2025 NHL Draft: Every Team’s Biggest Prospect Pipeline Need

Anaheim Ducks

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th

Over the past decade, the Ducks have been exceptionally successful at developing defensemen, producing a long list of top-four NHL blueliners including Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Shea Theodore, Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm, and Brandon Montour. More recently, prospects like Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zelweger have shown significant promise at the NHL level. However, Anaheim`s pipeline currently lacks a large, mobile defenseman who can complement the offensive skills of their top young defenders. Stian Solberg brings competitiveness and mobility, but his puck-moving needs further development for the NHL.

Potential fits from the current draft class include Radim Mrtka, Blake Fiddler, and Carter Amico.

Boston Bruins

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th

Throughout their prospect system, the Bruins are in need of high-end skill. There isn`t a player in their pipeline who projects to be a true difference-maker at the NHL level, which could hinder their efforts to retool into a top contender. More specifically, Boston needs a dual-threat center capable of generating offense through both playmaking and shooting, as well as defensemen who are skilled puck-movers with excellent mobility.

Given the Bruins` consistent success over the past two decades, it`s understandable that their prospect pool lacks top-tier talent. However, they`ve historically found success with picks outside the top 10, like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jake DeBrusk. Players who could inject significant skill into their system include forwards Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers, and Anton Frondell, and defensemen Sascha Boumedienne and Luka Radivojevic. Many of these players could be available when the Bruins pick at No. 7 overall.

Buffalo Sabres

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)

The Sabres boast a deep and skilled prospect pool, but they are notably missing a large, skilled forward who can develop into a power forward role. Their pipeline features many smaller, “soft-skill” players such as Konsta Helenius, Brody Ziemer, Noah Ostlund, and Isak Rosen, complementing existing smaller NHLers like Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn. While some of these players are two-way forwards with elements of “hard-skill,” none possess the capability to physically dominate opponents.

Buffalo requires a power forward who can combine soft and hard skills to win puck battles, establish a presence in front of the net, and contribute physically. Players in this draft class fitting this description include Brady Martin, Porter Martone, and Bill Zonnon. If the Sabres prioritize hard skill over pure size, Carter Bear and Viktor Eklund could also be good fits.

Calgary Flames

2025 Draft Picks: 1st (FLA), 1st (NJ), 2nd (COL), 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

With two first-round picks, Calgary has an excellent chance to add a skilled play-driving forward to their prospect system. Zayne Parekh, their 2024 first-rounder, is considered the most skilled offensive defenseman outside the NHL, and the Flames have other solid prospects like Matvei Gridin and Andrew Basha. Their primary need is a skilled, dual-threat forward capable of initiating and driving offense, as many of their current forward prospects are better suited for complementary roles alongside play drivers. Samuel Honzek and Aydar Suniev are examples of skilled forwards who likely fit best in complementary positions.

While the aging of their current center group suggests a future need at that position, it`s not so pressing that it necessitates passing on a high-impact winger. The draft should offer several options for the Flames, including Benjamin Kindel, Carter Bear, Cullen Potter, and Cole Reschny.

Carolina Hurricanes

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd (TB), 4th, 6th, 6th (TB), 7th

The Hurricanes have consistently drafted well, often focusing on adding skill regardless of position. They are frequently praised by analytics-focused draft analysts for their ability to find value throughout the draft. However, if there`s one position where the Hurricanes are relatively thin in their pipeline, it`s at center. Many of their highly-rated prospects are defensemen (Dominik Badinka, Alexander Nikishin, Scott Morrow) or wingers (Bradly Nadeau, Nikita Artamonov, Felix Unger Sorum), most of whom are projected to be middle-to-top-of-the-lineup contributors soon. What they lack is a center prospect projected to reach the same level of impact.

Given their typical draft position and philosophy, players who might interest them include Jack Murtagh, William Moore, Cameron Schmidt (though he`s a winger), Ivan Ryabkin, Jack Nesbitt, and Milton Gastrin.

Chicago Blackhawks

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th

It`s well known that the Blackhawks possess significant talent in their pipeline, but the majority of it resides on the defensive side. After selecting Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov and having drafted Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel, and Ethan Del Mastro, Chicago has strong depth on the blue line for the foreseeable future. However, they currently lack a star-caliber forward who can effectively complement their franchise cornerstone, Connor Bedard. It is essential for the Blackhawks to add a forward with top-line potential who can both produce and facilitate offense. Ideally, this player would be able to drive play independently, allowing Chicago to potentially distribute talent across their top two lines. A significant infusion of high-end forward talent is needed at the top of their lineup to accelerate the rebuilding process.

