Holiday mock for the 2025 NHL Draft
The 2025 NHL Draft class is starting to take shape and, with the 2025 World Junior Championship right around the corner, it’s time to mock things up.
A holiday break in the NHL gives fanbases a chance to reflect on the first third of the season and what’s to come.
For some, that’ll be playoff aspirations. For others, that attention has already turned to the 2025 draft class and what present they might be able to unwrap next June.
Who will be taken at the top of the class? What names could fall? What potential surprise picks could be made?
Let’s dive right into it.
1. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Schaefer | D | Erie (OHL)
The Chicago Blackhawks select Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters with the first pick of the 2025 draft.
Schaefer has taken the draft by storm this season. He has been absolutely dazzling all season long, as a complete standout with Erie in the Ontario Hockey League. Across 17 games this season, Schaefer has already surpassed last season’s point totals with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists). Additionally, he shined at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, with two points (one goal, one assist) in those two games. He also stood out in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring six points (two goals, four assists) in five games en route to a Gold Medal.
“Schaefer is easily one of the most impressive prospects for the 2025 draft and a personal favorite of mine. He projects as a top-pairing defenseman at the NHL level, possessing all the tools to become a franchise-altering player capable of playing heavy minutes. His combination of offensive abilities and reliable defensive play puts him on track to likely be the first defenseman selected, and I fully expect him to be a top-five pick in the 2025 draft.” — FCHockey regional scout Mike Kennedy
2. San Jose Sharks: Porter Martone | RW | Brampton (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks select Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads with the second pick of the 2025 draft.
Martone is a strong playmaker with physical traits that stand out. Those traits tend to be attractive to general managers. Plus, with Macklin Celebrini down the middle and a potential dazzling star in Will Smith, a guy like Martone could be the perfect complement to them.
“Martone is a dynamic offensive player with a good physical edge. He isn’t afraid to go into corners, and he certainly isn’t afraid to try every deke in his arsenal. If he’s not trying to dangle past defenders, he’s finding tight passing lanes and slipping pucks onto teammates’ sticks. What I love most about Martone’s playmaking prowess is how he’s constantly scanning the ice and misdirecting opponents. His head is always on a swivel, making him unpredictable with the puck while finding every passing option during the play… I think Martone is one of the most talented players available in the 2025 draft, and if he continues to develop, he will be a nightmare for defenders as a top-line forward and power-play threat.” — FCHockey chief scout David Phillips
3. Buffalo Sabres: James Hagens | C | Boston College (NCAA)
The Buffalo Sabres select James Hagens of Boston College with the third pick of the 2025 draft.
Hagens, who was recently dethroned as the top ranked prospect in FCHockey’s Winter ranking, remains a highly sought-after talent. Pairing him up with guys like Dylan Cozens, Zach Benson, and Jack Quinn, among others, would give the Sabres a potentially dominant lineup down the line. An opportunity to bring in Hagens has to be jumped on by the Sabres here.
“Hagens remains a high-end playmaker in his first NCAA action. He displayed flashes of excellent vision and timing with his passing ability, setting up four different scoring chances for teammates in this game… Transitionally, he was a focal point for the Boston College attack. He was involved frequently and was especially efficient at exiting the defensive zone and kick-starting the transition up ice… Where he impressed most was defensively. He played a key role in getting pucks out of the defensive zone and was crucial in forcing turnovers. He supported down low, read the play well, and picked off passes aimed at the slot.” — FCHockey crossover scout Kyle Pereira
4. Nashville Predators: Michael Misa | C | Saginaw (OHL)
The Nashville Predators select Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit with the fourth pick of the 2025 draft.
Misa, who has scored an absurd 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in just 30 OHL games this season, could be exactly what the doctor ordered. He isn’t guaranteed to step right into the NHL directly after the draft, but he could finally help patch up the top-six center issues that have plagued Nashville for the long haul.
