Category Archives: NHL Draft

McDavid, Gibson and Eriksson Ek Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

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NEW YORK – Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson and Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Dec. 14.

FIRST STAR – CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid led the NHL with 4-6—10 in four appearances to propel the Oilers (15-12-6, 36 points) to a 2-1-1 week. He scored twice, including the tying goal with two seconds remaining in regulation, as Edmonton overcame a three-goal third-period deficit in an eventual 4-3 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres Dec. 9. McDavid then recorded his 12th career four-assist performance – tied for the eighth-most in League history – in a 4-1 triumph over the Detroit Red Wings Dec. 11. He followed that with 2-1—3, including a highlight-reel goal 3:25 after the opening face-off, in a 6-3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs Dec. 13 before closing the week with an assist on the Oilers’ lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Dec. 14. The 28-year-old McDavid, a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner and five-time Art Ross Trophy recipient, sits second in the NHL with 18-34—52 through 33 total contests this season – aided by 7-9—16 during a six-game point streak dating to Dec. 4. McDavid also tops the League in assists (34) while ranking third in both power-play assists (15) and power-play points (20).

SECOND STAR – JOHN GIBSON, G, DETROIT RED WINGS

Gibson posted a pair of shutouts in his three starts, going 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .971 save percentage to lift the Red Wings (18-12-3, 39 points) into second place in the Atlantic Division. He earned his first clean sheet with Detroit by making 39 saves in a 4-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks Dec. 8. Gibson then turned aside 34 of 37 shots, including each of the first 28 he faced, in a 4-3 triumph versus the Calgary Flames Dec. 10. He capped the week with 26 saves for his 26th career shutout in a 4-0 win against the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 13. The 32-year-old Gibson owns a 9-7-1 record, 3.13 goals-against average, .890 save percentage and two shutouts through 18 total appearances this season – his first with the Red Wings after spending his first 12 NHL campaigns with the Anaheim Ducks.

THIRD STAR – JOEL ERIKSSON EK, C, MINNESOTA WILD

Eriksson Ek collected 3-4—7 in four contests to help the Wild (19-9-5, 43 points) register a perfect week as they moved into fourth place in the overall League standings. He notched multiple points in each of his first two outings, picking up 1-2—3 in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken Dec. 8 and 1-1—2 in a 5-2 triumph against the Dallas Stars Dec. 11. Eriksson Ek then scored the tiebreaking goal with 24 seconds remaining in regulation for a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators Dec. 13 before posting one assist in a 6-2 win versus the Boston Bruins Dec. 14. The 28-year-old Eriksson Ek, who has played all 10 of his NHL seasons with Minnesota, has compiled 7-16—23 through 33 total games in 2025-26.

2025 NHL Draft 1st-round pick signings tracker

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The 32 players selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft have NHL hopes. Some have gotten a start toward that goal by signing a three-year, entry-level contract.

More could sign as we make our way through the 2025-26 season.

Here is a look at which players have signed and the status of the others:

1. Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders (unsigned)

Could play for Islanders or for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League

2. Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks (unsigned)

Could play for Sharks or Saginaw of the OHL

3. Anton Frondell, C, Chicago Blackhawks (unsigned)

Could play for Blackhawks or Djurgarden of the Swedish Hockey League

4. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Utah Mammoth (unsigned)

Expected to play for Moncton of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League

5. Brady Martin, C, Nashville Predators (unsigned)

Expected to play for Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL

6. Porter Martone, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (unsigned)

Expected to play for Brampton of the OHL

7. James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins (unsigned)

Expected to play for Boston College

8. Jake O’Brien, C, Seattle Kraken

Signed entry-level contract July 3. Expected to play for Brantford of the OHL

9. Radim Mrtka, D, Buffalo Sabres (unsigned)

Expected to play for Seattle of the Western Hockey League

10. Roger McQueen, C, Anaheim Ducks (unsigned)

Expected to play for Brandon of the WHL

11. Benjamin Kindel, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Signed entry-level contract July 8. Expected to play for Calgary of the WHL

12. Jack Nesbitt, C, Philadelphia Flyers (unsigned)

Expected to play for Windsor of the OHL

13. Carter Bear, LW, Detroit Red Wings (unsigned)

Expected to play for Everett of the WHL

14. Jackson Smith, D, Columbus Blue Jackets (unsigned)

Will play for Penn State University

15. Braeden Cootes, C, Vancouver Canucks

Signed entry-level contract July 9. Expected to play for Seattle of the WHL

16. Victor Eklund, RW, New York Islanders (unsigned)

Expected to play for Djurgarden of the SHL

17. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, New York Islanders (unsigned)

