The 2025 NHL Draft is a little over two weeks away, and the CBJ are scheduled to have two picks. Will they make them, or will Don Waddell use them as ammo to make trades? That’s the million-dollar question.
One of the biggest names on the draft board is a goaltender from North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Joshua Ravensbergen
Let’s take a look at who he is and what the experts are saying.
Scouting Report
Team: Prince George Cougars (WHL)
2024-25 Stats: 33-13-4 – .901 SV% – 3.00 GAA
DOB: Nov 27, 2006
Position: Goalie
Catches: Right
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 192 pounds
Ravensbergen is a big kid with tremendous upside, and looks to become the first goalie chosen in the first round since 2021, when Sebastian Cossa(15) and Jesper Wallstedt(20) were chosen. Before them, Yaroslav Askarov(11 in 2020) and Spencer Knight(13 in 2019) were the last goalies chosen in the first round.
NHL Central Scouting has him rated as the top North American goalie. He’s also the only right-handed goalie in the top 20, which is odd. In terms of overall rankings, the various scouting reports have him ranked anywhere from 24 to 63 in the overall rankings.
What The Scouts Are Saying
“An imposing 6-foot-5 goalie who moves well and has elite play reading, Ravensbergen doesn’t have to look flashy because he’s always in the right position. He challenges shooters appropriately, which can lead to situations where he simply engulfs the entire net because of his size.” – Elite Prospects – 2025
“He’s a huge goalie with excellent athleticism and movement skills that he uses to make saves other goalies can’t. Unfortunately, it was an up-and-down draft season for Ravensbergen as he couldn’t find consistency in his game. Ravensbergen struggled with his reads at times and found himself out of position too often, especially for a player of his size. The future is still promising for Ravensbergen as goalie development is never linear. Very high upside here, but as with most goalies – especially at 18 – there are no guarantees.” – Jordan Harris – Dobber Prospects
“Ravensbergen (6-5, 190) has the size NHL teams love. He’s athletic, willing to challenge shooters, and has a quick glove. He reads plays well and can go post-to-post quickly.” –
Adam Kimelman – NHL.com
“Ravensbergen will likely be the first goalie taken in the draft, and he validates a first-round selection. He has all the tools you want in a goalie, with size, athleticism, and technical ability.” –
Kareem Elshafey – FC Hockey
At some point, Don Waddell needs to address the goaltending depth of the franchise, and there is no better place to start than with Ravensbergen. Even if he makes him the 14th overall pick, he still has the 20th pick to play with and move if he chooses. Chances are, if Ravensbergen is still there by 14, I would expect Waddell to make that selection and make him a Columbus Blue Jacket.
If he’s gone by then, do you think Don Waddell makes the pick, or makes a trade?
It’s time for Don Waddell to start cooking.
Let us know what you think below.
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