The Western Hockey League (WHL) is set to make headlines this week as it conducts three significant events: the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, and the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. The excitement kicks off on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with the expansion draft for the new Penticton Vees, followed closely by the first round of the Prospects Draft. On Thursday, May 8, the action continues with the remainder of the Prospects Draft and the U.S. Priority Draft.
Results of the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, which will celebrate the addition of the Penticton Vees, are set to be announced via WHL.ca at 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Fans can catch all the action live on Victory+, where the first round of the WHL Prospects Draft will also be streamed for free, starting at 4:30 p.m. MT / 3:30 p.m. PT. The culmination of the Prospects Draft will take place on Thursday following the U.S. Priority Draft.
The Regina Pats have secured the first overall selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, a significant achievement for the franchise. This marks the second time in five years that the Pats have held the top pick, having previously selected future NHL star Connor Bedard in 2020. The anticipation surrounding this year's draft is palpable, especially with the emergence of top talent from Saskatchewan.
Maddox Schultz, a standout from Regina, is the consensus number one pick heading into the draft. Schultz has made waves after a stellar performance at the Telus Cup, leading all players in goals (9), assists (11), and points (20), and earning MVP honors. Additionally, he dominated the SMAAAHL with 93 points in just 44 games, helping the Regina Pat Canadians to both national and league championships. The new WHL rules will allow Schultz to participate in up to 34 games in the 2025–26 season, should he be selected by the Pats. If chosen, he would become the sixth Saskatchewan-born player to be drafted first overall since 2000, joining the ranks of notable players like Brayden Coburn and Derrick Pouliot.
Other promising Saskatchewan talents include defenseman Ryker Doka, who is ranked ninth overall and has demonstrated impressive skills while playing for Delta Academy and the Notre Dame Hounds, accumulating 64 points over two seasons. Kash Elke, hailing from Lanigan, Sask., also stands out after leading the SAAHL U15 with 66 points and contributing to the SMAAAHL’s Tisdale Trojans.
The WHL's commitment to player development is evident as it prepares for these drafts. The league, regarded as one of the premier development circuits for junior hockey players, boasts 22 member clubs across Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Each year, the WHL provides scholarships to over 375 graduates, ensuring that players have the opportunity to pursue their education while developing their hockey skills.
As the WHL Draft Week unfolds, excitement builds not just for the teams involved but for fans eager to see which players will join their favorite clubs. The expansion draft will allow the Penticton Vees to select one player from each of the 22 WHL teams. Each team was given the option to protect either 16 players or three 20-year-olds along with 14 others, creating a strategic challenge for teams as they prepare for the future.
The WHL U.S. Priority Draft, taking place on May 8 at 9 a.m. MT, will also provide opportunities for teams to select talented players from the United States. The Brandon Wheat Kings hold the first overall pick in this draft, which will consist of two rounds and a total of 46 selections. The order of selection was determined by the WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery held on April 10.
Players eligible for the U.S. Priority Draft include 2010-born players who have resided in the U.S. for at least two consecutive hockey seasons prior to the draft. This ensures that teams have access to a diverse pool of talent, further enriching the league's competitive landscape. Players not selected in the U.S. Priority Draft will remain eligible for the WHL Prospects Draft, allowing them another chance to be drafted.
As the WHL prepares for these pivotal events, the focus remains on the future of junior hockey in Canada and the U.S. With a rich history of developing talent for the NHL and fostering a positive environment for young athletes, the WHL continues to be a cornerstone of Canadian hockey.
Fans are encouraged to follow the action closely through WHL.ca for real-time updates and results, as the excitement of the draft unfolds. Whether it’s the expansion draft, the Prospects Draft, or the U.S. Priority Draft, there’s no shortage of drama and anticipation as teams look to build their futures with the next generation of hockey stars.
