Cameron Schmidt (RW, R, 5’7″, 161, Vancouver Giants, 01/19/2007)
Right wing Cameron Schmidt is a dynamic, offensively gifted right shot goal scorer who plays with elite speed and high hockey IQ. Despite his smaller frame, he competes fearlessly in all areas of the ice, showcasing creativity, quickness, and a high end motor. His ability to generate scoring chances at high speed and navigate tight spaces makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 draft class. However, his physical limitations and a tendency to rely on teammates in puck battles remain areas for National League scouts to watch.
Strengths:
Skating and Speed:
Schmidt possesses game-breaking speed, combining elite acceleration, agility, balance, and edgework.
His ability to change gears and handle the puck at full speed makes him difficult to defend, particularly in transition.
His ability to generate top speed in one stride backs defenders off the blue line, creating space for himself and his linemates.
Offensive Creativity:
Cameron consistently finds seams in defensive structures, creating scoring opportunities for himself and teammates.
His quick strong hands and high hockey IQ allow him to adapt to changing situations and sequences without slowing down, such as handling poor passes in his feet or behind him without losing a stride.
He has a deceptive, quick-release shot and excels in high-danger areas near the net, averaging 3.2 grade “A” scoring opportunities per game.
Situational Awareness:
Schmidt demonstrates excellent positional awareness, knowing when to quietly slide into open ice or use his size to his advantage by staying under his opponent’s hips to roll off contact into the scoring area.
His head-up play and ability to change speeds enable him to connect with teammates to create 2-on-1s or odd-man rushes out of what appears to be nothing.
Compete Level and Physicality:
Despite his size, Schmidt engages in physical play, delivering 1.04 hits per game and showing a willingness to play through and initiate contact.
He works tirelessly to recover loose pucks (1.81 recoveries per game) and contribute defensively, particularly with an active stick on the backcheck.
Goal-Scoring Instincts:
Schmidt has a natural scorer’s mentality, consistently positioning himself around the net to capitalize on rebounds, quick passes or lapses in defensive zone coverage.
His scoring prowess was evident at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he netted three goals, often by driving to high-danger areas.
Areas for Improvement:
Size and Strength:
At 5’7″ and 161 lbs, Schmidt’s size limits his effectiveness in physical battles, where he currently wins just 36% of 50/50 situations.
Strengthening his frame will help him withstand checks, maintain puck control, and improve his defensive reliability.
Puck Battles:
Schmidt often relies on linemates to retrieve pucks, a tendency he needs to overcome by using his elite skating and agility to be more aggressive in board battles.
Shot Accuracy and Consistency:
While he generates a high volume of shots (6 attempts per game), 1.31 of his attempts are blocked, and he occasionally misses the net to the wide-side when looking for the perfect shot.
Purposeful shots from poor angles will enhance his offensive impact.
Turnovers:
Averaging 7 giveaways per game, Schmidt can force plays or overhandle the puck, particularly in the grey areas.
Developing better puck management skills will enable him to be used in higher leverage 5-on-5 situations in the National League.
2024/25 WHL Season with Vancouver Giants:
Playing significant minutes (17:54 per game) and contributing consistently on the power play (3:14).
Averages 3.5 shots on goal and 3.2 grade “A” scoring chances per game.
2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup:
Recorded three goals and one assist in four games, tying for the team lead in goals.
Showcased elite speed, puck-handling, and the ability to capitalize on Grade “A” scoring opportunities.
Projection
Cameron Schmidt projects as a top-six winger in the NHL, with the potential to thrive in a high-tempo, offensively driven system. His elite speed, offensive creativity, and relentless work ethic make him an appealing prospect. If he can add strength, improve his puck battle success, and refine his shot deception, Schmidt could overcome his size limitations and become a consistent scoring threat at the professional level.
Draft Outlook: Mid to late first round in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Comparison: Cole Caufield — a smaller forward with elite skating, scoring ability, and the potential to defy size concerns with high skill and compete level. As of this writing Caulfield has 99 goals, 83 assists for 182 points in 240 NHL games.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images