Memorial Cup 2025: 10 Players to Watch

The 2025 Memorial Cup is here, and on this week’s episode of Cherry Picking, we’re breaking down 10 of the most exciting prospects to keep an eye on in Rimouski.

Medicine Hat Tigers

Tanner Molendyk (D, Nashville)

One of the fastest skaters in the tournament, Molendyk moves the puck with confidence. While Canada's WJC didn’t go well, his upside remains clear.

Cayden Lindstrom (C, Columbus)

Lindstrom brings power and poise. Unlike most big-bodied players his age, he skates well and uses his size effectively.

Bryce Pickford (D, 2024 Draft Eligible)

A likely late-round pick, Pickford’s playoffs have been strong. He moves the puck well but still needs to round out the defensive side of his game.

London Knights

Sam Dickinson (D, San Jose)

Arguably the best defenseman in the Memorial Cup. He hasn’t shined the same way internationally, but his CHL résumé is rock solid.

Easton Cowan (C/W, Toronto)

Cowan’s high motor and versatility make him a key piece up front.

Kasper Halttunen (RW/LW, San Jose)

With a cannon of a shot and a productive AHL cameo (4 points in 6 games), Halttunen is one to watch.

Alexei Medvedev (G, 2024 Draft Eligible)

Despite not playing currently, Medvedev is a projected top-60 pick. He’s a bit of a mystery without top international reps — but there’s clear upside.

Henry Brzustewicz (D, 2024 Draft Eligible)

His older brother was a Canucks pick, and Henry’s breakout passes and poise under pressure make him a second-round name to monitor.

Moncton Wildcats

Caleb Desnoyers (C, Projected Top 10 Pick)

He’s a dynamic skater who thrives off the rush and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Strong playoff production and previous international experience make him a top draw.

Rimouski Océanic

Mathis Langevin (G, Undrafted)

The host team’s goalie has been lights out with a 1.57 GAA and .944 SV%. He’s not ranked, but this Cup could be his ticket into the draft conversation.

Team Snapshots & Draft Breakdown

Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Record: 47-17-4

Memorial Cup Appearances: 6 (1987, 1988 champs)

Drafted Players:

• G Harrison Meneghin (TBL)

• D Tanner Molendyk (NSH)

• D Niilopekka Muhonen (DAL)

• D Veeti Väisänen (UTAH)

• LW Andrew Basha (CGY)

• C Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ)

• RW Ryder Ritchie (MIN)

• LW Hunter St. Martin (FLA)

Draft Eligibles:

• G Jordan Switzer (#25 NA Goalie)

• D Bryce Pickford (#100 NA Skater)

• D Jonas Woo (#156 NA Skater)

• F Kadon McCann (#116 NA Skater)

London Knights (OHL)

Record: 55-11-2

Memorial Cup Appearances: 7 (2005, 2016 champs)

Drafted Players:

• D Cam Allen (WSH)

• D Oliver Bonk (PHI)

• D Sam Dickinson (SJS)

• D Jared Woolley (LAK)

• C Denver Barkey (PHI)

• C/W Easton Cowan (TOR)

• RW/LW Kasper Halttunen (SJS)

• C Jacob Julien (WPG)

• LW Blake Montgomery (OTT)

• C/LW William Nicholl (EDM)

• LW Jesse Nurmi (NYI)

• C Sam O’Reilly (EDM)

Draft Eligibles:

• G Alexei Medvedev (Projected Top 60)

• D Henry Brzustewicz (Projected Top 60)

• F Noah Read (#157 NA Skater)

• LW Evan Van Gorp (#193 NA Skater)

Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Record: 53-9-2

Memorial Cup Appearances: 3 (2006, 2010, 2025)

Drafted Players:

• G Rudy Guimond (DET)

• D Dyllan Gill (TBL)

• D Loke Johansson (BOS)

• D Dylan MacKinnon (NSH)

• D Étienne Morin (CGY)

• F Juraj Pekarcik (STL)

• C Gabe Smith (UTAH)

Draft Eligibles:

• C Caleb Desnoyers (Top 10 pick)

• C Julius Sumpf (#115 NA Skater)

Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)

Record: 46-14-4

Memorial Cup Appearances: 5 (2000 champs)

Drafted Players:

• D Luke Coughlin (FLA)

• D Spencer Gill (PHI)

• D Basile Sansonnens (VAN)

• LW/C Alexandre Blais (ANA)

• RW Mathieu Cataford (VGK)

• LW/RW Eriks Mateiko (WSH)

Draft Eligible:

• G Mathis Langevin