The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and the hockey world is abuzz with anticipation. Mock drafts are flying around, each attempting to predict how the first round will unfold. Here at THW, our team of draft experts has come together to present our own mock draft, reflecting the latest intel and prospect evaluations. The draft lottery has already set the stage, with the New York Islanders holding the coveted first overall pick, followed by the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Utah Mammoth, after winning the second lottery, will pick fourth, adding another layer of intrigue.
The consensus top prospect appears to be Matthew Schaefer, a dynamic defenseman from the Erie Otters. Many mock drafts predict the Islanders will select Schaefer, envisioning him as a future cornerstone on their blue line. His combination of size, skating ability, and hockey sense makes him an incredibly appealing prospect. The San Jose Sharks, picking second, are widely expected to take Michael Misa, a talented center/left wing from the Saginaw Spirit. Misa's offensive skills and playmaking ability would be a welcome addition to the Sharks' rebuilding efforts.
With the third pick, the Chicago Blackhawks are projected by many to select Anton Frondell, a center playing in Sweden. Frondell is known for his hockey sense and playmaking abilities. At fourth overall, the Utah Mammoth's pick is a bit more debated. Some mocks have them taking Caleb Desnoyers, a center from the Moncton Wildcats, who would add to their already impressive forward prospect pool. Desnoyers is known for his competitiveness and all-around game.
Moving further down the draft order, the Nashville Predators, holding the fifth pick, could opt for Porter Martone, a right winger with a strong scoring touch. Other mocks, however, have the Predators going with James Hagens, a center from Boston College. The Philadelphia Flyers, picking sixth, are often linked to Hagens in mock drafts, drawn to his high-end skill and potential.
The remaining spots in the top 10 are filled with a mix of forwards and defensemen. Jake O'Brien, a center from the Soo Greyhounds, and Brady Martin, another Soo Greyhound, are names frequently appearing in the top ten of various mock drafts. Radim Mrtka, a towering defenseman playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds, is also projected as a high pick. Victor Eklund, a right winger playing in Sweden, rounds out many top 10 projections.
Beyond the top 10, the mock drafts diverge even further, reflecting the increasing uncertainty as the draft progresses. Players like Roger McQueen, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Justin Carbonneau are often mocked in the teens. Each team's specific needs and preferences come into play, making it difficult to predict the exact order. As the draft nears, expect teams to be working the phones, exploring potential trades to move up or down the draft board. The 2025 NHL Draft promises to be an exciting event, full of surprises and franchise-altering decisions. The first round, in particular, will set the stage for the future of many NHL teams.
