The extensive preparation is complete. After a full season dedicated to consulting with agents, scouts, coaches, and player families, the final mock draft for the 2025 NHL Draft is here, offering a deep dive into the projected first two rounds.
This comprehensive 64-pick forecast blends insider information with insights into team needs and tendencies, alongside the general consensus on prospect rankings. It also explores various potential scenarios and contingencies that could influence decisions on draft day.
Let’s break down the potential landscape of the 2025 NHL Draft, pick by pick, incorporating the latest intel and expert analysis.
The Top 10: Setting the Stage
The top of the draft board is where futures are forged and organizational directions become clear.
1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer (LHD, Erie)
There has been virtually no dissent in recent weeks regarding Matthew Schaefer as the likely first overall selection. For months, scouts have consistently identified him as the undisputed No. 1 prospect in this class. His performance at the combine reportedly solidified this consensus. Schaefer possesses the profile of a top-pairing defenseman and carries himself with the poise and leadership qualities of future NHL captain material.
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa (C, Saginaw)
While the lean remains towards Michael Misa for the Sharks at No. 2, the situation doesn’t feel entirely settled. Recent buzz suggested quiet interest from San Jose in Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers, sparking speculation about alternatives to Misa. Adding to this, one source connected the Sharks to big winger Porter Martone, highlighting the organization’s desire for size on the wing. Interestingly, Misa himself reportedly mentioned to one team at the combine that he wasn’t certain the Sharks would pick him. However, follow-up conversations indicate the majority view is that San Jose is leaning towards Misa, and he is reportedly eager to join the team. If it’s not Misa, the next most likely options appear to be Frondell, then Martone, then Desnoyers.
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell (C, Djurgården)
This pick has consistently felt like a decision between Misa, Frondell, and Desnoyers for the Blackhawks, likely in that order. If Misa goes second overall, the strong bet is that Chicago will take Frondell. Certain prospects like James Hagens (due to size and pool fit) and Porter Martone (due to below-average pace) don’t seem to align with the Blackhawks’ preferred player profile. The thicker frame of Frondell still feels like the most probable outcome here. A significant wildcard is the Blackhawks’ openness to trading this pick; teams including the Rangers, Sabres, and Penguins have engaged in discussions about a potential move.
4. Utah (Mammoth): Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton)
Speculation has linked several players to the Utah pick, including Brady Martin and Jake O’Brien. Desnoyers, however, consistently ranked as a consensus top 4-5 player throughout the year and reportedly solidified his standing with impressive combine interviews. Utah has spent considerable extra time with Desnoyers, viewing him as a potential seamless fit as the future 2C behind Logan Cooley. Notably, Utah has been the team most frequently mentioned in trade discussions leading up to the draft, reportedly seeking an established goaltender this offseason.
5. Nashville Predators: Porter Martone (RW, Brampton)
The sense around this pick has remained constant. While the Predators might consider Hagens, Martin, or Desnoyers if available, their significant scouting presence in Brampton this year, including upper management, points strongly towards Martone as their target. Martone offers the high-skill, top-of-the-lineup forward prospect the organization has long sought. Right-shot wingers with his size and profile are a rare commodity, even if center is often viewed as a more premium position.
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Brady Martin (C, Soo)
The Flyers hold a high regard for the trio of Martin, O’Brien, and Hagens. Multiple sources have stated that O’Brien and Martin “don’t get past the Flyers.” Despite this, with Utah potentially taking one of them, there’s a scenario where one or both could still be available. Philadelphia has invested extra time with all three. However, many around the league anticipate the Flyers selecting Martin. It’s plausible they identified Martin as a reachable target while Hagens was seen as less likely to fall, though they’d take him if he did. While Hagens has personal appeal, Martin is highly valued by many teams near the top of the draft for easily understandable reasons.
7. Boston Bruins: James Hagens (C, Boston College)
Leading up to the draft, there was a strong sense that Martin, O’Brien, and Hagens would all be gone by the time the Bruins picked at No. 7. Yet, by definition, one of the consensus top eight players must fall outside the top seven. The Bruins have reportedly explored trading up. It’s noteworthy that the Flyers and Bruins, picking back-to-back, seem to covet the same three centers. Hagens, if available, represents a high-end piece that makes significant sense for the Bruins as they look to build their future core. Boston has a clear need for a top-six center, and players like Martin and O’Brien have also been heavily linked, with Martin having dinner with the team and O’Brien’s strong second half boosting his stock.