With their considerable draft capital, including the No. 3 overall pick, the Blackhawks should absolutely target Michael Misa, Porter Martone, or James Hagens with their first selection. With their other picks in the top 64, they can look at players like Shane Vansaghi, Benjamin Kindel, Nathan Behm, and Ryker Lee.

Colorado Avalanche

2025 Draft Picks: 4th (VAN), 7th

Following the trade of Calum Ritchie at the deadline, the Avalanche`s prospect pool is notably lacking in high-end upside. Aside from Mikhail Gulyayev, there is a significant shortage of players with a realistic chance of playing impactful roles, and specifically zero forward prospects with top-six potential. Given their Stanley Cup contention window and aggressive “all-in” strategy, it`s not surprising that the Avalanche`s prospect pipeline lacks elite skill. However, they will eventually need players capable of contributing meaningful minutes to support the immense talent at the top of their roster.

The Avalanche possess only two total selections in the upcoming draft. Without making moves to acquire additional draft capital in the first three rounds, they will find it challenging to find the kind of high-upside prospects their pool needs.

Columbus Blue Jackets

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (MIN), 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (VGK)

The Blue Jackets made significant progress this season, with key contributions from some of their younger players. Their center depth appears solid, assuming Cayden Lindstrom stays healthy and develops into a second-line player. They also have impressive young talent on the wings and offensive firepower on the blue line. However, after trading David Jiricek, the Blue Jackets` pipeline lacks a prospect who projects to be a top-four defender capable of handling significant minutes against opponents` top lines. Charlie Elick has an outside chance of becoming a No. 4, but is more likely to be a depth defender effective on the penalty kill.

With two first-round selections in the upcoming draft, Columbus could address this need by targeting players like Logan Hensler, Kashawn Aitcheson, Cameron Reid, Blake Fiddler, and/or Sascha Boumedienne.

Dallas Stars

2025 Draft Picks: 3rd, 5th, 5th (NJ), 6th, 7th

Considering their current position and their reputation for successfully drafting and developing players outside the first round, the Stars` lack of a high-end center prospect isn`t overly concerning immediately, especially with Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz expected to anchor their top two center spots for the foreseeable future. However, the Stars have no center depth in their prospect system and would benefit greatly from strengthening that position. Mavrik Bourque and Emil Hemming are their top remaining forward prospects, both being wingers, with Bourque aging out of prospect status after this season. Lian Bischel, Christian Kyrou, and Aram Minnetian offer legitimate upside on defense, which makes the need for center prospects more pronounced.

Given their limited draft capital, acquiring the type of high-upside center their prospect pool needs will be challenging without trading for more picks.

Detroit Red Wings

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)

The Red Wings have a large number of young prospects, but the majority of their high-potential players are defensemen. With Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper no longer considered prospects, Detroit`s pipeline lacks a single player with a projected top-line forward ceiling. Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are expected to become middle-six forwards, while Axel Sandin-Pelikka and Andrew Gibson are anticipated to join an already promising young defensive group. Trey Augustine projects as a starting NHL goaltender, leaving the Red Wings with future players across most positions except for the very top of their forward lineup.

The Red Wings need players who can generate offense and drive play. Welcome additions to their pipeline would include Carter Bear, Jake O`Brien, Lynden Lakovic, and Cole Reschny. If players like Viktor Eklund or Roger McQueen happen to slide out of the top 10, the Red Wings would be thrilled to select either.

Edmonton Oilers

2025 Draft Picks: 3rd (STL), 6th, 7th

The Oilers possess only three total picks in the draft, none of which are in the top 64. It`s not surprising that a team firmly within its Stanley Cup contention window lacks high-end skill in its prospect pool, as this typically means drafting late, trading picks, or trading promising prospects. The Oilers have done all three and lack elite talent outside of Matthew Savoie. Sam O`Reilly and Beau Akey represent their best chances to develop into middle-of-the-lineup players. Edmonton desperately needs a skilled winger who could potentially play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. They will likely need to trade up or take calculated risks on players with higher upside but perhaps less certainty, such as LJ Mooney, Shamar Moses, Filip Ekberg, and Gustav Hillstrom.

