The 2025 NHL Entry Draft, which felt like it dragged on forever, has finally concluded. Any of the 26 teams who supported holding a decentralized draft deserve the lowest possible grade – a Z. Let`s hope this format is never used again, and we return to a centralized draft moving forward.
Every team receives a draft grade, regardless of the number of players they selected. These grades are determined by the value each team managed to extract from their picks. Consequently, a team with multiple high first-round selections might receive a lower grade than a team with fewer overall picks if they made reaches instead of maximizing the talent available. The grading emphasizes adding significant value and talent with each choice.
Grades are assessed relative to the expected outcomes for each team`s selections, based on analytical models and team needs. Reaching for a player solely to address a specific need while bypassing a higher-value prospect will negatively impact the grade. Teams drafting in the top 16 are typically doing so because they missed the playoffs and require significant talent infusion. Similarly, teams with multiple first-rounders usually acquired them by trading valuable players for rebuilding purposes, highlighting their need to capitalize on those assets.
Trade scenarios are also factored into the grades, as strategic moves like trading down to acquire multiple picks or trading assets for established players fitting the organizational timeline are valid methods of value accumulation. A team successfully trading back, gaining extra selections, and finding value with those picks will likely score higher than one trading up for a specific player. For instance, the Montreal Canadiens, who traded several picks to acquire and extend top-four defenseman Noah Dobson, had this maneuver considered, as they used draft assets to acquire an asset aligning with their long-term goals.
Here are the grades for every team from the 2025 NHL Draft:
`A` Grades
New York Islanders
Grade: A+
The Islanders earned an A+ for their performance, particularly on Day 1. Landing Matthew Schaefer, a potential franchise defenseman and future captain, is a monumental addition. The savvy move to trade Noah Dobson, who was not expected to re-sign, yielded picks used to secure the sliding Victor Eklund and potential middle-pairing defender Kashawn Aitcheson, significantly boosting their grade.
New York consistently made high-quality selections in the first round, picking players who confidently project to be impactful NHLers. They have a genuine chance of adding a cornerstone defenseman, a dynamic top-six forward with a mix of skill and grit, and a tough-to-play-against defender with offensive potential.
On Day 2, General Manager Mathieu Darche continued to stockpile promising talent. Daniil Prokhorov has the potential to develop into a high-end power forward, while Luca Romano is likely to play in an NHL middle-six role. Tomas Poletin represents a reasonable late-round gamble on offensive upside, and Burke Hood provides excellent value in net. This draft class could be truly transformative for the Islanders organization.
Boston Bruins
Grade: A
The Boston Bruins benefited from favorable circumstances early in the draft, managing to select James Hagens at pick #7. Widely considered a top-three talent, Hagens projects as a future top-line center, addressing a long-standing organizational need down the middle. Securing a player of his caliber at this position is exceptionally valuable, as potential NHL stars are rarely available so late in the top 10.
Following this foundational pick, the Bruins added William Moore and Cooper Simpson, who represent good value and possess legitimate NHL upside, though they will require more development time. The selection of defenseman Liam Pettersson further solidifies their prospect pool. There is a strong possibility that Boston will find four NHL players from this draft class, including a potential star center for their top line.
Carolina Hurricanes
Grade: A
Remarkably, the Carolina Hurricanes have seemingly done it again. They extracted tremendous value from their trade back with the Montreal Canadiens, utilizing the acquired picks to select two promising NHL prospects in goaltender Semyon Frolov and center Charlie Cerrato. Frolov`s stock rose throughout the season, and he has a realistic chance of becoming a 1B goaltender in a tandem system. Both Ivan Ryabkin and Kurban Limatov provided excellent value at their draft positions and possess legitimate paths to becoming NHL players, with Ryabkin potentially emerging as a significant find if he improves his consistency.
In the later rounds, the selections of Filip Ekberg and Viggo Nordlund were particularly strong. Both are undersized but highly skilled wingers with scoring potential in the NHL. While they represent boom-or-bust swings, hitting on players with top-six offensive upside in the late rounds is precisely the kind of strategy successful teams employ. It will likely take a few years for these prospects to make an impact, but the Hurricanes should reasonably expect at least two or three NHL players from this draft class.
San Jose Sharks
Grade: A
Adding the draft`s top-ranked forward, Michael Misa, and the best goaltender prospect, Joshua Ravensbergen, in the same draft is a significant achievement that would earn a high grade on its own. The Sharks have a real chance of developing an elite, point-per-game forward and a starting NHL netminder. Beyond these two, they also drafted Simon Wang, the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history, who brings elite skating and a substantial 6-foot-6 frame, immediately bolstering their defensive prospect depth.
While selecting Wang at #33 was a slight reach compared to safer options like Blake Fiddler, the Sharks prioritized his raw ability and high upside, a decision that could pay off handsomely if he develops into an impactful NHL defenseman that other teams wish they had selected.