Expected to play for Barrie of the OHL

18. Cole Reschny, C, Calgary Flames (unsigned)

Will play for the University of North Dakota

19. Justin Carbonneau, RW, St. Louis Blues (unsigned)

Expected to play for Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL

20. Pyotr Andreyanov, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (unsigned)

Will play for CSKA of the Kontinental Hockey League

21. Cameron Reid, D, Nashville Predators (unsigned)

Expected to play for Kitchener of the OHL

22. Bill Zonnon, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (unsigned)

Expected to play for Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL

23. Logan Hensler, D, Ottawa Senators (unsigned)

Will play for the University of Wisconsin

24. William Horcoff, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (unsigned)

Will play for the University of Michigan

25. Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Chicago Blackhawks (unsigned)

Will play for the University of Massachusetts

26. Ryker Lee, RW, Nashville Predators (unsigned)

Will play for Michigan State University

27. Lynden Lakovic, LW, Washington Capitals

Signed entry-level contract July 5. Expected to play for Moose Jaw of the WHL

28. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Winnipeg Jets (unsigned)

Will play for Boston University

29. Mason West, C, Chicago Blackhawks (unsigned)

Will play for Fargo of the United States Hockey League

30. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks (unsigned)

Expected to play for Prince George of the WHL

31. Henry Brzustewicz, D, Los Angeles Kings (unsigned)

Expected to play for London of the OHL

32. Cullen Potter, C, Calgary Flames (unsigned)

Will play for Arizona State University

NHL’s Top Draft Talent: Projecting Their Impact This Season

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The 2025 NHL Draft introduced a class of prospects with genuine NHL potential. Scouts are already deeming it a deeper crop in terms of readiness than recent years. Top picks like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers landed in roles that promise immediate opportunities. The Islanders, Sharks, Blackhawks, and Mammoth, in particular, could find their trajectories altered this season if these rookies translate stellar junior resumes into pro success.

Matthew Schaefer – Islanders

The first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, joins an Islanders team desperate for offensive energy and transitional pace. A left-shot defenseman with elite edgework, Schaefer has drawn comparisons to Miro Heiskanen thanks to his smooth puck movement and calm play under pressure. The Islanders haven’t had a power-play quarterback like this since their Tavares era, and Schaefer could fill that gap quickly.

What sets Schaefer apart isn’t just his skating—it’s his ability to dictate tempo. If he adjusts to NHL physicality in camp, he could log second-pair minutes and special teams time almost immediately. That would be a significant shift for a club ranked near the bottom in goals from the blue line last season.

Michael Misa – Sharks

Michael Misa, taken second overall, joins a Sharks roster in full rebuild. A creative forward with elite vision, he brings much-needed spark to San Jose’s top six. His strong junior numbers and playmaking skill set him up for early minutes and potential power-play time.

With that opportunity, Misa could emerge in early Calder Trophy talks. On reputable online platforms like FanDuel SportsBook, his impact may influence how San Jose’s outlook is priced—especially for those tracking rookies who can shift a team’s scoring profile.

Anton Frondell – Blackhawks

Anton Frondell, taken third by the Blackhawks, is the kind of two-way center Chicago hasn’t developed since Jonathan Toews’ prime. Strong on draws, defensively sound, and relentless on the forecheck, Frondell fits the mold of a 200-foot player who can thrive in both special teams settings.

He’s already gaining attention in training camp updates and early coverage across latest NHL news, thanks to his strong positioning and poise. The Blackhawks are looking to build chemistry around Connor Bedard, and Frondell’s game could complement Bedard’s high-octane offense with responsible, stabilizing play. His impact might not always show up on the scoresheet, but it will be evident in possession metrics and matchup flexibility.

Caleb Desnoyers – Mammoth

The Mammoth, an expansion team with growing expectations, used the fourth pick on Caleb Desnoyers, a right winger known for his release and off-the-rush scoring. Desnoyers could quickly become a fan favorite with his aggressive style and nose for the net.

On a roster still forming its identity, Desnoyers should see middle-six minutes out of the gate. If he starts hot, he could earn top-line time, especially since Mammoth lacks established stars at forward. His style fits the modern NHL perfectly—quick decisions, high-energy shifts, and a knack for shooting in tight spaces.

