The first round of the 2025 NHL Entry draft delivered moments of raw emotion, future star power, and heartwarming tributes. Yet, despite individual highlights like the top pick’s inspiring journey and touching celebrity announcements, the overarching feeling for many observers was one of detachment. This year marked the NHL’s first attempt at a largely decentralized draft outside of the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the experimental format sparked significant debate, ultimately leaving many feeling the event’s traditional energy was diminished.
A New Format Takes Center Stage, But Not the Spotlight
Moving away from the bustling, centralized draft floor that has long defined the event, the NHL opted for a model where teams largely operated from their home cities. This shift, voted on by the league’s governors (reportedly 26-6 in favor), was pitched as a way to save teams travel costs and provide more time for strategic planning ahead of the free agency period. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly highlighted these practical benefits. However, what the format gained in logistics, it seemingly lost in atmosphere and anticipation.
The traditional draft floor was a hotbed of activity – general managers huddled together, hushed conversations signaled potential trades, and the visible tension and excitement were palpable. The decentralized setup replaced this dynamic environment with screens displaying individual team war rooms. While technological solutions were implemented, including remote communication channels for drafted prospects to connect with their new teams, these also reportedly faced glitches, including audio issues and delays. The loss of the shared, in-person experience was a significant point of criticism, leading many, including veteran observers, to hope for a return to the old way.
First Round Winners: Stories That Shined
Despite the format’s shortcomings, several individuals and moments truly embodied the spirit and triumph of draft night.
Matthew Schaefer: Overcoming Immense Adversity
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer became the feel-good story of the draft, selected first overall by the New York Islanders. His path to the top pick was fraught with significant personal and professional hurdles during the 2023-24 season. Schaefer tragically lost both his mother and his billet mother, and the owner of his Erie Otters team also passed away. On the ice, his season was cut short by a broken clavicle sustained at the World Juniors in December. Yet, NHL Central Scouting and the Islanders saw enough potential in his shortened season to rank him at the top. His emotional walk to the stage, wearing an Islanders jersey adorned with a pink ribbon in tribute to his mother, and kissing the ribbon, resonated deeply. The Islanders’ pre-draft trade involving defenseman Noah Dobson further cleared a potential path for Schaefer to make an early impact on the team’s blue line.
James Hagens: Landing Close to Home
Center James Hagens, a highly-touted prospect who had been in contention for the top pick earlier in the season, ultimately landed at sixth overall with the Boston Bruins. For Hagens, a Boston College product and World Juniors gold medalist, this meant staying in a familiar environment. His selection was announced in a memorable video segment by actor Adam Sandler, a nod to Hagens’ fondness for the movie “Happy Gilmore.” With the Bruins looking to bolster their depth down the middle, securing a high-potential center like Hagens is a significant win for the franchise.
Roger McQueen’s Disney Dream
Forward Roger McQueen, selected tenth overall by the Anaheim Ducks, enjoyed a truly unique draft night experience. His pick was announced by actors Joshua Jackson and Marguerite Moreau, stars from the iconic “Mighty Ducks” film franchise. Following his selection, McQueen and his family were treated to a helicopter ride to Disneyland, where he even posed alongside the Lightning McQueen character from the “Cars” movies. This special moment provided a magical twist to his draft celebration.
A Touching Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
Among the roster of celebrity and hockey royalty announcers, one moment stood out for its emotional depth. Meredith Gaudreau, widow of beloved NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, announced the Columbus Blue Jackets’ selections. Her appearance on stage was met with a spontaneous standing ovation and heartfelt chants of “Johnny, Johnny” from the crowd, serving as a poignant tribute to her late husband’s memory and impact on the hockey community.
First Round Losers: Disappointments and Debates
While individual stories provided bright spots, several aspects of the first round fell short of expectations or sparked controversy.
The Decentralized Format Itself
As the central point of contention, the format’s shift away from the traditional draft floor is undeniably a “loser” in the eyes of many fans and media. The intended benefits for teams may be real, but the format sacrificed the event’s theatricality, the visual cues that hint at trade talks, and the collective energy of all 32 teams together. Technical glitches during remote connections further underscored the challenges of the new approach, leading to a less polished and less engaging broadcast experience overall.
The Continued Lack of Player Trades
For the second consecutive year in the first round, the NHL Draft saw no player-for-player trades completed on the clock. While the Islanders and Canadiens executed a significant player trade involving Noah Dobson before the draft began, this pre-draft move didn’t translate into action during the first round itself. The Islanders notably used the two first-round picks acquired in that deal (16th and 17th overall) on prospects Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, rather than packaging them to move up or acquire an established player. This trend continues to disappoint those who view the draft floor as a prime opportunity for significant roster shake-ups.
Ken Holland’s Strategy with the Kings
In his first draft as the general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, Ken Holland made a notable move by trading down from his original spot. Selecting in front of the home crowd, Holland opted to move down seven spots in the first round, acquiring a late second-round pick in the process. While the long-term value of this trade remains to be seen, the decision to pass on an earlier opportunity in the first round, especially while hosting the event, was questioned by some observers.
The GM of the Year Voting Controversy
The announcement of the General Manager of the Year award at the draft sparked significant debate. Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill won the award for the third consecutive year. While Nill’s acquisitions like Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund during the season were impactful, many argued that Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito was the more deserving candidate. Zito’s critical acquisitions, including Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, played pivotal roles in the Panthers reaching the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight year and securing their second consecutive championship. Coupled with his re-signing of playoff MVP Sam Bennett to a seemingly team-friendly deal, Zito’s recent track record appeared compelling compared to the Stars’ third consecutive loss in the conference final.
The 2025 NHL Draft’s first round was a complex mix of inspiring individual stories and a divisive format. While moments like Schaefer’s triumph and the Gaudreau tribute provided emotional depth, the decentralized structure and lack of player trades left many longing for the traditional energy and unpredictability of draft nights past. The debate over the GM of the Year also added a layer of controversy to the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main criticism of the 2025 NHL Draft format?
The primary criticism centered on the shift to a largely decentralized format, where teams operated from their home cities rather than a single draft floor location. Critics felt this approach diminished the event’s traditional atmosphere, reducing the visible cues for potential trades and replacing dynamic interaction with static screens. Technical glitches experienced during remote player connections also detracted from the experience.
Who were considered major ‘winners’ from the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft?
Several individuals and moments were highlighted as winners. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer was celebrated for being selected #1 overall by the Islanders after overcoming significant personal adversity. Center James Hagens landing with the Boston Bruins near his college was seen as a good fit. Forward Roger McQueen enjoyed a unique post-draft “Disney Adventure” with the Ducks. The crowd’s emotional standing ovation for Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, was also a widely praised moment.
Why was the GM of the Year vote controversial in 2025?
The controversy arose because Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars won the award for the third straight year, despite many arguing that Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers was more deserving. Zito’s leadership saw the Panthers reach their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final, winning back-to-back championships, fueled by impactful player acquisitions and key re-signings like playoff MVP Sam Bennett, contrasting with the Stars’ third consecutive loss in the conference final.
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