Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The 2025 NHL Draft is finally here, with Round 1 kicking off on Friday night from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. That will be followed by Rounds 2-7 starting Saturday afternoon at 12 p.m.
This year's draft class is highlighted by a defenseman at the top of the rankings, as Matthew Schaefer has been viewed by many as the best player available in this year's class. This even after his draft year was mostly lost due to an injury suffered this past December.
After Schaefer atop the draft class, there is an extensive list of forwards that follow suit, arguably, led by Michael Misa. The forward, who was granted exceptional status as a 15-year-old in 2022, stood out amongst the rest of the group in his draft year that consists of other top talents like James Hagens, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers.
Following the top-two picks of Schaefer and Misa, it's a crap shoot when determining where a number of these prospects will fall in the draft order. The teams within the 3-13 range may have completely different philosophies on what direction they wish to take in the draft, resulting in some prospects to potentially fall down the order.
It'll also be interesting to see how this draft class potentially impacts the way teams approach moving picks in trades. There's a potential that with the complexion of this class, teams could prefer to move up or down the board, or even trade away the selection as part of a package to improve elsewhere.
How may the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft play out Friday in Los Angeles? Let's have some fun projecting the picks with my one-and-only first-round mock draft:
***For this exercise, there will not be any mock trades that could potentially happen in the first round.
1.) New York Islanders
SELECTION: Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Sept. 5, 2007
2024-25 stats: 17 GP, 7 G, 15 A, 22 P, 8 PIM, +21
Despite missing the last half of his draft year with a broken collarbone suffered at the IIHF World Junior Championship with Team Canada, most pundits still consider Schaefer to be the best prospect available in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The first attribute that stands out with Schaefer’s game is his skating and speed from the back end. He’s as smooth as it comes with his footwork, and can accelerate in a heartbeat, especially when he’s in pursuit of the puck or has the puck on his stick. With the puck on his stick, he uses his quick bursts to speed past the competition, while also skating with control.
Schaefer has a great sense for the game in both ends of the ice.
Offensively, he’s able to find the open lanes to the net for a shot, while keeping his head up and playing deceptively to find open teammates for scoring chances. He’s also very smart about jumping into the play when the time is right to do so, and has the ability to either hit the long lead passes or lead the transition game himself.
Defensively, he’s got an active stick that is more so in the right place at the right time, while he’s calm and cool defending right around his own net.
While Schaefer does not have a booming shot, it is quite effective, as he can pick his spots with the best of them from distance, or from close quarters after pinching into the zone.
Where Schaefer can make an even bigger impact is by getting just a bit stronger and filling out his 6-foot-2 frame a bit more. That will not only make him tougher to play against in front of his own net, but it will also make it tougher for opponents to get the puck away from him when on the attack.
In addition, Schaefer will have to clean up his instincts sometimes to try to make a play all by himself and be the one-man show on the ice. He tends sometimes to force plays with the puck offensively, leading to a loss of possession.
Overall, Schaefer has a shot at making the jump from the OHL this past season and making an immediate impact in a lineup at the NHL level. Though another fully-healthy season playing at the junior level may do the defenseman some good in his development.
The Islanders land a dynamic two-way defenseman with the potential of becoming one of the premier blue liners in the NHL.
2.) San Jose Sharks
SELECTION: Michael Misa - Center - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Feb. 16, 2007
2024-25 stats: 65 GP, 62 G, 72 A, 134 P, 45 PIM, +45
The rich get richer, as the Sharks land, arguably, the best forward of the 2025 draft class, who has turned plenty of heads over the course of his draft year.
Many draft pundits had looked at Misa as a top forward prospect ahead of the 2024-25 season, but some were, perhaps, looking to see what his next step was, and whether he could actually ascend atop the rankings. Several months later, there’s little denying his latest campaign as a statement year.
After a 75-point (29+46) campaign as a 16-/17-year-old playing in the OHL, Misa took his game to a whole ‘nother level with 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in 65 games. He also did this playing the season as mostly a center for the Spirit.