Rookie Influence on Team Direction

Early seasons always bring surprises, but this rookie class stands out for its depth. Each top pick enters a distinct situation where opportunity, system fit, and development support align. Their success—or struggle—will shape not only their own careers but also the trajectory of their teams.

These players won’t just be adjusting to the league—they’ll be influencing line combinations, special teams deployment, and even front-office decisions. Whether it’s pushing veterans for ice time or injecting energy into stagnant systems, their presence will be felt early. For fans, that means must-watch hockey from the outset.

Content reflects information available as of 2025/06/30 subject to change.

Notes from the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft

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NOTES FROM THE 2025 UPPER DECK NHL DRAFT
A total of 224 players born in 17 countries and from 27 leagues were selected in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft, which concluded Saturday at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater.

* Day 1 #NHLStats Live Updates

* Day 1 Recap

* Day 2 #NHLStats Live Updates

“WELCOME TO THE NHL” REVEALS BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT DRAFT
The future of hockey will be on full display when NHL Productions presents the award-winning “Welcome to the NHL,” presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink, which goes behind the scenes with exclusive access to several of the top prospects for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. The first episode, “Meet the Prospects,” is available now and episode two, titled “Class of 2025,” will premiere in September and feature exclusive access to the 2025 NHL Draft class.

DAY TWO TRADES
Day two of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft featured multiple trades including players and draft picks. Notable players involved in the deals included John Gibson, Petr Mrazek and Jordan Spence. Click here for details.

PICKS BY BIRTH COUNTRY
Seventeen birth countries were represented across the 224 picks in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft – the most in 21 years and just the fifth time in draft history with as many (18 in 2000; 17 in 2004, 2002 & 1999).

* Simon (Haoxi) Wang (Beijing, China) was selected 33rd overall and became the highest selected Chinese-born player in NHL history. He was introduced to hockey at the age of four in Beijing and moved to Canada when he was 12, where he was introduced to hockey. Wang told NHL.com he hopes one day his record will be broken again.

* Jakob Ihs Wozniak (Adelaide, Australia) was selected 55th overall by the Golden Knights and became the third Australian-born player – and highest – to be selected in the NHL Draft, following Jordan Spence (95th overall by LAK in 2019) and Darren Gani (252nd overall in 1984 by EDM). He was born in Australia but is a Swedish national.

* Tinus Luc Koblar, a Norwegian national who was born in Slovenia, was selected 64th overall by the Maple Leafs and became the eighth Slovenian-born skater – and second highest – to be taken in the NHL Draft.

* Matous Jan Kucharcik (Vipiteno, Italy) became the fourth Italian-born player selected in the NHL Draft, joining Damian Clara (60th overall in 2023), Luca Sbisa (19th overall in 2008) and Victor Posa (137th overall in 1985). Kucharcik is a Czechia national.

* William Belle (Dongguan, China) was chosen 137th overall by the Maple Leafs, which made the 2025 NHL Draft the first in NHL history to feature two players born in China. Entering Saturday, the only Chinese-born players to be selected were Kevin He (109th overall in 2024 by WPG) and Andong Song (172nd overall in 2015 by NYI). Belle is a U.S. national and was a member of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-18 Team.

* Bruno Idzan (Zagreb, Croatia) was selected 181st overall by Ottawa and became the second Croatian-born player to be selected in the NHL Draft, following Goran Bezina (No. 234 in 1999 by PHX). Idzan has represented Croatia at international events, while Bezina represented Switzerland. Bezina (3 GP) and Borna Rendulic (15 GP) are the only Crotian-born players to skate in the NHL.

Birth country quick hits:
* A total of 88 Canadian-born players were selected, the most since 2016 (89).

* A total of 27 Swedish-born players were selected, the most since 2020 (32).

* A total of 50 U.S.-born players were selected, tied for the most over the past five drafts (also 50 in 2023 & 2021).

Birth Country Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Total
Canada 20 7 16 10 14 11 10 88
United States 6 9 8 8 5 4 10 50
Sweden 2 5 1 2 4 7 6 27
Russia 1 5 3 1 5 1 5 21
Czechia 2 2 1 2 2 9
Finland 1 1 1 3 3 9
Germany 1 2 1 4
Belarus 1 1 1 3
Slovakia 1 1 1 3
China 1 1 2
Switzerland 1 1 2
Australia 1 1
Croatia (Hrvatska) 1 1
Denmark 1 1
Italy 1 1
Norway 1 1
Slovenia 1 1
Total 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 224

PICKS BY LEAGUES

* The 32 NHL franchises selected players from 27 junior leagues.

League Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Total
OHL 9 5 5 4 5 4 6 38
WHL 9 4 6 5 3 3 3 33
SWEDEN-JR. 7 1 5 5 5 5 28
USHL 2 3 5 2 3 5 7 27
RUSSIA-JR. 1 3 4 1 5 1 6 21
QMJHL 3 3 4 5 4 19
NTDP – USHL 5 2 2 2 2 13
FINLAND-JR. 1 1 4 6
BIG10 2 2 4
FINLAND 2 1 1 4
HIGH-MN 1 2 1 4
BCHL 1 2 3
CZECHIA-JR. 1 1 1 3
H-EAST 2 1 3
SWEDEN-2 2 1 3
HIGH-ON 1 1 2
NCHC 1 1 2
SWEDEN-JR. U18 1 1 2
CCHL 1 1
CZECHIA 1 1
GERMANY 1 1
HIGH-MA 1 1
HIGH-RI 1 1
RUSSIA 1 1
SWEDEN 1 1
SWISS 1 1
SWISS-JR. 1 1
Total 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 224

PICKS BY TEAM

* Pittsburgh topped all teams with 13 selections in the 2025 NHL Draft. It has been over 30 years since the Penguins made as many picks in a draft (14 in 1994).

NHL Team Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Total
Pittsburgh Penguins 3 1 3 1 3 1 1 13
Anaheim Ducks 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 10
Buffalo Sabres 1 1 2 1 1 3 9
Los Angeles Kings 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 9
Montréal Canadiens 1 3 1 1 2 1 9
New York Islanders 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 9
Philadelphia Flyers 2 4 2 1 9
San Jose Sharks 2 2 1 2 1 1 9
Calgary Flames 2 1 1 1 1 2 8
Chicago Blackhawks 3 1 2 1 1 8
Detroit Red Wings 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 8
New York Rangers 1 2 1 1 2 1 8
Tampa Bay Lightning 1 2 1 4 8
Boston Bruins 1 2 1 1 1 1 7
Carolina Hurricanes 3 2 1 1 7
Nashville Predators 3 2 1 1 7
New Jersey Devils 2 1 2 2 7
Utah Mammoth 1 1 1 1 1 2 7
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 1 1 1 1 6
Dallas Stars 1 1 2 1 1 6
Florida Panthers 2 1 1 2 6
Ottawa Senators 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
Seattle Kraken 1 1 1 1 2 6
Toronto Maple Leafs 1 1 2 1 1 6
Vancouver Canucks 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
Edmonton Oilers 1 1 1 1 1 5
Minnesota Wild 1 3 1 5
Washington Capitals 1 1 1 1 1 5
Winnipeg Jets 1 1 1 1 1 5
Vegas Golden Knights 1 1 2 4
Colorado Avalanche 1 1 1 3
St. Louis Blues 1 1 1 3
TOTAL 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 224

PICKS BY POSITION

 

Position Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Total
D 8 9 12 7 11 15 7 69
C 14 11 9 11 7 5 9 66
RW 6 6 4 4 6 6 7 39
LW 2 3 4 6 4 3 4 26
G 2 3 3 4 4 3 5 24
TOTAL 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 224

Notes from Round 1 of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft

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ISLANDERS SELECT SCHAEFER WITH FIRST OVERALL PICK

Picking at No. 1 for the fifth time in franchise history and first since 2009, the Islanders made defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters the top pick in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Schaefer became the first OHL player to go first overall in the NHL Draft since Connor McDavid in 2015 (also out of Erie) and the first OHL defenseman to be picked at No. 1 in more than a decade, with Aaron Ekblad (2014) the last before him.

* Schaefer became the fifth defenseman this quarter century to be chosen with the first overall pick, after Owen Power (2021 by BUF), Rasmus Dahlin (2018 by BUF), Ekblad (2014 by FLA) and Erik Johnson (2006 by STL). Overall, he was the ninth defenseman in the past 42 years to be selected first.

* Schaefer joined Ekblad on a short list of four OHL defensemen to go No. 1 in the NHL Draft (also Bryan Berard in 1995 & Ed Jovanovski in 1994) and started a trend of players from the league going on Day 1 of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft.

