The 2025 Memorial Cup is generating significant excitement, showcasing a wealth of talented young players. Many participants are expected to make the jump to the NHL as early as next season, including the consensus first overall selection for the 2026 draft.
This year`s tournament features a higher caliber of talent compared to recent editions, with prospects ranging from elite forwards capable of becoming 30-goal scorers to top-four defensemen projected to anchor NHL blue lines for years. Each game promises displays of exceptional skill, and several players on every team are likely to be familiar faces to NHL fans by the fall.
Here is a team-by-team breakdown of the key prospects, along with scouting observations:
London Knights
OHL
Easton Cowan, Toronto Maple Leafs
Setting the London Knights` playoff scoring record is a remarkable achievement given the team`s history, and Easton Cowan has done just that, accumulating 96 career playoff points after tallying 39 in 17 games this season. He is the driving force for London and is motivated to help his team bounce back after last year`s Memorial Cup Final loss.
Cowan is a skilled player with an aggressive, in-your-face style. He plays physically, challenges opponents, demonstrates excellent puckhandling, and generates dangerous scoring opportunities. His strong chemistry with Kasper Halttunen was crucial to London`s OHL Championship run, and he is expected to be a major focus of attention over the next ten days.>
Kasper Halttunen, San Jose Sharks
Named the MVP of the OHL playoffs, Halttunen netted 15 goals in 17 playoff games, including multiple hat tricks in the OHL final. He dominated playoff competition and will be the primary target for opponents attempting to shut down London`s offense in the Memorial Cup.
For London to succeed as tournament favorites, Halttunen will likely need to be the leading goal scorer. He possesses an NHL-ready shot from distance and is effective at deflecting pucks and driving towards the net. His one-timer is a potent weapon on the power play. Halttunen is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the tournament and a top priority for opposing teams to neutralize.
Sam O`Reilly, Edmonton Oilers
The two-way center was outstanding for London throughout the OHL playoffs, recording 22 points while consistently tasked with neutralizing the opponent`s top forwards. He will play a vital role in shutting down players like Gavin McKenna, Andrew Basha, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jacob Mathieu.
O`Reilly excels on the penalty kill and as a matchup center due to his relentless pursuit of the puck, effective stickwork in breaking up passes, and success in puck battles. Coach Dale Hunter trusts O`Reilly in critical situations, deploying him in all key moments. If he can effectively limit the impact of opposing star players while contributing around four points, London will be in a strong position.
Sam Dickinson, San Jose Sharks
As one of London`s two standout defensemen, Dickinson is their primary offensive blueliner, contributing 31 points in the OHL playoffs. He has been an excellent junior player and is projected to become a top-pair defender in the NHL.
Dickinson is expected to provide steady defensive play, disrupt opposing attacks, and thwart offensive threats. His strength lies in playing a simple defensive game while effectively joining the offensive rush using his excellent skating ability. He can shift the momentum of the game from the backend, and if he avoids defensive errors, the Knights will be in good shape.
Oliver Bonk, Philadelphia Flyers
While not as offensively flashy as Dickinson, Oliver Bonk is heavily relied upon by Coach Hunter to handle the toughest matchups. He is a dependable presence on the blue line, effectively shutting down opponents by steering them to less dangerous areas and ending plays.
Bonk is primarily a defense-first player who maintains good defensive positioning. His strong gap control allows him to force turnovers, guide opponents through the neutral zone, and force dump-ins. Hunter needs him to neutralize junior hockey`s top players, which will be a significant test of Bonk`s ability against future NHLers. Winning his matchups against players like McKenna, Desnoyers, and Cataford will be crucial for the Knights` chances of winning the Memorial Cup.
Medicine Hat Tigers
WHL
Cayden Lindstrom, Columbus Blue Jackets
After missing a year due to injury, the No. 4 overall pick from 2024 returned to tally four points in four WHL championship games. With a year of development missed, Lindstrom will be under close scrutiny at the Memorial Cup. He needs to effectively use his size to protect the puck, drive to the middle of the ice, and consistently pose a scoring threat.
Lindstrom has the potential to significantly impact Medicine Hat`s performance by driving offense and physically imposing himself on opponents. He is the team`s X-factor; if he performs at his peak, the Tigers have a realistic chance to win. If he struggles to play his best, they may find it difficult to match the depth of London and Moncton.
Gavin McKenna, 2026 draft prospect
Expect to see several viral plays from Gavin McKenna during the Memorial Cup. One of the top players outside the NHL, McKenna is not eligible for the draft until 2026.
McKenna possesses breathtaking offensive abilities, elite hockey sense, and consistently outmaneuvers defenders. He is the most gifted player in this tournament, and if Medicine Hat is to win, he will likely lead in scoring. McKenna is a threat with and without the puck, in the offensive zone and in transition, and junior-level opponents have not effectively contained him. He is a truly special talent and has the rare opportunity, unlike past stars such as Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard, to showcase his skill in the Memorial Cup.
Ryder Ritchie, Minnesota Wild
A point-per-game player in the WHL playoffs, Ritchie receives less media attention than McKenna, Lindstrom, and Basha, but he is a very effective offensive talent. A dual threat, Ritchie adjusted to Medicine Hat`s system after an August trade from Prince Albert and hit his stride as the season progressed.
Ritchie has a powerful shot, and his playmaking skills prevent defenders from solely focusing on his shot or pass. He can drive offense, create scoring opportunities, and facilitate plays for teammates. Medicine Hat requires him to generate offense and be a catalyst in the middle of the lineup to provide scoring depth.
Andrew Basha, Calgary Flames
Basha missed a significant portion of the regular season and playoffs recovering from ankle surgery but made an immediate impact upon his return. At his best, Basha is a dynamic offensive threat who beats defenders with speed. He can contribute in multiple ways, possessing both playmaking and scoring ability.
Although more of a playmaker than a shooter, Basha will be a key contributor to Medicine Hat`s offense at even strength and on the power play. Playing alongside talents like Lindstrom, McKenna, and Ritchie, he has ample opportunities to create plays. He is the type of player who elevates his teammates` performance and occasionally displays flashes of truly elite offensive skill.
Tanner Molendyk, Nashville Predators
With 20 points in 18 playoff games, Molendyk remains an elite junior defenseman. He is exceptionally effective at defending against rushes, a crucial skill against players like Easton Cowan, Kasper Halttunen, and Caleb Desnoyers. His identity as a two-way defender who moves the puck well and defends the rush provides a strong projection as a top-four defenseman in the NHL.
Molendyk neutralizes elite offensive talent in transition with his excellent skating and puck-moving ability. He is the leader of Medicine Hat`s defense corps and the player relied upon to drive play from the blue line. Expect him to play a significant role in all game situations for the Tigers at the Memorial Cup.
Rimouski Océanic
QMJHL
Mathieu Cataford, Vegas Golden Knights
The two-way forward will be essential for the host team, who lost to Moncton in the QMJHL Final. Cataford is a well-rounded player who brings considerable value on both ends of the ice. He will need to be effective on the forecheck, create offense with his passing skills, and get quick shots off from scoring positions.
He possesses the strength and skill to drive transition play and create chances around the net. He is capable of playing in all situations and must be a catalyst in all three zones for Rimouski to compete against the champions from the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL.
Jacob Mathieu, Undrafted free agent
As the leading point producer in the QMJHL playoffs, the 21-year-old undrafted player will need to spearhead the offense for the hosts in the Memorial Cup. He is aiming to make an impression to earn an invitation to an NHL development camp and potentially an entry-level contract.
Mathieu registered 31 points in 23 playoff games, including four goals and seven points in the QMJHL Final. He has rediscovered the offensive game teams hoped to see in his draft year, and it has peaked at the right time for Rimouski. They will need him to continue producing and driving offense, as well as supporting plays across all three zones. If Mathieu maintains his performance level at the Memorial Cup, he will undoubtedly receive consideration for an NHL contract this fall.
Spencer Gill, Philadelphia Flyers
The big, right-handed defenseman missed the entire QMJHL playoffs with a broken ankle but is hopeful to return for the Memorial Cup. If he is cleared to play, he can be a difference-maker on the backend with his physicality and transition ability.
There is no official update on his readiness, but Gill`s presence would significantly boost the host`s prospects after their 4-2 loss to Moncton in the QMJHL Final.
Moncton Wildcats
QMJHL
Caleb Desnoyers, 2025 draft prospect
Desnoyers has a unique opportunity to make a final impression on scouts and NHL executives long after many of his draft-eligible peers have finished playing. While others prepare for the combine, Desnoyers is focused on leading his team in the Memorial Cup.
An excellent two-way player, Desnoyers possesses exceptional hands and strong playmaking ability. He plays aggressively against opponents and can effectively neutralize their top players. Moncton expects him to lead the offensive charge while going head-to-head against key opposing players. A standout performance on both sides of the puck could see Desnoyers climb into the top 5 by the time the draft arrives.
Gabe Smith, Utah Mammoth
One of Moncton`s top performers in the playoffs with 22 points in 19 games, the large center will continue to provide key depth after scoring the series-clinching goal in the QMJHL Final. He is a dominant presence at the net front, extremely difficult to move, and proven capable of deflecting pucks and finishing rebounds in close.
At 6-5 and 207 pounds, he is almost too imposing for the junior level, using his size to win battles, forecheck effectively, and fend off opponents. He should continue to physically dominate players at the Memorial Cup, even if he lacks dynamic skill. He plays an effective power-forward game and can shift momentum with a big hit or physical engagement.
Juraj Pekarcik, St. Louis Blues
Expected to play on the top line with Desnoyers, Pekarcik scored nine goals in the QMJHL playoffs, including goals in the first three games against Rimouski in the Final. Pekarcik is one of the smarter players on the Wildcats roster and can execute plays at a high speed. He understands how to read defensive coverage, identify openings, and attack them with pace. He effectively takes advantage of what defenders allow and will need to continue doing so alongside Desnoyers.
He will play a key role on the power play by retrieving pucks, directing the puck towards the net, and exploiting defensive schemes.
Etienne Morin, Calgary Flames
One of the standout defensemen in the QMJHL playoffs, Morin is the offensive engine for Moncton from the back end. Contributing 11 power-play points this postseason, Morin was a major factor in the Wildcats consistently punishing opponents for penalties.
He quarterbacks Moncton`s power play, poses a shooting threat from the point, and facilitates scoring chances for Desnoyers and Pekarcik. Defensively, he plays a physical game, punishing opponents while effectively moving the puck and escaping trouble. He will play significant minutes against the tournament`s top players and will be required to shut them down for Moncton to achieve success.
Gareth Tenby 
Duncan Priestley