Post-deadline mock for the 2025 NHL Draft
We’re beyond the NHL Trade Deadline, which makes it fitting to turn attention, at least for those that were sellers, to switch their attention to the 2025 NHL Draft — and mock draft season.
We’re no different.
With a focus on the future, here’s how the first round of the 2025 draft could shake down when the event takes center stage at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater on Friday, Jun 27, 2025.
1. SAN JOSE SHARKS: MATTHEW SCHAEFER | D | ERIE (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks select Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters with the 1st pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Schaefer has been sidelined with a collarbone injury that he suffered at the World Juniors, but that shouldn’t affect his draft standing. With Erie, he’s accumulated 11 goals and 23 assists in just 26 games. He was the best player at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and in his short-lived World Juniors experience, he looked like Canada’s best blueliner. He has the potential to be a no. 1 defenseman who plays in all situations, headlined by his elite skating ability, offensive capabilities, and an incredibly smart way of defending. For San Jose, adding Schaefer to a promising young core would be perfect and would give them a nucleus of Sam Dickinson and Schaefer on the back end. An added bonus is that he’s one of the youngest players in this draft class, only a couple of weeks inside the cutoff for eligibility this year.
“Schaefer is a gifted two-way defenseman who has a massive impact on games for Erie. He is an incredibly smooth skater with a great stride, allowing him to cover the ice efficiently. His edgework, pivots in transition, and lateral mobility make him highly effective in all areas of the game. His hockey sense is off the charts—he reads plays exceptionally well and has a strong understanding of when to pinch to keep plays alive and when to sit back.” – FCHockey regional scout Mike Kennedy
2. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: MICHAEL MISA | C | SAGINAW (OHL)
The Chicago Blackhawks select Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit with the 2nd pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Misa has absolutely dominated the OHL this year with an eye-popping 58 goals and 66 assists for 124 points in 59 games so far this season. Chicago desperately needs a running mate for Connor Bedard up front, and he would provide that. Misa has also proven that he can play down the middle of the ice, which was a question mark at times.
“Misa is a versatile and dangerous forward with elite agility and vision, complementing his high-end skating ability and impressive puck skills. 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. He excels at carrying the puck in transition, using his speed to maintain possession in the offensive zone and drive play for his linemates. Misa’s patience and vision with the puck enable him to make difficult plays through the middle lane, and he is a dual shooting or passing threat from the wing on the power play.” – FCHockey regional scout Joseph Aleong
3. BUFFALO SABRES: PORTER MARTONE | RW | BRAMPTON (OHL)
The Buffalo Sabres select Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads with the 3rd pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Martone is a big winger who has the type of game that every team needs. He’s the prototypical power forward who can play a physical game below the dots but is also a skilled playmaker with lots of talent, someone you hope can develop into a culture-setting player. He’s slowed down since a blazing start but still has 89 points (30 goals, 59 assists) in 51 games. This is a best-player-available type of selection for Buffalo.
“Martone is a player with a rare combination of strength and finesse. At 6-foot-3 and just over 200 pounds, he is physically imposing, yet he possesses a soft touch with the puck that is uncommon for a player of his size. He has excellent puck handling ability and can weave through traffic with ease. Martone sees the ice incredibly well and delivers accurate passes through congestion to find teammates. Despite his high-end puck skills, he can also excel in a checking role.” – FCHockey crossover scout Jacob Roth
4. NASHVILLE PREDATORS: JAMES HAGENS | C | BOSTON COLLEGE (NCAA)
The Nashville Predators select James Hagens from Boston College with the 4th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Hagens is no longer the top-ranked prospect at FCHockey but he’s still very much a premier prospect. Despite not producing to the level some expected, with 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 33 games, Hagens remains the best playmaker in the class and had a good showing for Team USA in their gold-medal run at the World Juniors. Nashville needs help at center, as usual, and Hagens is the best available at this spot.