8. Seattle Kraken: Jake O’Brien (C, Brantford)
Multiple contacts were convinced O’Brien would land with Utah, Philadelphia, or Boston in the 4-7 range. However, assuming he falls to No. 8, the Kraken are likely to select whichever player from the consensus top eight remains. Despite not drafting a defenseman high in recent years, a blueliner pick is inevitable eventually, but perhaps not this year. Roger McQueen could also be considered, offering a different center profile compared to their recent high picks.
9. Buffalo Sabres: Radim Mrtka (RHD, Seattle)
Reports have consistently linked the Sabres to Radim Mrtka. If Mrtka isn’t the pick, Roger McQueen is another possibility. The Sabres could benefit from McQueen’s size in their prospect pool and also need a premium center prospect. Mrtka, a large right-shot defenseman with size and mobility, fits a significant organizational need and has been projected to the Sabres by multiple analysts, including those who highlight his effective puck movement and defending, offering a unique combination of attributes. Other mock drafts have linked the Sabres to O’Brien, Aitcheson, Frondell, Martin, and Eklund, showcasing the range of options considered for this pick, though Mrtka is the final prediction here.
10. Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen (C, Brandon)
As previously reported, the Ducks reportedly had a “sneaky” dinner with McQueen just before the combine, suggesting strong interest. He makes considerable sense for Anaheim. While they have a solid prospect pool at both forward and defense, they are slightly more likely to target whichever top forward remains available. McQueen would add to their unique mix of young players alongside Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish, bringing significant size potential. While their defensive depth is good, they lack a defenseman quite like Mrtka, who could also be of interest if available. Aitcheson and Stian Solberg have similar competitive traits, potentially drawing them to the Barrie Colts defenseman. However, McQueen feels like the most logical fit and is projected to go in the top 10-11 range.
Rounding Out the First Round (Picks 11-32)
Beyond the initial top picks, the first round features teams addressing specific needs, organizational archetypes, and taking high-upside swings.
Pittsburgh Penguins (11): Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD, Barrie)
The Penguins have shown interest in moving up, targeting players like Martone, McQueen, and Mrtka. With no trades included in this mock and those players gone, the focus shifts. Aitcheson, a left-shot defenseman, makes sense given the rise of right-shot Harrison Brunicke. His competitiveness aligns with targets.
New York Rangers (12): Jackson Smith (LHD, Wenatchee)
The Rangers face a significant decision stemming from the J.T. Miller trade – keep this No. 12 pick or defer to their unprotected 2026 first-rounder. Keeping the pick strengthens their prospect pool immediately and capitalizes on the likely higher value of picking at No. 12 compared to a potentially later pick in 2026 if the team remains competitive. However, it risks leaving their 2026 draft cupboard bare and, in a disaster scenario, could yield a high lottery pick for the Penguins if the Rangers struggle. While some in the league believe the Rangers target Aitcheson if he’s available, with him gone, Smith is the projection. The Rangers’ pool needs defensive prospects more than forwards (unless a premium forward is available), and Smith is seen as a top-10 range defenseman. Logan Hensler could also be in play here. The Rangers tend to target competitive, hard-nosed players, which fits Smith’s profile.
Detroit Red Wings (13): Victor Eklund (RW, Djurgården)
The Red Wings, under Steve Yzerman, have a clear type, but this year presents multiple fitting players in their range. Aitcheson or Smith could be options if available. If not, forwards like Carter Bear, Justin Carbonneau, Eklund, Braeden Cootes, and Cole Reschny fit the mold. Cootes and Reschny are likely too early here relative to consensus, and Detroit has solid center prospects. Bear and Eklund are closest to the archetype. While Bear’s left shot, size need, and previous injury/interviews made Eklund (higher consensus ranking, type fit) the slight lean, Bear is still absolutely possible.
