next fall with Miami head coach Anthony Noreen and joining a solid 2025-26 squad. It would be a great opportunity for him to perfect his defensive game and continue to develop his offensive skills.
Despite not getting the attention he deserves, Nizameyev can be a tool for the second round in this draft.
Diego Badazoni
Diego Buttazzoni is another prospect, he didn’t get off the ground in the 2024 NHL Draft. But after his outstanding season at Portland Winterhawks, especially in the playoffs, he is a player worth watching. He is a two-way forward that brings energy, offensive skills and defensive reliability, making him a strong candidate for steals in the mid-year of this year.
Despite being ranked 141st in NHL Central Scouting (NA Skater), he should be recognized by more media for his impressive game than just one. Buttazzoni won 38 goals and 39 assists in 63 games in the 2024-25 WHL regular season, scored 77 points in 18 games and scored a dominant 14 goals, 13 assists, and 27 points in 18 playoff games.
He was very capable of improving the game under pressure in the WHL Western Conference final in Portland, where he played a key role with Kyle Chyzowski, who became Winterhawks’ top scorer. Buttazzoni also played a major role in Portland’s first strong competition division.
At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, he plays a high-energy style, fights hockey, makes smart passes, and creates space for his teammates. His quick hands and offensive instincts make him a dangerous organizer, while his defensive consciousness makes him able to contribute in all situations.
Looking ahead, Buttazzoni will continue his development at UMass-Lowell, where he will develop his own two-way game at the NCAA level. His versatility and ability to produce in big moments make him a legitimate sleeper option for teams looking for long-term value later in the draft.
Every draft has players who fall under the radar, despite having the next level of talent, are still ignored. Whether it is the lack of exposure, the concerns about size or just being overshadowed by big names, these five sleepers may become a steal on Draft Day.
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