With the 94th decide of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars have chosen Cameron Schmidt from the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL)
About Cameron Schmidt
Cameron Schmidt is likely one of the most dynamic forwards on this yr’s draft class and would have probably gone within the higher a part of the primary spherical if not for his 5-foot-8 stature. However, sadly, regardless of the latest success of gamers like Logan Stankoven and Lane Hutson, groups are nonetheless hesitant to take a swing on these kinds of forwards on Day 1. The final time an under-5-foot-10 participant went within the top-15 was Cole Caufield, and look what he’s doing with the Montreal Canadiens proper now. Schmidt may very well be one other success story within the coming years for the Stars, given his NHL-level shot and high-end velocity and agility.
Associated: 2025 NHL Draft Tracker
Schmidt was a frontrunner offensively on the Vancouver Giants this season, scoring 40 objectives and 78 factors in 61 video games. The Giants didn’t go previous the primary spherical of the playoffs, however it wasn’t as a result of Schmidt wasn’t producing. He led his crew in scoring with 4 objectives and 9 factors within the five-game loss to the Spokane Chiefs, recording not less than a degree in each sport. He additionally joined Workforce Canada for the U18 World Championship, the place he got here out with a bang within the opening sport towards Slovakia with two objectives and three factors, however was shut out till the gold medal sport when he received an help in Canada’s 7-0 win over Sweden.
THW Prospect Profile Excerpt
“Schmidt is hoping to observe within the footsteps of 5-foot-8 forwards Cole Caufield and Logan Stankoven as undersized gamers to beat the chances and develop into high-end NHLers. Caufield has starred for the Montreal Canadiens, scoring 116 objectives in 280 video games thus far, and Stankoven is simply getting began, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, with 18 objectives in 95 video games. Schmidt falls extra within the Caufield class as an elite shooter with blazing velocity able to stretching a defence and snapping lasers previous goaltenders.
“Like most undersized gamers, Schmidt additionally has the forechecking, tenacity and fearlessness of a veteran like Conor Garland, who has additionally carved out a pleasant profession within the NHL. In reality, the way Schmidt describes himself is one thing Garland has stated many instances when requested about how he has found success within the huge leagues:
“I simply attempt to use my peak as a bonus…“(I’m) lots faster and extra agile than guys, and I’m capable of defend the puck in numerous methods and use my physique in numerous methods. I’ve simply been making an attempt my finest to work on that and enhance that a part of my sport.”
“Schmidt’s coach, Manny Viveiros, has additionally praised his power and energy, regardless of his dimension at 5-foot-7, 157 kilos. When he was named to the CHL USA High Prospects Problem, he talked about his sport, saying, “Individuals neglect that though Cameron will not be the tallest participant, he’s one of many strongest gamers on our crew…His explosiveness is off the charts. He’s in all probability, by far, our quickest, most explosive participant. So , power is available in completely different kinds and completely different sizes. As soon as groups perceive and see how highly effective he’s in a small physique, so to talk, I believe that’ll sort of alleviate among the issues that they’ve.”
Associated: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Information
“The one criticism scouts appear to have about Schmidt is his lack of defensive sport. The term “one-dimensional” has been thrown around, however in line with Viveiros, that a part of his sport has improved this season. He’s not leaping the zone as a lot as final season, searching for breakaways and on the spot offence, however specializing in his personal finish first. He’s studying that good defence usually results in scoring probabilities the opposite manner, and that may serve him properly down the road as he works his manner into the NHL.
“Backside line, identical to Stankoven, Garland, and Caufield, Schmidt packs loads of punch in a small bundle, and contemplating he’s already engaged on his defensive shortcomings, don’t be stunned if we’re speaking about him in the identical vein as that trio just a few years down the highway.”
Full participant profile may be discovered right here.
How This Impacts the Stars’ Plans
The Stars are very conversant in drafting smaller gamers, having chosen now former Star Logan Stankoven. This can grow to be a large steal within the coming years as Schmidt has first-round ability and fell into the late third spherical. The Stars have a knack for swinging on ability and hitting residence runs, and they’re going to get that with Schmidt, fingers down.
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