Canadians should target Ethan Czata in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft – Hockey Writer – Montreal Canadian

The Montreal Canadaens entered the 2025 NHL admission draft with two second-round picks, which provided them with valuable opportunities to surpass the prospect pool of the first round. Over the past few years, Habs has shown that they can find real talent in the second round of the draft. Ranked 62nd in 2022, Lane Hutson is now one of the most exciting defensive prospects in hockey, while Calder trophy winners are an early draft pick and Owen Beck is working to be a reliable NHL center. Depth this year remains a long-term priority, and one name is the wise goal for Canadians: Ethan Czata.

Overview

Czata is a 6-foot-1-foot-weight, 175-pound center who spent the 2024-25 season with Niagara Icedogs in the Ontario Hockey League. After only 17 points in his rookie campaign, Czata has scored 21 goals and 34 assists this season, scoring 55 points in 68 games. This jump in output is exactly what the Scouts see in draft-qualified strikers, especially the one who plays such a comprehensive game.

What makes Czata’s rise even more impressive is the background. The hockey again entered the lower half of the OHL rankings, meaning he wasn’t riding on elite teammates or inflated team offense. His contribution comes from within, which proves his growing confidence, improved the decisions of hockey and expanded his role in the team.

His game

Czata is not the kind of player who is dazzled with toes or flashy Dekes. His game is built on intelligence, positioning and commitment to two-way matches. Although he may not be labeled as “skilled” in the traditional sense, his hockey IQ is a clear separator.

Defensively, the chest is excellent. He understands spacing, tracks hockey, and consistently performs clever readings in his area. Whether it is supporting breakthroughs, killing punishments, or positioning himself well, he will maintain balance and sense of responsibility. He played a professional style game, which gave him a strong prospect.

On the offensive side, the progress of campus this season is not accidental. His decisions with the hockey became sharper, and he learned how to find soft spots within the defense. He is not a major hockey carrier or offensive driver, but he supports the game well and can find open teammates with smart passes.

Czata may never be a major producer at the NHL level, but the tools he brings, clever positioning, responsible gameplay and subtle offensive instincts allow him to bet safely to play the bottom six roles off the line.

Suitable for Montreal

It’s no secret that Canadians want to build a deep competitive team through the Ice Middle. With Nick Suzuki locked into the top center, a handful of high-end prospects like Beck and Michael Hage, Montreal did a great job of meeting demand, but more options would never be hurt.

Related: Lynden Lakovic is the ideal first-round goal for Canadians in the 2025 NHL Draft

The same mold on the chest is Beck: smart, bidirectional, defensive, able to adapt to different roles. In fact, Baker’s draft year in 68 OHL games, 21 goals and 51 points are almost the same as Czata this season. Despite Baker’s speed and more offensiveness, Czata’s long-term value is similar to a potential third-tier center.

Building a center that can be deployed in tough minutes, performing a defensive zone draw, killing penalties and offensive aspects is real value. Czata checks all these boxes. In a system like Montreal that values ​​structure, energy, and detail, his game can be translated well.

It is also worth noting that Czata’s draft stock is within the right range of Montreal. Most rankings will be extended in the second or early stages of the third round. Habs held a 41 shot and then at 49 only a few positions, which he could easily use when they stepped onto the podium. At that stage of the draft, you often choose between high-risk/high reward players and safe, predictable NHL contributors. Czata is firmly in the latter category.

Each draft class brings a breakthrough name, and they force them into NHL radar with great performance. Czata did this in Niagara this season. He isn’t the most gorgeous prospect, but he plays the mature, smart, consistent game that the NHL coach loves. He took a big step forward on the offensive end without sacrificing his identity as a reliable two-way center.