* An emotional moment for any top pick, the dream-fulfilling night had added meaning for Schaefer who lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024. With her picture and signature stitched inside his suit jacket, Schaefer pointed to the sky on his walk to the stage where he was presented with an Islanders jersey for the first time – with a purple Hockey Fights Cancer ribbon sewn on the left chest.

“This is a high-class organization … A lot of people can say, ‘Oh, it’s just a ribbon,’ but it means a lot for me. And you know, my mom’s a big part of my life. And this jersey I’m gonna hang up for sure. And I mean, that ribbon has a little extra meaning to it.” — Schaefer

MISA PICKED SECOND OVERALL IN STRONG ROUND 1 FOR OHL, CANADA

The second name called at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater was Michael Misa, who went to the Sharks after leading the CHL (OHL/WHL/QMJHL) in scoring with 134 points in 2024-25 – the most by any OHL player since 2006-07 (Patrick Kane: 145 points & John Tavares: 134).

* With Matthew Schaefer and Misa going first and second overall, it marked the first time since 2010 that the top two picks in the NHL Draft were from the OHL. That draft also was held in Los Angeles.

* Overall, nine players were drafted out of the OHL – the second straight year they have had as many in Round 1 (also 9 in 2024). The last time the league was represented as strongly in the opening round of consecutive drafts was in 2011 and 2012 (11 in each R1).

* For the first time in 38 years and fourth time in NHL Draft history, 20 Canadian-born players were selected in Round 1. That list includes William Horcoff, who was born in Canada but represents the USA internationally.

FRONDELL LEADS LIST OF SIX EUROPEANS SELECTED ON DAY 1

Anton Frondell is coming off a season in which he posted the second-most points ever by a player age 17 or younger in Sweden’s second division (behind William Nylander in 2013-14), garnering the attention of the Blackhawks who chose him at No. 3. He became the eighth Swedish-born player to be selected among the top three of an NHL Draft and made Chicago the first team since Edmonton from 2010 to 2012 to make a top three selection in three consecutive years (also Artyom Levshunov at No. 2 in 2024 & Connor Bedard at No. 1 in 2023).

HAGENS STAYING PUT IN BOSTON AS FIRST AMERICAN PICKED FRIDAY

The first American selected in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft was James Hagens (Hauppauge, N.Y.), selected seventh overall by the Bruins after ranking fourth among NCAA Division 1 freshmen in points with Boston College in 2024-25. Hagens became the third player picked by Boston out of either Boston College or Boston University. It was the third straight year that an NCAA player was picked among the top 10, with Hagens joining Macklin Celebrini (No. 1) and Artyom Levshunov (No. 2) last year as well as Adam Fantilli (No. 3) in 2023.

* A total of seven U.S. nationals were picked (6 who were born in the country), including three of the last four selections. Mason West, who is also a Division I football prospect, was picked at No. 29 by the Blackhawks; Henry Brzustewicz, the only selection by the host Kings (No. 31), followed in the footsteps of his brother, Hunter, who was picked 75th overall in 2023 (VAN); as well as Cullen Potter, the son of four-time U.S. Olympic hockey player Jenny Potter, who became the first player ever drafted out of Arizona State University when the Flames called his name at No. 32.

DRAFT DAY DEALS SHOOK UP ORDER OF SELECTION IN ROUND 1 

Montreal entered the draft with the most picks of any team (12) and as one of eight teams who were set to pick multiple times in Round 1, but dealt both of their first-round picks to the Islanders in exchange for defenseman Noah Dobson – who they then signed to an eight-year contract.

* The moves gave the Islanders three picks in Round 1 for the second time (also 4 in 1999) and allowed them to make back-to-back first-round selections for the third time.

* The Penguins also had been slated for back-to-back Round 1 picks but made a deal with the state-rival Flyers, who moved up to select Jack Nesbitt at No. 12.

* Pittsburgh acquired two picks from Philadelphia and then made a deal with host Los Angeles to finish the day with three first-round picks – Benjamin Kindel (No. 11), Bill Zonnon (No. 22) and William Horcoff (No. 24) – all announced by Kris Letang’s son, Alex. It marked just the second time they made a trio of Round 1 selections (also 1984: Mario Lemieux at No. 1, Doug Bodger at No. 9 & Roger Belanger at No. 16).