Florida Panthers

2025 Draft Picks: 4th, 4th (CGY), 5th, 5th (SJ), 6th, 7th

When a team has recently won the Stanley Cup and made multiple deep playoff runs, their prospect system is likely to be significantly depleted. This is the situation for the Florida Panthers, who are in need of… well, everything. There isn`t a single position of strength within their pipeline, nor is there one player projected to be an impact player at any position. Justin Sourdif, Jack Devine, and Gracyn Sawchyn have the best potential to become NHL forwards, while Marek Alscher and Tobias Bjornfot have a chance to become depth NHL defensemen. Goaltender Spencer Knight is gone, and the Panthers have no netminders in their system projected to play NHL games. They can`t afford to be selective. Without a draft pick in the first three rounds, the Panthers must swing for skill and upside with their later-round selections.

Los Angeles Kings

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (PHI)

Following the graduation of Brandt Clarke to the NHL, the Kings currently lack any defenseman prospect projected to become an NHL player. On the forward side, Liam Greentree, Koehn Ziemmer, and Kenny Connors have varying levels of NHL projections, with Greentree being the most likely to develop into a middle-six forward and the others projected as depth players. In goal, the Kings have an abundance of talent with Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky, and Erik Portillo. In fact, it can be argued that the Kings possess the best goaltending pipeline in the NHL.

The Kings are in need of defensemen in their pipeline and are well-positioned to add several in the upcoming draft. Potential targets in the top 90 picks include Blake Fiddler, Sascha Boumedienne, Carter Amico, Kurban Limatov, and Alex Huang.

Minnesota Wild

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 4th (TOR), 5th (CBJ), 6th

It`s quite unusual to examine a playoff team`s prospect pool and find seemingly no significant weaknesses. However, this is the case for the Minnesota Wild, a team that has excelled in converting drafted players into signed NHL contracts over the last five years. The Wild are well-stocked with high-end prospects at every position, from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, to defensemen David Jiricek and Zeev Buium, and forwards Danila Yurov, Ryder Ritchie, Charlie Stramel, and Hunter Haight. There is no shortage of talent, positioning the Wild for excellent depth in the years to come.

Their drafting philosophy, focusing on taking the best player available regardless of position, is one that many fanbases would envy. They avoid prioritizing “high-floor, low-ceiling” players or being concerned about smaller, skilled players. Despite having only one pick in the first three rounds this year, expect the Wild to continue finding value in the later rounds.

Montreal Canadiens

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (CGY), 2nd, 2nd (PIT), 3rd, 3rd (NJ), 3rd (VAN), 4th, 4th (BOS), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Canadiens` draft-focused rebuilding process has been impressive. Taking chances on skilled smaller players like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson has proven particularly successful. Adding Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, and Filip Mesar to the mix gives the Habs a wealth of quality skaters in their pipeline. Jacob Fowler is one of the top goaltending prospects and is projected to be an NHL starter, potentially excelling in a platoon role. On defense, the team hopes David Reinbacher remains healthy and develops into the top-four minute-eater they envisioned when they selected him early in 2023.

To round out their roster, the Canadiens need more “hard skill.” This means players who can complement their skilled scorers, win puck battles, establish a presence at the net front, and be physically effective along the boards. They have this on defense with Kaiden Guhle, and if Owen Beck and Joshua Roy transition successfully, they will be solid bottom-six forwards. Adding someone in the top-six who brings physicality and can produce 65-70 points would add another dimension. Juraj Slafkovsky possesses some of these qualities, but a player like Brady Martin or Caleb Desnoyers would be an ideal fit. If Roger McQueen happens to slide in the draft, similar to how Lane Hutson did, he would also fit this mold nicely.

Nashville Predators

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)

General Manager Barry Trotz has been candid in his assessment, and rightfully so, as the Predators are in significant need of skill in their prospect pool. For years, they have lacked a true, top-line scoring center to play alongside Filip Forsberg. While they have scoring wingers and two-way centers in the pipeline, they currently have no center prospects who project to be high-end point producers.

Holding a top-five pick, the Predators are perfectly positioned to add an elite center. Michael Misa, James Hagens, or Anton Frondell would all be excellent selections. If they aim for a high-upside swing and Misa isn`t available, McQueen could make sense, though his injury history might cause some hesitation. Regardless of their pick at No. 5, a center with top-six potential will be available. Significant consideration should be given to Misa (the draft`s top center), Hagens (a 70-plus point, two-way center), and Frondell (projected top-line center).

