"Doesn't matter where you go; it's what you do after": Joshua Ravensbergen targets NHL first-round draft pick as Canada looks for next great goalie
Joshua Ravensbergen, the 6-foot-5.25 North Vancouver, British Columbia goaltender, has become one of Canada's standout hockey prospects on the eve of the 2025 NHL Draft. Despite slipping through the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft undrafted, the Prince George Cougars phenom is now estimated to be a first-round candidate, making him an unprecedented Canadian goaltending prospect in a time when top national talent between the pipes has been a rarity.
Joshua Ravensbergen rekindles Canadian optimism within the
NHL
goaltender universe
From forgotten junior to NHL Draft news story, Joshua Ravensbergen's path is exceptional. Passed over in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft, Joshua Ravensbergen never allowed the disappointment to define him. Through boundless work and progress, he carved out a spot as one of the top 2025 NHL Draft prospects—this time, as an athletic goaltender who is tough to defeat and tougher to ignore. For Joshua Ravensbergen, this summer's NHL Draft might become an individual milestone—and an emblematic moment for Canadian goaltending.
The problem, Joshua Ravensbergen thinks, is limited CHL opportunities and results-oriented development design. But with the new CHL-NCAA transfer agreement now established, he envisions greater latitude for late-blooming goaltenders to come into their prime through longer development.
2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Josh Ravensbergen
"At the end of the day, it's not really about where you go, and I learned that not being drafted to the (WHL)," Ravensbergen told theScore at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo earlier in June.
"It's what team you go to, then you have to work your way up. At the end of the day, it would be cool, but you have to take into perspective (that) it doesn't really matter as much where you go; it's what you do after."
Also read:
NHL Trade Rumors: JJ Peterka emerges as potential trade piece in Buffalo Sabres' offseason plans
Joshua Ravensbergen is not only pursuing an NHL aspiration, he's also shouldering the expectations of an entire nation eager for its next great goaltender. Approaching the 2025 NHL Draft, Joshua Ravensbergen is not only talented, he is also the promise of a goaltending renaissance in Canadian hockey. And whether he does or does not hear his name called on Day 1, his path already says everything.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NHL Players officially cleared to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina
NHL Players officially cleared to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina (Image Via Twitter) For the first time in over a decade, the Winter Olympic ice hockey tournament will once again showcase the best professional talent ever assembled in the world. With NHL players having been confirmed for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, these players will now participate for the first time since 2014. The long-awaited decision adds waves to the international hockey scene; it embodies a spirit of cooperation between the NHL and international bigwigs. NHL, NHLPA , and IIHF finally seal the deal for the glorious full participation in Milan-Cortina 2026 — TSN_Sports (@TSN_Sports) In what is considered to be the landmark moment in the international ice hockey arena, the National Hockey League (NHL), the Player's Association of NHL (NHLPA), the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have come together to sign an agreement that will ensure the participation of players in the 2026 Winter Olympic games. The agreement had been subject to some verbal assurances until recently-all the parties having come together after months of discussions and finally inked an agreement on the formal participation of NHL players at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is a big thing for the sport, filling a gap since the 2014 Sochi Games. Officials spoke about how this was important in attracting the best talent and world competitiveness, and viewership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Those first mentioned agreed on the framework that may allow NHL players to continue participating in the Olympic Games until 1930. Such long-sightedness is a shared effort for the long-term upliftment of international hockey. Those twelve countries have started working with preparation for the tournament, each confirming the first six cornerstone players in their rosters. The early pickings provide just a taste of the star power that will grace Milan-Cortina. With the tournament scheduled for February 11 through 22, 2026, the planning is underway to ensure that one of the best Olympic hockey showcases in recent memory is put together. Additionally, the agreement paves the way for better collaboration between North American professional leagues and international federations. It fits with the charm of cross-continental contests and exposure for top talent. Also Read: NHL Trade News: Maple Leafs avoid RFA drama, secure Matthew Knies with massive six-year, $46.5 million deal The NHL-confirmed return to the Olympics is celebrated with all hands-waving victory for fans, players, and international hockey. The excitement is building for Milan-Cortina 2026, promising national pride and world-class action on ice. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Jordan Spence joins Ottawa Senators in bold trade while Los Angeles Kings gamble on Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci
(Image via Getty: Jordan Spence) The 2025 NHL offseason is serving up plenty of drama. Few moves have fueled more debate than the contrasting strategies of the Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings. Ottawa's Day 2 NHL Draft trade for 24-year-old defenseman Jordan Spence looks like a forward-thinking bet on youth and value. Meanwhile, the Kings made headlines for all the wrong reasons—spending big on aging, pricier blueliners whose best days might be behind them. It's a clash of philosophies with the potential to reshape both franchises for years. Ottawa Senators plan for future with Jordan Spence while Los Angeles Kings' Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci deals spark questions The trade was finalized during the second day of the 2025 NHL Draft and NHL free agency period in Las Vegas, sending Jordan Spence to Ottawa in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Jordan Spence, a Japanese Canadian defenseman born in Australia, is coming off a career-best NHL season with 28 points and an impressive +23 rating. He's entering the final year of his restricted free-agent deal at just $1.5 million—a bargain price for a 24-year-old on the rise. "Spence was arguably the most underappreciated defenseman on the Kings roster," an NHL scout said on the Draft floor in Las Vegas. "He does so many little things well, but he wasn't getting the credit he deserved in LA." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Empieza a invertir Inscríbete ahora Undo Ottawa's approach this summer has been measured and calculated. Their biggest free-agent move so far has been signing veteran center Lars Eller to a one-year, $1.25 million deal—solid, but hardly splashy. It's clear they see Spence as a long-term investment who can grow with their emerging core. Los Angeles Kings' signings of Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci raise eyebrows in NHL free agency The real fireworks came when NHL free agency opened in early July 2025, and the Kings turned heads with a spending spree many see as risky. Los Angeles signed Brian Dumoulin to a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million AAV) and former Senator Cody Ceci to a four-year, $18 million contract ($4.5 million AAV). 'Ceci's contract was the biggest surprise of free agency so far,' said a league executive at the Kings' practice facility in El Segundo. 'You're talking about paying more for two older players while letting a younger, cheaper option walk.' Dumoulin, now 33, had a rough end to the regular season after being traded to New Jersey at the deadline, though he redeemed himself somewhat by averaging over 29 minutes per game in the playoffs. Ceci, 31, was often a liability in Dallas' 2025 playoff run. Adding to their aggressive moves, the Kings also brought in former Senators goalie Anton Forsberg on a two-year deal at $2.25 million per season—a move viewed as solid depth, but not exactly headline-grabbing. While the Senators quietly locked in a promising young defenseman for minimal cost, the Kings bet big on experience and name recognition. It's a gamble that could define the trajectory of both teams. If Spence thrives in Ottawa and cements himself as a top-pairing defenseman while Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci struggle to live up to their hefty salaries, Los Angeles might look back on this offseason as the mistake that set them back for years. Also Read: Dallas Stars extend their longest-tenured captain Jamie Benn's stay by one year for $1 million | NHL News - Times of India Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
How Bill Zito pulled off the impossible: Panthers keep Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad under cap but lose key free agents
Panthers shut down free agency rumors by locking in Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad (Image via: Getty Images) The Florida Panthers have successfully retained Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad before the 2025 NHL free agency window opened. With just $19 million in available cap space, GM Bill Zito faced serious doubts. But the Panthers managed to secure long-term deals with their core stars, though not without losing important contributors from their championship-winning roster. Florida Panthers re-sign Marchand, Bennett and Ekblad Despite NHL free agency speculation Despite public skepticism, GM Bill Zito stayed true to his word about spending to the NHL salary cap to keep his core intact. Brad Marchand, coming off a Conn Smythe-winning postseason, signed a six-year deal worth $5.25 million annually. Sam Bennett agreed to an $8 million AAV deal, while defenseman Aaron Ekblad committed to an eight-year extension. Marchand and Bennett were both linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs during early speculation, while reports also suggested the Boston Bruins were interested in bringing Marchand back. Ekblad was rumored to be a target for the Utah Mammoth. But all three made their intention clear—they wanted to stay in Florida. Bill Zito: Florida Panthers GM Talks Signing the Big 3, Free Agency, Where He's Taking the Cup Zito downplayed his role in the deals, saying it was the players who made the choice. 'It was those guys,' he told reporters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 모공각화증, 자꾸 긁지말고 '이렇게' 해보세요 현명한소비자 Undo The front office's ability to retain its core sets the Panthers up to challenge for a third straight Stanley Cup. The Panthers lost two key depth players—Nico Sturm and Nate Schmidt—who played important roles in their 2025 Cup run. Sturm, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, returned to the Minnesota Wild, the team where he began his NHL career. Schmidt signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Utah Mammoth after joining Florida on a one-year, $800,000 deal. Both losses hurt Florida's depth, but the top-heavy strategy reflects a win-now mindset. The Panthers are aiming to become the first team in the salary cap era to win three straight Stanley Cups. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017) and Chicago Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015) have won three during this period—though never in consecutive years. Also Read: Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings legend and 3-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 93 The Panthers' cap management, star loyalty, and proven leadership give them a real shot at history, even if depth remains a question heading into the 2025–26 season. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
