The 2025 NHL Draft is underway at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, although in a decentralized format with teams making their selections from their home cities. The New York Islanders, after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, hold the coveted first overall pick.

Top Prospects and Mock Drafts

Going into the draft, defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters was widely projected to be the Islanders' top pick. Other highly touted prospects include Michael Misa, a center from the Saginaw Spirit, James Hagens, a center from Boston College, and Porter Martone, a right winger from the Brampton Steelheads. Mock drafts also placed Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jake O'Brien among the top selections.

Early Trades and Team Strategies

The day has already seen significant activity, with the Islanders trading Noah Dobson to Montreal for the 16th and 17th overall picks. Utah, boosted by a significant jump in the draft lottery, acquired JJ Peterka from Buffalo and possesses nearly $15 million in cap space, signaling a potentially aggressive approach. San Jose, holding the second overall pick, has been linked to prospects like Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, and Porter Martone, but might be open to trading the pick for a young NHL player.

Several teams, including the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, have multiple first-round picks, positioning them to significantly reshape their prospect pools. Nashville holds the No. 5, No. 23, and No. 26 picks, while Philadelphia has picks No. 6, No. 22, and No. 31.

Prospect Profiles and Potential Surprises

While Schaefer is considered the top prospect, the draft is not expected to have the same level of "star power" throughout as previous years. Several players outside the top 10 could rise on draft day.

• Matthew Schaefer: An elite defenseman with exceptional skills and leadership qualities. He is a complete player who logs significant ice time in all situations.
• Michael Misa: A dynamic forward with a combination of shooting and playmaking abilities. He is a threat off the rush and on the power play.
• Porter Martone: A powerful winger who is difficult to knock off the puck. He combines power and finesse and excels in board battles and net-front presence.
• James Hagens: An elite playmaker with high hockey IQ.

Draft Order and Broadcast Information

The first round is being held on Friday, June 27th, at 7 p.m. ET, with rounds two through seven following on June 28th at 12 p.m. ET. The first round is broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports, while rounds two through seven will be on NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet, and SN1. The current order of selection is:

1. New York Islanders
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Utah
5. Nashville Predators
6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks

Decentralized Format and Celebrity Appearances

This year's draft features a decentralized format, with team personnel operating from their home cities. However, many of the top prospects are in Los Angeles, and celebrity appearances are expected to announce some of the picks.