“Misa is a versatile and dangerous forward with elite agility and vision, complementing his high-end skating ability and impressive puck skills. A household name for a few seasons, he has taken a significant step forward in consistency and production this season. His elite edgework and quickness allow him to create space in board battles and high-traffic areas, giving him time to survey for passing lanes… Misa has cemented himself as an elite prospect with his exceptional skating and puckhandling abilities, and his improved work rate and ability to access the center of the ice have solidified his position as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 draft.” — FCHockey Regional Scout Joseph Aleong
5. Detroit Red Wings: Anton Frondell | C | Durgardens IF (SHL)
The Detroit Red Wings select Anton Frondell of Djurgardens IF with the fifth pick in the 2025 draft.
The Red Wings rebuild continues, despite what is seemingly a talented young core of players. He is a smart player, driving the net well and generally putting himself in the right spots in the offensive end. He makes a solid impact in all three zones, with a lot of potential littered throughout his game thanks to his high IQ and paired with strong physical attributes.
“Frondell showcases the rare combination of size, skill, and confidence that defines a top-tier power forward. He uses his body effectively to dominate puck battles, demonstrating an elite ability to protect the puck under pressure. His reverse hits are not only disruptive but also serve as a tool to create space for himself, making him an intimidating presence on the ice. Frondell’s quick release and ability to score from any angle are hallmarks of his offensive skill set. Whether working along the boards or setting up in dangerous scoring areas, he leverages his size and skill to generate opportunities. His playstyle evokes comparisons to Leon Draisaitl, particularly in how he can explode into action after moments of gliding or standing still. This dynamic makes him unpredictable and difficult to defend, much like other high-end power forwards in the NHL.” — FCHockey crossover scout Kohen Willis Dengler
6. Seattle Kraken: Victor Eklund | LW | Djurgardens IF (SHL)
The Seattle Kraken select Victor Eklund of Djurgardens IF with the sixth pick in the 2025 draft.
“Eklund is a maniac out there sometimes. If you had to put a name next to the word ‘compete,’ he would be in the running for it. He plays a high-tempo, physical, skilled game that is a real pleasure to watch. He is incredibly fast, one of the fastest players in the class. With that speed comes a ton of maneuverability, making him both shifty and quick in a straight line, which turns him into a nightmare for defenders in transition and upon zone entry, where he creates the most.
“Eklund is not necessarily a playmaker; he can do it, but his specialty lies in speeding past defenders upon entry and getting himself into scoring chances in high-danger areas… All in all, he is a candidate for the top 10 of the 2025 draft if he maintains this performance. There is a real heart-and-soul player in the making that coaches would love, and he would give 110% for his coach. This is a significant predictor of future success in the NHL, as demonstrating such a consistent high level of compete at this age is quite unique, with very few draft-eligible players possessing this quality.” — FCHockey Chief Scout Samuel Tirpak
7. Anaheim Ducks: Caleb Desnoyers | C | Moncton (QMJHL)
The Anaheim Ducks select Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats with the seventh pick of the 2025 draft.
“Desnoyers is a two-way center with average skating and offensive awareness but some above-average puck skills and an unrelenting motor… He is a puck hound all over the ice. He was always the first player pressuring the attacking players and made sure to be the first forward back on the backcheck. He was also strong at the faceoff dot, which helped the team start with possession in the attacking zone more often than not, and he was a reliable player for all defensive zone faceoffs.
Desnoyers will struggle to score as many points at the pro level if he doesn’t improve his offensive game, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a center who can play up and down the lineup for any team that takes a chance on him in the first round of the 2025 draft. Desnoyers is the type of player you win with.” — FCHockey regional scout Nathaniel Duffet
8. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Ryabkin | C | MHK Dynamo Moskva (KHL)
The Montreal Canadiens select Ivan Ryabkin of MHK Dynamo Moskva with the eighth pick in the 2025 draft.
“Ryabkin is a methodical, pass-first creator who displays advanced vision and a mature demeanor. He blends relaxed puckhandling with a solid base to weave or power through opponents, often beating one or two before finding a teammate. The standout feature of Ryabkin’s game is undoubtedly his playmaking. He mixes give-and-goes with patient cross-seam passes to create opportunities in a wide variety of ways. From time to time, he’ll connect on a pass that seemingly had no chance, and it never seems to faze him. Even under pressure, he looks composed and mature, as if he’s been doing this for years.
