B/R's Final 2025 NHL Mock Draft
The 2025 NHL Draft will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Round 1 is on Friday, June 27, at 7 pm ET, with Rounds 2 through 7 on Saturday, June 28, commencing at noon ET.
Unlike previous years, this draft will be decentralized. The top-50 prospects can be present at the draft in Los Angeles, but team executives, coaches and scouts will make their selections in their home markets or a location of their choice.
The New York Islanders have the first-overall pick. They won that honor in last month's draft lottery. Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said he won't be trading that pick, but wouldn't reveal which prospect he'll select.
The last two drafts featured prospects chosen first overall projected to become NHL superstars. In 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks chose Connor Bedard with the first-overall pick. Last year, Macklin Celebrini was selected by the San Jose Sharks.
This draft doesn't feature a prospect of the caliber of Bedard and Celebrini. but there are several promising youngsters with NHL star potential like defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa, Porter Martone and James Hagens. One of them could be chosen first overall by the Islanders.
On June 19, we conducted a full mock draft following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final. The following is a summarized update of our picks for each club based on their respective needs as per The Athletic's 2025 NHL prospect pool rankings. Prospect info is via Elite Prospects.
Updated prospect analysis is via TSN's Craig Button, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis, and FloHockey's Chris Peters.
Nos. 1 to 4: Islanders, Sharks, Blackhawks, Mammoth
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1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer (Defense, Erie Otters)
Schaefer remains the consensus top prospect among most evaluators. Despite missing most of the season with a broken collarbone, the 6'2”, 185-pounder is considered the top defenseman in this draft class. Jason Bukala calls him a complete player who logs big minutes while being deployed in all situations.
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa (Center, Saginaw Spirit)
Steven Ellis considers the 6'1”, 183-pound Misa to be the top forward in this draft. Capable of playing center or left wing, he led the OHL with 132 points this season. He's a terrific skater with strong offensive abilities and doesn't shy away from playing a physical game.
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Porter Martone (Right Wing, Brampton Steelheads)
Martone could be a solid fit as a power forward skating alongside Connor Bedard on Chicago's first line. Steven Ellis praised the 6'3”, 205-pound right winger's hockey vision and his offensive smarts. He led the Steelheads this season with 98 points.
4. Utah Mammoth: Anton Frondell (Center, Djurgårdens IF)
The Mammoth could zero in on the 6'1”, 205-pound Frondell to boost their prospect depth at center. Chris Peters believes Frondell is a physical, two-way forward who drives to the interior to score goals when he's at his best, whose best games are better than most in this draft class.
Nos. 5 to 8: Predators, Flyers, Bruins, Kraken
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5. Nashville Predators: James Hagens (Center, Boston College)
With the first of their three first-rounders, the Predators could add a quality center like Hagens. The 5'11, 185-pounder began this season projected as the top prospect. He's slipped a bit in the rankings, but Jason Bukala considers him to be a dynamic offensive talent with exceptional vision and playmaking skills.
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Caleb Desnoyers (Center, Moncton Wildcats)
The Flyers have three picks in this round and could use this one to add another center among their top prospects. Jason Bukala believes the 6'2”, 178-pound Desnoyers brings an excellent combination of shooting and passing skills without sacrificing defensive details. He led the Wildcats to the QMJHL championship.
7. Boston Bruins: Victor Eklund (Winger, Djurgårdens IF )
Eklund is the younger brother of San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund. The 5'11”, 170-pounder can skate on either wing and could address the Bruins' need for another right winger among their top prospects. Steven Ellis praised his puck-handling skills, excellent shot, and improved skating.
8. Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka (Defense, Seattle Thunderbirds)
The 6'6”, 218-pound Mrtka began this season in Czechia, but joined the Thunderbirds by midseason and quickly adjusted well to the North American game. Jason Bukala cited his puckhandling and skating ability. He could address the Kraken's need for another right-shot defenseman among their top prospects.