“He sees openings before they reveal themselves and weaves in and out of traffic gracefully, impacting plays at all times. Hagens is a real maestro with the disc, manipulating defenses with his high-end mobility and puckhandling. He’s a cerebral distributor who serves crisp and firm outlets with pinpoint accuracy, routinely finding crafty ways to feed his teammates, whether it’s with between-the-legs passes while facing the boards, tip passes, area passes, etc. He generates and exploits switches and movement so well in the offensive zone, doing so until there’s an opening, on which he instantly creates high-grade chances for his teammates.” – FCHockey chief regional scout Joey Fortin Boulay
5. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: CALEB DESNOYERS| C | MONCTON (QMJHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins select Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats with the 5th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Desnoyers is a complete, 200-foot center who is currently leading the way in the QMJHL with 77 points (33 goals, 44 assists) in 51 games. His attention to detail is impressive, and even though he’s not blessed with the raw talent some other players have, there’s no doubt he’s capable of producing offense with underrated playmaking abilities. Desnoyers projects as a rock-solid second-line center that all NHL teams need. Pittsburgh has started to look to the future, and he provides a good foundational piece for them to begin with.
“Desnoyers 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.” – FCHockey regional scout Nathanial Duffett
6. SEATTLE KRAKEN: ROGER MCQUEEN | C | BRANDON (WHL)
The Seattle Kraken select Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings with the 6th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
There’s an argument to be made that if McQueen had been healthy all year, he could have broken into that consistent top-four group of players. He was recently cleared and returned to game action on March 4. With the size, skill, and skating package that McQueen offers, the potential is off the charts if he reaches his ceiling. Seattle has some center depth in their prospect pool with Shane Wright and Berkly Catton on the way, but with their need for high-end offensive talent, that shouldn’t stop them from selecting McQueen.
“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.” – FCHockey crossover scout Greysen Goudy
7. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: ANTON FRONDELL | C | DJURGARDENS IF (SHL)
The Philadelphia Flyers select Anton Frondell of Djurgardens IF with the 7th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
After a slightly disappointing first half of the year, Frondell has really elevated his game since the new year and has put himself in a good position to be a top-10 pick. At his best, Frondell is a handful to deal with in the offensive zone cycle due to his power and size. He combines that with an ultra-dangerous one-timer and good offensive awareness, making him an intriguing prospect for teams to consider. The Flyers need to find a franchise center to pair with Matvei Michkov, and Frondell could be that guy.
“He has a quick, accurate shot and can create his own scoring opportunities. His puckhandling is excellent, allowing him to maintain possession and navigate through defenders. He shows creativity and has a knack for making smart plays under pressure, whether that be with slick passes or taking quality shots on net. Frondell displays a high hockey IQ, often making quick decisions that positively impact his team’s play. He reads the game well, anticipating plays and positioning himself effectively. This intelligence contributes to both offensive and defensive phases of play. – FCHockey regional scout Jocke Andersson
8. ANAHEIM DUCKS: VICTOR EKLUND | LW | DJURGARDENS IF (SHL)
The Anaheim Ducks select Victor Eklund of Djurgardens IF with the 8th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Despite his size, Eklund feels like he fits the mold of what Pat Verbeek is looking for in a player due to the compete level he plays with. He’s not afraid to attack pucks everywhere on the ice and is able to come away with possession in battles more often than a player his size should. Eklund is a great skater with above-average offensive skills and would fit well with the other young and skilled Ducks forwards. A defenseman would make some sense here as well, but Eklund is the best available at this spot.
“Eklund is an electric presence every time he steps on the ice. He battles hard, is fast, difficult to contain, and a strong offensive player all around. What stands out about his game is the combination of his compete level and skill—a perfect recipe for a long and successful NHL career. His game is high energy, marked by relentless effort, engaging in every battle, and working hard all game long.” FCHockey chief regional scout Samuel Tirpak
9. BOSTON BRUINS: RADIM MRTKA | D | SEATTLE (WHL)
The Boston Bruins select Radim Mrtka of the Seattle Thunderbirds with the 9th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Mrtka is a towering 6-foot-6 right-handed defender who, since joining the WHL, has justified a jump in his draft stock. He skates really well for his size and has subtly impressive offensive qualities on top of his obvious defensive ability. He needs more development than the average top-10 pick since he’s a bit raw, but the tools are there.
