As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the final hours are filled with intense speculation, behind-the-scenes conversations, and potential last-minute shifts in team strategies. Here’s a look at the latest whispers and insights circulating ahead of the big night at the Peacock Theater.
Players Gaining Late Traction
Several names have been frequently mentioned in the lead-up to the draft, indicating teams might be higher on them than public rankings suggest:
Russian Trio: Forwards Daniil Prokhorov, Alexander Zharovsky, and goaltender Semyon Frolov from Russia are drawing significant attention. Prokhorov, a robust 6-foot-5 winger known for his play in traffic, is widely expected to be a first-round selection, potentially landing in the late teens or early 20s. Zharovsky faces questions about his physical development but still has advocates who rate him highly enough for a late first-round look, alongside Czech forward Vaclav Nestrasil. If they don’t go on Day 1, both are projected to be early picks on Day 2. Frolov is seen by some as one of the top two goaltenders available, often paired with Joshua Ravensbergen, although there’s a growing sense Ravensbergen might surprisingly slip out of the first round.
Will Reynolds: The Acadie-Bathurst Titan defenseman has seen his stock dramatically rise in the latter half of the season. Described as a big, competitive player with strong skating, his game translates well to the modern NHL. Despite modest offensive numbers (16 points in 69 games), multiple teams reportedly have him rated as a firm second-round pick. His actual size may be closer to 6-foot-5, slightly above his listed 6-foot-2.5, and his late August 2007 birthday makes him one of the younger, high-upside prospects in this class. As one source noted, his “development trajectory skyrocket[ed]” in the second half of the year.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Draft Strategy: Aggressive Moves Possible?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team generating significant buzz, especially after acquiring the No. 12 pick in the J.T. Miller trade. Even before securing that selection, they were reportedly aggressive in exploring trade-up opportunities, including inquiring about the Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 3 pick.
Pittsburgh is said to be very high on forwards Porter Martone and James Hagens. They also have interest in Roger McQueen.
Martone is widely projected as a top-five pick, which would require the Penguins to move into the 3-to-5 range to select him.
Hagens’ potential draft position is less certain, but the Flyers and Bruins are linked to him in the No. 6-7 range, suggesting a potential landing spot just outside the top five.
McQueen is largely expected to land in the 8-10 range, with the Kraken, Sabres, and particularly the Ducks frequently mentioned as potential destinations.
If the Penguins remain at No. 12 and targets like McQueen are gone, other names tied to them include left-shot defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Jackson Smith (both interviewed extensively by Pittsburgh) and winger Lynden Lakovic. While GM Kyle Dubas isn’t averse to trading back, the team’s current need for high-quality prospects makes a trade up seem more probable.
The James Hagens Question: A Potential Slide?
Just over a year ago, James Hagens set a U18 Worlds record and was considered a front-runner for the No. 1 pick. However, the latest sentiment suggests he might not be selected in the top five. Teams picking early like the Sharks (No. 2), Blackhawks (No. 3), and Mammoth (No. 4) are not expected to take him. The Predators (No. 5) could be a possibility if their likely target, Porter Martone, is off the board, but the prevailing prediction is that Hagens will land with the Flyers or Bruins at No. 6 or No. 7. Despite a potential slight slide, some teams view Hagens as a target for trade-up scenarios, and his hometown Islanders have reportedly explored adding a second top-five pick specifically to draft him – an unlikely but fascinating possibility.
Other Notable Insights and Player Stock Movement
Malcolm Spence’s Health Impact: A significant factor affecting forward Malcolm Spence’s draft stock appears to be a mid-season health scare. After splitting his tongue and developing an infection and blood clot requiring hospitalization and surgical intervention, he struggled to eat and breathe properly, resulting in a 10-pound weight loss that was evident at the combine. Despite this challenge, he still produced a respectable 36 goals and 82 points and performed well in combine interviews. While initially seen as a front-half first-round pick, he’s now projected more in the early 20s. He has committed to the University of Michigan and is expected to regain weight.
Last-Minute Ranking Tweaks: Final draft lists are always subject to last-minute adjustments. One minor tweak sees defenseman Cullen Potter potentially sliding down a couple of spots (18-19), which could bump Jackson Smith and Lynden Lakovic up slightly (16-17), and potentially Cameron Reid (18).
Scout and Coach Perspectives
Roger McQueen: Skating coach Jordan Trach notes McQueen’s “substantially better” skating despite a still-growing, large frame (potentially 6-foot-6 or 6-foot-7). His skill and size as a right-shot center are highlighted as rare and highly valuable traits, often prioritized by teams looking for “more meat on their bones” for playoff readiness.
Matthew Schaefer: A scout praised Schaefer’s “effortless skating” and “high IQ.” He’s described as consistently being the best player on the ice across various levels (U17, U18, Ivan Hlinka) due to his maturity, responsibility, and ability to make effective, simple plays. He possesses a “pro mentality” that allows him to excel in all situations without needing highlight-reel moments.
Porter Martone: A scout highlights Martone’s blend of size, skill, hockey sense, and hands. While not an elite skater, he’s effective at getting to scoring areas, described as a “Ryan Smyth type” constantly involved around the net and corners. His offensive creativity, size, and edge make him a versatile player who can complement various linemates throughout the lineup.
The stage is set for a dramatic draft night as teams finalize their strategies and make their picks, with potential trades and player movements keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