“Altogether, Ryabkin’s game is impressive. His passing, vision, strength on the puck, and mature nature all come together to create a dangerous playmaker, but adding another step to his skating and playing with a bit more pace could significantly boost his draft stock.” — FCHockey crossover scout Jake Janso
9. New York Islanders: Roger McQueen | C | Brandon (WHL)
The New York Islanders select Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings with the ninth pick in the 2025 draft.
“McQueen was absolutely dominant. A man this big should not be able to skate as well as McQueen does — it looks almost unnatural how smooth and agile he is for his size. His ability to keep the puck under control and close to his body under pressure is impressive. Another asset of his game that many other players aren’t blessed with is his reach. Defensively and on the forecheck, McQueen is a complete nightmare for puck carriers, who seem to underestimate just how far he can reach to apply pressure or intercept passes, creating three or four chances in this game from that aspect alone.
“He’s completely dominant game in and game out, including in this one. He and his linemates just couldn’t find a way to finish off their chances here. McQueen stays locked in my top five for the 2025 draft.” — FCHockey crossover scout Greysen Goudy
10. New York Rangers: Logan Hensler | D | Wisconsin (NCAA)
The New York Rangers select Logan Hensler of the University of Wisconsin with the 10th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Hensler is a strong-skating, well-balanced defender… In the offensive zone, his best quality is his shot. He does not pack a lot of power behind his shots, but that is okay. He makes up for his lack of power with an innate ability to get it on target. His shots are well-placed for tips and generating rebounds, and he has a knack for getting shots through traffic.
“He also flashed how much his skating can impact the game, as he displayed excellent edges and well-above-average speed to knife through traffic to exit and enter the defensive and offensive zones, respectively. That strong skating and mobility as a puck mover could prove fruitful if he can further unlock that part of his game… He looks like an excellent two-way defender who may not get his fair credit if he does not become more open and engaged transitionally, but he looks like a future top-pair defender with moderate offensive stats and strong underlying defensive metrics.” – Pereira.
11. Philadelphia Flyers: Malcolm Spence | LW | Erie (OHL)
The Philadelphia Flyers select Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters with the 11th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Spence has a dynamic, speed-driven game defined by his explosive north-south skating and long, powerful strides, which allow him to cover the ice quickly and create offensive opportunities. He consistently uses his speed with the puck to find open lanes off the rush, where his puck-handling skills make him a dangerous threat. Spence has a knack for creating offense on the fly, using his agility to get past defenders and open up space. Additionally, he’s shown a strong finishing ability, particularly with his one-timer.
He’s adept at timing his positioning to capitalize on quick passes, making him an effective scorer when given space behind defenders. On the defensive side, Spence is equally valuable, especially on the penalty kill. His long reach and strong stick-handling skills allow him to disrupt opponents and generate turnovers, often catching them off guard. This two-way effectiveness, particularly his ability to excel on the penalty kill, is a testament to his athleticism and commitment to defensive responsibilities.” — FCHockey crossover scout Blake McGuire
12. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cullen Potter | LW | Arizona State (NCAA)
The Columbus Blue Jackets select Cullen Potter of Arizona State University with the 12th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Potter is consistently one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2025 NHL Draft class. His electric skating and puck-handling blend together smoothly, creating a player who is dangerous anywhere on the ice. Potter is instrumental in ASU’s breakout at five-on-five and on the power play, often picking up a drop pass and blazing up ice to gain offensive possession. He undoubtedly has the potential to become one of the best skaters and transitional players in the NHL. His speed is remarkable, building up incredible momentum with crossovers reminiscent of Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon.
