The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is fast approaching, scheduled to be held on June 27-28 at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. As the date nears, anticipation is building around which young talents will join the ranks of the NHL. This year's draft class boasts a diverse array of prospects, from skilled forwards and dynamic defensemen to promising goaltenders, making it an intriguing event for teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Top Prospects
The consensus top two prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft are defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters (OHL) and center/left wing Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit (OHL).
Matthew Schaefer: Many scouts see Schaefer as a complete package, projecting him as a prototypical, modern-day No. 1 defenseman. He is described as an elite skater who can kill penalties and quarterback a power play. Some believe he has the potential to be a perennial All-Star and a future captain.
Michael Misa: Misa is a dominant force known for his high-end skill and hockey IQ, drawing comparisons to John Tavares. Some scouts have noted that Misa's playing style is similar to Shane Wright.
Several other prospects are also generating significant buzz and are expected to be selected early in the first round:
Porter Martone (RW, Mississauga Steelheads): Martone is considered one of the draft's premier playmakers, possessing a blend of high-end physical tools.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton Wildcats): Desnoyers is a dynamic player who wants the puck and will do anything to get it.
James Hagens (C, Boston College): Hagens is a dynamic center known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and high hockey IQ.
Anton Frondell (C, Djurgardens): Frondell possesses size and puck control and is considered a highly skilled player with a precise and well-hidden shot.
Victor Eklund (RW, Djurgardens): Eklund is known for his high energy and competitiveness, winning puck battles against men.
Team Needs and Mock Drafts
As the draft approaches, various mock drafts are attempting to predict which players will be selected by each team. These mock drafts often consider team needs, prospect rankings, and potential trades.
For example, the New York Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery and hold the No. 1 overall pick. Many mock drafts predict they will select Matthew Schaefer. The San Jose Sharks have the No. 2 pick and are often projected to select Michael Misa.
Other potential top picks and team fits include:
Intriguing Prospects and Risers
Several prospects have seen their draft stock rise due to strong performances or impressive showings at the NHL Scouting Combine. Kashawn Aitcheson, a left-handed defenseman, is a riser due to his improved two-way game. Goaltender Carter Hood is also rising after gaining control of the crease in Vancouver. Roger McQueen is considered an intriguing player due to his NHL-ready size and scoring ability. Sascha Boumedienne has also risen significantly in the rankings.
Draft Trends
This year's draft class is notable for its strong representation from various countries. Canada leads the way with the most prospects, followed by the USA and Sweden. It could also be a milestone draft for certain countries, with Simon Wang potentially becoming the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history and Bruno Idzan possibly becoming the first player from Croatia to be selected.