Misa proved to be the dynamic playmaking player that helped him earn exceptional status as a 15-year-old a few years back. Not only can Misa make a difference distributing the puck and creating scoring chances, he also proved to be a capable goal scorer, while also being a reliable leader in all three zones of the ice.
What makes Misa a dangerous player is his deceptiveness with the puck on his stick. He often leaves the opposition second guessing with whether or not he’s going to toe drag and wire a quick shot on net, or he’ll float a pass to a player streaking in on goal for a scoring chance.
When the puck hits Misa’s stick, he can control the pace and tempo of play with his quick thinking and vision. He can pick up the pace and take the puck to the net when the slightest of openings come to him, or he can slow play to a crawl in order for the right situation to develop to generate offense. He’s also very good about finding the open space on the ice to generate a scoring chance, or take the puck up ice for a rush.
Misa has a high-end shot for the OHL, as he wastes little-to-no time getting the puck off his stick. Whether it’s a wrist shot, a snap shot or a one-timer from the off-wing, Misa’s shot comes off his stick with authority.
His shiftiness on his feet allows Misa to be a threat in the offensive zone. He’s got great edges, allowing him to cut on a dime and move acrobatically on the ice. He’s also quite strong on his feet, making it difficult for teams to take him out of the play using the body. In addition, he can turn on the afterburners in transition, burning by the opposition to pursue a scoring chance.
In addition, Misa is a very tenacious player, especially on the forecheck and backcheck, and always has his eyes looking to transition to offense while in the defensive end and in the neutral zone.
The only question surrounding Misa, at this point, is will he be ready to make the jump to the NHL next season, or will he either return to Saginaw for another season, or does he take advantage of the new NCAA regulations that allow him to play college hockey after time spent in juniors?
Regardless, Misa is expected to be a stud at the top level, and it could come sooner rather than later.
3.) Chicago Blackhawks
SELECTION: Anton Frondell - Center - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: May 7, 2007
2024-25 stats: 29 GP, 11 G, 14 A, 25 P, 16 PIM, +11
Frondell is the No. 1-ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting among European skaters, and it’s clear to see why many believe in the upside he has.
In his draft year, Frondell spent most of his season playing alongside fellow draft classmate Victor Eklund, where he scored 11 goals and added 14 assists for 25 points in 29 games played for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan. And while he played the majority of the end of his draft year as a winger, many believe he can be a solid center at the top level.
Where many will salivate over Frondell is his potential to be a very complete 200-foot player.
Offensively, Frondell has a dangerously good shot, whether it’s a one-timer from the off-wing and a simple wrist shot on the fly. The puck comes off his stick with authority, comes off quick, and he can pick his spots when given the time and space with a goaltender.
While Frondell is a lethal shooter, he keeps his game rather simple and controlled, not being much of a flashy player on the ice. He’s a smart puck mover, he uses his frame rather well to control the puck, and just makes good decisions overall with the puck and his positioning.
Defensively, while there’s certainly further room to refine his game in his own end, Frondell is a pretty reliable asset because of his positioning and decision making on the ice.
Where Frondell could use some improvement is his skating. While he does generate some good speed once he hits top flight, his mechanics hinder him from getting good acceleration right off the hop. If he can clean up his stride and be a bit lighter on his feet, it will only make him that much more dangerous on the ice.
And if Frondell can bulk up and fill out his frame a bit more, along with rounding out his game at the Swedish Hockey League level in the coming year or two, he may be a stellar get for the a team like the Blackhawks.
4.) Utah Mammoth
SELECTION: Porter Martone - Right Wing - Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 207 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Oct. 26, 2006
2024-25 stats: 57 GP, 37 G, 61 A, 98 P, 74 PIM, +19
Power is the name of the game for Martone, as he’s likely bound to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
What stands out right away with Martone is his size on the wing, standing at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds. Martone is already physically gifted with that frame, and has the strength to back it up. He is incredibly hard to take out of the play without taking a penalty to do so, and his puck protection in all areas of the ice is something to behold.