Potter’s work ethic and compete level are extremely high all over the ice, making him a valuable player defensively, especially on the penalty kill, where he relentlessly hounds puck carriers. He seems to have endless stamina, flying around the ice at high speed for his entire shift, disrupting plays and pushing the puck in the right direction. He reminds me a lot of Oliver Moore from the 2023 draft, but he has more creativity and dynamism in his attack, whereas Moore was a bit more straight-lined. Importantly, Potter creates chances with or without speed, using his intelligence, playmaking ability, and quick shot to remain a threat even when he’s not at top speed, a factor that will be crucial in his development toward the NHL.” – Goudy
13. St. Louis Blues: Jackson Smith | D | Tri-City (WHL)
The St. Louis Blues select Jackson Smith of the Tri-City Americans with the 13th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Smith is a rangy, athletic defenseman whose game is built on all-around efficiency. He employs a firm and proactive playing style, often staying involved in puck action. He’s a smooth skater with powerful strides and proficient edgework, allowing him to move and turn laterally while scanning for options. He sees lanes well and patiently waits for them to open before feathering crisp, accurate outlet passes to teammates. He moves fluidly at the point, walking the line to set up the flank or unleashing a heavy shot, but he doesn’t dominate in any specific offensive area. Smith defends rushes effectively with his lengthy stick and impeccable gap control, keeping opponents to the outside and limiting their space. He casually makes great stops at his blue line, whether with his disruptive stick or his body, as he’s not shy about engaging physically.” — FCHockey chief regional scout Joey Fortin Boulay
14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson | D | Barrie (OHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins select Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts with the 14th pick of the 2025 draft.
“Aitcheson is a hard-nosed, two-way defenseman with good size and skating ability. He thrives as an agitator and seems to enjoy getting under the skin of his opponents. Aitcheson plays a very responsible defensive game and appears to be rounding out his play with more involvement in the offense. He put the puck on net frequently in this viewing and was rewarded for his efforts. His willingness to throw hits, block shots, and sacrifice his body to make plays is evident. He maintains strong body positioning to keep attackers to the outside and control space in his own end. Another element of his game that stands out is his motor; he seems able to log significant minutes in all situations and keeps up with the pace of play.” — Kennedy
15. Utah Hockey Club: Lynden Lakovic | LW | Moose Jaw (WHL)
The Utah Hockey Club selects Lynden Lakovic of the Moose Jaw Warriors with the 15th pick of the 2025 draft.
“Lakovic has the potential to be a unique player with his size, skating, and high-end offensive skill set. What stood out most was his creativity and dynamic ability, showcased through smooth puck skills and the capability to score in a variety of ways. While he’s not consistently physical, he’s a strong player, which complements his skating and enhances his puck protection. I wouldn’t classify him as a burner, but his transitions and movement around the ice make his skating package above average. His shot is a significant weapon due to its quick release and power, something that stood out even more in person.” — FCHockey regional scout Kareem Elshafey
16. Montreal Canadiens: Justin Carbonneau | RW | Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
The Canadiens select Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada with the 16th pick of the 2025 draft.
“I really like Carbonneau’s global impact offensively. He attacks open spaces and drives lanes continuously by keeping his legs moving and staying close to puck action. He’s a lethal shooter from anywhere in the offensive zone and even more dangerous off the rush. A defender’s nightmare, he displays high-end puckhandling to beat defenders one-on-one and completes pinpoint accurate feeds to his teammates. He’s not necessarily a defensive ace, but his mobility and motor helps him contribute in that area. I think Carbonneau projects as a top 6 forward that can contribute from most spots on the PP.” — Fortin Boulay
17. Ottawa Senators: Jack Murtagh | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Ottawa Senators select Jack Murtagh of the US National Team Development Program with the 17th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Murtagh is a dynamic scoring winger who can drive play with his speed. He is an NHL-ready skater with a long, powerful stride that allows him to reach top speed quickly. His extra gear enables him to blow by defenders, making him incredibly difficult to defend off the rush. Murtagh is also an above-average shooter, possessing a strong wrist shot capable of beating goalies from a distance and a quick snapshot he can release effectively while on the move or in tight spaces.