Columbus Blue Jackets (14): Lynden Lakovic (LW, Moose Jaw)
Consistently linked to Jackson Smith (if available) and Lakovic. Lakovic, a big left-shot winger with an appealing skating-skill package, fits as a potential versatile top-nine forward. While adding a defenseman like Cameron Reid (trending up) is tempting, it’s not seen as the right fit or range for Columbus.
Vancouver Canucks (15): Braeden Cootes (C, Seattle)
Cootes is expected in the 15-20 range, and the Canucks interviewed him at the combine. Familiarity exists through the proximity to Seattle. Their top prospects are a defenseman and a winger, but adding a winger isn’t precluded. While they need talent and might prioritize higher skill like Carbonneau or Bear, Cootes makes sense as a projectable middle-six center. Cameron Reid is also within their range here.
Montreal Canadiens (16): Cameron Reid (LHD, Tri-City)
Despite fan apprehension about taking Reid given Lane Hutson’s presence, the Canadiens are reportedly high on him. His offensive talent shouldn’t prevent building a strong defensive corps. He’s an impressive player the fanbase would likely embrace.
Montreal Canadiens (17, via CGY): Carter Bear (LW, Red Deer)
Considering the Canadiens’ current roster and prospect pool heavy on players who prefer playing right wing (Suzuki, Caufield, Laine, Slafkovský, etc.), left-shot wingers like Lakovic and Bear become more appealing than a right-shot winger like Carbonneau with their second first-round pick. Bear, an up-and-down top-nine winger capable of playing with various linemates, feels slightly more likely than a center like Reschny, despite their desire for a 2C. An off-board mention linked to Montreal is Cullen Potter, though this is early for him.
Calgary Flames (18): Justin Carbonneau (RW, Rimouski)
The Flames are deepest on defense and have more wingers than centers. Reschny is a consideration if available. However, existing wingers like Matvei Gridin or Aydar Suniev don’t prevent taking another winger, and a second-tier winger is likely available. While questions exist about Carbonneau’s defensive play, skating, agency switch, and perceived cockiness (though viewed as minor), they might be just enough for him to slightly slip despite his legitimate skill-scoring-size-physicality package. He’s seen by some, including the author, as the best player available here and a player the Flames’ pool could use. If they take a winger here, they could target a center later.
St. Louis Blues (19): Cole Reschny (C, Victoria)
Reschny could potentially go just ahead of the Blues (Canucks, Canadiens, Flames). If he reaches them, they’d strongly consider him as a great fit, adding center depth behind Dalibor Dvorsky. He’s considered the floor for Cameron Reid, though Reid isn’t expected to fall this far. Logan Hensler is also in the mix.
Columbus Blue Jackets (20, via TOR): Sascha Boumedienne (LHD, Youngstown)
If the Blue Jackets took a forward like Lakovic at No. 14, they are likely to target a defenseman here. Both Hensler and Boumedienne are strong possibilities. Boumedienne, a lefty with offensive upside and room for physical growth, would be a notable story given his past minor hockey ties to Columbus. Even if they took a defenseman at No. 14, adding another here is plausible.
Ottawa Senators (21): Jack Nesbitt (C, Windsor)
Several players in this range fit the Senators’ archetype: competitive MoDo center Milton Gastrin, raw defenseman Simon Wang, Blake Fiddler (start of his range), and Daniil Prokhorov. However, Nesbitt (big center, skill, presence) and Malcolm Spence (6-1 winger, likable, competitive, honest game) feel most aligned with the Senators as prospects in this early 20s range.
Philadelphia Flyers (22, via COL): Daniil Prokhorov (RW, Avto Yekaterinburg)
Prokhorov’s stock is rising. Regardless of their first pick, the Flyers could/should add size. Nesbitt, if available, makes sense as a potential 3C. Prokhorov, a big, strong, competitive winger with skating ability and secondary scoring potential, is also a strong fit, adding size and complementing their contingent of Russian players. He’s projected to go by the early 20s, potentially in the late teens.
Nashville Predators (23, via EDM): Sascha Boumedienne (LHD, Youngstown)
The Predators’ defensive depth is thinner than their forward group, a disparity likely exacerbated by taking a forward high. They are expected to take a defenseman with one of their late first-round picks. Boumedienne and Fiddler are both possibilities due to their strong skating. Fiddler offers size (6-5, righty) as a potential partner for Tanner Molendyk but less puck skill, while Boumedienne (lefty) offers more offense and physical development room. Blake Fiddler’s father’s history with the Predators organization is also a factor. Hensler could also potentially fall here.