While Martone doesn’t have blazing speed and his skating can be improved upon, he can bull-rush his way around the ice with the power he has and generates. He handles the puck extremely well, and is confident in his ability to take it wherever the play dictates and win those battles. He’s willing to engage the opposition in front of his own net, along the boards or anywhere in open ice.
What makes Martone such a sexy asset in this class is his playmaking abilities for a player of his size. He can dish the puck with the best of them, finding open players when he’s got bodies draped all over him, or a player coming with him on a rush up ice. He’s smart and instinctual with the puck, and can see plays developing that most players don’t even think to see.
When it comes to his shot, it’s powerful and he makes his chances count more often than not. He’s very good in the high-danger areas of the ice, and can pick his spots and catch goaltenders sleeping with his ability to pick where he wants the puck to go.
This past season also saw Martone become the captain of the Brampton Steelheads in his draft year, where he produced 98 points (37+61) in 57 games. He also got the chance to play with Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, though he only played three games and scored once as, primarily, a fourth-line winger.
If Martone can continue his ascension and continue to grow his game overall, maybe even show more of a presence in the defensive end, he may become a premier power forward at the NHL level.
The Mammoth are likely going to be very happy with the player they get in Martone.
5.) Nashville Predators
SELECTION: James Hagens - Center - Boston College (NCAA)
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Nov. 3, 2006
2024-25 stats: 37 GP, 11 G, 26 A, 37 P, 24 PIM, +21
Heading into his draft season, many draft experts saw Hagens as the top forward prospect, and even the top overall prospect as the likely No. 1 pick.
Despite a slower start to his 2024-25 season dropping his stock a bit, Hagens is still widely regarded as a top prospect available in the 2025 NHL Draft.
While Hagens is certainly a prospect that can score and put the puck in the net, his playmaking capabilities are what sets him apart from most prospects in the class.
It all starts with Hagen’s hockey IQ, and his ability to see the ice and anticipate plays developing before they even happen. Hagens is able to control the puck with great hands, and keep his head up to quickly and decisively analyze plays and find openings to distribute the puck. He’s also got the uncanny ability to find players open that are seemingly covered, or those he doesn’t even see.
Hagens is one of the smoothest skaters in this year’s class with very good pace to his stride, while also playing light on his feet in order to cut and maneuver well in tight quarters. His powerful short strides also allow Hagens to generate good speed and acceleration in rush.
Puck handling is another strong suit of Hagens’ game, as he can dangle through the defense on the rush to create highlight reel scoring chances. It also enhances his ability to be deceptive and manipulate the opposing defenders.
And while Hagens is not widely known for being a goal scorer, he definitely gets the puck off his stick quickly, and can pick his spots well.
And like many prospects in this age group, Hagens will need to get a bit stronger, while also continuing to improve his overall game as he continues to progress.
Is he a player that can make the jump to the pros after a strong freshman season? Perhaps. However, it may benefit Hagens to stay in college for another season and prove his worth on a Boston College team that will likely be rebuilding a bit with a number of players making the jump to the NHL.
Regardless, the Predators land a skilled young center they have been coveting for a long while.
6.) Philadelphia Flyers
SELECTION: Caleb Desnoyers - Center - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 172 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: April 11, 2007
2024-25 stats: 56 GP, 35 G, 49 A, 84 P, 39 PIM, +51
Another stellar prospect with immense upside as a two-way presence down the middle of the ice.
Desnoyers is more of a puck-moving, play-making center that can play well at both ends. While he has a decent shot to his arsenal, Desnoyers is more of a pass-first type of playmaker that sees the ice very well and can dictate play at both ends. Because he sees and thinks the game so well, he’s very good at patiently waiting for the right play to develop before threading the puck with a tape-to-tape pass.