“For his size, Mrtka is a very mobile defender with impressive straight-line speed, which he uses to activate into rushes and transport the puck effectively during breakouts. Offensively, he’ll surprise you with solid puck-handling skills and playmaking ability, allowing him to contribute both on the rush and in the offensive zone.” – FCHockey regional scout Kareem Elshafey
10. UTAH HOCKEY CLUB: JACKSON SMITH | D | TRI-CITY (WHL)
The Utah Hockey Club select Jackson Smith of the Tri-City Americans with the 10th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
There aren’t many players more enjoyable to watch than Smith. He’s got the rare combination of size and exceptional mobility that the modern NHL froths over. He’s more than willing to use his size to his advantage and defends the rush impressively. Smith only has six goals this season but has racked up 40 assists in 61 games, and his comfortability with the puck, paired with his willingness to use his skating to jump up in the rush, shows that there’s more there offensively.
“Smith is a rangy, athletic defenseman whose game is built on all-around efficiency. 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.” — Fortin Boulay
11. MONTREAL CANADIENS: IVAN RYABKIN | C | MUSKEGON (USHL)
The Montreal Canadiens select Ivan Ryabkin of the Muskegon Lumberjacks with the 11th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Canadiens have one of the best prospect pools in the league, and that may give them the ability to take a bit of a risky pick here with Ryabkin. The early returns are good with fellow Russian Ivan Demidov, which could make them more comfortable with taking the Ryabkin swing as well.
“Ryabkin is an offensive force who can impose his will on the game with his skill and physicality. His playmaking is a focal point of his game. He sees the ice incredibly well and makes passes that few other players can. His physicality is another strength. He does not shy away from contact, is aggressive in finishing his checks, and hits hard. However, he can get a little overeager physically, which can lead him to the penalty box. His defensive effort can be infuriating to watch at times. There are far too many one-and-done efforts from him, and even as a center, he is constantly the last forward back into the defensive zone. His skating also needs improvement.” — Roth
12. DETROIT RED WINGS: LYNDEN LAKOVIC | LW | MOOSE JAW (WHL)
The Detroit Red Wings select Lynden Lakovic of the Moose Jaw Warriors with the 12th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Lakovic is a 6-foot-4 winger who plays more of a finesse and skill game rather than a physically dominating one. He skates extremely well and does a good job of protecting the puck, which makes him a major threat in transition. Lakovic’s offensive arsenal includes a powerful shot, near-elite puck skills, and a playmaking ability that’s improved since the start of the year. He checks all the boxes of size, skating, and high-end skill, giving Detroit a high-ceiling prospect after some safer selections in recent first rounds.
“His ability to execute subtle, high-skill plays in tight areas stands out, supported by a soft touch with the puck and quick hands. His quick release and accuracy make him a dangerous finisher, though he has also flashed some playmaking ability, hinting at a more well-rounded offensive toolkit. Whether it’s slipping a pass through traffic or pickpocketing an opponent, he consistently showcases strong puck skills. Lakovic’s skating is aided by his long legs, giving him a fluid, rangy stride that is effective in transition. While he doesn’t come across as the fastest player, his stride efficiency and puck-protection skills make him hard to contain when carrying the puck up ice.” – FCHockey scout Aaron Vickers
13. NEW YORK ISLANDERS: JAKE O’BRIEN | C | BRANTFORD (OHL)
The New York Islanders select Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs with the 13th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Islanders did really well in the deadline-eve Brock Nelson trade, acquiring Calum Ritchie and a first-round pick, and look to be positioned to draft near the top 10 in June. O’Brien has flown up draft boards with 29 goals and 59 assists in 62 games so far and has the physical makeup that everyone looks for in a big, right-shot center. With Brock Nelson gone and Jean-Gabriel Pageau aging, the infusion of O’Brien along with the newly-acquired Calum Ritchie would be an exciting replenishment of centers in the organization’s pipeline.
