The 2025 NHL Draft is set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater, and the New York Islanders will have the No. 1 pick for the first time since selecting John Tavares first overall in 2009.
The Islanders were the big winners from the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, moving up nine spots from No. 10, when they had just a 3.5 percent chance to do so. It’s the fifth time in franchise history the Islanders will select No. 1 overall. They also took took goalie Rick DiPietro first in 2000, defenseman Denis Potvin in 1973 and forward Billy Harris in 1972.
The other big winner from the Draft Lottery was the Utah Hockey Club, who moved up from 14 to 4 after winning the second drawing.
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2025 NHL Mock Draft
1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD (Erie Otters, OHL)
Schaefer was limited to 26 games this season between the OHL, World Juniors, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge because of a broken clavicle. Despite his injury, scouts loved what they saw from Schaefer and many consider him to be the best player in this draft class. Schaefer is hard to beat in 1-on-1 situations, and is projected to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL sooner rather than later. Schaefer could become the second Erie player to be selected No. 1 overall after Connor McDavid (2015) a decade earlier. Since 2000, four defenseman have been selected with the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft: Owen Power (2021, Buffalo Sabres), Rasmus Dahlin (2018, Sabres), Aaron Ekblad (2014, Florida Panthers) and Erik Johnson (2006, St. Louis Blues).
“Matthew Schaefer is the No. 1 defense prospect in this Draft Class,” Vice President of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said. ” He is the complete package playing a dynamic style that generates results and influences the outcome of games. Schaefer easily projects as a future All-Star in the NHL.”
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C/LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Coming off one of the most impressive goal-scoring campaigns ever seen in the OHL, Misa knows where to get the puck and fire at will. Though he has the ability to play both center and wing, Misa projects more as a winger at the NHL level and has the best offensive instincts of any player in this draft.
Misa is the first player in Saginaw history to win the Eddie Powers Trophy as the top scorer in the OHL, finishing the regular season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists). He tied John Tavares (2006-07) for the most points by an OHL player under age 18 since 2000.
“Every time I saw Misa, I was very impressed with that complete game,” Central Scouting associate director David Gregory said. “I was so impressed with how responsible a center he was on his side of the red line.”
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C/RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)
Injuries derailed the early part of the season for Frondell, but he returned to finish with one of the most productive seasons by a U-18 player in Allsvenskan (second-tier Swedish league) history. Frondell is an intriguing prospect with experience down the middle and on the wing. He has a fantastic shot release and is improving at attacking the puck. Frondell established himself as a potential top-5 pick after making up for lost time.
4. Utah Mammoth: Caleb Desnoyers, C (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)
Desnoyers is a safe bet to become a two-way, top-six forward. Though he’s not huge (6-foot-2, 172 pounds), Desnoyers plays physically, and is one of the smarter centers in this draft with his playmaking ability. He might not be the flashiest, but Desnoyers’ ability to stay calm under pressure is an intangible teams can win with at the NHL level.
5. Nashville Predators: Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
McQueen may be a risky pick given his small sample size — he played just 20 games between the regular season and playoffs. But McQueen was productive, physical, fast and has plenty of skill. He’s also 6-foot-5, scouts like that. He can intimidate, shoot, and pass all in the same shift. McQueen’s pure talent is undeniable, and his upside should overcome concerns about a recent back injury.
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
O’Brien has the skills to be an impressive center in the NHL. He fell just short of 100 points with 98, and showed steady improvement as the season wore on. He has the work ethic and ability to be effective in all three zones.
7. Boston Bruins: James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)
Hagens was the preseason favorite to be the top overall pick, but dropped partly due to other prospects finding ways to stand out. He had a point-per-game freshman season at Boston College (37 points in 37 games), and also had solid numbers (nine points; five goals, four assists in seven games) to help the United States win the gold medal at the 2025 World Junior Championship. Hagens plays a great two-way game and has the tools to be a No. 1 center on many NHL teams.
8. Seattle Kraken: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)
Martone possesses an excellent combination of skill, size (6-foot-3, 208 pounds) and power to have a long NHL career. He fell just short of 100 points (98) in his third OHL campaign, but he was entertaining every night for the Steelheads. Martone is a future top-six forward who can finish plays and play a physical game.
9. Buffalo Sabres: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)
Eklund seemed to always be involved in the puck play at the World Juniors, when he had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games for Sweden. Eklund makes things happen with the puck that very few can. He has decent strength for a 5-foot-11, 161-pound frame. Eklund needs work defensively, but it shouldn’t keep him from playing high up in the lineup. His skating also continues to get better.