While Desnoyers has some flash to his play, he’s relatively simple with his style and keeps his game pretty simple. He’s got a decent motor to him, constantly looking to get down the ice in transition, and makes a lot of smart plays to create quality scoring chances for his teammates.
In the QMJHL Playoffs, Desnoyers was phenomenal with 30 points (9+21) in 19 games, earning MVP honors for the postseason as he lead Moncton to a league championship.
If Desnoyers can add some additional strength and clean up his skating to make him more of a fluid player on the ice, a team will be getting a gem of a player down the middle that can develop into a solid middle-six, if not top-six forward.
Oh, and the Flyers have some familiarity with the Desnoyers family, having drafted his brother Elliot in the fifth round (135th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.
7.) Boston Bruins
SELECTION: Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 170 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: June 16, 2007
2024-25 stats: 66 GP, 32 G, 66 A, 98 P, 18 PIM, -2
One of the high-rising players in this draft class since the start of the 2024-25 season, O’Brien has the potential of landing himself as a top-10 player in the 2025 NHL Draft.
O’Brien has shown his ability this season as being one of the better overall playmakers available in the draft, especially when it comes to distributing the puck. He sees the ice very well, and often knows where and when to find his teammates in perfect position for a scoring chance.
He controls the puck very well, and can help dictate the pace of play with his ability to stickhandle his way in the offensive zone while keeping his head on a swivel to see plays developing. His passes are crisp, on target, and he does a nice job finding players while being deceptive.
Although O’Brien is more so known as a passer, he can certainly fire a puck and score with some of the best of them. He’s got a nice release with his wrist shot, and finds lanes to get pucks through traffic at a distance.
While his skating is, perhaps, not a strong suit of his game, there is certainly room for growth to make him more smooth and fluid on his feet. He can get around well, especially when on the attack, but some refinement will only make him more complete.
If O’Brien can round out his skating, while also getting a bit stronger to fill out his frame, O’Brien can become one of the better two-way, heady players at the top level.
Not a bad way for the Bruins to begin their retooling phase.
8.) Seattle Kraken
SELECTION: Radim Mrtka - Defense - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 216 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Czechia
Birthday: June 9, 2007
2024-25 stats: 43 GP, 3 G, 32 A, 35 P, 46 PIM, +10
When teams around the NHL continue to salivate over right-shot defensemen, Mrtka is a prospect that likely has many teams around the league paying attention to where he goes this June.
By no means is Mrtka a flashy player on the back end, he plays a very simple, yet confident game at both ends of the ice.
Standing at a towering 6-foot-6 and 198 pounds, the Czech-born blue liner gets around the ice well for a player of his size. He is not afraid to jump up into an offensive rush when the opportunity presents itself, and can get back into the play when the puck starts to head back the other way. He’s got great footwork to work as a quarterback on the power play, and uses his strength to stay strong on his feet and win puck battles.
Mrtka has very good reach with his long stick, making him a good defender in his own end, while protecting the puck on a breakout or in the offensive zone from the blue line.
His size also allows Mrtka to physically overpower the opposition, as he can stand up players long the boards or shake off players in front of his net.
Offensively, Mrtka doesn’t have the strongest shot from the blue line, but he does move the puck very well. He’s accurate with his passes, controls the puck well, and often is not guilty of trying to force a pass when feeling any sort of pressure.
With the Thunderbirds this past year in his first season in North America, Mrtka performed quite well with three goals and 32 assists for 35 points in 43 games played. He also even appeared in 10 professional games with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech league, producing an assist in his limited action.
More time playing in North America should only help Mrtka grow his game further, as he develops into the latest product of Czech hockey to flourish at the top level in the years to come. He could even be seen as the best defensive prospect from Czechia is quite some time.
This pick just makes too much sense for the Kraken, selecting a kid who developed in their backyard.
9.) Buffalo Sabres
SELECTION: Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 174 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: March 16, 2007
2024-25 stats: 57 GP, 33 G, 39 A, 72 P, 68 PIM, +25
A wrecking ball on the ice that oozes potential.