After trading Yaroslav Askarov to San Jose, the Predators also lack a goaltender in their pipeline. With four other picks in the first two rounds, they could select one of Joshua Ravensbergen or Jack Ivankovic.

New Jersey Devils

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 2nd (EDM), 3rd (VGK), 4th, 6th, 6th (SJ)

The Devils are set at the top of their center depth with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, both high-quality players, with Hischier even entering the Selke Trophy conversation this season. However, both players are relatively smaller and have accumulated some injury history. Despite this, their immense talent ensures they will lead the Devils for the foreseeable future. The Devils` management seems to value size and would benefit from adding a big center to their mix. Without a first-round pick, acquiring a high-impact center will be difficult, but many successful middle-six centers have been found in the second and third rounds.

The Devils are loaded with defensive prospects, to the point where some of these players could potentially be used as trade assets to acquire players who can help the team contend now. Tyler Brennan and Mikhail Yegorov both have NHL potential, providing options in goal. Targeting size among forward prospects, regardless of their specific position (center or wing), wouldn`t be surprising. Players fitting this profile include William Horcoff, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Eddie Genborg, and Vaclav Nestrasil.

New York Islanders

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Islanders hit the jackpot by winning the draft lottery in a year where a defenseman is the consensus top pick. Their need for a true No. 1 defenseman is pressing, and Matthew Schaefer is exactly that player. He is expected to be the first overall pick and his addition would significantly improve the positioning of every other defenseman on the Islanders` roster. The Islanders possess quality forward talent, with Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman projected as top-six forwards, while Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley project as depth NHLers. On defense, their pipeline is much thinner, with only Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen projected to play NHL games. The Islanders urgently need to strengthen their defensive prospect pool, as it is a clear area of weakness.

New York Rangers

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th

The Rangers present a bit of a puzzle regarding their long-term direction, featuring a mix of young and aging players. Their blue line needs attention, and everything outside of goaltender Igor Shesterkin seems to be in a state of flux. The Rangers should definitely use their first-round pick this year and hope that the pick they owe to Pittsburgh next year ends up much lower, indicating they made the playoffs. It`s not that the Rangers entirely lack talent, but there`s a concerning pattern of failing to develop that talent to its full potential, as seen with Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, Llias Andersson, Nils Lundkvist, and Zac Jones. Gabe Perreault, EJ Emery, and Drew Fortescue are currently the only players in their system with confident NHL projections, and none play center.

The Rangers could use more mobile defensemen, and players like Radim Mrtka or Kashawn Aitcheson fit their likely drafting style. If they opt for a center, they would need to hope that someone like Jake O`Brien or Caleb Desnoyers falls to them at No. 12.

Ottawa Senators

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd (FLA), 4th (SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Senators took a notable step forward this season, largely thanks to the excellent performance of their top players and decent goaltending. When the Senators have drafted for skill, as they did with Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, they have hit home runs. Conversely, when they have drafted for toughness (“truculence”), the results have not been nearly as positive. The Senators` prospect pipeline currently has a lot of size, grit, and tenacity. However, it lacks high-end skill and players projected to be offensive producers consistently above the 60-point mark. Holding the 21st overall pick, the Senators can use this selection to draft a forward with significant offensive creativity. Players fitting this description include Kindel, Potter, Reschny, Cootes, Schmidt, Lakovic, and Carbonneau. If they decide to target defensemen, Logan Hensler and Cameron Reid would be good fits.

Philadelphia Flyers

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th

The Flyers are in need of high-end skill across their entire prospect pool, and possessing three first-round picks provides them with an excellent opportunity to take swings on players with significant upside, even if they fall into the boom-or-bust category. There is a specific need for skill at the center position. Oliver Bonk adds skill on the blue line and should factor into their top four defensemen in the next couple of years. However, the Flyers currently lack a prospect with point-per-game potential among forwards, and finding a center who can complement Matvei Michkov should be a priority.

With their first selection, the Flyers have many potential targets, and Martone, McQueen, Frondell, Eklund, and Desnoyers should all receive serious consideration. With their other picks in the 20s, the Flyers can either select players who have unexpectedly slid down the board or target players like Ryabkin, Potter, Kindel, Cootes, and Nesbitt. This draft offers a significant opportunity to inject speed, skill, and elite offensive creativity into their prospect pipeline, and the Flyers need to capitalize on it.

