The Win Column’s 2025 NHL Mock Draft

With just under a month until the NHL Draft, teams are getting closer to finalizing their lists and determining what they need from this draft class. After winning the draft lottery, the New York Islanders are selecting first overall this year for the first time since 2009.

Our writers have taken on a team each and made selections based on each team’s needs and the players available. Here is how we expect each team to select in the first round.

1. New York Islanders: MATTHEW SCHAEFER (LD)

Darnell: Although consideration is to be given to both Hagens and Misa, the former, a college standout who had a slightly down year, and the latter, who put up 134 points in only 65 games, Schaefer is still the choice, even with potential injury concerns.

Matthew has great vision and creativity, and possesses a great first pass, not to mention a quick, deceptive shot, along with great skating and defensive acumen. He has all the intangible and tangible traits earmarked for a future 1D. With uncertainty surrounding Noah Dobson, the incoming general manager can steady the prospect pool quickly for an incoming replacement via Schaefer, as his selection.

2. San Jose Sharks: MICHAEL MISA (C/LW)

James J: The San Jose Sharks are probably hoping Matthew Schaefer falls to them, given their lack of defensive depth. However, Michael Misa is a heck of a consolation prize. With Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund already in the fold at forward, adding Misa gives them added firepower. This would also give you the luxury of playing one of Smith or Misa on the wing.

With 134 points in 65 games this year, Misa would bring elite skill, high hockey IQ, and incredible vision to the Sharks’ lineup. Stanley Cup-winning teams are built through the middle of the ice. With Celebrini and Misa as a one-two punch, you have the potential to become the next Pittsburgh Penguins. High bar, I know.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: JAMES HAGENS (C)

Adhi: If you polled scouts as early as half a year ago, many would have suggested that James Hagens would be the unanimous first overall pick in the 2025 draft. A strong playmaker who uses his creativity, speed, and quickness to generate offence, Hagens capped off a stellar World Juniors tournament with nine points—five goals, five assists—in seven games, leading the USA to their second straight gold medal.

Hagens projects as an impact centre in the NHL and, in addition to Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore, would give the Chicago Blackhawks formidable depth up the middle for years to come.

4. Utah Mammoth: Porter Martone (RW)

Mackenzie: By moving from 14th to pick number four in the draft, the Utah Mammoth have a great opportunity to select an NHL-ready right winger who has a great chance to step into their top-six. Porter Matone—the 6’3″ right winger—had a career-best season, scoring 37 goals and totalling 98 points with the Brampton Steelheads this past season.

Looking at the Mammoth, Mortone would be a great addition on the right side and would help address Utah’s needs on that side. After Dylan Guenther, they don’t carry too much else in elite talent on that wing. His size and goal-scoring ability would be a ”Mammoth” of a pick for Utah after jumping up into the top four after some luck at the draft lottery.

5. Nashville Predators: ANTON FRONDELL (C/LW)

Ryan: Anton Frondell has felt like the Nashville Predators’ guy to me for weeks at this point. As someone whose hockey smarts allow him to have at least a chance at playing centre in the NHL, his profile is a perfect match for a Barry Trotz-managed team.

Frondell is a strong three-zone player, with the physical maturity that Nashville values, and a good blend of hard and soft skills. His off-puck habits are strong, he has a blistering shot that he peppers on net, and he has one of the highest floors in the entire draft class.

I do question his translatability at centre and his play-driving at the next level, but Frondell possesses all the tools to be a perfect, versatile, and high-end complementary player in Nashville’s top six for years to come, with value on both special teams. On a Nashville team locked into contracts that push them to win now, he’s one of the few prospects available at this point with a short enough ETA to make an impact during the tail end of these older players’ prime.

6. Philadelphia Flyers: ROGER MCQUEEN (C)

Jessica: The Philadelphia Flyers are on a hunt for an elite centre. Could Roger McQueen be that guy? McQueen is 6’5″ with a coveted right shot. Despite his size and the stereotype surrounding it, McQueen defies those with his strong skating and strong net-front presence. The Flyers could absolutely benefit from quick hands, quick thinking, and a great shot.