The biggest part of Martin’s game that sets him above most prospects in this class is his physicality and ability to throw the body around. Some draft pundits put Martin’s ability to body check so high, they say he may be one of the best checkers in all of hockey at age 18.
To go along with that, Martin is one of the best competitors in this year’s draft class with a willingness to go into corners, go to the net, or to just play a smart style of hockey in order to help his team win. His speed and motor help him be a force to be reckoned with, while forcing opposing players to keep their head up with him on the ice.
Despite being just 6-foot and 174 pounds, Martin is very strong in his overall game, and can outmuscle guys three or four inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than he is to win a battle. He also makes sure to finish every check that he engages in, letting the opposition know he’s there.
Offensively, Martin has the potential to develop into a you-know-what stirrer, while bringing a good amount of talent on the ice. He’s got a very strong shot off his stick and controls the puck well with his speed and strength with possession.
The big question with Martin at the top level is can he put it all together to become a coveted middle of the lineup forward that can score, make plays and be that problem for opponents like a Brad Marchand?
The ceiling seems to be significantly higher than others of his style of play, and it seems like he’s a tantalizing option for a number of teams higher up in the draft. If he can get it all together in the NHL with the Sabres, look out.
10.) Anaheim Ducks
SELECTION: Roger McQueen - Center - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 192 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Oct. 2, 2006
2024-25 stats: 17 GP, 10 G, 10 A, 20 P, 40 PIM, +8
A bit of a Cayden Lindstrom 2.0 this year with McQueen: A player with a ton of potential and skill, but someone with huge question marks due to injuries.
There’s a lot to like about McQueen’s potential as a powerful offensive threat down the middle of the ice, especially with his size and reach. Not only does McQueen motor around the ice well at 6-foot-5, but he also has the firepower with a booming shot and ability to get the puck off his stick quickly.
McQueen is also quite deceptive with the puck, oftentimes leaving the opposition second guessing what he’s planning to do. He can look off and feed no-look passes across ice, or he can wait things out and stickhandle his way through a phonebooth and then take the puck to the net.
There’s a good reason why some people salivate over the possibility of McQueen becoming the next Tage Thompson with his size and skill level.
However, where the major concern lies is with McQueen’s health, having already dealt with a pretty significant back injury that not only kept him out for most of his draft year, but was plaguing him since 2023. If he had been able to get healthier sooner and play most of his draft year, it’s possible McQueen could challenge to be a top-five player in the draft.
If McQueen can prove his injury problems are behind him for good, the Ducks could get the biggest steal in the draft. If his injuries continue to carry over, it could be a long uphill battle to get himself in a position to try and remain healthy in order to make a name for himself in the NHL.
11.) Pittsburgh Penguins
SELECTION: Victor Eklund - Left Wing - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 161 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: Oct. 3, 2006
2024-25 stats: 42 GP, 19 G, 12 A, 31 P, 37 PIM, +16
The younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund, Victor is the equivalent of an Energizer Bunny on the ice with his motor and tenacity to be constantly engaged with the play. And he is also not afraid of getting his nose dirty in order to make a play on the ice to help his team.
Eklund is one of the older players of this year’s draft class, and spent his draft year playing professionally for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan. In his 42 games played, Eklund netted an impressive 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points while mostly playing alongside his fellow draft classmate in Frondell.
He was also a key piece for Sweden this past winter at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, making the team in his draft year and contributing two goals and four assists for six points.
The winger is very confident (maybe sometimes a bit too confident) with the puck on his stick, as he has a natural instinct to get the puck moving down the ice in transition, while creating offense by getting to the net.
He generates great speed, especially with the puck on his stick, with his smooth and light footwork, and has the ability to use his edges to cut on a dime and be very nimble in both ends.
Eklund is also a very good puck handler, using his soft hands to dangle his way through players, while also controlling the puck and keeping it away from the opposing defenders. It’s also an asset when moving the puck and finding his open teammates for a scoring chance.