10. Anaheim Ducks: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)
Aitcheson has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL. He gives opponents nothing to work with, and his physicality is the biggest attribute of his game. He’s a brutal player who is willing to get involved with just about anyone, registering 88 penalty minutes in the regular season. For teams looking to get tougher to play against, Aitcheson’s raw talent and pure tenacity will be tough to pass up.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)
Mrtka began the season in the top professional league in Czechia before moving to the WHL, ahead of the World Juniors. He’s a big 6-foot-6 defenseman with mobility, offensive skill and other elements to make him an effective NHL blueliner.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins: Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)
Smith is considered by many to be the second-best defenseman in the draft. Smith has so many things going for him, not the least of which is being a physical 6-foot-3 defender who skates well with great mobility.
13. Detroit Red Wings: Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
Carbonneau’s game should translate to the NHL given his high-end attributes. He’s a great skater with an excellent shot release who loves to make big, flashy plays. His willingness to do whatever it takes to generate offense will pay off for NHL teams.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Carter Bear, C/LW (Everett Silvertips, WHL)
Bear was one of the CHL’s most dangerous forwards this season, registering 40 goals, 82 points and 77 penalty minutes in 56 games. A top-notch athlete who is difficult to play against, a lacerated Achilles tendon sustained in March could impact his draft status, though he is skating already.
15. Vancouver Canucks: Logan Hensler, RHD (University of Wisconsin, NCAA)
Once projected to be a potential top-5 pick in this draft, Hensler apparently was passed by other top prospects this season. Scouts want to see more from the 6-foot-2 mobile blueliner. He has good reach and can rough up opponents, while being solid in his own zone. Hensler projects as a second-pairing defenseman at the NHL level who plays a safe game. He won’t be confused for a puck-rushing offensive defenseman.
16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Martin’s game transcends the score sheet, as his play away from the puck is a major asset. He hits everyone in sight, and battles hard for the puck, never giving up on a play. A gamer, a winning player.
17. Montreal Canadiens: Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchner Rangers, OHL)
The left-handed shot (6-0, 183) defender had a solid second half of the season to finish with 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) in 67 games. Reid tied for sixth among OHL defensemen in goals. He is an explosive skater who won’t shy away from physical play, and can effectively quarterback a power play. The 18-year-old projects to be a top-four defender.
18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils): Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)
Cootes is the best available at this spot with Calgary needing to add a top center prospect. The 18-year-old led Seattle with 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 60 games. Listed at 5-foot-11, Cootes plays bigger than his size, and projects to be a player who contributes in all aspects of the game, including the power play and penalty kill.
19. St. Louis Blues: Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)
An appealing prospect due to his speed and tenacity, Reschny led Victoria with 92 points (26 goals, 66 assists), scored seven power-play goals and won 56.4 percent of his face-offs in 62 games. He is committed to play at the University of North Dakota next season. The NCAA schedule will help the 18-year-old to add strength and develop his skills against older competition. Adding Reschny to the organization’s center depth along with 2023 pick Otto Stenberg and Robert Thomas should allow the Blues to compete for more than just a playoff spot down the road.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild): Sascha Boumedienne, D (Boston University, NCAA)
Boumedienne played youth hockey in Columbus when his father Josef worked for the Blue Jackets. Measuring 6-foot-2 with room to fill out, Boumedienne is one of the very best skaters in the draft among defensemen and could be a nice fit within a blue line which will have Denton Mateychuk joining full-time soon. The youngest defenseman in NCAA hockey last season will play a bigger role for the Terriers after he had a strong second half to the season with seven points (three goals, four assists) in his final 12 games. He’s poised, defends well and has the ability to skate and transition the puck well. Boumedienne set a record by a defenseman with 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in seven games for Sweden at the 2025 World U-18 World Championships, en route to being named the tournament’s best defenseman.
21. Ottawa Senators: Milton Gästrin, C (Modo U20, Sweden Junior)
Gästrin would be a good option to address the Senators lack of prospect depth at center. Though he doesn’t have a pretty stride, the Swede skates well enough and is a strong center. He was the captain of Sweden’s U18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U-18 World Championships, where he had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games to help Sweden win the silver medal. A reliable player in the offensive and defensive zones. Listed at 6-foot-1, Gästrin had 42 points (18 goals, 24 assists) in 40 games in Sweden’s junior league, and also made his SHL debut. Considered a playmaker with good speed, and intelligence, the 18-year-old plays a simple and effective game with high hockey IQ and compete.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche): Cullen Potter, C (Arizona State, NCAA)
Potter may be the best skater in the draft. His quickness and multi-directional skating will allow him to find a role in the NHL, potentially as a future top-six center. The 18-year-old had 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 35 games as a freshman in college. Potter had eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games to help the U.S. win the bronze medal at the U-18 World Championships. He’s the son of Jenny Potter, a four-time Olympian inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning): Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)
Fiddler is a 6-foot-4, right-shot American defenseman, who was born in Nashville when his father Vern played for the Predators. With three first-round picks, the Predators can take a look at the blue line after possibly taking a center earlier. Fiddler led Edmonton defensemen in goals (10), points (33) and shots on goal (131) in 64 regular-season games. He had three points (two goals, one assist) with a plus-8 rating and averaged 20:46 of ice time in seven games for the United States at the 2025 U-18 World Championships.
