Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; The Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; The Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
As the NHL season winds down and the Florida Panthers hoisted the Stanley Cup, the attention of many hockey fanatics quickly turns to the future – specifically, the NHL Draft. The 2025 class, while perhaps not possessing the same widely heralded “can’t-miss” generational talent as some previous years, is still brimming with intriguing prospects who could become franchise cornerstones. After a season of intense scouting, combine performances, and a healthy dose of speculation, here’s our full first-round mock draft for 2025.
Website Group ID : h8BXXMGkBkSbocRQx2jTqQ
Container ID : AV65bd5cf80ecc0cdad30ab027
AV Tag ID : 65bd5cf80ecc0cdad30ab027
2025 NHL Mock Draft: The Complete First Round
Here’s how we see the first 32 picks shaking out in the 2025 NHL Draft, reflecting the latest order through the Stanley Cup Final:
Apr 17, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; New York Islanders right wing Hudson Fasching (20) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer (D, Erie Otters, OHL): The Islanders, after winning the lottery, land a potential franchise defenseman with elite skating and all-around game.
Apr 16, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) and San Jose Sharks goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (40) and San Jose Sharks center Ty Dellandrea (53) and teammates after the game against the Edmonton Oilers at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa (C, Saginaw Spirit, OHL): The Sharks continue their rebuild by adding a dynamic, high-scoring center to complement their existing young talent.
Apr 15, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight (30) warms up prior to the start of game against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL): The Blackhawks grab a big, well-rounded center with a strong two-way game and offensive upside.
Apr 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; \x9 is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
4. Utah Mammoth – Anton Frondell (C, Djurgården, SWE-2): Utah selects a strong, skilled, and competitive center who can play a complete game.
Apr 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators celebrate the win against the Dallas Stars during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
5. Nashville Predators – James Hagens (C, Boston College, NCAA): A highly intelligent and skilled center, Hagens provides a crucial piece down the middle for the Predators’ future.
Apr 17, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone (RW, Brampton Steelheads, OHL): A powerful winger with a heavy shot and a nose for the net, Martone adds a physical scoring presence.
Apr 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates his goal with center Morgan Geekie (39) during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
7. Boston Bruins – Brady Martin (C/RW, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL): A tenacious and skilled forward, Martin brings a blend of offense and grit to the Bruins.
Apr 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Kraken celebrate after a goal scored by center Matty Beniers (10) during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
8. Seattle Kraken – Jake O’Brien (C, Brantford Bulldogs, OHL): The Kraken add a highly skilled and creative center with excellent vision.
Apr 17, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; The Buffalo Sabres celebrate a win over the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
9. Buffalo Sabres – Radim Mrtka (D, Trinec, CZE): The Sabres pick up a towering Czech defenseman with a solid two-way game, adding size and skill to their blue line.
Apr 15, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; A shot by Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) goes over the shoulder of Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) clinching a playoff birth for the Minnesota Wild in overtime at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
10. Anaheim Ducks – Victor Eklund (C/W, Djurgården, SWE-2): The skilled Swede brings a high offensive ceiling and playmaking ability to Anaheim.
Apr 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) celebrates his goal with the Penguins bench against the Washington Capitals during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Lynden Lakovic (LW, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): A big, athletic winger with good skating, Lakovic offers a promising blend of size and skill for the Penguins.
Apr 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers fans at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
12. New York Rangers – Logan Hensler (RHD, US NTDP, USHL): The Rangers address their defensive prospect pool with a mobile, right-shot defenseman.
Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) celebrates a goal at the bench against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
13. Detroit Red Wings – Roger McQueen (C, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL): The Red Wings grab a physically imposing center with a good shot and impressive skating for his size.
Apr 17, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Kuraly (7) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Jackson Smith (LHD, Tri-City Americans, WHL): The Blue Jackets grab a reliable, two-way defenseman with good size and defensive acumen.
Apr 14, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates out as the third star of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
15. Vancouver Canucks – Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD, Barrie Colts, OHL): The Canucks add a physical and mobile defenseman to their system.
Sep 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans pass a large Canadian flag overhead as the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs stand for the national anthem at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary) – Justin Carbonneau (RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL): Montreal gets a high-energy winger with good offensive instincts.