“O’Brien is an extremely crafty two-way centerman with a high hockey IQ and a strong ability to read and anticipate plays. Both his offensive and defensive instincts shine throughout the course of a game, displaying his understanding of space and timing. He possesses a powerful skating stride that allows him to accelerate effectively through the neutral zone and initiate the attack. Additionally, he’s a gifted playmaker who distributes the puck with precision and intent. O’Brien threads passes through traffic and executes hard, cross-ice feeds to set up teammates in high-scoring areas.” — Kennedy
14. ST. LOUIS BLUES: LOGAN HENSLER | D | WISCONSIN (NCAA)
The St. Louis Blues select Logan Hensler of the Erie Otters with the 14th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Hensler was part of the World Junior winning Team USA squad and, while he didn’t play a major role, he didn’t look too overwhelmed either. The one thing you can bet on in his game is his defensive responsibility.
“Hensler is a puck-moving, two-way defender who plays a safe and consistent game. He brings stability to his own end, and coaches can rely on him in all situations, though his offensive output has been somewhat lacking this season. While he has never been a major offensive presence, I did expect a little more. What stands out is his overall presence—he plays safely, isn’t overly noticeable on the ice, but consistently does all the right things. He moves the puck extremely well and is a reliable presence on every shift.” — Tirpak
15. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (VIA VAN FROM NYR): CULLEN POTTER | LW | ARIZONA STATE (NCAA)
The Pittsburgh Penguins select Cullen Potter from Arizona State with the 15th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
After grabbing a foundational center with their first pick in the first round, the Penguins continue to stock the cupboards with the small but skilled winger out of Arizona State in Potter.
“Potter is consistently one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2025 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. Though he faces an uphill battle due to his size, I’m not too concerned about it; he holds his own physically and even embraces a physical battle in the NCAA at times. Playing against fully grown men is a different challenge, but Potter has several translatable tools to overcome these disadvantages.” — Goudy
16. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: MALCOLM SPENCE | LW | ERIE (OHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets select Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters with the 16th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Spence may have dropped from the start of year in terms of his draft stock, but he brings lots of things to the table that should translate well to the NHL. He’s a good combination of size and skill that every team covets.
“Spence is a pro-style winger with the puck skills, physicality, and two-way awareness to project as a full-time NHL player. His skating and hard shot suggest top-six potential, though his inconsistent decision-making and vision with the puck need refinement to reach that ceiling.” — Aleong
17. VANCOUVER CANUCKS: BRADY MARTIN | C | SAULT STE. MARIE (OHL)
The Vancouver Canucks select Brady Martin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with the 17th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Canucks have a top-heavy group of prospects without a center within it, and when you consider Elias Pettersson’s uncertain future and the recent JT Miller departure, Martin is a good pick here as a player we have ranked in this range.
“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
18. OTTAWA SENATORS: CARTER BEAR | LW | EVERETT (WHL)
The Ottawa Senators select Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips with the 18th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Bear was producing points at a crazy level until the end of 2024 but has sputtered since. That makes sense to me because his game doesn’t scream point producer at the next level. He’s an energetic forward who consistently gives it his all. He’s a good skater and has decent playmaking, finishing, and puck-handling skills but creates lots of his offense with his IQ and around the net. In some ways, he’s a less skilled version of fellow 2025 draft eligible in Eklund. Bear is also likely to be a winger at the next level despite some versatility.
“His dynamic speed and agility allow him to be a constant presence on the ice, always moving in the offensive zone to find open ice and create chances. Bear’s ability to cut and change direction, combined with excellent hands, makes him elusive in tight spaces, and he pairs this with a physical edge, consistently finishing hits and engaging in battles. He is highly intelligent, often anticipating plays and predicting where defenders will be, which enables him to excel as an F3 and contribute effectively on both special teams. His passing is smart and accurate, complementing his offensive and defensive contributions.” – FCHockey crossover scout Kohen Willis Dengler
19. MONTREAL CANADIENS (VIA CGY): JUSTIN CARBONNEAU | RW | BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND (QMJHL)
The Canadiens select Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada with the 19th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Carbonneau would make it four straight forwards taken in the first round by Montreal after taking Ryabkin a few spots earlier. With 41 goals and 40 assists in 56 games, Carbonneau is one of the more skilled guys in the draft. It’s only an added bonus is that he’s from Quebec.