While Eklund needs to fill out his frame a bit and be more physically stronger, that doesn’t mean he’s not willing to engage in puck battles along the boards or in front of the net.
The Penguins get a very energetic forward that still has plenty of room to further develop and grow his game. Another year or two playing with Djurgårdens, now back in the SHL, will certainly do Eklund more good on his path to becoming a stellar piece at the NHL level.
12.) Pittsburgh Penguins (from Vancouver Canucks via New York Rangers)
SELECTION: Jackson Smith - Defense - Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 190 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: May 13, 2007
2024-25 stats: 68 GP, 11 G, 43 A, 54 P, 48 PIM, +2
For a taller defenseman, Smith is one of the best skating players available in this entire draft class.
Smith is a very fluid skater with smooth, but powerful strides that help him motor all over the ice from the back end. He’s the type of defenseman that is always looking to move up ice in transition, and also jump into a rush whenever possible. While sometimes he makes those decisions at inopportune times, Smith has the capability to recover and motor back just as fast.
In addition, Smith utilizes some great edge work, to pair with the speed, in order to cut and be shifty on his feet from the blue line.
His speed and skating help him thrive overall, allowing him to be a creative player from the back end, especially when on the fly and moving through the neutral zone and into the offensive end.
While Smith doesn’t have a booming shot or a great release, he does control the puck well, can move the puck in transition, and is able to find lanes to get pucks toward the net for a scoring chance. He can certainly work on his shot to get stronger and become even more of an offensive threat in the years to come.
The potential with Smith is sky-high, but there is still plenty of room to grow overall with his game. Not only does Smith need to fill into his frame a bit more, but he also needs to round out his two-way game a bit better. He does tend to try to get too cute from time-to-time and turn the puck over, and sometimes does not handle pressure well in his own end.
If Pittsburgh can grab Smith and help him round out his game, he may develop into an exhilarating, high-flying defenseman at the next level.
13.) Detroit Red Wings
SELECTION: Kashawn Aitcheson – Defense – Barrie Colts (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Sept. 21, 2006
2024-25 stats: 64 GP, 26 G, 33 A, 59 P, 88 PIM, +6
Arguably one of the more loveable prospects in this class.
Aitcheson is sort of an anomaly with his ability to not only be a productive presence from the blue line, but also be extremely tough to play against as sort of an enforcer type role. While Aitcheson does not drop the gloves too often and is not categorized as a fighter, he is a bruising player that will take names and ask questions at the drop of a dime.
At 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds, Aitcheson is a brute force on the ice with the ability to throw the body around, while using his size and power to his advantage offensively.
Aitcheson is very strong on his feet, generating speed and acceleration with a strong lower half, while getting around the ice quite well with some good edge work and protecting the puck at the same time. While sometimes he can catch himself being too aggressive, he gets up and down the ice well and finds himself in good scoring position.
Where Aitcheson really stood out this season was his ability to find the back of the net with 26 goals from the blue line. Whether it was jumping up on a rush, finding a lane through traffic, or even letting go of a booming one-timer, Aitcheson was able to score in all different ways.
While being a competitor that will engage in battles and stick up for teammates willingly, he does have some discipline issues that can put his team in a bit of a pickle at times with some bad penalties.
In addition, Aitcheson will need to round out his game from the blue line and be a better coverage player on defense, but that seems like something that he started to get down as the season was approaching its end.
The Red Wings land a player in this year’s draft that is likely to become a huge fan favorite, and strengthens a loaded Detroit blue line even more.
14.) Columbus Blue Jackets
SELECTION: Logan Hensler – Defense – University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 196 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Oct. 14, 2006
2024-25 stats: 32 GP, 2 G, 10 A, 12 P, 27 PIM, -13
Another well-respected right-shot defenseman near the top of the defensive grouping in this year’s draft class.
Hensler has the potential to go higher up in the draft with his two-way play from the back end.
