Welcome to my inaugural mock draft for the 2025 NHL Draft. Following Monday night’s exciting draft lottery, the first-round order is beginning to take shape. After extensive discussions with agents, scouts, team staff, and others involved with various players throughout the year, I’m ready to share my predictions for the first round. Expect another mock draft after the combine, as well as a final two-round mock draft closer to the actual event.
As I compile my final top 100 draft board, this exercise allows me to step back from my own evaluations. Instead, I consider potential targets and fits for each team based on a blend of team needs, insights into team preferences, and the consensus from amateur scouting departments. Where I felt confident, I’ve also outlined possible contingencies and other considerations for specific picks.
The New York Islanders may be tempted to select local talent James Hagens, but with the team currently lacking a general manager, ownership’s influence could play a significant role in this decision. Hagens, a Long Island native, has strong ties to the community; however, the strategic choice would be to draft Schaefer, a potential No. 1 defenseman. This would address the Isles’ thin defensive pool, especially after acquiring center prospect Calum Ritchie and wing prospect Cole Eiserman in previous drafts.
If Matthew Schaefer is off the board, the San Jose Sharks will likely consider Michael Misa. With a strong foundation of forwards, including Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini, adding Misa—a consensus top forward—would enhance their lineup significantly. While other centers like Hagens, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers are in play, Misa’s upside makes him the most appealing choice.
The Chicago Blackhawks face an important decision among three key players: Misa, Desnoyers, and Frondell. With a current roster of smaller, speedy forwards, they may lean towards Frondell, who offers a balanced skill set and size. If Misa is available, he remains the best-case scenario, but Frondell’s attributes align well with the team’s needs.
The Utah Mammoth have a wealth of skill players but prioritize size in their draft strategy. With options like Desnoyers, Brady Martin, and Jake O’Brien available, Desnoyers stands out as a potential second-line center behind Logan Cooley. This selection would strengthen their depth at center and could lead to a formidable lineup in the future.
The Nashville Predators might opt for Hagens, who would bring much-needed skill to their forward pool. Despite other options like Martone and Martin, Hagens’ talent and potential make him a standout choice, especially as the Preds look to build a competitive roster.
The Philadelphia Flyers are expected to reinforce their center position with this pick. If either Hagens or Desnoyers is available, they could be the pick; otherwise, Martin’s competitive nature makes him an ideal fit for the Flyers’ culture.
If available, O’Brien or Martone will be strong candidates for the Boston Bruins. The team is likely to focus on rebuilding their center depth, making O’Brien a sensible selection if he remains on the board.
The Seattle Kraken might consider Martone, especially given their established depth at center. With an already promising forward pool, Martone could be the right winger to complement their existing talent.
The Buffalo Sabres may use this pick to shake up their roster, but if they retain it, McQueen offers a unique physical presence that contrasts with their recent picks of smaller forwards. He could be a high-upside selection for the team.
The Anaheim Ducks have a solid foundation of young defensemen but could benefit from Mrtka’s unique size and skating ability. If top forwards fall to this spot, they might also consider them.
The Pittsburgh Penguins would ideally like to grab a top center, but if none are available, Eklund’s skill and competitiveness make him a compelling choice, especially considering the team’s need for wingers.
The New York Rangers are expected to target a defenseman, with Aitcheson and Mrtka being strong candidates. Aitcheson’s style fits the team’s recent drafting trends.
The Detroit Red Wings may look for a winger or defenseman here, and Carbonneau’s competitive edge could add value to their lineup, especially with their existing center depth.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are likely to draft a defenseman with one of their two early picks, and Smith’s profile fits what they need in this round.
With limited options at center, the Vancouver Canucks might select Cootes, who is regarded as a solid prospect and fits their needs for depth in the middle.
The Montreal Canadiens are looking for a versatile winger to support their current roster, and Lakovic fits that bill perfectly.
Reid is the best available defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens at this point and fits their need to strengthen their defensive core.
The Calgary Flames are expected to target a center, and Reschny’s skill set aligns well with their current roster needs.
The St. Louis Blues are well-stocked at right wing and center, making Bear a logical choice to strengthen their left wing position.
Hensler’s skills as a defenseman make him an appealing option for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are looking to add depth to their blue line.
The Ottawa Senators will likely focus on drafting a center, and Nesbitt’s combination of size and competitiveness makes him an attractive option.
By selecting Kindel, the Calgary Flames bolster their center position with a player known for both skill and smarts.
The Carolina Hurricanes have a few players in mind, but Potter’s skating ability makes him a noteworthy candidate.
Spence’s work ethic and versatility make him a natural fit for the Philadelphia Flyers, who value competitiveness in their picks.
Gastrin would be a strong addition for the Philadelphia Flyers, further improving their center depth alongside Martin and Luchanko.
Ravensbergen is a solid choice for the Nashville Predators, particularly as they look to solidify their goaltending depth.
The Los Angeles Kings are likely to focus on defense with this pick, and Boumedienne's skating ability makes him an intriguing option.
Fiddler would provide the San Jose Sharks with a potential middle-pairing defenseman, adding depth to their blue line.
The Chicago Blackhawks may look to add size with this pick, and Vansaghi’s profile fits their needs for a physical forward.
With this selection, the Nashville Predators would bring in more scoring ability with Ihs-Wozniak, bolstering their offensive prospects.
The Washington Capitals might take a risk on Ryabkin, whose skills and potential could pay off handsomely, especially with a thinner center pool.
If the Winnipeg Jets go for a forward, Horcoff’s combination of size and playing style makes him a compelling choice to round out the first round.
