Four University of North Dakota hockey recruits have made it to the final 2025 NHL Draft rankings released by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Sam Laurila, a defenseman playing for the Fargo Force in the USHL, ranked at No. 65 on the list after an impressive season where he finished third in the league in points per game by a defenseman.
Joining Laurila on the list are three other UND commits: Cooper Simpson at No. 74, Andrew O'Neill at No. 81, and Ashton Schultz at No. 83. These players are expected to continue their development in junior hockey before starting at UND in 2026. Not making the final draft rankings were five other NHL Draft-eligible UND commits, including forward Carter Sanderson and goaltender Caleb Heil. Moorhead's Brooks Cullen, a Michigan State commit, landed at No. 165 on the list.
The NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on June 27-28 in Los Angeles, providing an opportunity for these talented players to potentially begin their professional hockey careers.