7. Boston Bruins: CALEB DESNOYERS (C)

Simon: Ever since the retirement of Patrice Bergeron, the Boston Bruins have been without a true number one centre. They have made efforts to try to find a replacement by picking up Elias Lindholm, but he hasn’t quite looked like the top-line guy they were hoping he would be for them.

With Caleb Desnoyers being ranked as high as third overall on some boards, he would be a steal of a pick for the Bruins. Thought to be the best two-way forward in the draft with an NHL-ready build. He could help them push back into the playoffs immediately.

8. Seattle Kraken: VICTOR EKLUND (LW/RW)

Cody: The Seattle Kraken team currently lacks offensive power. They have some potential star players in Shane Wright, Berkly Catton, and Jani Nyman, but they certainly need a bit more. Wright and Catton both play centre, leaving an opening on the wing. Victor Eklund would help boost the forward core in Seattle, which has lacked star power since their inaugural season.

The majority of hockey fans last saw Eklund play at the 2025 World Junior Championship with Team Sweden. He posted a solid six points in seven games. The Kraken need a player like Eklund to help lock in the forward core of their future.

9. Buffalo Sabres: JAKE O’BRIEN (C)

James W: Most rankings have Jake O’Brien around 10th overall, and rightfully so. The 6’2″ pivot already has NHL size and has been superb in the OHL. He was over a point-per-game as a rookie in 2023–24. O’Brien followed that up with a massive 32-goal, 98-point season this year. He has three goals and 11 points in 11 postseason games.

The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of young talent at every position, so they select the best player available. There’s not much to dislike about O’Brien’s game. He skates well, has good vision, and has a very good hockey IQ.

Perhaps the biggest knock on him right now is his weight, coming in at just 170 pounds. He’ll grow into his body as he gets older and matures, but if he can do so without taking anything away from his game, he could be a steal at nine. He also needs to work on his skill in the face-off dot and his willingness to shoot instead of deferring to a teammate.

Interestingly, the Sabres drafted a centre ninth overall three years ago. That was Matthew Savoie, who is no longer with the team after being dealt to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan McLeod.

10. Anaheim Ducks: BRADY MARTIN (C)

Troy: Although the Anaheim Ducks do not really need another centreman, with Brady Martin expected to be picked at either 11 or 13, he would be the perfect addition to the team. With Martin’s recent success, I do not see the Ducks turning down the opportunity to draft a player who could help the forward core be more successful.

Brady Martin is yet to play in the show, but was able to produce 72 points in 57 games with the Soo Greyhounds this season. He also participated in the U18 Men’s World Championship, where he finished with 11 points in just seven games. 

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: RADIM MRTKA (RD)

Gurpal: The Pittsburgh Penguins will be entering a rebuild and are set to have the 11th overall pick this coming draft. There are several different routes they can take here, but Radim Mrtka is a player whom the Penguins could snag if he’s not chosen earlier.

With Kris Letang winding down his career and Erik Karlsson likely on the move, the right side of the Penguins’ defence is thin. Drafting a defenceman like Mrtka would be a great first step in building their blueline for the future. Mrtka stands at 6’6″ and 210 lbs, but he possesses great mobility and defensive awareness for his size. He can also contribute offensively, as he scored 35 points in 43 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Mrtka would be an incredible pick at 11th, as many mock drafts have him going in the top ten. The Czech defender is built for the NHL, and he’d instantly become the Penguins’ best blueline prospect.

12. New York Rangers: CARTER BEAR (C/LW)

Khalid: After a disaster of a season, the New York Rangers have a lot of tough choices to make this summer, but the silver lining is having this spot in the draft. One thing that the Rangers do need is energy in the lineup, and Carter Bear gives that to you in spades. An in-your-face type of player, he can hold his own in all three zones and is a scorer. For a team that couldn’t get goals when they needed them, the centre/winger can give that to them. With Mrtka gone one pick earlier, landing Bear at 12 is a huge win for the Rangers.

