Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?

Cristall has been one of the WHL’s top scorers over each of the last three seasons and was a final cut by the Capitals and Canada’s World Junior team (after a four-point game at this World Junior Summer Showcase and a primary assist/several chances against U Sports, it should be noted). He registered 44 goals and 126 points in 73 combined games in the regular season and playoffs two years ago to lead the Rockets in scoring by 27 points over 2024 top-10 pick Tij Iginla. Last season, he was the most productive player in junior hockey, split between Kelowna and Spokane, toying with teams alongside Kraken first-rounder Berkly Catton after a trade to Spokane and registering an incomprehensible 69 goals, 104 assists and 173 points in just 76 combined regular-season and playoff games. Though his first-round WHL playoff series and U18 worlds underwhelmed many and combined with concerns about his skating and size (5-foot-10 winger) to result in a second-round selection at the 2023 draft, Cristall has since proven to be one of the most creative, crafty playmakers outside the NHL. He isn’t afraid to try things and possesses a rare ability to play in small areas, pull eyes and bodies toward him and then expose opposing structures to the weak side of coverage.

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