Nos. 9 to 12: Sabres, Ducks, Penguins
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9. Buffalo Sabres: Jake O'Brien (Center, Brantford Bulldogs)
O'Brien is another prospect who has moved up in recent rankings. The Sabres could use another right wing among their prospects, but the 6'2”, 170-pound center could be a tempting option. Chris Peters calls him a high-end playmaker with excellent vision with decisiveness with the puck.
10. Anaheim Ducks: Carter Bear (Left Wing, Everett Silvertips)
A late-season Achilles injury lowered Bear among some rankings. However, Jason Bukala noted he's on the mend, singling out his ability to read plays, generate offense and get involved physically. The 6'0”, 179-pounder can play center or left wing, and could bolster the Ducks' prospect depth at the latter position.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Brady Martin (Center, Soo Greyhounds)
Martin is another prospect whose stock has risen in some recent rankings. Steven Ellis compared the feisty 6'0', 187-pound center's style of play to that of Florida Panthers' winger Brad Marchand, citing his physicality and goal-scoring prowess. The Penguins could use a center like him among their top prospects.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins (via Vancouver Canucks from New York Rangers): Roger McQueen (Center, Brandon Wheat Kings)
The Penguins could be enticed by the size and offensive skills of the 6'5”, 192-pound McQueen. He missed most of this season with a back injury, but Jason Bukala indicated he's fully recovered and could be a wild card in this round.
Nos. 13 to 16: Red Wings, Blue Jackets, Canucks, Canadiens
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13. Detroit Red Wings: Justin Carbonneau (Right Wing, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Steven Ellis believes the 6'1”, 192-pound Carbonneau has one of the best shots in this draft class, suggesting he could become a future first-line winger. He was second among QMJHL scorers with 89 points, and could address the Red Wings' need for a right winger among their top-10 prospects.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Lynden Lakovic (Left Wing, Moose Jaw Warriors)
The Blue Jackets lack a big scoring left winger like the 6'4”, 190-pound Lakovic among their top prospects. Despite being limited to 47 games, he led the Warriors with 58 points. Chris Peters writes that he's a power winger with good hands and skating ability.
15. Vancouver Canucks: Malcolm Spence (Left Wing, Erie Otters)
Spence could be what the Canucks need to add a skilled left wing to their prospect pool. Craig Button calls the 6'2”, 201-pounder an impactful player who is big, fast, competitive and smart. He finished third among Otters scorers with 73 points.
16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Kashawn Aitcheson (Defense, Barrie Colts)
The rebuilding Canadiens need more skilled size and grit after getting pushed around by the Washington Capitals in their first-round playoff series. Jason Bukala considers the 6'1”, 198-pound Aitcheson arguably the toughest defenseman in this draft class and also praised his all-around ability.
Nos. 17 to 20: Canadiens, Flames, Blues, Blue Jackets
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17. Montreal Canadiens: Cole Reschny (Center/Left Wing, Victoria Royals)
The Canadiens could opt for a skillful, versatile forward who can play left wing or center. The 5'10”, 187-pound Reschny led the Royals with 92 points and will play with the University of North Dakota in 2025-26. Chris Peters called him a cerebral, high-end playmaker with a fairly high offensive ceiling.
18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Braeden Cootes (Center, Seattle Thunderbirds)
Cootes could help the Flames address their long-standing need for a right-shot center. The 6'0”, 183-pounder led the Thunderbirds with 63 points. Jason Bukala cited his ability to play well in all three zones in all situations, comparing him to a young Brendan Gallagher.
19. St. Louis Blues: Joshua Ravensbergen (Goaltender, Prince George Cougars)
The St. Louis Blues could use a promising young goalie to one day replace starter Jordan Binnington. Ravensbergen could address that issue. Steven Ellis praised the 6'5”, 192-pound netminder's size, athleticism and calm demeanor, projecting him as a future NHL starting goalie.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Cullen Potter (Left Wing/Center, Arizona State University)
Steven Ellis indicated that scouts were impressed with Potter's play-driving abilities, pure skills and his commitment to playing all three zones. A left wing who can also play center, the 5'10”, 172-pounder could fill the Blue Jackets' need to add another left winger among their top prospects.