13. Detroit Red Wings: JACKSON SMITH (LD)

Greg: There is a clear top twelve on my draft board, and Jackson Smith is firmly in that group. Smith has the size, skating, and offensive quality to be impactful in the NHL if he can hone his defensive habits. The Detroit Red Wings will have to continue to build their forward group elsewhere, but Smith joining Moritz Seider, Simon Evidsson, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, among others, would be incredible.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: LYNDEN LAKOVIC (F)

Connor: At 6’4”, Lakovic offers an intriguing blend of size and skill, leading the Moose Jaw Warriors with 58 points in 47 games. Despite his frame, he plays a finesse-oriented game, utilizing his reach and puck-handling to create offence rather than relying on physicality. Scouts note his need to engage more physically and improve defensive zone awareness, but his offensive instincts and playmaking abilities make him a high-upside pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

15. Vancouver Canucks: JUSTIN CARBONNEAU (RW)

Simon: The Vancouver Canucks had a confusing season. Despite being hyped up to repeat the success they found in the previous year, they would struggle to find their footing and miss the playoffs. Most of their major players are already locked down on big deals, with the exception of Brock Boeser. If he chooses to leave this offseason, it will leave their right side looking rather empty.

That is where Justin Carbonneau comes in, a right winger projected to have top-six potential. Carbonneau seems like the obvious pick up for the Canucks. His scoring ability is already thought to be at an NHL level. If Vancouver wants a fast turnaround, he may be a player who would be able to help them sooner rather than later.

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary): LOGAN HENSLER (D)

Sean: The Montreal Canadiens have one of the most exciting and well fleshed-out prospect pools in the league. With back-to-back picks in the mid-first round, they can target specific players. The first of their biggest needs is depth on right defence. This leads to their first pick of the first round, Logan Hensler.

Hensler is projected to be a mid-pairing right defender, but his skillset will be beneficial in almost any situation. A strong rush defender, physically engaged and already 6’2″ and 196 pounds, and a solid offensive performance despite not playing in an offensive role.

17. Montreal Canadiens: JACK NESBITT (C)

Sean: A second need of the Montreal Canadiens and their prospect pool is size in the forwards, particularly up the middle. With the second of their back-to-back picks, they may have reached a bit here to target a specific player. That player is 6’4″ centre Jack Nesbitt.

Nesbitt had a bit of a breakout season this year with the Windsor Spitfires, scoring 25 goals and totalling 64 points in 65 games. He projects to be a middle-six forward, but his specific skillset is exactly what would be needed on the Habs’ second or third lines as they build this roster up.

He appears to be a modern-day power forward. Someone who has size but is still mobile and skilled enough to handle today’s game.

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey): JACK MURTAGH (C/LW)

Lexi: Jack Murtagh has really burst onto the scene in the last 12 months, while with the US National Team Development Program. With their U18 roster this past season, he was nearly a point-per-game player, then he followed that up by posting two goals and six points over seven games at the 2025 U18 World Championships in Frisco, Texas. This would be a pick with an eye on the future, as Murtagh has committed to Boston University for 2025–26, but his future arrival in the NHL lines up nicely with a potential Flames’ championship window.

19. St. Louis Blues: BEN KINDEL (C/RW)

Cody Misyk: The St. Louis Blues are in an interesting situation. They are a good team that is playoff-good, but not championship-good. Recently, the team has had breakouts from young players such as Zach Bolduc and Jimmy Snuggerud. One more star forward prospect could set them up for a great future. Dalibor Dvorsky is still working his way up to the NHL, and adding Ben Kindel would solidify an excellent young forward core.

Kindel is a playmaker who would be a great benefit to the other young forwards on the Blues. Snuggerud and Bolduc are both snipers who need a playmaker to set them up. Kindel has proven how good of a playmaker he is in the WHL and the U18 World Junior Championship. Now, he just has to take it to the next level. The Blues could use another defensive prospect, but in the first round, they must take the best player available.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota): CAMERON REID (D)

Connor: Reid has emerged as one of the OHL’s top two-way defencemen, posting 54 points and a +39 rating over 67 games for the Kitchener Rangers. His smooth skating and high hockey IQ enable him to excel in transition and quarterback the power play effectively. While he could benefit from added physical strength, his ability to read the game and contribute offensively and defensively positions him as a valuable addition to Columbus’ blue line.

21. Ottawa Senators: MALCOLM SPENCE (LW)

Josh: The Ottawa Senators need help everywhere. The team finally made it back to the postseason this year, but it has come at a cost, with the Senators currently possessing one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL. After selecting Carter Yakemchuk seventh overall at last year’s draft, it makes sense for the Senators to grab a forward this year.

