It’s widely assumed that the Vancouver Canucks will trade their first‑round pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft. With a strong need for a top‑six centre, the organization has emphasized their willingness to leverage assets—including their 15th overall pick—to facilitate such a move. However, before finalizing any trade, the Canucks must consider the implications of forfeiting that draft asset.
In recent years, Vancouver has already exchanged several high selections. They relinquished their first two picks in the 2024 draft and their third‑round choice, Melvin Fernstrom, as part of a deal for Marcus Pettersson. Previous cohorts of management also surrendered first‑ and second‑round selections—decisions that have left the team with a shallow pipeline of internal talent. While trading the 15th pick might help land an immediate centre, it’s essential to understand exactly what they’re potentially giving up. Let’s explore which players draft analysts envision going 15th overall.
1. Radim Mrtka – Right‑handed Defenseman
Ranked 15th by Elite Prospects, the Czech-born Mrtka stands at 6’6″ and shoots right—attributes that immediately grab NHL attention. After moving to North America to join the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, he played a top-pairing role and posted 35 points in 43 games—the highest points-per-game among initial draft-eligible defensemen that season.
Mrtka excels at using his wingspan and strength to disrupt plays, protect the puck, and leapstart attacks from the blue line. He’s more about smart positioning than heavy hitting. The big question is if he can elevate his flashes of skill into consistent, top-pairing play. One anonymous NHL scout told Elite Prospects: “If it all comes together, he could be special. How much are you willing to gamble on that?”
—
2. Cole Reschny – Centre
Reschny is a polarizing prospect identified by Scott Wheeler (The Athletic), Chris Peters (FloHockey), and Smaht Scouting. In his WHL campaign, he tallied 92 points in 62 games—second among first-year eligibles—yet stands just 5’10” and features skating that some consider less than ideal. Nonetheless, scouts who value his high hockey IQ believe Reschny can overcome those drawbacks.
Smaht Scouting notes, “It’s pretty atypical for a forward who is small in stature and not a great skater to find success at the NHL level, but Reschny…” Meanwhile, an anonymous scout labeled him as their “favourite forward outside the first tier.” Known for precise passing, patience, and sharp off-puck awareness, Reschny ranks as a potential mid‑six centre, with chances to push higher should he develop more dynamic elements to his game.
3. Jack Nesbitt – Centre
Praised by Corey Pronman and The Athletic, Nesbitt is a 6’4″, physically imposing centre with strong two-way instincts. He posted 64 points in 65 WHL games and consistently demonstrates defensive value and net-front presence—frequently disrupting opponents while tipping pucks and crashing the crease. Pronman compares him to Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins.
The primary issue? His skating is a concern. Described by Elite Prospects as having a “stiff, narrow skate stride,” he may struggle to break past NHL defenders. Pronman hopes Nesbitt’s overall quality will compensate, projecting him as a second‑line centre with top‑six potential.
4. Braeden Cootes – Centre
Ranked 15th by Jason Bukala (Sportsnet), Cootes has already met with the Canucks at the draft combine and fits their style well. The WHL centre is relentless on the forecheck, excels in puck retrievals, and brings elite energy. He logged 63 points in 60 games and delivered 12 points in 7 games en route to captaining Team Canada to gold at the World Under‑18s.
Cootes is a defensively reliable centre, proficient on the penalty kill and adept in face-offs, yet his offensive upside is still developing. Scouts see him as a bottom‑six centre ceiling, though improved puck skills and higher hockey IQ could elevate him. One anonymous NHL scout described his strengths: “His skill is elite, he’s a strong skater, he wears the C, and he brings it every game… He’s probably going to be a checker despite his size just because he doesn’t have much feel for the game.”
5. Carter Bear – Centre/Left Wing
Featured 15th by Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News), Bear is a driven and relentless competitor. In the WHL, he registered 82 points in 64 games. While he plays with high energy and forechecking tenacity, Bear also possesses playmaking acumen—knowing when to seek a trailer or manipulate defenders with fakes.