“He demonstrates strong vision and hockey IQ, utilizing one-touch passes to facilitate zone entries. Carbonneau is a menacing scorer who uses quick hands in motion to beat goalies and a quick-release shot that finds the top corner with minimal space. He’s a lethal weapon from the flank, showcasing a diverse shooting arsenal that includes a booming slap shot, an accurate wrist shot, and a curl-and-drag snapshot. In short, Carbonneau brings an all-around offensive impact with his skill, speed, size, and intent. He’s a highly complete offensive player who still needs some polishing in his own end.” — Fortin Boulay
20. CALGARY FLAMES (VIA NJD): BRAEDEN COOTES | C | SEATTLE (WHL)
The Calgary Flames select Braeden Cootes of the Seattle Thunderbirds with the 20th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Flames have done a solid job starting their version of a rebuild, particularly with the prospects they’ve accumulated on defense, which is led by Zayne Parekh. However, a natural right-handed center has been desperately searched for, and while Cootes may not have the offensive ceiling you love, he’s a player that fits that mold.
“He has always been a details player, and the noticeable improvements he’s made in getting stronger and faster have really unlocked the totality of his game sense. With possession, his head is always up surveying his options, and he carries the puck in an athletic posture, equally ready to pass, shoot, or curl away from danger and protect with his frame. Along the wall, he has a great feel for what is needed to win the battle; against bigger competition, he relies on speed and agility to dodge direct contact and slip away, while against players in his weight class, he shows a bit of bite and outbattles most.” – FCHockey chief scout Donesh Mazloum
21. LOS ANGELES KINGS: CAMERON REID | D | KITCHENER (OHL)
The Los Angeles Kings select Cameron Reid of the Kitchener Rangers with the 21st pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Reid is a player who fits on any blue line.He’s an above average skater who can get the puck up to his forwards and doesn’t put the puck in harms way. He’s been a significant riser with how well he’s played this season.
“His mobility and puck-moving mindset, while maintaining solid defensive positioning, make him an asset at both ends of the rink. He makes good decisions with the puck, reads the play well, and remains composed under pressure from attackers. Reid plays less of a flashy style and more of a simple, calculated game that positively influences the flow of play. He is a very agile and smooth skater, making it look effortless as he carries the puck through the neutral zone. His passing is crisp, precise, and purposeful. He appears comfortable in power-play situations and has clearly earned the trust of his coaching staff in those scenarios.” — Kennedy
22. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (VIA MIN): JOSHUA RAVENSBERGEN | G | PRINCE GEORGE (WHL)
The Blue Jackets select Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars with the 22nd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Ravensbergen will likely be the first goalie taken in the draft, and he validates a first-round selection. He has all the tools you want in a goalie, with size, athleticism, and technical ability. Columbus has Evan Gardner in their system, but with the prospect pool they’ve built up, now would be a good time to get a goalie who can potentially be a no. 1 guy down the line. He can be more consistent and refine some of his rebound control, though.
“Ravensbergen’s frame and exceptional speed in the crease are what bring him to the top of most goalie lists. It’s hard to find a big goaltender who moves with the accuracy and pace that Ravensbergen pulls off in his crease. He carries both of these traits and also has very good positioning skills. He stays square to shooters and controls his angles well. Additionally, I really liked what I saw from Ravensbergen in regard to his ability to read net-front threats. He understands where those threats are and challenges or backs off from the shot location accordingly to make a back-door save as easy as possible.” – FCHockey chief scout David Phillips
23. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (VIA COL): KASAHWN AITCHESON | D | BARRIE (OHL)
The Flyers select Kasahwn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts with the 23rd pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
A perfect player-team fit here with the Flyers. Aitcheson loves to punish opponents with big open ice hits but has the presence of mind to make sure he’s still able to take care of his defensive responsibilities.
