The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and while Tampa Bay Lightning fans won't hear their team called upon during the first round on June 27th, there's still plenty to keep an eye on. The Lightning, who were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by the Florida Panthers, hold seven picks in this year's draft, but their first selection comes in the second round, 56th overall, acquired from the Los Angeles Kings.
Here’s a guide for Lightning fans to navigate the first round and prepare for day two of the draft.
What to Watch For in Round 1
Nashville Predators: Keep a close watch on what the Nashville Predators do with the Lightning's original first-round pick (23rd overall). This pick stems from the Tanner Jeannot trade a couple of seasons ago. It will be interesting to see who Nashville selects. There's even a chance this player could eventually become a teammate of former Lightning legend Steven Stamkos, who still has three years remaining on his contract with the Predators. Recent mock drafts suggest the Predators might target players like James Hagens, a center from Boston College, or Henry Brewitz, a right-handed defenseman, with that pick. Another mock draft has the Predators selecting Pyotr Andreyanov, a goaltender.
Martin St. Louis' Montreal Canadiens: Another team to monitor is the Montreal Canadiens, now coached by Lightning legend Martin St. Louis. Any moves the Canadiens make in the draft could impact the Eastern Conference landscape and, indirectly, the Lightning's future competition. The Canadiens have multiple picks and could be active in trying to improve their roster.
Potential Trade Activity: While the Lightning don't have a first-round pick, General Manager Julien BriseBois is known for his aggressive trading. Don't be surprised if the Lightning try to package some of their later picks to move up in the draft or acquire a player who can contribute to the team immediately. BriseBois has stated he would "rather have a lineup full of good players than a bank of a ton of draft picks.”
Lightning's Draft Strategy
With their first pick at 56th overall, the Lightning will likely be looking to add forward depth to their prospect pool. Several prospects could be available at that spot. ESPN has listed Hayden Paupanekis, a forward from Kelowna (WHL), as a potential option, ranking him 56th overall. Other possibilities include Jacob Rombach (D, Lincoln USHL), Peyton Kettles (D, Swift Current WHL), David Bedkowski (D, Owen Sound OHL) and Ethan Czata (F, Niagara OHL). One mock draft has the Lightning selecting Adam Benak, a center.
The Lightning have a knack for finding "diamonds in the rough" in the later rounds, so their four seventh-round picks could yield some surprises.
Team Needs
The Lightning need to replenish their prospect pool at all positions, especially with key players like Victor Hedman and Andrei Vasilevskiy approaching the later stages of their careers. However, the most pressing need appears to be forward depth.
Other Picks
Beyond the 56th overall pick, the Lightning also possess the following selections:
The 2025 NHL Draft promises to be an important event for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they look to add to their prospect pool and set the stage for the future.