Nos. 21 to 24: Senators, Flyers, Predators, Kings
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21. Ottawa Senators: Jackson Smith (Defense, Tri-City Americans)
The Senators could add another left-hand defenseman to their prospect pipeline if Smith is available. Steven Ellis singled out the 6'3”, 19-pound blueliner's physical style, mobility and hockey sense. He'll attend Penn State University this fall, where he can hone his skills against NCAA competition.
22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Cameron Reid (Defense, Kitchener Rangers)
Chris Peters claimed the 6'0”, 174-pound Reid's combination of skating and hockey smarts has some scouts believing he could have top-four defense potential. He could be what the Flyers need to add another left-shot defenseman to their prospect pool.
23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Logan Hensler (Defense, University of Wisconsin)
The Predators could use this pick to add a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. Steven Elias considers the 6'2”, 196-pound Hensler a mobile blueliner with a good reach who can rough up opponents and plays well in his zone. He'll enhance his skills in the NCAA next season.
24. Los Angeles Kings: Sascha Boumedienne (Defense, Boston University)
With only two defensemen among their top prospects, the Kings could address that issue by selecting Boumedienne. Chris Peters believes the 6'2”, 183-pounder is among the very best skaters in this draft class. His game still needs work, but he made steady improvement this season with Boston University.
Nos. 25 to 28: Blackhawks, Predators, Capitals, Jets
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25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Bill Zonnon (Winger, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
The 6'2”, 190-pound Zonnon finished second among the Huskies with 83 points before being traded to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. He's a versatile, hardworking forward who plays left or right wing. Jason Bukala cited his ongoing improvement and willingness to battle hard to make plays, making life miserable for opponents.
26. Nashville Predators (from Golden Knights via Sharks): Benjamin Kindel (Right Wing/Center, Calgary Hitmen)
With their third pick in this round, the Predators could go for a versatile forward who can play right wing or center. The 5'10”, 181-pound Kindel finished second in scoring with the Hitmen (99 points). Jason Bukala singled out his compete level in all three zones and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
27. Washington Capitals: Milton Gästrin (Center) MoDo Hockey)
Craig Button compared the 6'1”, 185-pound Gästrin's play to that of Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell, calling him smart, competitive and difficult to play against. He could prove to be a good fit with the Capitals, who have only one center among their top-15 prospects.
28. Winnipeg Jets: Blake Fiddler (Defense, Edmonton Oil Kings)
A 6'4”, 209-pound right-shot defenseman, Fiddler is the son of former NHL forward Vernon Fiddler. Chris Peters observed that his defensive skill is notable, he makes a good first pass and his footwork is solid. Fiddler could be a good selection for the Jets if they wish to add a right-shot defender among their prospects.
Nos. 29 to 32: Hurricanes, Sharks, Flyers, Flames
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29. Carolina Hurricanes: Jack Nesbitt (Center, Windsor Spitfires)
With one center among their top-15 prospects, the Carolina Hurricanes could turn to Nesbitt with this pick. Jason Bukala cited the 6'4”, 183-pound center's size, skating and ability to play in all situations. Nesbitt models his style of play after Dallas Stars center Jamie Benn.
30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Henry Brzustewicz (Defense, London Knights)
Jason Bukala pointed out that Brzustewicz played a significant role in helping the London Knights win the Memorial Cup. The 6'1”, 194-pounder could be a good fit for the Sharks if they choose to add a right-shot defenseman to their prospect pool. He's a good skater who plays a responsible defensive game.
31. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Ivan Ryabkin (Center, Muskegon Lumberjacks)
Ivan Ryabkin joined the Lumberjacks from Russia at midseason, finishing with 30 points in 27 regular-season games and 16 points in 14 playoff games. Jason Bukala praised the 5'11”, 209-pound center's scoring abilities. He could be an option for the Flyers if they wish to add a center to their prospect pipeline.
32. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Cameron Schmidt (Right Wing, Vancouver Giants)
The Flames could use a skilled scoring right winger among their top prospects. Steven Ellis believes the 5'7”, 157-pound Schmidt makes up for his lack of size with pure offensive skill and speed. He led the Giants with 40 goals and 78 points.
