5 players with NAHL ties on NHL Central Scouting watch list

Following yet another successful Showcase, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) is excited to share that five players with connections to the NAHL have been acknowledged in the NHL Preliminary Central Scouting Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft. Four active players in the league have been recognized as candidates, along with one former player. The list features draft-eligible prospects from major development leagues across North America and Europe. It will be regularly updated throughout the season as scouts assess players.

The NHL Preliminary Central Scouting Rankings consists of a ‘Prospects to Watch’ list for 2025 draft-eligible players. Players on the preliminary list with A ratings are viewed as potential first-round picks. Those rated B are seen as possible choices for the second or third rounds, while players with C ratings may be selected in the fourth or fifth rounds. Players marked with W are considered "watch" candidates for potential sixth or seventh-round picks, and first-time draft-eligible players labeled as "work in progress" have limited scouting history and playing time.

The 63rd NHL Draft is set to take place this summer at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. 

Current NAHL Players:

Henry Peterson, D, Chippewa Steel - Peterson, 17, is playing his first season of junior hockey with the Chippewa Steel after playing High School hockey in Minnesota for Hermantown High School. The 6’3” blueliner has appeared in 12 games to date for the Steel, maintaining a plus-minus of +5 and committed to the University of St.Thomas. 

Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, G, Anchorage Wolverines - Henriquez, 17, is playing his first season of junior hockey and first year in the United States with the Anchorage Wolverines. The 6’1” netminder is a Slovakian native, previously playing for his nation’s U18 international junior program. This season with the Wolverines, Henriquez has posted a 4-1 record, including one shutout while maintaining a save percentage of .931 and GAA of 1.97. 

Michal Capos, D, Johnstown Tomahawks - Capos, 17, is also playing his first season of junior hockey and first year in the United States. The 6’4” blueliner recently made his Division 1 commitment to Western Michigan while playing for the Tomahawks. Through nine games with Johnstown this season, Capos has registered two assists. 

Kyle Jones, G, Oklahoma Warriors - Jones, 17, joined the Oklahoma Warriors this season after spending the last 3+ seasons with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. The Division 1 UMass Lowell commit has posted a 2-3-1-1 record, including a 29 save shutout over the Odessa Jackalopes.

Former NAHL Player:

Ritter Coombs, F, El Paso Rhinos (Dubuque Fighting Saints/USHL)