CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge 2025: An Early Look at Draft-Eligible Talent

The hockey world turns its attention to Alberta this week as the CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge returns for its second installment, bringing together the brightest young talents from across North America. This unique showcase event pits the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft-eligible prospects against the powerhouse USHL-based USA Hockey National Team Development Program in a two-game series that could reshape NHL draft boards for 2026.

What makes this event particularly compelling in 2025 is the changing landscape of junior hockey. With NCAA eligibility now open to CHL players, several top prospects have already made the leap to college hockey, altering the competitive balance and creating new narratives. The absence of consensus top prospects like Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verheoff, who would have suited up for the US side, adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s challenge. For the players who do take the ice in Calgary and Lethbridge, the stakes couldn’t be higher—this represents a rare opportunity to impress NHL general managers and scouts in a highly competitive environment.

Top CHL forwards generating first-round buzz at the 2025 prospects challenge

Ethan Belchetz enters the showcase as the premier forward from the OHL and potentially the entire CHL contingent. The Windsor Spitfires winger combines a massive 6-5 frame with surprising agility and a scorer’s touch that has scouts drawing comparisons to rhinoceroses on skates. His ability to score timely goals has become his calling card, but the tighter, more structured style expected against the NTDP will test his versatility. A dominant performance could cement his status as a top-15 selection and demonstrate his potential as an NHL power forward who can impact games in multiple ways.

JP Hurlbert brings his WHL-leading scoring touch to the challenge, having torched the league at nearly two points per game. The Kamloops Blazers forward relies on elite instincts and a dangerous shot, but scouts will be watching closely to see if he can elevate his pace of play and willingness to engage in difficult areas. His transition from USHL to CHL this season adds a revenge-game subplot that makes his performance must-watch theater. Playing alongside high-end talent should showcase his finishing ability, but he’ll need to demonstrate he can create offense rather than just capitalize on others’ work.

Mathis Preston represents the wildcard factor among CHL forwards. The Spokane Chiefs dynamo possesses jaw-dropping skill that can electrify crowds and shift momentum in an instant. His skating and puck-handling rank among the draft class’s best, and he’s shown improved physical engagement despite his smaller stature. However, consistency remains the question mark—when Preston forces plays or attempts low-percentage passes, he can disappear from games. This showcase offers the perfect platform to prove he can blend flash with substance against elite competition.

Defensemen who could steal the show at the CHL-USHL prospects challenge 2025

Ryan Lin headlines a deep defensive group that will be crucial to Team CHL’s success. The Vancouver Giants rearguard has exploded offensively with 28 points in 24 games, establishing himself as a one-man breakout machine who can thread passes through the tightest windows. His undersized frame raises questions about his NHL translation, but his defensive improvements this season have caught scouts’ attention. The challenge presents his biggest test yet—shutting down the NTDP’s speed and skill while maintaining his offensive wizardry could vault him into the top-10 conversation.

Daxon Rudolph offers a stark contrast to Lin’s flash-and-dash style. The Prince Albert Raiders defender embodies the modern shutdown blueliner with his 6-3, right-shot frame and methodical, effective approach. While he won’t provide many highlight-reel moments, his ability to neutralize top opposition has NHL teams moving him steadily up their boards. Facing the NTDP’s best forwards in this concentrated setting will allow him to showcase why many scouts consider him a future top-pairing, matchup defender who can anchor a penalty kill and log heavy minutes.

Xavier Villeneuve brings the highest offensive ceiling among CHL defensemen. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada star plays with rare creativity and confidence, constantly joining rushes and creating offense from the back end. His 27 points in 23 games reflect his special talent, but defensive-zone coverage and decision-making remain works in progress. The challenge offers Villeneuve a chance to prove he can manage risk while tilting the ice in his team’s favor. If he limits costly turnovers against the NTDP’s forecheck, he’ll quiet doubters and solidify his case as a top-10 talent.

Carson Carels represents the safest bet among CHL blueliners. The Prince George Cougars defender combines good size (6-2), mobility, and two-way acumen in a package that screams NHL regular. Averaging over a point per game while playing reliable defense in the WHL suggests a prospect with significant untapped upside. His steady, mistake-free style might not grab headlines, but NHL executives love players who can fill multiple roles and adapt to any situation.