24. Los Angeles Kings: Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
After drafting big Liam Greentree last year, the Kings are in a spot where they could land his even bigger teammate Jack Nesbitt. Checking in at 6-foot-4 and still growing into his body, Nesbitt is a force at the net front and down low. Teams could give pause to selecting Nesbitt due to skating issues, but his size and scoring ability could have his name called even higher in the first round. He plays physical and offers plenty of playmaking and hockey sense. Nesbitt was fifth in scoring for Windsor and contributed on the power play (six power-play goals) and penalty kill (two short-handed goals) while winning 51.4 percent of his face-offs.
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs): Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)
After selecting a center with their first choice in the first round, Chicago can add a talented forward who projects to be a solid goal-scorer. Spence is an aggressive forechecker, a player who doesn’t shy away from the hard areas. He provides a bit of bite up front, and is strong enough to make his presence felt on the forecheck. He could be a very effective energy winger with secondary scoring ability playing in a middle-six role. Spence is a very good skater who can accelerate with the puck on his stick. He was third on Erie with 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 65 games, and had 14 power-play points (five goals, nine assists). Spence had seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games to help Canada win the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. The 18-year-old will play at the University of Michigan next season.
26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks): Joshua Ravensbergen, G (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
Predators general manager Barry Trotz said the timeline is right for Nashville to add a top goalie prospect either this year or next at the draft. With their third pick in the first round, the Predators have a good opportunity to select the best available at the position, coincidentally with a pick acquired from the Sharks for their former top goalie prospect, Yaroslav Askarov. Ravensbergen has the prototypical NHL size, measuring 6-foot-5 and 192 pounds. His athleticism and demeanor also are top qualities. The 18-year-old had a record of 33-13-4 with a 3.00 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in 51 regular-season games. In addition to his standout play in the WHL this season, he also had an assist and made 15 saves on 16 shots in a 6-1 win against the NTDP in Game 1 of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in London, Ontario, on Nov. 26.
27. Washington Capitals: Daniil Prokhorov, RW (Dynamo St. Petersburg, Russia MHL)
A 6-foot-6 forward who hits and scores, Prokhorov is one of the most intriguing players in the draft. He is a player who is very likely to go late enough for a team such as the Capitals to take a chance on. He offers size, skill and physicality, and is strong at the net front. The left-shot forward had 27 points (20 goals, seven assists) in 43 games in the MHL, Russia’s junior league, and was seventh in the MHL with 187 shots on goal.
28. Winnipeg Jets: Bill Zonnon, LW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)
The Jets have had some tough prospect luck in recent years with Rutger McGroarty asking out and Chaz Lucius retiring because of medical issues. Zonnon is a quick player with size and scoring ability who can play wing or center. He has improved during each of his three seasons in the QMJHL, finishing second on the team with 82 points (28 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games. Zonon fits the Jets profile as a player with a high compete level and good habits defensively. The left-handed shot should develop into a key contributor on the power play and penalty kill. He’s expected to play with Blainville-Boisbriand next season after being traded there June 5.
29. Carolina Hurricanes: Jack Murtagh, LW (USNTDP, USHL)
The left-handed shot tied for third on the USNTDP with 53 points (22 goals, 31 assists) and led with seven power-play goals despite missing nine games because of a shoulder injury. Murtagh can play center, though is projected as a better fit on the wing at the NHL level. The 17-year-old is committed to play at Boston University next season.
30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars): Henry Brzustewicz, RHD (London Knights, OHL)
After drafting several forwards in recent years, San Jose can add more puck-moving strength to their back end. The Sharks have a blue-chip prospect in Sam Dickenson, and can add his frequent defensive partner in junior with this pick.
Brzustewicz had 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games. The 18-year-old right-handed shot skates well and can jump into the play. He is strong enough to push forwards away from the front of his net, and should get more ice time and offensive opportunities next season with London.
31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers): Will Horcoff, C (Michigan, NCAA)
Will Horcoff, son of former NHL forward Shawn Horcoff, possesses a lot of the qualities the Flyers should like. He’s big, athletic, physical and has enough scoring touch to make plays near the net. The youngest player in college hockey this season, the 18-year-old had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 18 games after debuting with Michigan on Jan. 3. He had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 28 games with the NTDP U-18 team to begin the season. He makes plays in tight spaces, is effective when he uses his size (6-foot-4, 190) to shield pucks and can thrive in high-traffic areas.
32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers): Benjamin Kindel, C (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)
The right-shot center can play any situation and is an asset on the power play and penalty kill. He is smart and responsible with and without the puck. His 23-game point streak (15 goals, 30 assists) from Nov. 8 to Jan. 12 was the second-longest in the WHL, behind Medicine Hat forward and top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna (40 games). The 18-year-old was seventh in the WHL with 99 points (35 goals, 64 assists) in 65 games and showcased great skating and quickness with strong playmaking ability.
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