While he is a slightly above-average puck handler who may not dazzle with creativity, his speed and shiftiness make him a challenge for defenders to contain. In the offensive zone, he is comfortable carrying the puck along the perimeter but also holds his ground effectively as a net-front presence. He uses his speed as a weapon on the forecheck, getting in as F1 quickly and causing defenders to make mistakes.” — FCHockey crossover scout Jacob Roth
18. Boston Bruins: Artyom Vilchinsky | D | SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
The Boston Bruins select Artyom Vilchinsky of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg with the 18th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Vilchinsky is a physical, defensive defenseman who excels at shutting down rush chances. His combination of size and skating ability gives him an advantage when engaging puck carriers all over the ice. Vilchinsky’s speed and lateral skating ability are very good for his size, allowing him to generate good pace with short strides and rarely get beaten wide by attackers. Combined with the reach of his frame, it often feels like he’s everywhere. He closes in on puck carriers quickly, using his reach to disrupt possession while simultaneously applying physical pressure to isolate attackers from their teammates. When defending in his zone, Vilchinsky demonstrates good anticipation and awareness of the play around him, smothering open opponents or filling passing lanes effectively. His physicality also allows him to win the majority of his board battles.” – Janso
19. Philadelphia Flyers: Radim Mrtka | D | Seattle (WHL)
The Flyers select Radim Mrtka of the Seattle Thunderbirds with the 19th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Mrtka is a physically imposing right-shot defenseman who contributes at both ends of the ice. He has an attack mentality in all three zones. Defensively, he keeps a tight gap on his assignment, though he can get a little overzealous in his general attacking, however, pulling himself out of position in order to help his d-partner eliminate a threat through the neutral zone. Mrtka’s long wingspan and reach forces defenders outside, and few shot attempts are taken from the right side of the ice because of his ability to disrupt. On puck retrievals, there’s no real sense of panic when pressured or forechecked as his threshold on this front is incredibly high. The net-front generally stays clear when he’s on the ice — not so much by him clearing it but the opposition not super keen on fighting for that space.” — FCHockey regional scout Aaron Vickers
20. Vancouver Canucks: Cameron Schmidt | LW | Vancouver (WHL)
The Vancouver Canucks select Cameron Schmidt of the Vancouver Giants with the 20th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Schmidt is going to be a fascinating case study in the 2025 draft. Players with his measurables do not usually get drafted, and they certainly don’t get drafted high, but Schmidt is likely to test that conventional wisdom. Schmidt grades out as elite in a couple of key areas that allow him to succeed despite his stature. For one, he is incredibly fast and always seems to have more in reserve to get him out of sticky situations or capitalize on an opportunity. He seems to gain speed even when coasting in a three-point stance, as he makes little micro-strides and subtle adjustments that allow him to continue to accelerate.
This adds so much deception as he breaks up the ice, freezing defenders who think he’s gearing down before he bursts past. His instincts as a goal scorer should also translate seamlessly, as he has that innate feel for timing and spacing to always be in the right place at the right time. His first of two goals in this contest was a perfect example of him darting into the soft spot at the perfect moment to clean up a rebound. [Schmidt’s] shot precision is excellent, and he needs very little windup to get maximum velocity. His anticipation and play-reading prowess extend beyond the offensive zone as well. He remains a relevant defender by reading intentions, taking away lanes, and locking up sticks, so he’s rarely forced into a brawn-versus-brawn contest.” — FCHockey Chief regional scout Donesh Mazloum
21. Dallas Stars: Jake O’Brien | C | Brantford (OHL)
The Dallas Stars select Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs with the 21st pick in the 2025 draft.
“O’Brien is a cerebral forward whose hockey sense stands out as his defining attribute. His offensive awareness is exceptional, consistently identifying his options in the offensive zone and understanding how plays will develop in real time. This intelligence allows him to complete challenging passes with precision, making him as much of a playmaker as he is a finisher. While he may not have the dynamic flair of some of his draft-class peers — he’s not necessarily a human highlight reel — O’Brien’s decision-making is a significant asset, as he nearly always chooses the optimal play most of the time.” — Vickers
22. Nashville Predators: William More | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Predators select William Moore of the US National Team Development Program with the 22nd pick in the 2025 draft.