“Defensively, Aitcheson is a standout due to his physicality and solid technical skills. He uses his size effectively to outmuscle opponents, win puck battles, and protect his team’s zone. Additionally, his defensive toolkit is impressive — he combines strong stick-checking with shot-blocking abilities, creating a well-rounded, reliable defensive presence. Aitcheson also contributes offensively, showing a touch of creativity and confidence on the power play. He can quarterback from the point, displaying a quick and powerful one-timer when opportunities arise. He’s not afraid to take a shot when he has an opening, nor does he shy away from attempting challenging passes to set up plays.” – FCHockey regional scout Blake McGuire
24. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (VIA EDM): JACK MURTAGH | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
Philadelphia selects Jack Murtagh from the U.S National Development Program with the 24th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
He won’t blow you away with how he’s produced offense, but Murtagh is the type of player who can play in a tight checking game. This is a big first round for the Flyers with three picks, and he would be a nice, safe selection with the last of them.
“While he didn’t stand out as an elite stickhandler, he showcased quick hands to avoid stick checks, extend plays, and move the puck into better areas. His shot carries a lot of power, especially on his one-timers. Away from the puck, he positions himself well in open space and occasionally goes to the net front to serve as a screen. Overall, he is a well-rounded offensive player both with and without the puck.” — FCHockey regional scout Kyle Pereira
25. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (VIA TBL): CAMERON SCHMIDT | RW | VANCOUVER (WHL)
The Predators select Cameron Schmidt of the Vancouver Giants with the 25th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Schmidt is a high-risk, high-reward player. At 5-foot-7, Nashville hopes his goal-scoring ability and high-end skill override his obvious size concerns. If that’s the case, he could become a goal-scoring top-six winger, but if he can’t get to that level, his size becomes a major issue.
“His blazing speed makes him ultra-dangerous on the rush for obvious reasons, but he also explodes laterally, which opens up space for himself in the offensive zone. For a smaller player, the power Schmidt has behind his wrist shot is impressive, and the quickness of his release is equally noteworthy. After multiple viewings of Schmidt, it’s clear that he’s most accurate when shooting high on goalies, with the ability to beat them without a screen consistently. Something encouraging about his game is the fearlessness he shows in the dirty areas of the ice, especially with the puck.” — Elshafey
26. CAROLINA HURRICANES: COLE RESCHNY | C | VICTORIA (WHL)
The Carolina Hurricanes select Cole Reschny of the Victoria Royals with the 26th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Reschny’s play in the first couple months of the year was underwhelming but he’s been much better recently. Reschny is undersized but he’s responsible defensively and has a good chance of sticking at center. His primary strengths are how he attacks the front of the net, with and without the puck, and his efficient playmaking ability.
“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.” — Mazloum
27. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (VIA TOR): COLE MCKINNEY | C | USA U-18 (USNTDP)
The Blackhawks select Cole McKinney from the U.S Development Program with the 27th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
McKinney is similar to the other National Team Development Program players in this class in that he has a lower ceiling and higher floor. He’s a natural center who could be a third-line fixture down the road.
“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. He isn’t an overly skilled player and keeps his game simple, lacking flashiness. While this makes him a dependable two-way option, it also caps his offensive upside.” — Roth
28. CALGARY FLAMES (VIA FLA): BEN KINDEL | C | CALGARY (WHL)
The Flames select Ben Kindel of the Calgary Hitmen with the 28th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Kindel is having an unbelievable season with the Hitmen so far, leading WHL draft eligibles with 34 goals and 62 assists for 96 points in 58 games. He’s a dual-threat player, deploying a rocket of a one-timer and snapshot, but the thing that has impressed me the most has been his immaculate playmaking ability. Some skating and size questions exist, along with his viability as a center.