Los Angeles Kings (24, via WSH): Blake Fiddler (RHD, Swift Current)
The Kings are likely targeting a defenseman and want to add size, pointing towards Fiddler. Simon Wang isn’t entirely out of the question late in the first. Cameron Reid would be ideal but is expected to be gone. Boumedienne is another option if available. This range also marks the potential start of Henry Brzustewicz‘s conversation for some teams. Hensler could also make it this far.
Chicago Blackhawks (25, via VAN): Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie)
Prokhorov or Nesbitt would be targets for their size, especially if the Blackhawks move up. With both gone, Spence’s speed, competitiveness, and consistent game make him a sensible projectable middle-six winger.
Nashville Predators (26, via TBL): Joshua Ravensbergen (G, Prince George)
Drafting a forward, a defenseman, and the top goaltender (though opinions vary on Russian goalies) would be a successful first round for the Predators. After trading Yaroslav Askarov, adding a young goaltender is a priority. Ravensbergen’s timeline aligns well with Juuse Saros‘.
Washington Capitals (27): Milton Gastrin (C, MoDo J20)
The Capitals have recently drafted skilled, undersized players (Cristall, Hutson, Parascak) but have also drafted many wingers. A center is needed. Gastrin, a projectable 3C who finished strongly at the U18s (attended by a large Capitals contingent), makes sense. Kindel and Potter fit the skilled, potentially undersized profile, though they might transition to wing.
Winnipeg Jets (28): Henry Brzustewicz (RHD, Michigan State)
The Jets’ pool needs defense and goaltending. Ravensbergen is a possibility, but a defenseman is more likely. Brzustewicz and Wang are justifiable in this range. Brzustewicz has a signed London Knights teammate, Jacob Julien, in the Jets’ pool.
Carolina Hurricanes (29, via PIT): Cullen Potter (C, Spokane)
The Hurricanes prioritize skill and offense (Kindel, Ihs-Wozniak, Lee fit this). However, Potter, considered the draft’s best skater, also feels like a Hurricanes swing pick late in the first. Players with his speed are rarely available here, but mixed opinions and his 5-10 size contribute to his range.
San Jose Sharks (30, via NJD): Bill Zonnon (LW, Acadie-Bathurst)
Ideally, the Sharks add a defenseman here. Brzustewicz was a possibility. With him gone, Wang or Max Psenicka might not be seen as late first-round fits. If not a defenseman, an up-and-down winger with pace/skill or pace/work ethic, like Zonnon, is logical. He might fall to Day 2 but could sneak into the late first.
Calgary Flames (31, via FLA): Benjamin Kindel (C, Calgary WHL)
If the Flames took a winger at No. 18, they could target a center here. Kindel, playing for their owned WHL team, makes sense for adding offensive intelligence and skill. A 99-point WHLer isn’t often available this late.
Philadelphia Flyers (32, via DAL): Shane Vansaghi (C, Omaha)
Even with other forward picks, the Flyers could prioritize size again. While a defenseman is needed (behind Oliver Bonk), they have multiple second-round picks to address that. Vansaghi, with late first-round momentum and adding size/heaviness, fits. Prokhorov and William Horcoff would significantly change their pool’s profile.
Into the Second Round: Depth, Swings, and Needs (Picks 33-64)
The second round offers teams the chance to deepen their prospect pools, take higher-risk, higher-reward swings, or target specific needs that weren’t addressed in the first round.
San Jose Sharks (33): Max Psenicka (RHD, Prince Albert)
If the Sharks didn’t draft a defenseman in the first round, expect them to do so early in the second. The 6-5 Psenicka, seen by some scouts as having more skill than his numbers show, fits this range and could eventually slot in behind Sam Dickinson.
Chicago Blackhawks (34): Vaclav Nestrasil (C, HC Plzen U20)
If the Blackhawks didn’t add size in the first round, Nestrasil is a target here. If they did, Alexander Zharovsky (skilled swing) or Psenicka (D) could be options.