USHL standouts looking to prove their draft worth

Mikey Berchild leads the American charge with arguably the best release in the entire draft class. The NTDP forward’s shot catches goaltenders off-guard with its quickness and deception, drawing comparisons to Phil Kessel’s prime years. His elite speed and high-end puck skill allow him to create space and generate scoring chances off the rush. While not physically imposing, Berchild’s well-rounded offensive package has him knocking on the first-round door. A standout performance against the CHL’s physical defenders could push him over that threshold and into the conversation as the top American prospect.

Victor Plante carries the weight of expectation as the NTDP’s leading scorer and the latest product of hockey’s famous Plante family. His older brothers Zam and Max have blazed trails before him, and Victor shares their elite playmaking vision and hockey sense. What sets him apart is his tenacious forechecking and ability to force turnovers despite his smaller frame. The CHL will test him with aggressive stick work and physical play, forcing Plante to demonstrate he can drive offense against top shutdown defenders. Success here would cement his status as a future middle-six NHL forward.

Luke Schairer stands as the NTDP’s best hope for a first-round defender. The big right-shot blueliner combines good mobility with rare poise for his age, rarely appearing rushed with the puck. His defensive game shows advanced structure, while his offensive potential remains largely untapped. The challenge will test his ability to contain the CHL’s high-octane forwards while showing he can contribute to the transition game. A strong two-game set could establish him as the clear-cut top defenseman from the USHL side and validate his late-first-round projections.

Goaltending battles and X-factors at the 2025 showcase

Harrison Boettiger makes history as the first player to appear in the Prospects Challenge twice, but his jersey change adds fascinating intrigue. After representing Team USA last year, the Denver commit now patrols the crease for Team CHL following his move to the Kelowna Rockets. His .921 save percentage in 10 WHL games demonstrates his readiness for this moment, and his familiarity with the event’s intensity could prove decisive. Boettiger’s performance will be scrutinized as a referendum on his developmental path and his potential as a World Junior candidate.

The CHL’s goaltending depth provides insurance through Zachary Jovanovski, whose up-and-down season with Guelph has shown flashes of brilliance amidst inconsistency. His .882 save percentage doesn’t tell the full story—his raw athletic tools and size give him legitimate pro potential. In a showcase setting with elite talent in front of him, Jovanovski could silence critics with a composed performance that highlights his technical improvements.

For the NTDP, the goaltending situation represents the biggest question mark. Brady Knowling and Luke Carrithers have shown flashes but struggled with consistency, posting mixed results that leave scouts wanting more. Their performance against the CHL’s firepower could make or break the Americans’ chances at their first series victory. With Team CHL boasting shooters like Belchetz, Hurlbert, and Preston, the NTDP netminders must elevate their game significantly to keep things competitive.

What scouts will be watching most closely

The modern NHL demands defensemen who can facilitate breakouts and contribute to offense, making this year’s blueline battles particularly important. Scouts want to see how Ryan Lin handles physical pressure and whether Xavier Villeneuve can balance risk with reward. On the US side, Luke Schairer’s development as a two-way defender will be monitored closely. The ability to make quick decisions under forechecking pressure separates good prospects from great ones, and this showcase provides the perfect laboratory.

Physical competitiveness remains a critical evaluation point, especially for smaller forwards like Mathis Preston and Victor Plante. Can they win puck battles against larger opponents? Will they drive to the net through traffic? The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge strips away the familiarity of junior systems and forces players to rely on their raw competitive instincts. Those who engage physically while maintaining their skill level will see their stock rise significantly.

Chemistry and adaptability emerge as underrated factors in short-term showcase events. Players who can quickly read new linemates, communicate effectively, and fill roles without complaint demonstrate hockey IQ that translates to professional success. Scouts will note which players make their teammates better versus those who chase individual highlights. The ability to process the game at high speeds while maintaining team structure separates future NHL regulars from career minor leaguers.

The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge 2025 represents more than just two exhibition games—it’s a pivotal moment in the draft evaluation process where careers can be launched or stalled. With the NCAA eligibility landscape forever changed and traditional development paths shifting, this year’s event takes on added significance as a barometer for hockey’s evolving talent pipeline.

For more in-depth analysis of draft prospects and junior hockey coverage, check out our detailed breakdown of the CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge 2025 key players to watch. You’ll also want to read our companion piece on 2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge top players to watch and what to expect for additional scouting insights and roster analysis.

The players who seize this opportunity won’t just boost their draft stock—they’ll prove they belong in conversations about hockey’s future stars. With NHL general managers watching intently, every shift carries weight, and every detail matters. The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge has quickly become essential viewing for anyone serious about understanding the next wave of NHL talent.