“Moore is a tall, lanky forward who looks to pass first and put his teammates in good positions. While typically a center, he played on the wing for most of the tournament, including this game. Moore’s best traits are his passing and vision; he consistently knows where his teammates are and uses his soft hands to distribute the puck effectively, even in tight spaces. He also stood out on the forecheck, using his size and reach to clog passing lanes and create multiple turnovers.
He’s a decent skater with slightly above-average speed, though he isn’t particularly shifty and could benefit from improving his edge work. Another subtle but impressive aspect of his game was his ability to pick pucks off the wall; he caught several rims cleanly, kicked them up to his stick, and transitioned the puck to a teammate. Moore saw heavy usage on both the power play and penalty kill. On the power play, he played net-front in the 1-3-1, using his size to provide effective screens that forced Finnish goalie Patrik Kerkola to work hard to track the puck.” — Roth
23: Chicago Blackhawks: Adam Benak | C | Youngstown (USHL)
The Blackhawks select Adam Benak of the Youngstown Phantoms with the 23d pick in the 2025 draft.
“Benak is a tactical playmaker, dishing pucks all over the offensive zone and consistently finding teammates’ sticks. His ability to see the ice and find teammates in stride and space is incredible to watch and keeps defenders on their toes whenever he steps over the boards. Benak also has great deception in his game. Body fakes and silky hands combine to make him a nightmare for defenders in transition. He employs his arsenal of moves to create space for himself and others all over the ice, making him one of the best playmakers in the draft.” — Phillips.
24: Los Angeles Kings: Tomas Pobezal | C | HK Nitra (Czechia)
The Los Angeles Kings select Tomas Pobezal of HK Nitra with the 24th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Pobezal’s entire game is built around his “Hockey IQ.” You hear that term tossed around a lot in today’s game, especially in the scouting sphere, but in this case, it’s an accurate description on every level. It’s clear to see, in my opinion, that Pobezal is always analyzing the play. He’s constantly shoulder-checking, looking for lanes, and scanning his surroundings every shift. This careful thought process translates into every facet of his game—the weight of his passes when hitting a teammate in stride, the speed at which he chooses to attack lanes or drift into space, and the placement of his shots. Everything in Pobezal’s game is so intentional. I think he’s one of the smartest skaters I’ve watched in this year’s class so far.” — Goudy
25. Carolina Hurricanes: Brady Martin | C | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
The Carolina Hurricanes select Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds with the 25th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Martin is a high-energy forward whose physicality and puck skills reflect his competitive nature and intense style of play at both ends of the ice. The foundation of his game lies in his quick first steps and stride power, enabling him to win open-ice puck races and apply consistent pressure on opposing defenders. While his agility could improve to help him create more space under pressure, Martin possesses strong puckhandling skills and can battle off the wall, maintaining control through contact. He has the ability to beat defenders one-on-one with his stickhandling, but his primary offensive weapon is his shot, which he can unleash effectively from anywhere below the top of the circles. With a quick, heavy release, Martin excels at finding soft areas and delivering accurate, hard shots even under pressure.” — Aleong.
26. Philadelphia Flyers: Bill Zonnon | LW | Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
The Flyers select Bill Zonnon of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies with the 26th pick in the 2025 draft.
“Zonnon is a highly skilled power forward with a big frame. His impressive size and agility create a multifaceted offensive threat with plenty of potential to rise up draft boards next season. Zonnon possesses a wicked quick wrist shot and a pretty good one-timer. He also showcased puck-handling skills as fast as most undersized scorers who have to rely heavily on that style of play… All the signs are there for Zonnon to have quite high potential. He’s big, he’s a great skater, can stickhandle with ease at speed, shoots quickly and hard, and shows a high motor at both ends of the ice. I’d definitely be putting Zonnon in my first round for the 2025 draft at the moment.” — Goudy
27. Columbus Blue Jackets: Sascha Boumedienne | D | Boston University (NCAA)
The Blue Jackets select Sascha Boumedienne of Boston University with the 27th pick of the 2025 draft.
