Welcome to the first dive into my mock draft for the 2025 NHL Draft. With the first round taking shape following Monday night’s draft lottery, it’s time to explore some of the intriguing possibilities ahead. After engaging with agents, scouts, and team staff throughout the season, I’ve pieced together what I believe could be the ideal selections for each team.
As I fine-tune my top 100 draft board, this initial mock takes a broader view. It’s about identifying potential targets and how they might fit into each team’s strategy, considering factors like team needs and scouting insights.
Let’s break down the top picks:
- New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie Otters
The Islanders have a captivating decision ahead of them. They could certainly lean towards local talent James Hagens, but the pressure of their GM-less situation complicates matters. There’s a lot to consider, especially the emotional connection Hagens might bring being a hometown hero. However, they’re in dire need of defensive depth and Schaefer represents a potential franchise-changing addition. If history proves anything, it’s that solid defense can transform a team. - San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit
The Sharks could be looking to bolster their forward corps, particularly if Schaefer goes first overall. With a dynamic offensive outlook already established by their recent picks, adding Misa as a consensus top forward could set them up for years to come. He brings a different flavor to their forward lineup that could unleash the full potential of established players like Smith and Celebrini. If Schaefer is off the board, the Sharks will have their pick among talented centers, and Misa stands out as a likely choice. - Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF
For the Blackhawks, their choice boils down to some well-matched prospects. While they have speed and skill covered, adding a player like Frondell could bring the size and two-way play they’re seeking. His versatility could fit seamlessly alongside Connor Bedard, making for a promising partnership for years to come. - Utah Mammoth: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats
With a focus on building around their existing talent like Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller, Utah might steer clear of styles that don’t fit their mold. Desnoyers represents an ideal prospect to complement their lineup—offering both skill and substantial size. He could play a pivotal role in crafting a formidable center depth chart for the Mammoth. - Nashville Predators: James Hagens, C, Boston College
The Predators may look to capitalize on Hagens’ star quality if he falls to them. Given their recent strategy of prioritizing competitiveness and skill, Hagens offers the blend of talent and potential that Smashville has long awaited in a top-tier forward. It could spark a revitalized offensive attack for the team. - Philadelphia Flyers: Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds
Even with a fresh center selected last year, the Flyers are likely to maintain their focus on bolstering the middle. If Hagens or Desnoyers are available, they’re potential selections. If not, Martin’s competitive edge makes him a quintessential fit for the Flyers’ framework. - Boston Bruins: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs
Among their first-round considerations, the Bruins are positioned to kick off a new phase in their roster with O’Brien or possibly Martone. They’re looking to enhance their center capability, and O’Brien could play a crucial role in that pursuit. - Seattle Kraken: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads
The Kraken find themselves well-staffed on centers but could use another winger to complement their offensive structure. Martone offers size and skill that could mesh well with their established core. - Buffalo Sabres: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings
With a potential shake-up in free agency on the horizon, the Sabres could be inclined to draft McQueen. He could provide a fresh face in their approach to size and skill upfront, offering a unique profile that contrasts recent additions. - Anaheim Ducks: Radim Mrtka, RHD, Seattle Thunderbirds
The Ducks have a burgeoning group of young defensemen, yet Mrtka’s considerable size and skating ability stand out as unique assets that could enrich their blue line in the future. - Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF
The Pens could be hoping for one of the top centers to drop, but if they don’t see that opportunity, snagging Eklund feels smart. A competitive winger can still add an important dimension to their lineup. - New York Rangers: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie Colts
Expected to bolster their defensive ranks, the Rangers might zero in on Aitcheson. He fits their preference for gritty competitors, making him a compelling choice in this range. - Detroit Red Wings: Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
With their existing depth at center, the Red Wings could pivot to focus on adding a top winger. Carbonneau represents both skill and competitive spirit, which align with their drafting ethos. - Columbus Blue Jackets: Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri-City Americans
Looking to solidify their draft strategy, the Blue Jackets may opt for a defenseman here. Smith offers a valid option that fulfills their needs, especially if other top candidates are unavailable. - Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
Cootes’ strong reputation as a center puts him in a prime spot for the Canucks who desperately need to revamp their strength through the middle. - Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors
The Canadiens could use this pick to bolster their wing position. Lakovic brings a strong presence that aligns with their long-term aspirations. - Montreal Canadiens: Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener Rangers
The Canadiens looking toward their defensive needs could find Reid an appealing option, continuing to address their blue line depth. - Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals
Searching for offensive depth, the Flames might lean toward Reschny with this pick, who embodies the skill and intelligence they’re aiming for in their roster-building efforts. - St. Louis Blues: Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips
Bear could provide depth and versatility at left wing for a team in need of strong prospects on the left side, enhancing their overall forward group. - Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Logan Hensler, RHD, University of Wisconsin
The Blue Jackets might double down on their defensive core with Hensler, reinforcing their back end effectively. - Ottawa Senators: Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires
Ottawa is inclined to prioritize center depth, and Nesbitt’s attributes align perfectly with their archetype of competitive players. - Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen
Another addition to their center ranks, the Flames just might land Kindel here to inject versatile scoring potential. - Carolina Hurricanes: Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State University
The Canes could appreciate Potter’s skating ability and offensive upside, making him an interesting prospect in their continued development. - Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters
Picking up Spence as another hardworking player builds on the Flyers’ commitment to competitive standards within their ranks. - Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo
Doubling down on centerman depth might make Gastrin an attractive option for the Flyers, enhancing their overall roster configuration. - Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars
With their goalie situation in flux, Ravensbergen could emerge as a promising candidate to develop alongside their other young talent. - Los Angeles Kings: Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University
The Kings might look for a robust presence in Boumedienne, further enhancing their defensive core in anticipation of a revamped lineup. - San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton Oil Kings
Should the Sharks miss earlier opportunities, Fiddler’s potential as a versatile defenseman could fill a crucial spot on their blue line. - Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Shane Vansaghi, C, Michigan State University
The Blackhawks might be looking for size in their forward group, and Vansaghi could provide that appealing option for their future lineup. - Nashville Predators (via Vegas Golden Knights): Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, RW, Luleå HF
Infusing more offensive skill might be a target for the Preds, and Ihs-Wozniak brings a promising profile to their front lines. - Washington Capitals: Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks
Taking a risk on Ryabkin could pay dividends for the Capitals, given his high-end skill and potential to rise above the challenges he faces. - Winnipeg Jets: William Horcoff, C, University of Michigan
If they avoid the temptation of drafting an underwhelming defenseman at this point, Horcoff’s style brings a unique dimension to the Jets’ ever-evolving lineup.
This draft holds immense potential, and as we lead up to the big day, these predictions could very well reshape teams’ futures. Each pick carries weight, making this Year’s draft one to watch closely!