Securing Cole McKinney at pick #53 was another excellent value pick. McKinney has more offense to show and projects as a reliable bottom-six player defensively and on the penalty kill at minimum. When looking back at this draft years from now, there`s a strong possibility the Sharks will have added four NHL players, highlighted by a dynamic, two-way center in Misa who could make them a difficult matchup for opponents for years to come.
Anaheim Ducks
Grade: A-
The Anaheim Ducks achieved tremendous value by selecting Roger McQueen, considered a top-five talent, at pick #10. This adds another large, powerful forward to their promising group of young players. McQueen possesses an elite skill set, and if he reaches his full potential, he could become a dominant two-way force, a true unicorn in the NHL. Eric Nilson, selected in the second round, is another valuable addition, projecting as a reliable bottom-six contributor capable of handling secondary matchups and playing responsible defensive hockey. Elijah Neuenschwander, a goaltender taken in the later rounds, represents a solid bet on upside at that position, adding to the value of their draft.
Overall, the Ducks likely added at least two quality NHL players to their organization and found good value throughout their selections. The draft weekend also saw the long-rumored trade of goaltender John Gibson finally happen, providing the team with immediate assistance.
Calgary Flames
Grade: A-
The Calgary Flames successfully addressed organizational needs while also finding significant value with their picks. Selections like Cole Reschny and Theo Stockselius were made within their expected range, while Cullen Potter and Aiden Lane represent strong value additions. All these players will require development, but they are reasonable bets to eventually play in the NHL.
Reschny and Potter are high-upside picks with attributes that could see them impact the middle-six forwards group. The Flames needed centers, and there`s a good chance at least two players from this class will provide value at that position; Potter, specifically, could thrive as a fast winger with an excellent shot if moved. The selection of Aiden Lane late in the draft was a smart swing on a late bloomer with potential bottom-six upside. The Flames extracted considerable value with their selections and should be pleased with the new group of young talent joining their organization.
Detroit Red Wings
Grade: A-
There`s a lot to appreciate about the Detroit Red Wings` draft performance. They likely secured at least two future long-term NHL players in Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg. Bear was a good value selection at pick #13, bringing a projectable two-way game and high-end playmaking skills. He also possesses the coveted “hard skill,” excelling in contested areas and creating space for teammates. While he is likely two to three years away, he projects as a quality top-six forward upon arrival.
The selection of Genborg is positive; he projects as a capable middle-six player who complements skilled linemates well. After the top goaltender prospects were selected, taking a swing on Michal Pradel was a sensible decision, adding another netminder with NHL potential to their already strong goalie pipeline. The fourth-round pick of Michal Svrcek is also appealing due to his upside as a speedy player with competitive drive. Combined with the trade for John Gibson, which provides immediate help, the Red Wings had a very successful weekend.
Nashville Predators
Grade: A-
The Nashville Predators` draft presented a mixed picture. While they certainly added some high-end talent, they arguably bypassed even higher-end prospects like James Hagens and Porter Martone by selecting Brady Martin at pick #5. While betting on Martin is understandable due to his potential as a valuable playoff player, it`s difficult to envision a scenario where his career value surpasses that of Hagens or Martone.
However, the Predators made some excellent value picks later on. Their selection of Ryker Lee at pick #26 was a strong swing; he possesses one of the best offensive toolkits in the draft and could become an elite top-six forward if his skating improves. Cameron Reid, taken in the 20s, was solid value and projects as a quality middle-pairing defenseman. The selections of Jacob Rombach and goaltender Jack Ivankovic were also positive; Nashville needed a goalie prospect, and Ivankovic has the foundational talent to potentially be the best netminder from this draft class if he continues to develop physically.
Philadelphia Flyers
Grade: A-
The Philadelphia Flyers` draft weekend was certainly eventful! While they passed on James Hagens, they landed Porter Martone at pick #6. Although it felt influenced by prioritizing size, Martone`s game is highly promising, and he represents excellent value at that spot; he could become a star if his skating sees improvement.
Less favorable was the decision to trade up to pick #12 for Jack Nesbitt. While Nesbitt projects as a solid third-line center, the Flyers paid a hefty price, losing significant pick value to their state rival while bypassing higher-ceiling players. There are concerns about prioritizing size over potential in this specific selection.
Despite that trade, the Flyers made several strong selections in later rounds, including Carter Amico, Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, and Matthew Gard. These picks clearly align with an organizational mandate to get bigger and more competitive, adding players with size and “meanness” that aligns with coach Rick Tocchet`s preferences. The Flyers undoubtedly improved their prospect pool significantly over the weekend, even if some potential talent was left on the board.
Seattle Kraken
Grade: A-
The Seattle Kraken significantly improved their prospect pipeline this weekend, especially with their first two selections. Jake O`Brien, drafted at pick #8, projects as an offensively gifted top-six playmaking center. The Kraken already boast a strong group of young centers, and drafting the best available player like O`Brien provides flexibility to potentially move players to the wing or make trades to address other needs, leaving them in a strong position.