Pittsburgh Penguins

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th

The Penguins still feature two future Hall of Fame centers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin playing at a high level. However, there is an extreme need for elite talent at the top of their lineup to drive play and produce offense long-term. Tanner Howe and Rutger McGroarty are projected to be middle-six forwards with ceilings around 60-65 points. Melvin Fernstrom and Tristan Broz project as depth NHL players. On defense, Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke have top-four potential, and Joel Blomqvist has the potential to become a legitimate starting NHL goaltender.

The good news for the Penguins is that plenty of high-end talent should be available for them to select in the first few rounds. Eklund, McQueen, Lakovic, and O`Brien all make sense for the Penguins given their upside. Later in the draft, Luca Romano, Viktor Klingsell, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg would fit their typical draft profile.

San Jose Sharks

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)

Given the number of highly-touted prospects already in their system, it`s somewhat surprising that the Sharks still have a significant need for defensemen. Aside from Sam Dickinson and Mattias Havelid, the Sharks lack talent on the back end. Both Havelid and Dickinson lean towards an offensive style rather than being true two-way players, which creates a specific need in the pipeline. The Sharks are expected to draft a forward with their top pick, although they must be hoping the Islanders pass on Matthew Schaefer at No. 1. Assuming Schaefer goes first, the Sharks hold three more picks in the first two rounds after their second overall selection. Two-way or defensive defensemen they could target include Fiddler, Henry Brzustewicz, and Simon (Haoxi) Wang. They specifically need defensemen who can effectively move the puck, defend in transition, and complement the offensive games of Dickinson and Havelid to continue their rebuild effectively.

Seattle Kraken

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th

The Kraken feature two promising young centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, along with several budding forward prospects who have top-six NHL projections, such as Berkly Catton and Eduard Sale. In the middle six, at least two players from Carson Rehkopf, Jagger Firkus, Jani Nyman, and Julius Miettinen are expected to provide varying levels of offensive production. In goal, the Kraken have Niklas Kokko and Kim Saarinen, both with modest NHL projections. With forward depth and goaltending talent relatively covered, the Kraken`s primary need lies on defense. Outside of Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic, the Kraken lack defense prospects with clear NHL projections.

Jackson Smith would make sense for them in the first round as a two-way defender projected for a top-four role. In the second round, Charlie Tretheway and Brzustewicz could be good fits, as both have NHL potential.

St. Louis Blues

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 5th, 6th

The Blues have done a good job of stocking their prospect cupboard, though much of the talent is projected to be less impactful at the elite level. They have several forward prospects projected as middle-six players, including Otto Stenberg, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Adam Jecho. On defense, Adam Jiricek, Colin Ralph, Theo Lindstein, and Michael Buchinger all have decent NHL projections. However, the Blues` prospect pool lacks truly elite, game-changing talent. Dvorsky has the highest upside, but his path to becoming a first-line point producer is not as certain as desired. The Blues need a top-line forward or an elite defender in their pipeline – someone who can be a genuine difference-maker.

The Blues own their first-round pick but do not pick again until the fifth round this year. There are likely to be some highly skilled players available at No. 19, such as Kindel, Schmidt, Ryabkin, and Potter, for the Blues to consider.

Tampa Bay Lightning

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd (LA), 4th (EDM), 5th, 7th, 7th (MIN), 7th (SJ), 7th (UTA)

The Lightning have traded away a significant number of draft picks recently. Furthermore, Isaac Howard, a former first-round selection, reportedly does not intend to sign with them, which is a tough blow for a team that hasn`t drafted in the first round frequently over the last five years. From top to bottom, the Lightning`s pipeline desperately needs both skill and players with realistic NHL projections. They lack depth in both areas and will need to find hidden gems (“diamonds in the rough”) in later rounds to complement their aging core players. The Lightning need to add players with legitimate NHL potential at every position – there is no room to be picky about position.

The acquisition of Conor Geekie last offseason helped, and he is clearly the best young player in their organization. Given their limited draft capital in the early rounds, the Lightning must be very strategic in their approach.

Toronto Maple Leafs

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd (FLA), 3rd (EDM), 5th, 5th (PIT), 6th, 7th

When a team doesn`t draft frequently and trades away its best prospects, its pipeline is bound to lack high-end skill. After trading Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan is the only remaining forward prospect for Toronto with a projected top-six ceiling, and he projects more as a second-line player. The Leafs have an abundance of goaltending prospects and drafted Ben Danford in 2024. While they have a few defensive prospects who might become NHL players, the prospect pool is significantly lacking in high-end skilled forwards.