Feb 22, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators center Ridly Greig (71) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
17. Montreal Canadiens – Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie Otters, OHL): With their second pick, the Canadiens add a strong, tenacious winger with good playmaking ability.
Apr 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Calgary Flames forward Sam Morton (45) is congratulated after scoring a goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey) – Braeden Cootes (C, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL): A skilled and competitive center, Cootes provides versatility and offensive potential for the Flames.
19. St. Louis Blues – Sascha Boumedienne (LHD, Youngstown Phantoms, USHL): The Blues select a mobile defenseman with offensive upside and good puck skills.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota) – Ivan Ryabkin (C, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL): The Blue Jackets double-dip in the first round with a highly skilled Russian forward.
Apr 11, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; A fan celebrates a goal score by the Ottawa Senators in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
21. Ottawa Senators – Carter Bear (C/RW, Everett Silvertips, WHL): The Senators bolster their forward group with a smart, skilled player who can get to the net.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado) – William Moore (C, USNTDP, USHL): A strong, two-way center who plays a reliable game, Moore joins the Flyers.
23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay) – Ben Kindel (C/RW, Calgary Hitmen, WHL): The Predators add a skilled forward with good vision and offensive creativity.
Apr 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22) and goaltender David Rittich (31) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
24. Los Angeles Kings – Cameron Schmidt (C/RW, Prince George Cougars, WHL): A smaller, highly skilled forward with excellent speed and hands for the Kings.
Apr 15, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates his goal scored in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto) – Cullen Potter (C, Arizona State, NCAA): The Blackhawks draft a competitive and skilled center who plays a mature game.
Apr 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Justin Barron (20) celebrates his goal with his teammates against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose) – Shane Vansaghi (C/RW, Michigan State, NCAA): A big, strong forward who can drive the net and play a power game, heading to Nashville.
Apr 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43), Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), and Capitals left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) give on ice interviews after their game against the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
27. Washington Capitals – Joshua Ravensbergen (G, Prince George Cougars, WHL): The Capitals take a chance on the top-rated goaltender in the draft class.
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Rutger Mcgroarty shakes hands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the number fourteen overall pick to the Winnepeg Jets in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
28. Winnipeg Jets – Cole Reschny (C, Victoria Royals, WHL): A smart, two-way center with good offensive instincts and strong compete level for the Jets.
Mar 20, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) celebrates his second period goal with right wing Jesper Fast (71) center Jordan Staal (11) and defenseman Brett Pesce (22) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
29. Carolina Hurricanes – Cameron Reid (LHD, Kitchener Rangers, OHL): The Hurricanes bolster their defensive prospect pool with a reliable blueliner.
Apr 16, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (40) makes a save against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas) – Bill Zonnon (RW/LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL): The Sharks add a raw but intriguing power forward with offensive potential.
Apr 17, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton) – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (RW, Luleå HF, SHL): The Flyers get a skilled Swedish winger with a good shot, acquired from the Oilers.
Apr 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11), defenseman Kevin Bahl (7), left wing Blake Coleman (20) and defenseman Ilya Solovyov (98) celebrate after a goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
32. Calgary Flames (from Florida) – Milton Gastrin (G, MoDo J20, J20 Nationell): The Flames round out the first round by selecting a promising Swedish goaltender, acquired from the Stanley Cup Champion Panthers.
How to Watch the 2025 NHL Draft
The 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be held from June 27-28, 2025, at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Television: NHL Network (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), SN1 (Canada)
Streaming: ESPN+ (U.S.)
Complete coverage, including in-depth prospect profiles and analysis, will also be available on NHL.com and through NHL Social™ on all social platforms.
This 2025 NHL Draft class promises to deliver a new wave of talent to the league. While the top picks seem to be emerging, the depth of this draft means that teams who do their homework could find future stars throughout the first round and beyond. It will be exciting to see how these prospects develop and where they ultimately land.
As always, NHL.com will have any information on trades that will impact the current draft order.
2025 NHL Mock Draft; New York Selects Matthew Schaefer #1