With the acquisition of Dylan Cozens and how well he fits in, I think the Senators look to the wings with this pick. Malcolm Spence is a big, mean power forward-type winger. Remind you of anyone? With Claude Giroux and David Perron getting older, Spence could step up in a couple of years to complement Stutzle and Cozens as a truculent one-two punch with Brady Tkachuk on the left side.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado): IVAN RYABKIN (C)

Jessica: The Flyers are doing what they can to move forward in their rebuild. After parting ways with John Tortorella, the Flyers decided to bring in Rick Tocchet. Both are intense coaches, but in their own ways. Could Ivan Ryabkin be a player who bounces back in a Tocchet-esque system?

Ryabkin is another centre that was once projected to be along the likes of Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov. While he is still searching for a rebound, he plays a physical game. Along with physicality, he provides the ability to create offence. There is likely a bounceback in him that could be of great benefit to the Flyers.

23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay): BLAKE FIDDLER (RD)

Ryan: Nashville is likely pretty happy with how the board has played out. Andrew Gibson and Ryan Ufko could become NHLers, but the Predators lack a truly exciting prospect at RD.

The son of the longtime Dallas Stars forward, Blake Fiddler, started his draft year off as the US’s best player at the Hlinka-Gretzky. Fiddler is already a relatively refined shutdown defenceman; he uses his mobility and size to be a great in-zone and rush defender. He showed another level of offence this year, starting at the Hlinka-Gretzky, and the raw tools from a puck skills perspective, in conjunction with his skating, led to flashes of excitement as an offensive player.

He still needs to learn to think the game better and improve his passing ability (especially on breakouts) to become an offensive threat as a pro, but there’s plenty to work with for a development staff that’s churned out products like Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Alexandre Carrier, and Dante Fabbro over the years.

24. Los Angeles Kings: KASHAWN AITCHESON (D)

Troy: The Los Angeles Kings could use a two-way defenceman to help bring some more offensive prowess to their blue line. That is exactly the role that Kashawn Aitcheson would be able to fill very well. Aitcheson finished seventh in OHL scoring as a defender, which was very impressive considering who he was up against.

With 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points in 64 games, the Kings could benefit from pairing him with their veteran, Drew Doughty. This would help Aitcheson fully develop as a strong blueliner in the NHL.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto): SASCHA BOUMEDIENNE (D)

Adhi: Boston University defenceman Sascha Boumedienne made waves earlier this year when he broke the single-tournament record for points by a defenceman at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship. The young defenceman’s marquee attribute is his skating, but he can also make plays with the puck, using his size and strength to transition the play up ice and generate offensive opportunities for his team.

Boumedienne has all the tools to be a top-four defenceman in the NHL, and would be a solid fixture on the Hawks’ revamped back end beside Artyom Levshunov or Sam Rinzel.

26.  Nashville Predators (via Vegas): BILL ZONNON (C/LW)

Ryan: Only the Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Canadiens, and Sharks have drafted more QMJHL players over the last 10 years than Nashville. At 26th overall, they take the best one left in Bill Zonnon. The Predators have added size and physically mature players in this Mock with Frondell and Fiddler joining a core of Matthew Wood and Egor Surin. They continue that with the 6’2”, 196 lbs Zonnon.

Like Fiddler, there’s so much to work with here. Zonnon is strong, and he uses that size and frame to protect and win back pucks. He plays with an extremely high motor in all three zones, which projects potential as a 200-foot player at the NHL level. While not dynamic, a strong hockey IQ does allow him to be an effective passer, and he has all the tools from a stick-handling and shooting perspective.

The questions will come down to whether the quality of the QMJHL has masked his skating concerns and allowed him to be super successful from a puck protection perspective. Regardless, I see a highly projectable, all-situations middle-six forward, whose main hang-ups are skating and pace of play concerns.

27. Washington Capitals: CULLEN POTTER (LW)

Karim: At this point in the draft, you want to try to find a player with something elite. You can’t find someone with elite qualities everywhere, but Cullen Potter might be the best skater in the draft, which makes it very likely that he will play many seasons in the NHL. His size may scare teams off, but the Washington Capitals are loaded with enormous players up and down the lineup and can afford to take a bet on a smaller, skilled player like Potter.

