The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine recently took place in Buffalo, providing all 32 teams with a crucial final evaluation opportunity for the upcoming draft class ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. A key part of the combine is the physical fitness testing, alongside individual meetings between teams and prospects.
Below are descriptions of the various drills prospects completed during the fitness portion of the event.
Grip Strength
Prospects used a hand grip dynamometer, adjusting it to their hand size. They fully extended their arm and squeezed the device with maximum force. This test was performed for both the left and right hands to measure peak isometric strength.
Measurements included Left Hand Grip (lbs.) and Right Hand Grip (lbs.).
Aerobic Fitness (VO2 Max)
This test evaluates a player`s cardiovascular and respiratory capacity – their ability to deliver oxygen to muscles during intense exercise. Assessment involves measuring oxygen usage during maximal effort through volume determination and analyzing exhaled air.
Measurement included VO2 Max (ml/kg/min).
Wingspan
Players extended their arms horizontally straight out to their sides. The measurement was taken from the middle finger tip to the middle finger tip, rounded to the nearest quarter inch.
Measurement included Wingspan (Inches).
Standing Long Jump
Athletes started with feet slightly apart with toes positioned behind a designated jumping line. Using an arm swing for momentum, they jumped horizontally as far as they could from a standing position.
Measurement included Horizontal Jump (inches).
Jump Station (Force Plate System)
This station utilizes an AccuPower Dual Force Plate system to objectively measure the direction, strength, and timing of the three-dimensional (3D) forces generated by athletes during movements relevant to hockey. The system includes synchronized high-speed video and analyzes force vectors produced from each leg, offering immediate feedback for teams to assess movement efficiency, physical performance, and potential injury risks.
Two types of vertical jumps were conducted: one with arm swing and one without (with hands placed on hips). For each jump type, players performed three maximum-effort vertical jumps separated by 10 seconds of rest. The highest vertical jump height achieved from the three attempts for each style was recorded.
Measurements included Vertical Jump (inches) and No Arm Jump (inches).
Bench Press (Power)
Athletes performed repetitions on a standard padded bench press using 50% of their body weight. Lying on their back with a grip roughly shoulder-width apart, they started with arms fully extended, lowered the bar to their chest, paused briefly, and then pushed the bar back up as quickly as possible until their arms were fully extended. Players completed three repetitions at maximum velocity, pausing between each. A device measured the velocity of the bar and the athlete`s ability to produce power.
Measurement included 50 per cent of Body Weight (Power – watts/kg).
Pro Agility Test
Also known as the 5-10-5 yard shuttle (or 15-30-15 feet), this test assesses multi-directional speed, agility, whole-body reaction time, and control. Each prospect performed the sequence twice, completing one sequence starting by moving to the right and another sequence starting by moving to the left.
Measurements included Pro Agility Left (sec) and Pro Agility Right (sec).
Pull-Ups
Prospects completed as many consecutive pull-ups as possible while maintaining proper technique throughout the exercise.
Measurement included Pull-Ups Consecutive (max #).
Wingate Cycle Ergometer Test
After a two-minute warm-up phase pedalling at a low resistance, seated athletes performed intense cycling intervals when given the start command. This anaerobic test measures peak and average power output, as well as the athlete`s ability to maintain power.
Key metrics measured included Mean Power Output (watts/kg), Peak Power Output (watts/kg), and Fatigue Index.