Nashville Predators (35): Mason West (C, Regina)
After addressing forward, defense, and potentially goalie in Round 1, the Predators have flexibility. Adding size is a plus, and West fits. Wang (D size swing) or Vansaghi are alternatives.
Philadelphia Flyers (36): Simon Wang (RHD, MoDo J20)
Often assumed to prioritize size, the Flyers also show interest in skilled, smaller players like Adam Benak. However, adding size, strength, and competitiveness on the blue line is likely a priority. Wang’s raw profile, length, and high-end skating make significant sense, fitting the Flyers’ history with Boston University commits.
Washington Capitals (37): Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (RW, Skellefteå J20)
If the Capitals took a projectable center or defenseman in the first round, they might swing on a skill-first player like Ihs-Wozniak, Ryker Lee, or Zharovsky. Ihs-Wozniak offers slightly more size while still developing his physical game.
Seattle Kraken (38): Jacob Rombach (RHD, Färjestad J20)
The Kraken absolutely need a defenseman here. Kurban Limatov or Psenicka are targets. If they’re gone, big defensemen like Rombach or Peyton Kettles will be considered to add needed size to their pool. If they took a defenseman in the first, they might swing on a skilled winger like Lee, Zharovsky, or Ihs-Wozniak.
Buffalo Sabres (39): Shane Vansaghi (C, Omaha)
Trending up late, Vansaghi could go late first/early second. If not drafted earlier, the Sabres, needing heavy players, would likely target him.
Philadelphia Flyers (40): Cole McKinney (C, Tri-City)
McKinney, a well-rounded center projected as a safe 3C, fits the Flyers’ preferred type and organizational depth need.
Montreal Canadiens (41, via EDM): William Moore (C, Muskegon)
One of the few centers likely available early in Day 2 with potential for a middle-six role. The Canadiens, seeking a 2C, should target him if they drafted defense/winger in the first.
New York Islanders (42): Eric Nilson (C, Michigan State)
A well-liked, smart, crafty, and intuitive player with speed and skill, projected for the 30s-40s. Adding muscle is key, but he could be a post-draft riser. He’d be a good fit behind Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman.
New York Rangers (43): Semyon Frolov (G, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk VHL)
Some scouts view Frolov as the top goaltending prospect with high upside. The Rangers might start looking for a young goalie whose timeline aligns with Igor Shesterkin‘s. Matthew Gard is also an option, fitting the competitive player type they like, with a scouting connection (Shaun Sutter).
Detroit Red Wings (44): Peyton Kettles (RHD, Winnipeg WHL)
Kettles is a big, mobile, physical right-shot defenseman with better puck skills than his numbers show, projected for this range. He’s one of the younger players in the draft. The Red Wings need a D prospect of his makeup; he could slot in as depth behind their top defensemen. Rombach is a similar option.
Anaheim Ducks (45, via BOS): William Genborg (RW, HV71 J20)
Acquired via the Zegras trade, Genborg adds heaviness to the Ducks’ pool. A big, strong, hardworking player projected as a bottom-six forward.
Utah (Mammoth) (46, via BUF): Alexander Zharovsky (LW, Omskie Yastreby MHL)
While assumed to only target size, Utah’s group is open to swings. The miniature Adam Benak is liked. Murtagh (thick) is also possible. Zharovsky, a skilled Russian with first-round talent potential, could be a high second-round pick.
Vancouver Canucks (47): Ryker Lee (LW, Notre Dame)
If the Canucks drafted for projectability in the first, they might swing on skill here. Lee possesses some of the draft’s best pure puck skills and impressed at the combine, increasing confidence in his skating development.
Philadelphia Flyers (48, via MIN): Noel Hallquisth (LHD, Brynäs J20)
While the Flyers like Benak, adding size, strength, and competitiveness on the blue line is crucial. Hallquisth plays a hard and efficient game.
Montreal Canadiens (49, via COL): Matthew Gard (RW, Swift Current)
The Canadiens favor highly competitive players like Gard and Carter Klippenstein. Klippenstein’s competitiveness is elite (compared to Florian Xhekaj). Gard is larger and offers similar qualities with more development potential.