LOADING UP ON FIRST ROUND PICKS

Four teams made three picks apiece in Round 1 – a first in NHL Draft history – and overall eight clubs made multiple selection. In addition to the Islanders and Penguins (detailed above), the Predators and Blackhawks also added three players to their system Friday.

* Nashville traded up to select Cameron Reid at No. 21, the second of their three picks along with Brady Martin (No. 5), who was watching from his family’s farm in Elora, Ont., and Ryker Lee (No. 26), whose dad was born in Taiwan. It was the first time the Predators made three Round 1 selections.

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* Chicago made three selections in the first round of the NHL Draft for the third time in the past four years, following 2024 and 2022 (3 in each).

* Two of the eight clubs overall that made multiple picks in Round 1 were responsible for drafting the only goaltenders picked Friday: Pyotr Andreyanov to the Blue Jackets at No. 20 and Joshua Ravensbergen to the Sharks at No. 30.

CELEBRITIES HELP WELCOME PROSPECTS TO NHL

With clubs basing their draft headquarters out of their home markets for the first time, the NHL enlisted a number of celebrity pickers to announce Round 1 selections.

* Among the long list of special guests Friday: WWE superstar Bayley (SJS); PGA golfer and Utah native Tony Finau (UTA); NBA legend Charles Barkley and two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham (both PHI); Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore (BOS); Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer (SEA); Goo Goo Dolls John Rzeznik and Robby Takac (both BUF); Mighty Ducks stars Joshua Jackson and Marguerite Moreau (both ANA); actors Dave Coulier (DET); and Kevin Connolly (NYI); Meredith Gaudreau (CBJ); comedians Nikki Glaser (STL) and Tom Green (OTT); NFL tight end George Kittle and country singer Jordan Davis (both NSH); as well as Isaiah Mustafa who announced both a trade and the Kings’ lone Round 1 pick.

* Another special appearance came at pick No. 25 when Commissioner Gary Bettman recognized NHL senior executive vice president of communications Gary Meagher, who is retiring following the draft after 44 years with the League.

QUICK CLICKS

* Stars’ Jim Nill named recipient of Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award

* NHL Player Inclusion Coalition Announces $20,000 Grant

* NHL Foundation Canada announces winners of five grants

* NHL, NHLPA agree to four-year extension of CBA

* #NHLStats Live Updates: Round 1 of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft

2025 Pro Hockey News Mock NHL Entry Draft

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PHILADELPHIA, Pa – Another season has come and gone, and the Florida Panthers are champions once again. The 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angelos, Ca is upon us and another group of talented young prospects wait to hear their names called by one of thirty-two teams.  Just when you thought it was safe to exhale, the draft starts things off for next season followed closely by the start of Free Agent Frenzy on July 1.

Welcome to PHN’s NHL 2025 Mock Draft. The top two players on the board appear to be Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa. The draft should be very top heavy with centers taken in the top 10. Only one goaltender should be taken in the first round but there is a small change with Nashville and Phildelphia having multiple first round pics, it wouldn’t shock anyone if there is more than one taken in the first round. Canada will well represented in this years draft. With that said, let’s get the show on the road.

  1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
    2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)
    3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (SWE-2)
    4. Utah Mammoth – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
    5. Nashville Predators – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
    6. Philadelphia Flyers – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)
    7. Boston Bruins – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)
    8. Seattle Kraken – Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
    9. Buffalo Sabres – Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
    10. Anaheim Ducks – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon
    11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
    12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers via Vancouver Canucks) – Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (SWE-2)
    13. Detroit Red Wings – Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
    14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)
    15. Vancouver Canucks – Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)
    16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames) – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
    17. Montreal Canadiens – Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
    18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils) – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)
    19. St. Louis Blues – Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)
    20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild) – Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)
    21. Ottawa Senators – Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA):
    22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche) – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)
    23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning) – Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
    24. Los Angeles Kings – William Horcoff, C, Michigan (NCAA) – Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo Jr. (SWE-JR)
    25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs) – Daniil Prokhorov, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (RUS-JR)
    26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks) – Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)
    27. Washington Capitals – Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
    28. Winnipeg Jets – Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
    29. Carolina Hurricanes – Cole McKinney, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)
    30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars) – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)
    31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers) – Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
    32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers) – Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo Jr. (SWE-JR)

Brian Jennings covers the Philadelphia Flyers for prohockeynews.com and can be found on twitter at @Flyersfan22.


Photos by Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com