Hensler’s strongest trait to his game is his skating, with good footwork to help ensure that he’s consistently in good position to defend in his own end, while contributing on the rush offensively. He’s also got good speed to take the puck up ice in transition, while also recovering to get back into position when play breaks down the other way.
Defensively, Hensler has a great stick that he uses well along the boards or in front of his own net to make life uneasy for offensive players. However, sometimes he does tend to rely on his stick play too much rather than trying to utilize his physicality in his own end.
While Hensler is not the best shooter or able to find the best lanes to get pucks to the net, his passing is very strong, especially in transition. He’s very crisp and concise with his puck movement, which is also beneficial for him playing as a quarterback on the power play.
Where he may slip down the board for some teams come draft day is some inconsistent physical play and a lack of offensive upside that sees him getting pucks to the net. If he can become more confident in his play, while also adding more muscle, Hensler may be a steal similar to Charlie McAvoy back in 2016 for the Bruins.
It’s all about finding a way to untap the potential as a dynamic two-way defenseman. If he can find that style of play at the University of Wisconsin in Year 2, it’ll be a huge win for the team that takes him.
15.) Vancouver Canucks
SELECTION: Carter Bear - Center - Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Nov. 4, 2006
2024-25 stats: 56 GP, 40 G, 42 A, 82 P, 77 PIM, +33
An Achilles injury near the end of his draft year ended a fun season for Bear in the WHL. Despite the injury and its typical significance, Bear is still considered a high-end prospect for this year’s draft.
Bear is a tenacious player, despite his smaller frame, as he’s not afraid to get his nose dirty to make a play for his team. He can go to the net with reckless abandon, he’s relentless on the puck, and will do what it takes to win battles and come away with possession, while also being a bit of a pest on the ice.
While not the fastest or strongest skater, Bear is deceptively good at finding the open spaces when not engaged in battles. But when Bear finds the puck on his stick, he’s not afraid to bull rush his way to the net.
Bear finds all sorts of ways to get the puck to the back of the net. He’s a player that loves to play below the hash marks, but can still beat you from distance with his longer reach for a shorter player. He’s got a decent shot that only has more room to grow as he continues his development from level-to-level.
With the puck on his stick, Bear controls it well, and can be quite crafty when dishing it off to a teammate, or taking it himself and creating a scoring chance on his own. However, he’s certainly a more direct, no nonsense player at both ends of the ice.
If Bear did not suffer his Achilles injury, it’s possible he could have finished his season in Everett and found himself as a top-10 pick in the draft. It’s likely he slips a bit into the early-to-middle teens, allowing a team like the Canucks to land a really nice player with oozing upside.
16.) Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)
SELECTION: Justin Carbonneau - Right Wing - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 192 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Nov. 25, 2006
2024-25 stats: 62 GP, 46 G, 43 A, 89 P, 61 PIM, +3
A dazzling prospect with the potential to become a playmaking superstar at the top level.
There’s little denying the ability of Carbonneau to be an offensive dynamo for the team that takes a swing on him. He’s got the offensive mindset to make plays and be creative with the puck, and potentially turn into a scoring option for teams in their middle-to-top-six at forward.
While Carbonneau is not the fastest of skaters, he does have great edge work to help him be a shifty player on offense. He can utilize his shiftiness to leave defenders spinning and off balance as Carbonneau takes the puck to the net.
Carbonneau is incredibly gifted with the puck with an ability to control the pace of play. He can dangle through the opposition, though he may try to do it too much, or he can be deceptive to leave defenders second guessing what he’s doing with the puck. His soft hands allow him to work well with the puck in tight, pick his spots when shooting, or feather some passes to teammates for scoring chances.
While Carbonneau may be one of more talented offensive players in this draft class, the defensive aspect of his game can be absent. He competes to generate offense and be a game changer there, but when the play transitions the other way, he tends to puck watch and lose focus on his responsibilities.
If he can shore up his overall game and be a bit more reliable at both ends of the ice, Carbonneau may be one of the better offensive selections in this year’s draft class.
