With the Stanley Cup finals behind us, the NHL draft is fast approaching—and it’s shaping up to be quite the spectacle. The 2025 class may not boast a standout like Connor Bedard from two years ago, but there’s nevertheless the potential for surprising outcomes, especially in the first round.
We’ve already seen some buzz around potential veterans—like the whispers concerning Conor McDavid that might shake things up. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as we approach Friday night. Here’s a brief overview of established players who could be on the move during the first round:
- Conor McDavid, Oilers: Edmonton hopes to keep him, but if it seems inevitable that he’ll leave, we might see some action.
- Jason Robertson, Stars: Dallas is navigating a salary cap issue after signing Micco Lanternten, and they reportedly have their sights set on Mitch Marner, which could require clearing some space.
- Andrei Svechnikov, Hurricanes: There have been various rumors about his status, though some say a trade won’t happen. It seems a big offer would be necessary, but Carolina is open to reshaping their roster.
- JJ Peterka, Sabres: Buffalo is in a continuous rebuilding phase and is looking for multiple assets in exchange for their young talents. They’re eager to turn things around and compete for a title.
As for the 2025 NHL Mock Draft:
No. 1 – New York Islanders: Matthew Schafer, D, Ellie
While nothing is set in stone, signs indicate the Islanders will aim for a conservative choice at the top. Schafer has proven to be a reliable defenseman.
No. 2 – San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw
Misa’s strong two-way game makes him a perfect fit alongside last year’s top pick, Macklyn Sekreini. Losing Schafer opens up this logical choice for the Sharks.
No. 3 – Chicago Blackhawks: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton
This could introduce some unpredictability in the draft as the potential for boom or bust players emerges. Chicago is likely to play it safe here after seeing Connor Bedard’s growth.
No. 4 – Utah Mammoth: James Hagens, C, Boston College
Although some question his physicality, his skill set is undeniable. The Mammoth may choose to play it safe with this pick, even if Hagens doesn’t stand out against those picked immediately after.
No. 5 – Nashville Predators: Anton Frandel, C/LW, Djurgårdens
Nashville may keep this pick, but if Flandre is still available, expect potential trades. He’s a highly-rated prospect that teams are eager to gamble on.
No. 6 – Philadelphia Flyers: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford
The Flyers might look to move up for Frandel, but they’ll settle for O’Brien, a formidable center who complements their wings well.
No. 7 – Boston Bruins: Porter Merton, LW, Brampton
Positional needs have caused Merton to slip out of the top five, despite being a great scoring winger.
No. 8 – Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle
Staying local, Mrtka previously played for the Thunderbirds and, while he may require further development, he has solid potential.
No. 9 – Buffalo Sabres: Jackson Smith, D, Tricity
This pick could be part of a bigger trade for established talent, but if they keep it, Buffalo’s history suggests a solid pick.
No. 10 – Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon
Injuries have caused McQueen to drop, but should he be available, the Ducks could greatly benefit from his size and skill for years.
No. 11 – Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens
There were doubts about Eklund due to concerns over his teammate, but I think these concerns are somewhat misplaced. He has the makings of a great team player.
No. 12 – New York Rangers: Linden Rakovic, LW, Moose Jaw
Rakovic’s IQ on the ice is his strongest trait. With his ability to enhance play for his teammates, he’s a good fit, especially as the Rangers look to the future.
No. 13 – Detroit Red Wings: Kashaun Achison, D, Barry
Achison is a strong two-way defenseman and could become a significant asset for the Red Wings, especially as they seek to strengthen their backline.
No. 14 – Columbus Blue Jackets: Carter Bear, LW, Everett
Despite previous injuries, Bear’s potential remains high, and the Blue Jackets would be making a wise choice to select him at this pick.
No. 15 – Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle
Cootes has shined at the Under-18 World Cup and presents a much-needed offensive edge to the Canucks.
No. 16 – Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames): Justin Carbon No, RW, Brantford
There’s something humorous about selecting top-rated Quebec players, but Carbon would definitely fit the Canadiens’ mold.
No. 17 – Montreal Canadiens: Cameron Reed, D, Kitchener Rangers
With two consecutive picks, the Canadiens might look for both forwards and defensemen. Reed has impressive speed, offering potential breakaway opportunities.
No. 18 – Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils): Cole Reschny, C, Victoria
Reschny is a solid all-around prospect who may rise or fall, but if selected by the Flames, they’ll appreciate his reliability.
No. 19 – St. Louis Blues: Ben Kindel, RW, Calgary
Kindel is a relentless skater, always seeking opportunities. The Blues love players with grit, and Kindel embodies this spirit.
No. 20 – Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild): Cole McKinney, C, Michigan
McKinney has a natural leadership quality and is versatile, which might make him a valuable long-term asset for the organization.
No. 21 – Ottawa Senators: Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor
Nesbitt is a strong defensive center who knows how to leverage his physicality, which stands out in a draft with less emphasis on that trait.
No. 22 – Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche): Kurban Limatov, D, Dynamo Moskva
The Flyers have multiple picks, allowing them to take a chance on Limatov, who could become a key player in the coming years.
No. 23 – Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks): Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University
Boumedienne adds depth to a Predators team that needs defensive reinforcements. He may not be a top-line defender, but he’s solid as a secondary player.
No. 24 – Los Angeles Kings: Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton
Fiddler is an exciting prospect who can make plays from the back end, filling a gap the Kings have potentially overlooked.
No. 25 – Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs): Malcolm Spence, LW, Ellie
With Connor Bedard as a focal point, Spence could compliment their young core, relying on the playmaking abilities around him.
No. 26 – Nashville Predators: Karen Potter, C, Arizona
Potter’s deceptive speed and offensive skills could be huge for Nashville as they look to build for the future.
No. 27 – Washington Capitals: Danil Prokholov, RW, St. Petersburg
This pick has solid potential, as Prokholov aims to fill big shoes in Washington one day.
No. 28 – Winnipeg Jets: Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin
Despite some weaknesses, Hensler shows promise as a top defender, essential for the Jets moving forward.
No. 29 – Carolina Hurricanes: Joshua Ravensburger, G, Prince George
While trading this pick is a possibility, keeping it could mean a future asset as they work on their roster.
No. 30 – San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars): Henry Brzustewicz, D, London
The Sharks may be compelled to select Brzustewicz if they can’t secure their planned top pick.
No. 31 – Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers): William Hokoff, C, Michigan
Hokoff, the son of an ex-NHL player, looks to make a name for himself as a versatile two-way center.
No. 32 – Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers): Mason West, C, Edina Hai
West is one of the youngest in this draft class, poised to begin his NCAA career at Michigan. Standing at 6’6, he has the potential to be a significant player.
