top of page
Search

USHL NHL Draft Pipeline: Record 8 First-Round Picks in 2025

Updated: 6 days ago

NHL team logo map of North America showing the geographic locations of all current National Hockey League franchises, with each team’s logo placed over its home city across the United States and Canada.

NHL Teams Drafting USHL Players (2025) - Yellow glow indicates teams that drafted a player from the USHL in 2025.


NTDP Stands for Need To Draft Player

We looked at the 2025 NHL Draft Class to determine the state of today's USHL to NHL pipeline. What the data said is more clear than ever before at signaling the USHL as the premier feeder league. The NTDP may as well be called Need to Draft Player. The USHL set a record 8 first-round picks in 2025, with 45 more being drafted in later rounds. For a look behind the numbers, the story of where these players came from can be seen on the USHL Player Hometown Map. To understand how this record-breaking class solidifies the pathway and how it impacts future player development, dive into our full analysis of the League Pathway.


Final 2025 USHL Developed Draft Results


The USHL produced 1 out of every 4 players drafted to the NHL in 2025 (53 out of 217 total picks). The league averaged 3.3 drafted players per team, which is better than any league globally. 27 out of 32 NHL teams drafted a player with some level of USHL history.


Category

Count / Note

Analysis

Total USHL-Tied Picks

53

Includes 40 direct selections and 13 alumni drafted after NCAA/follow-on leagues.

Round 1 Quality

8 Picks

Signals a marked increase in top-end quality compared to previous years.

Team Focus

Penguins & Sharks

Most aggressive NHL organizations, each drafting four players with USHL experience.

Notable*

Flyers

Selected three straight players with USHL experience in Round 2 (Picks 38, 40, and 48).

Notable*

  1. The three players selected were:

    • Pick 38: Carter Amico (D) - USNTDP (USHL)

    • Pick 40: Jack Murtagh (F) - USNTDP (USHL)

    • Pick 48: Shane Vansaghi (F) - Michigan State (NCAA), an alumnus of the USNTDP system.



Feeder Team Output Rankings (Direct Picks)


The numbers confirm the USHL development path as the most reliable pathway to an NHL contract and the top organizations inside of the league stand out. First is, the NTDP (National Team Development Program) lead the league with 14 direct picks. Behind the NTDP is six organizations that each produced 3 picks.

  • Muskegon Lumberjacks

  • Fargo Force

  • Madison Capitols

  • Lincoln Stars

  • Tri-City Storm

  • Chicago Steel


Producing NHL players this efficiently has earned the USHL significant scouting attention. The depth in the talent pool is remarkable.


Geographic Story: Expanding Hometown Footprint


We dug into A Data-Driven Look at the 2025–26 Season for the USHL to see how USHL exposure translates to NHL opportunities. We confirmed that Minnesota remains the top talent factory in the United States for a variety of reasons, including culture, ice availability, and non-privatized hockey.


Global Growth


However, the landscape is shifting in some ways. The USHL's international footprint is widening with an increase in international talent, bringing in more players from Czechia, Slovakia, and Sweden looking to find pathways into the North American development system.


The league reached a new milestone as Bruno Idzan (Lincoln Stars) became the first player with Croatian nationality ever drafted into the NHL, showcasing the league's international reach.


Future Forecast: Trends for the USHL NHL Draft Pipeline


The 2025 Draft is both a historical measure and a strong indicator of future trends that will impact both the USHL and NHL scouting lens.


Trends Forming:

  • Rising number of first round picks suggests that the USHL is accelerating production of top-tier talent

  • The NHL is developing a preference for drafting defenseman who are faster and more mobile. The game is evolving toward being more dynamic and focused on moving the puck.


Long Run Pipeline Strength


The numbers to support this are:

  • Over 50% of all NCAA D1 player are currently held by USHL alumni.

  • Over 25% of current NHL players have USHL experience.

  • The USHL has produced the most NHL draft picks among all junior leagues since 2012.


The result: The NTDP remains is the top institution and the rest of the USHL is more than just a volume pipeline. United States hockey development is positioned for growth and fueled by talent.





Want to go deeper? Visit our complete Hockey Player Development Guide to explore every resource, article, and strategy for helping your player grow the right way.


Use our Hockey Development Infographics to bring clarity to your website, newsletter, or team resources. Each visual includes a ready-to-use embed code and credit link.

bottom of page