And why not add another stellar offensive talent to an already deep Canadiens prospect pool?
17.) Montreal Canadiens
SELECTION: Cole Reschny – Center – Victoria Royals (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: April 6, 2007
2024-25 stats: 62 GP, 26 G, 66 A, 92 P, 44 PIM, +42
18.) Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils)
SELECTION: Braeden Cootes – Center – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Feb. 9, 2007
2024-25 stats: 60 GP, 26 G, 37 A, 63 P, 18 PIM, +5
19.) St. Louis Blues
SELECTION: Lynden Lakovic – Center – Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 190 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Dec. 12, 2006
2024-25 stats: 47 GP, 27 G, 31 A, 58 P, 4 PIM, -25
20.) Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild)
SELECTION: Joshua Ravensbergen – Goalie – Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 192 pounds
Catches: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Nov. 27, 2006
2024-25 stats: 51 GP, 33-13-4 record, 3.00 GAA, .901 SV%, 0 SO
21.) Ottawa Senators
SELECTION: Malcolm Spence – Left Wing – Erie Otters (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 201 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Sept. 22, 2006
2024-25 stats: 65 GP, 32 G, 41 A, 73 P, 57 PIM, +10
22.) Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche)
SELECTION: Cameron Reid – Defense – Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 174 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: April 8, 2007
2024-25 stats: 67 GP, 14 G, 40 A, 54 P, 44 PIM, +39
23.) Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
SELECTION: Benjamin Kindel – Right Wing – Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: April 19, 2007
2024-25 stats: 65 GP, 35 G, 64 A, 99 P, 39 PIM, +39
24.) Los Angeles Kings
SELECTION: Sascha Boumedienne – Defense – Boston University (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: Jan. 17, 2007
2024-25 stats: 40 GP, 3 G, 10 A, 13 P, 33 PIM, +8
25.) Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs)
SELECTION: Jack Murtagh – Center – United States National Team Development Program
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Aug. 22, 2007
2024-25 stats: (USHL) - 24 GP, 7 G, 11 A, 18 P, 20 PIM, +3 // (NTDP) - 56 GP, 22 G, 31 A, 53 P, 36 PIM, +14
26.) Nashville Predators (from San Jose Sharks via Vegas Golden Knights)
SELECTION: Blake Fiddler - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 209 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: July 9, 2007
2024-25 stats: 64 GP, 10 G, 23 A, 33 P, 36 PIM, +6
27.) Washington Capitals
SELECTION: Jack Nesbitt – Center – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Jan. 12, 2007
2024-25 stats: 65 GP, 25 G, 39 A, 64 P, 74 PIM, +12
28.) Winnipeg Jets
SELECTION: Cullen Potter – Left Wing – Arizona State University (NCAA)
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 172 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Jan. 10, 2007
2024-25 stats: 35 GP, 13 G, 9 A, 22 P, 6 PIM, -1
29.) Carolina Hurricanes
SELECTION: Milton Gästrin – Center – MoDo Hockey (SHL)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: June 2, 2007
2024-25 stats: (J20) - 40 GP, 18 G, 24 A, 42 P, 18 PIM, +6 // (SHL) - 8 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 2 PIM, -2
30.) San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars)
SELECTION: Henry Brzustewicz – Defense – London Knights (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 194 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Feb. 9, 2007
2024-25 stats: 67 GP, 10 G, 32 A, 42 P, 77 PIM, +24
31.) Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers)
SELECTION: William Moore – Center – United States National Team Development Program
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 174 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: March 24, 2007
2024-25 stats: (USHL) - 25 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 P, 2 PIM, +7 // (NTDP) - 64 GP, 27 G, 32 A, 59 P, 8 PIM +4
32.) Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers)
SELECTION: Cameron Schmidt – Right Wing – Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 157 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Jan. 19, 2007
2024-25 stats: 61 GP, 40 G, 38 A, 78 P, 44 PIM, -7