Scout's Notebook: Four top WHL prospects exceeding expectations

It's looking like the 2025 NHL Draft will be a good one for the WHL. 

In our first 2025 Draft ranking, the WHL leads the way with ten prospects in the top 32, the most of any league. WHLers also take up four spots inside our top 10.

Roger McQueen ranks as the highest WHLer – and the No. 2 prospect overall. Jackson Smith (No. 7), Lynden Lakovic (No. 9), Braeden Cootes (No. 10), Cameron Schmidt (No. 13), and Blake Fiddler (No .14) also took spots in our top 15. 

We've already talked at length about McQueen's start to the season, so let's go in-depth on four of those top-15 prospects, starting with Smith.