2025 NHL Mock Draft: Latest Expert Predictions for 1st-Round Prospects

The New York Islanders appear to have a straightforward decision on their hands at the top of the 2025 NHL draft.

Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been at the top of mock drafts for a few months now.

Once Schaefer goes off the board, a run on forwards is expected to happen, starting with the San Jose Sharks at No. 2.

Michael Misa is at the top of the forward prospect list. The debate regarding the selection order comes more into the picture with the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3.

Matthew Schaefer Is Consensus No. 1

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Matthew Schaefer is the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 NHL draft class.

The defenseman for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League is the No. 1 pick across the majority of mock drafts.

Bleacher Report's Lyle Richardson was among the experts to put Schaefer at No. 1 in a mock draft.

ESPN.com's Rachel Doerrie projected that Schaefer's floor as an NHL player is as a top-pair defenseman.

Schaefer is the easy pick for the Islanders at No. 1. New York can gain a top-line D-man to add to their core and a player who could contribute immediately.

Michael Misa Expected to Be First Forward Chosen

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Michael Misa is expected to be the first forward taken in the 2025 NHL draft.

The left winger from Saginaw in the OHL had 134 points in 65 games this past season.

Misa's scoring abilities would be a terrific addition to the San Jose lineup that shined bright with young players last season, including 2024 top pick Macklin Celebrini.

A core led by Celebrini, Misa, Will Smith and William Eklund should help the Sharks improve next season, and in the best-case scenario, they will contend for a playoff spot as early as next season.

Debate On Which Player Goes at No. 3

Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

The real debate surrounding the 2025 NHL draft seems to involve the No. 3 overall pick held by Chicago.

Richardson predicted Porter Martone would be the pick, Doerrie ranked James Hagens as the No. 3 prospect in the class and NHL central scouting put Hagens at No. 3 on their prospect list.

Martone is the best winger among the group of players likely to be available at No. 3, but Hagens might be the best overall talent.

Hagens and fellow centers Anton Frondell, the top international prospect, and Caleb Desnoyers are all in contention for Chicago.

Chicago could use a young center to partner with Connor Bedard for years to come. That puts Hagens, Frondell and Desnoyers in the discussion at No. 3.

One thing is for sure: Chicago won't surprise us with a defenseman at No. 3. The Blackhawks have an abundance of young prospects on the blue line from previous drafts.