Filling this gap will be challenging given their limited draft capital, requiring the Leafs to take calculated risks. Players with reasonable upside who might be available include Adam Benak, Luca Romano, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg. If they were to trade into the top 40, Cameron Schmidt, Jacob Ihs-Wozniak, and Nathan Behm could be options.

Utah Mammoth

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

The Utah Mammoth had a successful season, and thanks to lottery luck that eluded them previously in Arizona, they moved up from outside the top 10 to the 4th overall pick. With many highly-drafted players, the Mammoth`s prospect pool and current lineup are filled with talent. Young players like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther are already making a significant offensive impact at the NHL level. While the Mammoth have many smaller, skilled forwards, they lack a top-six forward with size and skill – the type of player who can physically assert himself, win pucks, be disruptive around the net, and create open ice for players like Keller, Guenther, Cooley, and Tij Iginla (when he arrives). With the No. 4 pick, there are several options including Desnoyers, Martone, and McQueen, and some have even mentioned Brady Martin, though selecting him at that spot might be considered a reach.

Vancouver Canucks

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th

Anyone who listens to Vancouver sports radio or follows their President of Hockey Operations knows exactly what the organization lacks, from the NHL roster down to the prospect pool: centers. Whether it`s Jim Rutherford discussing it or one of the numerous radio shows and podcasts, the need is widely known. After not drafting a center in 2022, passing on Zach Benson (a center) in 2023, and not picking until the third round in 2024, it`s no surprise that their prospect pool has a few quality defensemen but zero centers with top-six potential. Armed with their selections in the first two rounds this year, it`s highly probable that the Canucks will target a center to address this significant area of need. Given the lack of organizational depth, they are more likely to prioritize certainty (“high-floor, low-risk”) rather than taking big swings for high upside. Players who fit this profile and could be available to them include O`Brien, Cootes, Nesbitt, Moore, McKinney, and Horcoff.

Vegas Golden Knights

2025 Draft Picks: 2nd, 3rd (WSH), 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (WSH)

It should come as no surprise that Vegas has needs in its prospect pool, given their strategy of frequently trading away drafted prospects. Almost every first-round selection made by the Golden Knights has eventually been traded, and this trend is not expected to change. There`s a running joke in NHL circles that if you`re drafted by Vegas in the first round, you`re likely not going to play for Vegas, so don`t get too comfortable. Vegas does not have a first-round selection this year, but they do hold picks in rounds two through six. They have a pressing need for defensemen, but realistically, their biggest need is for high-end talent in general, which they can then use as trade chips at the deadline. The Knights are likely to target players who will have value around the league. On defense, this means players like Tretheway, Brzustewicz, Radivojevic, Amico, and Limatov will be valuable. If Cameron Schmidt were to fall out of the first round, he might be someone Vegas targets as well.

Washington Capitals

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 2nd (BOS), 3rd (CAR), 4th, 5th

This is an excellent year to be in need of a goaltender prospect – and that is precisely what the Capitals require. The Caps hold a pick in each of the first five rounds, and given the talent available at the goaltending position in this draft class, they have a good chance of selecting a potential future starter. With Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren signed for the next few years, there`s no immediate pressure for help in net. However, there is currently no depth behind them, and no prospects with realistic NHL projections. The Capitals possess excellent young talent at other positions, including Cole Hutson, Terik Parascak, and Andrew Cristall in junior hockey, and Ryan Leonard, Hendrix Lapierre, Ryan Chesley, and Ivan Miroshnichenko playing professionally. Joshua Ravensbergen, Jack Ivankovic, and Alexei Medvedev all have legitimate NHL projections, with the first two having potential to become starting NHL goalies.

Winnipeg Jets

2025 Draft Picks: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Jets have a history of successfully retaining their top talent, signing players like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Connor Hellebuyck to long-term deals. Nikolaj Ehlers` future is yet to be determined, but the Jets have reinforcements in their forward prospect pipeline with players like Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Kevin He, and Colby Barlow. Their defense is much thinner, with Elias Salomonsson and Alfons Freij being the only prospects with any NHL projection, and those projections are modest at best. The Jets need to add defensemen to their prospect system and can use their first-round pick to do so. Defensemen like Boumedienne, Tretheway, and Fiddler could potentially be available when the Jets make their selection and would fit well into their current pipeline. The Jets are not in immediate need of defensive help at the NHL level, and these defense prospects are typically two or three years away from having a meaningful impact in the league, which provides them with time to develop.