Potter has had success offensively in junior hockey and possesses high-end puck skills, but he doesn’t necessarily project to be a consistent impact scorer in the NHL. Still, the Capitals would be getting a solid middle-six option with the speed and skill to succeed on a high-end energy line. At 27, that’s pretty darn good.

28. Winnipeg Jets: Henry Brzustewicz (RD)

Mackenzie: If players like Aitchison or Fiddler are off the board by pick number 28, Henry Brzustewicz, ranked 35th in the Consolidated 2025 draft rankings, would be a great addition for a Winnipeg Jets team in urgent need of some more defensive prospects. Brzustewicz would be a great add over some of the forwards available at this stage in round one, as the Jets already have some solid talent in their forward pipeline.

The two-way, smooth-skating defenceman excels in his own zone and is an effective puck mover, paired with his size at 6’2″, makes him a strong NHL prospect. The right-shot defender had an excellent season with the London Knights, accumulating 52 points after moving up to the second pairing following a six-point OHL rookie season.

29. Carolina Hurricanes: COLE RESCHNY (F)

Greg: The Carolina Hurricanes have a robust prospect system, so the team can chase upside rather than need. Reschny provides that upside and has consistently found ways to be vital to his teams’ successes this season in the WHL and at the U18 Level.

There is a chance he can play centre as a professional, and he has a good blend of skills and functionality for the Canes to work with. Reschny might easily find himself closer to pick 15 of the draft, making him a steal for the Canes here.

30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas): MILTON GASTRIN (C)

James J: The Sharks would certainly prefer a defenceman here, given their prospect pool lacks D, especially RD. Sam Dickinson was a great selection last year, and Luca Cagnoni had a great showing in the AHL this year. None of the good defensive prospects are available, so the Sharks will look elsewhere. They can reach for a defenceman at the start of the second round.

Braeden Cootes still being available is certainly tempting. As is Joshua Ravensbergen. But the Sharks have Yaroslav Askarov as their future elite goalie and drafted two goalies last year. But, I’m choosing to go with Milton Gastrin, who projects to be a defensively reliable centre. The Sharks have added two-way and high-end offensive prowess in Celebrini, Smith, and now Misa. Now, they can be a little more greedy and take a high-floor player who could contribute to San Jose’s bottom-six in the future.

31. Calgary Flames (via Florida): BRAEDEN COOTES (C)

Lexi: A young talent from the Edmonton area, potentially giving the Flames more scoring prowess. Where has that happened before? Cootes, like Murtagh, has ramped up considerably playing state-side, as he produced 63 points in just 60 games as captain of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds this past season, followed by eight points in their first-round series loss to Everett.

The Sherwood Park product would be one the Flames could take an immediate look at without burning a year off an ELC, but most likely he’ll be a name to keep an eye on, in both the WHL and at the World Juniors, next season.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton): MAX WESTERGARD (LW)

Jessica: While he is undersized at 5’10” and 160 pounds, Max Westergard is considered a well-rounded player. Westergard has built himself a nice little toolbox. He’s physical, battles it out along the wall, as well as driving the middle of the ice. He has the ability to create plays and possesses great skill, as well as a high hockey IQ. The Flyers could really benefit from bringing in a young, skilled player like him.

Let the draft begin

We’ll soon see how the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft pans out, but there are many reasons for teams to make sure-bet picks, reaches, or outright swing for the stars.

Want to know more about each of these players?

Check out all of The Win Column’s individual player profiles of selected 2025 NHL Draft prospects:

Matthew Schaefer | Michael Misa | James Hagens | Porter Martone | Anton Frondell | Victor Eklund |
Roger McQueen | Caleb Desnoyers | Jackson Smith | Jake O’Brien | Carter Bear | Radim Mrtka |
Lynden Lakovic | Brady Martin | Justin Carbonneau | Malcolm Spence | Cameron Reid | Logan Hensler | Cameron Schmidt | Ben Kindel | Kashawn Aitcheson | Cullen Potter | Braeden Cootes | Ivan Ryabkin |
Blake Fiddler | Cole Reschny