2025 NHL Draft – Fantasy hockey insight and analysis on the top picks

According to Rachel Doerrie, Schaefer is a dynamic presence on both sides of the puck. The 6-foot-2 defenseman skates with ease and possesses elite mobility, allowing him to effectively shut down opponents in various situations while also generating offense through quality transition play.

This young defender shows all the signs of becoming a star, and it`s likely a matter of when, not if. With Noah Dobson reportedly heading elsewhere, the Islanders appear to be positioning Schaefer to step into a significant role on their blue line, potentially anchoring the top power play unit. Prospect analyst Shane Malloy has compared him to Ottawa`s Jake Sanderson, highlighting Schaefer`s superior skating, hockey IQ, and physical game.

Crucially for fantasy managers, Schaefer is projected to perform as a top-15 defenseman by contributing across multiple statistical categories. While he might not reach that level next season, even if he makes the Islanders` lineup, his dynasty value is immense for the future. It`s worth noting he doesn`t turn 18 until September. As a benchmark, in Jake Sanderson`s third NHL season at age 22, he averaged 2.4 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard leagues.

Doerrie notes that Misa`s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high speed and executes plays effectively. Scouts widely believe he is NHL-ready and possesses the potential to develop into an elite top-line center.

Widely expected to become a star in the NHL, Misa provides the Sharks with a formidable one-two punch down the middle alongside Macklin Celebrini. He was dominant in the CHL this past season, leading the league with an impressive 62 goals and adding 72 assists in 65 games. He`s projected to score consistently at even-strength and on the power play. Misa is an immediate must-acquire in dynasty leagues and is also expected to become a highly attractive target in re-draft leagues in the future. Playing alongside young Sharks talents like Celebrini and Will Smith, he has the potential to reach 90-100 points in the NHL.

Rachel Doerrie highlights Frondell`s capability to drive play against professional men in the Allsvenskan league, a trait that has translated well for other prospects moving to the NHL. He is projected to produce between 75-85 points per season, and his style of play is expected to translate effectively, exciting executives about his potential to step into the league within the next 18 months.

Versatile enough to play both center and wing, Frondell is praised for his solid two-way game, physical approach, and exceptional shot. The recently-turned 18-year-old is expected to eventually slot into the Blackhawks` top six forward group – his versatility offering significant flexibility in deployment – and join a power play unit featuring Connor Bedard. In addition to an initial projection of around 60 points in the 2026-27 season, Frondell should also be a reliable contributor in shots and hits.

Doerrie projects Desnoyers as a quality second-line center with a good chance of developing into a first-line player. She describes him as cerebral, possessing quick hands and playmaking ability. While not overly flashy, he is consistently effective and makes intelligent decisions with the puck.

Expected to likely play behind Logan Cooley as Utah`s second-line center and earn a spot on a top power play unit, the Quebec native has the potential for 70 points playing for a Mammoth team on the rise. Drawing quiet comparisons to players like Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews – as Doerrie also points out – the speedy, tall playmaker had a strong season with the Wildcats, scoring 35 goals and adding 49 assists in 56 games.

Described by Doerrie as a “Swiss Army knife” type of player who will be most effective on the wing due to his strong work along the boards, Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of consistently scoring 20 goals, with potential upside as a second-line player.

Often compared to Florida`s Sam Bennett, this forward from Elmira, Ontario, isn`t projected to accumulate points at the same high rate as some other players in this draft class. However, much like Bennett, Martin should still prove valuable in deeper fantasy leagues that reward contributions across a wider range of categories, particularly including hits.

Doerrie projects Hagens to become a top-line center or one of the best second-line centers in the NHL. She highlights his strong work rate, excellent speed, and passing ability, which should enable him to effectively drive play at the NHL level. While he is smaller and slighter than some other prospects, a factor that causes some teams concern, Doerrie sees a mix of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in his transition play and creativity.

The Boston Bruins certainly need a boost down the middle. After spending one more year at Boston College, Hagens is expected to transition into a top-six lineup position in Boston. There`s a possibility he could eventually play alongside one of the game`s premier goal scorers. Remember, David Pastrnak is signed with the Bruins through 2031. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should definitely keep an eye on the potential for that line combination in future seasons.

Rachel Doerrie describes Martone as a big, cerebral forward and a dual-threat offensive player capable of both scoring himself and setting up teammates. He is projected to be a second-line scoring winger who should receive significant top power play minutes.

He is big, creative, and intensely competitive. If Martone`s skating – considered a current weakness – shows improvement, he could potentially earn a spot on the Flyers` top line in the not-too-distant future. Fantasy managers should definitely monitor his progress in this specific area over the coming months. If his skating improves significantly, his productive ceiling is estimated to be near the 70-point mark, with a tendency towards accumulating assists.

Doerrie notes that O`Brien is deceptive and incredibly smooth, projecting as a point-producing top-six center with a chance to reach top-line status. She estimates he is two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, suggesting patience is key to him reaching his top-line potential. If he does, she expects him to become an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver.

As a top-six center for the Seattle Kraken, O`Brien is expected to score in bunches. At some point in the future, he could potentially be one of the Kraken`s highest-scoring players. He warrants immediate consideration in deep dynasty leagues and should steadily rise on all fantasy cheat sheets down the line. If his development goes well, the recently-turned 18-year-old sports a potential 90-point ceiling.

Doerrie mentions that confidence in McQueen`s projection as an elite top-line center is tempered by the lack of playing time due to his back injury. She suggests that without the injury, he might have been discussed much higher in this draft class because his combination of skating, skill, and physical attributes is rare – a type of player package that executives often dream of acquiring.

Further described as a “textbook high-risk, high-reward player,” McQueen could potentially turn out to be a significant steal if he is fully recovered from his difficult back injury. Regardless of whether he eventually displaces Leo Carlsson or another player from the top center position in Anaheim, or shifts to the wing, the tall forward has the potential to become a point-per-game player. Fantasy managers will gain a clearer understanding of how well his back is holding up as he plays next season.

Rachel Doerrie identifies Ravensbergen as the clear top goaltending prospect in this draft class. She projects a composed, confident demeanor from him, with a strong belief that he can become a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload.

He is only categorized as a `wild card` because young goaltenders, by their nature, carry significant uncertainty at this stage of their careers. However, Ravensbergen is likely going to see significant playing time for a San Jose Sharks team that is expected to be considerably improved by the time he is ready to make the jump to the NHL, likely in about three years.