His combination of scoring around the slot and strong two-way game earned high praise, with Tony Ferrari calling him playoff hockey-ready: “He plays at a breakneck pace, throws his weight around and loves to attack off the rush.” The main concerns are his slender build and skating mechanics. However, his effort and intelligence boost his potential stock.
6. Bill Zonnon – Left Wing
Selected 15th overall by The Hockey News’ Tony Ferrari, Zonnon caught attention due to his exceptional motor and forechecking. Many project him to be a late first-round or top‑second round pick. At 6’0″, he recorded 83 points (28 goals) in 64 QMJHL games—his 55 assists ranking top among first‑year eligibles.
Zonnon brings sophisticated playmaking beneath his energetic surface. The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler said: “He plays a versatile game that impresses both on and off the puck… nobody works harder.” His deceptive passing and improving shot quality have positioned him above the typical gritty QMJHL player. Elite Prospects notes his “high floor,” likening him to a bottom‑six NHLer with the potential to exceed expectations through work ethic and skill.
7. Kashawn Aitcheson – Left‑handed Defenseman
Craig Button (TSN) and McKeen’s salute Aitcheson as a tough, physical, throwback defender. Hailing from the OHL’s Barrie Colts, he amassed 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games—leading first‑year eligible defensemen in both categories. Known for brutal hits, willingness to fight, and a booming slap shot, he has offensive potential beyond typical physical defensemen.
Cam Robinson (Elite Prospects) sums it up: “He’s a punishing two‑way defender who hits, fights… built for playoff hockey.” His style is nostalgia-rich, though critics warn his puck-moving and skating need refinement. Still, that intimidation factor could win fans and command a long NHL career on the backend.
8. Logan Hensler – Right‑handed Defenseman
Bob McKenzie (TSN) places Hensler 15th overall: a dependable, two-way defender with size and mobility. At 6’2″, the NCAA newcomer played major minutes amid college seniors—showing poise in gap control, shutdown coverage, and first‑pass transition.
Described as “vanilla outside of skating” by Cam Robinson, Hensler promises to become a steady partner to an offensively gifted defenseman—one who can log heavy minutes and neutralize threats. While his offensive ceiling might be limited, his foundational game offers long-term reliability.
9. Justin Carbonneau – Right Wing
Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis and Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino tab Carbonneau as a high-ceiling winger. The QMJHL standout scored 46 goals and 89 points in 62 games and is praised for elite offensive instincts, deft hands, mid-range sniping, and competitive intensity.
But Carbonneau operates with a high-risk, high-reward style. His ball-pushing solo rushes can ignite brilliance—or derail entire performances. Smaht Scouting warns: “When it didn’t \[click], his game came crashing down… turnovers multiplied… non‑factor.” He’s electrifying but inconsistent.
10. Jackson Smith – Left‑handed Defenseman
A consistent top-10 projection across draft rankings—Smith is considered by FC Hockey and Elite Prospects as potentially a top‑10 pick, making him a bargain if he drops to 15. Smith brings elite mobility, fast skating, strong neutral‑zone sticks, and a powerful frame at 6’3″. Elite Prospects calls him the draft’s best neutral‑zone defender and second‑best offensive defenseman.
However, his development may hinge on polishing puck transitions and physicality to thrive in pro hockey. If he delivers, though, this is likely the highest‑upside prospect on the board at 15.
Conclusion
If Vancouver trades its 2025 first‑rounder, it risks losing access to players with immediate NHL readiness or high-ceiling potential. Whether the pick is used to acquire a frontline centre now—or stands in the draft—these ten players highlight the depth and variety available at 15th overall: big two‑way centres, shut‑down defense looming for top‑four roles, high-energy grinders with upside, and skill-sparked wingers.
Before packaging the pick, the Canucks must weigh the surety of adding a veteran centre today against risking the loss of a future building block. Whether they choose Mrtka’s size‑driven defense, Reschny’s high‑IQ puck creation, or Carbonneau’s explosive scoring, the next GM clearly has thought-provoking options to consider at #15.
