As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, a consensus is forming among scouts and analysts, particularly at the top of the board. With the draft lottery solidifying the order, teams are zeroing in on the prospects they hope will shape their futures. Headlining a deep and talented class is defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters, who is widely expected to be the first name called.
Following the top pick, the draft is anticipated to be forward-heavy, with a number of high-ceiling centers and wingers available. Here are my projections for the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
2025 NHL Entry Draft First-Round Mock Results
1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL) The overwhelming consensus has the Islanders selecting the dynamic two-way defenseman. Schaefer’s elite skating, high hockey IQ, and ability to control the game from the blue line make him the undisputed top prospect.
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL) After a standout, record-breaking season in the OHL, Misa is the top forward available. His exceptional playmaking ability and offensive instincts would give the Sharks a much-needed potential franchise center to build around.
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden) A skilled and competitive two-way center, Frondell has been a high riser on many draft boards. His combination of size, skill, and defensive responsibility makes him a safe and valuable pick for a rebuilding Blackhawks team.
4. Utah HC: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL) Utah is expected to continue building its forward depth with Desnoyers. He is a cerebral player with a winning pedigree, having led Moncton to a QMJHL title. His all-around game would complement Utah’s growing pool of young talent.
5. Nashville Predators: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL) The Predators may opt for a high-upside pick in the towering 6-foot-5 McQueen. Despite an injury-shortened season, his raw skill and size present a tantalizing package for a team looking to add a significant offensive piece.
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL) Considered by many to be the best pure winger in the draft, Martone possesses elite offensive vision and a knack for scoring. He would be a cornerstone piece for the Flyers’ ongoing rebuild.
7. Boston Bruins: James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA) The local product would be a perfect fit for the Bruins. Hagens is an elite playmaker with exceptional skating and skill, drawing comparisons to some of the NHL’s most dynamic forwards.
8. Seattle Kraken: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL) A big, mobile, puck-moving defenseman, Smith has the tools to be a top-pairing blueliner in the NHL. His size and skating ability are highly coveted assets.
9. Buffalo Sabres: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL) O’Brien is a well-rounded center with a strong two-way game and impressive offensive production. He would address a key positional need for the Sabres as they look to solidify their center depth.
10. Anaheim Ducks: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Martin is a reliable and intelligent center who plays a solid 200-foot game. His work ethic and defensive awareness, combined with offensive upside, make him a valuable prospect.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitchison, D, Barrie (OHL) A physical and tough defenseman, Aitchison brings a punishing style of play from the back end. His defensive prowess and size would be a welcome addition to the Penguins’ system.
12. New York Rangers: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden) A creative and speedy winger, Eklund has impressed with his playmaking ability and shot. He has the potential to be a top-six scoring threat.
13. Detroit Red Wings: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL) The Red Wings could look to add size to their blue line with the 6-foot-6 Mrtka. The towering defenseman possesses a powerful shot and a long reach that disrupts opposing offenses.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Sasha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA) A smooth-skating defenseman with good puck skills, Boumedienne has the potential to be a quarterback on the power play.
15. Vancouver Canucks: Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL) An intense and tenacious scoring forward, Bear has a knack for finding the back of the net and isn’t afraid to go to the tough areas of the ice.
16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary): Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA) The Canadiens could use this pick to bolster their defensive prospect pool with Hensler, a solid right-shot defenseman with good size and defensive instincts.
17. Montreal Canadiens: Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL) With their second pick in a row, the Canadiens could add size down the middle with the 6-foot-4 Nesbitt, who has shown flashes of high-end skill.
18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey): Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA) Potter is a skilled forward who has demonstrated a strong scoring touch at the collegiate level.
19. St. Louis Blues: Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) A powerful winger with a heavy shot, Zonnon has been a consistent goal-scorer in the QMJHL.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota): Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL) With their second first-round pick, the Blue Jackets could add another promising defenseman in Fiddler, who possesses good size and a developing all-around game.
21. Ottawa Senators: Ryker Lee, C, US HS Lee is a skilled and dynamic offensive talent who has dominated at the high school level.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado): Vaclav Nesterasil, RW, USHL The Flyers could opt for size and skill with the 6-foot-4 Nesterasil, who has a promising offensive toolkit.
23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay): Cole Reschny, C/W, Victoria (WHL) A versatile forward with a high motor, Reschny can play both center and wing and contributes in all three zones.
24. Los Angeles Kings: Lynden Lakovic, W, Moose Jaw (WHL) Lakovic is a big-bodied winger who plays a power forward’s game and has a good scoring touch around the net.
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto): Jacob Rombach, D, USHL With their second first-round selection, the Blackhawks could add the towering 6-foot-6 Rombach to their defensive pipeline.
26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas): Carter Amico, D, US NTDP The Predators use their third first-round pick to select Amico, a physically imposing defenseman from the U.S. National Team Development Program.
27. Washington Capitals: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL) Cootes is a smart and responsible two-way center who has been a key player for a strong Seattle team.
28. Winnipeg Jets: Milton Gastrin, C, Sweden A skilled and shifty forward from Sweden, Gastrin has impressed international scouts with his playmaking.
29. Carolina Hurricanes: Alex Zharovsky, RW, Russia Zharovsky is a skilled Russian winger with high-end offensive potential.
30. Dallas Stars: Theo Stockselius, W, Sweden Stockselius is another talented winger from Sweden with a good combination of size and skill.
31. Calgary Flames (from Florida): Josh Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL) The Flames may use this pick to select the top-rated goaltender in the draft, addressing a key organizational need.
32. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton): Shane Vanshagi, C, Michigan State (NCAA) With their third and final pick of the first round, the Flyers could select the powerful and hard-working Vanshagi.
2025 NHL Entry Draft Results
| # | Player | Nationality | NHL Team | College/Junior/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Islanders | |||
| 2 | San Jose Sharks | |||
| 3 | Chicago Blackhawks | |||
| 4 | Utah Mammoth | |||
| 5 | Nashville Predators | |||
| 6 | Philadelphia Flyers | |||
| 7 | Boston Bruins | |||
| 8 | Seattle Kraken | |||
| 9 | Buffalo Sabres | |||
| 10 | Anaheim Ducks | |||
| 11 | Pittsburgh Penguins | |||
| 12 | New York Rangers | |||
| 13 | Detroit Red Wings | |||
| 14 | Columbus Blue Jackets | |||
| 15 | Vancouver Canucks | |||
| 16 | Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary)1 | |||
| 17 | Montreal Canadiens | |||
| 18 | Calgary Flames (from New Jersey)2 | |||
| 19 | St. Louis Blues | |||
| 20 | Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota)3 | |||
| 21 | Ottawa Senators | |||
| 22 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado)4 | |||
| 23 | Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay)5 | |||
| 24 | Los Angeles Kings | |||
| 25 | Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto)6 | |||
| 26 | Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose)7 | |||
| 27 | Washington Capitals | |||
| 28 | Winnipeg Jets | |||
| 29 | Carolina Hurricanes | |||
| 30 | San Jose Sharks (from Dallas)8 | |||
| 31 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton)9 | |||
| 32 | Calgary Flames (from Florida)10 |