“Boumedienne is a strong-skating, two-way defenseman who leans slightly more towards the offensive side of the game. He’s very fast, both with and without the puck, which makes him a dangerous presence when joining the rush. He clearly sees the ice well and makes good reads, though he struggled at times to place his passes accurately; too many of them ended up behind or in the feet of his intended target. Boumedienne has good size and uses it to his advantage, with a long reach that helps him maintain solid gaps and take away passing lanes.” — Roth
28. Calgary Flames: Cole Reschny | C | Victoria (WHL)
The Calgary Flames select Cole Reschny of the Victoria Royals with the 28th pick of the 2025 draft.
“Reschny, when at his best, stands out for his ability to read the game and manipulate space. His positioning is consistently on point, allowing him to maximize his impact by anticipating the flow of play. I particularly admire his instincts as a trailer on the rush; he expertly positions himself to stay open as a passing target while creating the most time and space to make a play when he gets the puck. As a puck carrier, he demonstrates balance in knowing when to attack the net himself and when to defer. While he’s further along as a playmaker, he’s steadily improving at capitalizing on his own scoring opportunities. His passing ability is exceptional, characterized by cross-ice vision and a refined touch on both his forehand and backhand. Additionally, his stick skills are above average, allowing him to navigate through traffic with calm precision and excellent control.” — Mazloum
29. Calgary Flames: Braden Cootes | C | Seattle (WHL)
The Flames select Braeden Cootes of the Seattle Thunderbirds with the 29th pick of the 2025 draft.
“Cootes is a two-way center who excels in the dirty areas of the ice and plays with a noticeable edge every time he steps on the ice. What stood out throughout the game was how hard he works along the walls, consistently leading to him coming up with the puck. He isn’t afraid of physicality in battles, and his lower-body strength makes him a handful to deal with. Cootes plays the center position exceptionally well, which is uncommon for young centermen. He has the presence of mind to know where to provide support, whether below the goal line or in the slot, and his competitive nature is a significant asset on the defensive side of the ice.” — Elshafey
30. Winnipeg Jets: Cole McKinney | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Winnipeg Jets select Cole McKinney of the US National Team Development Program with the 30th pick of the 2025 draft.
“McKinney is a two-way center who is comfortable playing in all situations. He is a strong skater, despite not being the fastest, with a wide base that makes it hard to knock him off the puck. His strong edgework allows him to change direction quickly. McKinney plays with a lot of intensity, forechecking hard and never shying away from contact or battles. His vision is particularly impressive.
His first assist required a quick one-touch pass into the slot, while his second involved sensing his teammate over his shoulder for a drop pass as he cut across the ice, clearing out a defender for LJ Mooney, who walked in and fed it backdoor for the goal. McKinney was excellent in the faceoff dot, winning 9 of 15 draws by my rough count. His defensive game is very reliable, as he positions himself well and battles effectively for loose pucks. He plays with a calmness in the defensive zone that is rare among young players, particularly standing out on the penalty kill.” — Roth
31. Washington Capitals: Conrad Fondrk | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Washington Capitals select Conrad Fondrk of the US National Team Development Program with the 31st pick of the 2025 draft.
“Fondrk was very impressive in this game, maintaining his ability to play smart in all three zones. In the offensive end, he was heavily involved on his shifts when setting up opportunities and accounted for half of his team’s controlled entries at even strength while on the ice. While he doesn’t play hard consistently, in the moments he engaged on the puck as a forechecker, he was highly efficient. With the puck on his stick, he showcased his intelligence as a passer, keeping plays simple and extending possessions.” — Pereira
32. Nashville Predators: Carter Amico | D | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Predators select Carter Amico of the US National Team Development Program with the 32nd pick of the 2025 draft.
“Amico is a tall, physical, defensive defenseman who plays a smart, simple game. His size stands out immediately, with an impressive reach that allows him to clog a lot of space. He enjoys playing a physical style but is selective and smart about it, avoiding unnecessary hits and engaging physically only when needed. He was used heavily on penalty kills and was effective in taking away passing lanes and keeping Harvard’s offense on the perimeter… His defensive ability and intelligence provide a solid foundation to develop, but he will likely be a project for whichever team drafts him. He has the potential to become a reliable second-pairing defenseman who can be trusted in all defensive situations and play significant minutes on the penalty kill.” — Roth