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Kindel live quite a bit this year and have gained an appreciation for how he creates offense. He’s an elite playmaker with the puck on his stick. He can make any type of pass consistently—whether it’s cross-seam passes, delicate saucer feeds, or dishes off his backhand, it doesn’t matter because odds are it’s going to reach its destination. The way he looks off certain teammates or deceives opponents opens up lanes for those passes, which speaks to how smart he is. The interesting part of his game is that without the puck, his primary threat is as a shooter. More specifically, he’s extremely dangerous with hard and accurate one-timers and quick snapshots when he can find space for his teammates to set him up.” — Elshafey
29. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (VIA VGK): SASCHA BOUMEDIENNE | D | BOSTON UNIVERSITY (NCAA)
The Predators select Sascha Boumedienne from Boston University with the 29th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Going into the year, Boumedienne was fairly high regarded but his play at Boston University has been inconsistent. He’s got the foundation and tools that’s needed to develop so he shouldn’t be written off at all.
“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. Despite his size, however, he is not physical at all, making him easy to push off the puck and prone to shying away from contact. He also relies a bit too much on his reach, often lunging at loose pucks instead of beating the opposing player to them. Building strength will help boost his defensive game. Most of his offensive opportunities came in transition, as he didn’t really look to establish himself as a threat when his team had sustained zone time. With his vision, it would be beneficial to see Boumedienne put himself in better positions to produce and create chances.” — Roth
30. SAN JOSE SHARKS (VIA DAL): BLAKE FIDDLER | D | EDMONTON (WHL)
The Sharks select Blake Fiddler of the Edmonton Oil Kings with the 30th pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
After taking Schaefer with the first pick, San Jose can grab another defender late in the first round. Fiddler is a well-rounded right-handed defender who does everything at a good level. The Sharks have, arguably, the top prospect system in the league, but it does lack prospects on the right side of the blue line.
“The closest thing to elite he does is how he defends the rush. He has a long stick that he uses to disrupt passes or shots, reads and anticipates plays really well, and maintains the right gap to prevent forwards from beating him to the inside while staying close enough to use his stick to disrupt the play. Fiddler’s straight-line speed is impressive for his size, but I find his ability to move laterally — with turns, edges, and changes of direction — a bit slow. In general, though, his mobility is a strength, and he even uses it to join or lead the rush from time to time. Fiddler isn’t the most physical 6-foot-4 player you’ve ever seen, but he separates the man from the puck effectively and does the important things like block shots and move around the defensive zone in a positionally sound way.” — Elshafey
31. WASHINGTON CAPITALS: JACK NESBITT | C | WINDSOR (OHL)
The Washington Capitals select Jack Nesbitt of the Windsor Spitfires with the 31st pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Nesbitt has been one of the biggest risers of the season so far and it’s easy to see why. Sometimes bigger players take a bit longer to put everything together and it seems like he’s done that, on track for a season close to a point per game with 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists) in 59 games.
“During his second OHL season, Nesbitt has taken a significant leap forward in his development and is regularly deployed on Windsor’s top power-play unit and penalty kill. He is a highly effective net-front presence, tough to contain, and positions himself around the net to jar pucks loose and capitalize on rebounds. Defensively, Nesbitt demonstrates a strong understanding of positioning and uses his long reach to disrupt plays and transition the puck up ice. He will need to improve his first-step acceleration and refine his puck management skills to further elevate his game.” — Kennedy
32. WINNIPEG JETS: BILL ZONNON | LW | ROUYN-NORANDA (QMJHL)
The Winnipeg Jets select Bill Zonnon of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies with the 32nd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Zonnon has produced well in the QMJHL, scoring 27 goals and adding 49 assists in 58 games. He’s a lanky winger who creates offense with his playmaking ability and does a fine job taking advantage of his size.
“A natural playmaker, Zonnon remains poised with the puck, displaying superior vision and delivering precise, firm passes to his teammates with ease, even under heavy pressure. He thrives at finding teammates in shooting lanes and setting up redirections. Zonnon is also a strong presence in front of and around the net, securing high-danger spots and proving difficult to move. He circulates the puck well in the offensive zone and shows the ability to transition from the boards to the interior, unleashing hard shots on net. However, I wouldn’t consider Zonnon a threatening scorer, as his shot lacks significant danger, and he primarily scores by driving the net and capitalizing on second chances.” — Fortin Boulay
*Standings based on points percentage as of 9 am ET on Sunday, March 9.
- YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: