Caleb Desnoyers sparks wild reactions after bold Jonathan Toews comparison sparks top 4 NHL Draft shock

There’s one young player in the 2025 NHL Draft who’s suddenly getting a lot of attention. He wasn’t talked about much before, but after one big event, everything changed. Now, experts believe he might be picked earlier than expected.

Some are even saying he could be taken in the top four. One hockey expert compared him to a legend.

Caleb Desnoyers is getting compared to Jonathan Toews before the 2025 NHL Draft

Hockey draft expert Kyle Woodlief stated during a segment on NHL Network on Monday, June 24, 2025, that 18-year-old Caleb Desnoyers may shock everyone at the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. June 28–29 will see Las Vegas, Nevada's draft. Desnoyers is now rated as a top-five player, yet Woodlief believes he might rise even more.

Woodlief told the NHL Network that Desnoyers might be taken third or fourth overall, either by the Chicago Blackhawks or the Utah Mammoth.

Those two teams hold the third and fourth picks in the draft. “I think he’s going to squeeze into that top four,” said Woodlief.Center for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, Desnoyers is. Left-shooting at six feet two, he weighs 178 pounds. Chosen for the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, he contributed to Moncton's Memorial Cup Final last year following 35 goals and 49 assists in 56 games for St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Caleb Desnoyers earns high praise for smart play and leadership

Kyle Woodlief adored the way Desnoyers carries himself; his numbers were not just appealing.

Desnoyers surprised scouts in group interviews at the NHL Draft Combine conducted in Buffalo, New York. “He really opened some eyes,” said Woodlief.Woodlief said Desnoyers reminds him of both Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Toews, two players known for their smart, all-around games. “He plays a full 200-foot game,” he said. “There’s no part of his game that isn’t well above average.”Another scout, Jean-François Damphousse, also praised Desnoyers. He called him “a jack of all trades” and said, “He is very reliable in all three zones.” Desnoyers possesses superb judgment on the ice as well as outstanding offensive and defensive ability. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumor: Jonathan Toews Reportedly Choosing Between Jets And Avalanche As Decision NearsThough he lacks the flair of some players, his intelligent play, leadership, and good attitude might make him a leading pick for some clubs. Followers are now watching him very closely as the draught approaches.