Blake Fiddler, secured in the second round at #36, is another example of Seattle drafting for value. Considered by many to be a first-round talent, Fiddler is highly likely to develop into a solid middle-pair shutdown defenseman, addressing an organizational need with excellent value. The selections of Will Reynolds and Maxim Agafonov later in the draft were also positive, as both possess NHL-caliber traits and were worthy gambles at their respective spots. Overall, it was another successful draft for the Seattle organization.
Winnipeg Jets
Grade: A-
The Winnipeg Jets made excellent use of their draft capital. Adding Sascha Boumedienne, a defenseman, at pick #28 was a smart move to bolster a relatively thin defensive prospect pool. Boumedienne is mobile, showed significant improvement in his defensive game, and projects as a quality middle-pairing defenseman and potentially a power play contributor if his decision-making continues to refine.
Viktor Klingsell was a high-value addition in the fifth round (#156). He was one of the most skilled players available late in the draft and represents precisely the type of player worth taking a chance on at that stage; if he develops physically, he could become a middle-six player. The selections of Owen Martin (#92) and Jacob Cloutier (#220) were also positive. Martin plays a professional style game suitable for a depth role, while Cloutier is a calculated high-reward swing on a competitive smaller player who could be a valuable addition if his skating improves. The Jets found good value with their selections, took strategic swings on talent, and effectively improved their prospect pool.
`B` Grades
Chicago Blackhawks
Grade: B+
The Chicago Blackhawks clearly had a specific strategy entering the draft: target “big dudes who can skate.” While selecting Anton Frondell at pick #3 is understandable, they bypassed potentially higher-ranked talent like James Hagens to prioritize Frondell`s size. However, he is still likely to develop into a top-line forward, so the organizational decision is defensible.
Selections like Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West were slightly higher than projected by some, but both are very raw projects with significant upside due to their size and skating. The Blackhawks` deep prospect pool allows them to take these kinds of longer-term risks. If they develop, they could become difficult-to-play-against middle-six players. At minimum, the team successfully bet on size combined with skill, which is a valid approach. Nathan Behm and Julius Sumpf provided good value in the later rounds, and there`s a chance at least one of them reaches the NHL. The Blackhawks should expect two or three players from this class to make it, though their development staff will face a challenge.
Montreal Canadiens
Grade: B+
The Montreal Canadiens had a notable draft weekend. The decision to trade the picks that ultimately became Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson to acquire Noah Dobson aligns with their current organizational timeline, but it may prove to be a significant price to pay. They clearly hold Alexander Zharovsky in high regard, and while trading up for him meant giving up pick value, he projects as a quality complementary player in the middle-six.
In the middle rounds, the Canadiens found excellent value with the selections of Hayden Paupanekis, Bryce Pickford, and particularly L.J. Mooney. All three possess varying degrees of legitimate NHL upside. Mooney, despite his smaller stature, offers outstanding value due to his high compete level and offensive abilities. Paupanekis is likely to develop into a bottom-six forward, and Pickford represents a good bet on a promising overage defenseman. Overall, the Canadiens should be satisfied with their draft results, even though they parted with valuable assets to target specific players.
Ottawa Senators
Grade: B+
Friday night was a successful one for the Ottawa Senators. Their strategic asset management, including trading back two spots (a move that helped facilitate the trade for Jordan Spence) and then selecting Logan Hensler at pick #23 for tremendous value, was highly effective. Hensler`s game is appealing; he possesses the tools to become a solid second or third-pair defenseman and could complement Jake Sanderson well. His right-handed shot, mobility, and NHL-ready frame make him a valuable prospect.
Addressing their goaltending depth, which is relatively thin, by taking a swing on Lucas Beckman was a sensible decision. Bruno Idzan represents a worthwhile high-upside gamble based on his USHL production and could potentially develop into a late-blooming depth contributor. Overall, the Senators made smart moves and added key pieces to their prospect pool.
Washington Capitals
Grade: B+
The Washington Capitals extracted excellent value with their first two picks in the draft. Both players are solid bets to develop into middle-six contributors at the NHL level. Lynden Lakovic, selected at pick #27, possesses the potential to be a large, dual-threat offensive producer. His ceiling is particularly high if he learns to fully utilize his 6-foot-4 frame to physically impose himself on opponents. Securing a player considered a top-15 talent at #27 is a strong move.
Milton Gastrin, taken in the second round (#37), is one of the more complete players in the draft and should reach the NHL relatively soon. He projects confidently as a third-line center but may offer more offense than some expect. Beyond these two, the selection of Maxim Schaefer, who possesses more skill than many fourth-round picks, was also positive. Given their draft position, the Capitals found good value and added at least two prospects who are likely to play impactful roles in their future lineup.
Los Angeles Kings
Grade: B
The Los Angeles Kings drafted Henry Brzustewicz with their first pick at number 31…