New Jersey Devils (50): Jack Murtagh (C, Merrimack College)
A disappointing U18s may have moved Murtagh from early to mid-second round. The Devils need forward prospects who can score.
Boston Bruins (51): Luca Romano (C, Kitchener)
The Bruins, rebuilding their pool, need skill. Romano’s skating/skill package is a second-round grade, projecting for the 50-70 range, though consistency is needed. Conrad Fondrk is another talented option here or later.
Minnesota Wild (52): Aatos Czata (C, Kärpät U20)
Swings like Benak or Cameron Schmidt are possible. D options include Bryce Pickford or Hallquisth. Czata, a competitive, hardworking forward who rose into the second round mix, projects as a solid third-liner.
San Jose Sharks (53, via NSH): Marek Ivankovic (G, Tri-City)
Ivankovic is expected to go in the second round despite his size. If the Sharks take a defenseman here, options include Carter Amico, Pickford, and Limatov. Despite recently acquiring Askarov, taking another goalie fairly high is possible.
Calgary Flames (54): Theo Stockselius (C, Skellefteå J20)
Stockselius needs to improve quickness but is a pro-sized, effective forward capable of different roles, projecting as a potential future third-liner. Projected for the late second/early third.
Nashville Predators (55): Adam Benak (C, ECM Bulls)
Despite his small stature, Benak is liked in NHL circles and expected in the second round, with the Predators showing interest.
Tampa Bay Lightning (56, via CGY): Ryan Behm (C, Moose Jaw)
Once considered a late first-rounder, Behm’s range settled in the mid-to-late second after a regression. He fits the Lightning’s type.
Seattle Kraken (57): Cameron Schmidt (LW, Tri-City)
The Kraken have taken swings in the second round. Schmidt, small but an elite skater and shooter, is a possibility. Pickford (overager, WHL success) is also an option.
Vegas Golden Knights (58): Ivan Ryabkin (RHD, Dynamo Moskva)
Ryabkin might fall to the third round (scout consensus), but it only takes one team. Teams comfortable going against the grain, like the Golden Knights, might take him in the second. Schmidt is also a possibility, as are goalies Pyotr Andreyanov and Lucas Beckman.
Pittsburgh Penguins (59): Tyler Hopkins (C, Kingston)
Hopkins, a competitive and detail-oriented center, fits the management/scouting department’s preference. His connection to Penguins adviser Trent Mann (brother of his former coach) adds another layer. Projected for the late second/early third.
Anaheim Ducks (60, via PIT): Pyotr Andreyanov (G, CSK VVS Samara VHL)
Having not drafted a goalie last year and the prior year’s pick (Clara) struggling, the Ducks could target one here. Andreyanov and Beckman (QMJHL market inefficiency focus) are options.
Boston Bruins (61, via MTL): Carter Klippenstein (C, Brandon)
While not universally seen as a second-rounder, Klippenstein’s 6-3 size, plus athleticism, and plus competitiveness make him a bet as a future bottom-sixer. Projected for the 40-60 range, the Bruins might be drawn after prioritizing skill earlier (similar to their Spellacy pick).
Chicago Blackhawks (62): Kurban Limatov (LHD, Khimik Voskresensk VHL)
Limatov might go slightly earlier but is likely a floor here. The Blackhawks might like him and are willing to wait for a Russian prospect given their existing young D depth.
Vancouver Canucks (63): Bryce Pickford (RHD, Swift Current)
Pickford, an overager, was a draft class story, rising into the second-round mix after a strong playoff run and Memorial Cup, playing significant minutes on the WHL’s best team.
Toronto Maple Leafs (64, via SJS): Will Reynolds (RHD, Victoria)
Reynolds is a new name surfacing in the second-round conversation. He emerged in the second half, possessing size, strength, competitiveness, and NHL-level skating – attributes coveted by teams, especially the Maple Leafs. His August birthday adds intrigue for future development. Other big second-round defensemen like Rombach, Kettles, and Amico are also on the Leafs’ radar.
Several players just missed this two-round projection but could be early Day 3 selections, including Alex Huang, Conrad Fondrk, Lucas Beckman, Ben Kevan, Owen Conrad, Vojtech Cihar, Charlie Cerrato, and Hayden Paupanekis.
