2025 NHL Mock Draft: Predictions and Scouting Reports

1. San Jose Sharks

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

Schaefer is predicted to be the Sharks` pick, adding a defenseman who is expected to become a legitimate top-pair player for years to come. At 6-2, Schaefer is a dynamic force, impactful on both offense and defense. He skates effortlessly, and his agility makes him exceptionally difficult to bypass in one-on-one situations. Unfortunately, an injury suffered at the World Juniors, where he was expected to play a significant role as an underage participant, limited him to just 26 games this season. However, in those games, he consistently logged over 25 minutes and effectively controlled the flow of play in his team`s favor.

Executives and scouts across the league believe Schaefer will be among the NHL`s elite defenders in the near future, serving as a fundamental piece of a potential Cup-contending blue line. With Macklin Celebrini already in their system up front, adding Schaefer on defense represents a major acquisition. He projects as a highly effective puck-transition player on both sides of the ice, capable of handling challenging matchups and quarterbacking a power-play unit.

Possessing all the necessary talent and skill, Schaefer has the potential to become a top-10 defenseman in the NHL, and Sharks fans can likely expect him in the lineup next season.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)

Having chosen defenseman Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov in the previous year`s draft, the Blackhawks benefit from Michael Misa being available in 2025. Misa, who was granted exceptional status in the OHL, had one of the most prolific goal-scoring seasons in the league`s history, finding the back of the net 62 times in 65 games – this is not a typographical error. Misa is projected to be a top-line forward and could certainly form a formidable offensive duo with Connor Bedard.

Misa possesses incredible offensive talent. He processes the game with an elite hockey mind and plays at a blistering pace. He appears ready to step directly into Chicago`s lineup and has the ability to become an elite center if his current developmental trajectory continues.

When he doesn`t have the puck, Misa excels at finding open space and demonstrates a natural talent for scoring at crucial moments. His capacity for both playmaking and scoring makes him a dual offensive threat. Misa`s engagement level has steadily improved, showing better backchecking, covering for teammates, and playing a more complete game. Combining this enhanced two-way play with his dynamic speed and offensive skill provides the Blackhawks with another potential foundational player.

3. Nashville Predators

James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

The Predators have a need for both skill and centers, and Hagens fits both requirements. While not as flashy or dynamically skilled as players like Misa or Victor Eklund, he is highly effective. He is a two-way player expected to provide value on both ends of the ice at the NHL level. Hagens brings a high-end motor and speed, along with the ability to drive play. He supports the puck effectively, wins battles, and possesses a strong understanding of spatial awareness. The professional details in his game should translate smoothly to the NHL.

His playmaking abilities were evident during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, but his dynamic playmaking was inconsistent at Boston College. Hagens likely needs another season at BC to further refine his game and potentially recapture some of his dynamic offensive traits to truly become a difference-maker in the NHL. Without playing alongside talents like Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, Hagens will be relied upon to lead a line, carry a significant offensive load, and maintain his defensive responsibilities.

Hagens has the potential to be a complete NHL player if he can further enhance his offensive skills. The ceiling is very high, and given Nashville`s tendency to select high-upside players, he makes a lot of sense for the Predators.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)

Martone is projected as a high-quality second-line forward with a distinct physical edge. He presents a dual offensive threat, capable of scoring goals himself and setting up teammates. Despite his size, he isn`t the classic power forward but shares some characteristics with a player like Tom Wilson. He`s expected to be a typical Flyer in his style – an agitator who physically imposes himself on opponents. As his game matures, he will learn to use this physical skill more strategically.

Martone`s combination of scoring and playmaking ability will make him a challenging player for NHL defenses to contain. Some concerns exist regarding his foot speed, but skating is a skill that can be significantly improved, and he has already shown considerable progress since the start of the season. If Martone can add explosiveness to his skating, he has the potential to be a long-term first-line, point-producing player in the NHL. He embodies the kind of hard skill the Flyers appreciate, combined with the soft skill that excites fans.

There is every reason to believe Martone can become a valuable top-six forward with a physical dimension, and the prospect of him playing alongside Matvei Michkov is exciting to consider.

5. Boston Bruins

Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

Get ready for comparisons to Patrice Bergeron on future broadcasts. While those are incredibly high expectations, Desnoyers possesses unique qualities. This large, two-way center from Quebec is a coach`s ideal player because he can handle any assignment given to him. In close games, he executes smart, simple plays, forechecks aggressively, and makes things difficult for opponents. He leads by example on both sides of the puck and is effective in all game situations.

Desnoyers is projected to be a solid second-line center, with a good possibility of developing into a first-line player. He is highly intelligent with excellent playmaking skills. Typically, he is not flashy but is consistently effective and makes intelligent decisions with the puck, making him a reliable player. He performs best in high-pressure games because he finds ways to make the necessary plays to help his team win.

6. Seattle Kraken

Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

The Kraken add a large, physical defenseman who is widely considered the second-best defender in this draft class. As a purely defensive player, Smith possesses all the attributes of a top-four, matchup defender. He is very effective at defending against the rush, closing gaps, and directing play in transition. His offensive game began to show more development towards the end of the season, but the lack of consistent offense earlier lowers the confidence in his projection to a definitive No. 4/5 defenseman. Given the importance of transition defense in a matchup role, it is likely that Smith develops into a shutdown, high-minute defender for the Kraken in a No. 3 capacity.

Smith addresses a need for Seattle, especially after the Kraken used previous lottery picks on centers like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. Smith brings a good combination of skating ability, size, and a sense of calm to the Kraken`s prospect pool. While the Kraken have several skilled forward prospects like Berkly Catton, Eduard Sale, and Carson Rehkopf, they lack a projected top-four defenseman. There`s a chance Caden Price or Lukas Dragicevic could become second-pairing defenders, but Smith immediately rises to the top of their defensive prospect hierarchy.

7. Buffalo Sabres

Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

The Sabres are known for prioritizing skill and utilizing analytics in their evaluation of draft-eligible players. Eklund possesses strong underlying numbers, including a productive season in the Allsvenskan league, and his game shows characteristics that are highly translatable to the NHL, despite his smaller physical stature. He plays with a style that is bigger than his size suggests, featuring a high-end motor and excellent forechecking ability.

Eklund excels in transition and attacks defenders with tenacity and fearlessness, driving towards the net and positioning his body effectively to win puck battles. His play away from the puck is very mature and should complement the skill already present on Buffalo`s roster.

The Sabres need a player who can come in and establish chemistry with their more finesse-oriented players, and Eklund, who brings `hard skill`, fits this profile. He has the makings of a top-line forward capable of being a significant difference-maker within the next few years.

8. Anaheim Ducks

Anton Frondell, C/RW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

The Ducks acquire another quality forward with Frondell, a versatile two-way player comfortable at both center and right wing. His positional flexibility is appealing to Anaheim, given their abundance of young players up front. Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, recovering from an early-season injury with strong performance. He has a good shot and makes intelligent plays with and without the puck. Playing with tactical awareness, he demonstrates professional details in his game, including effective forechecking, driving towards the middle of the ice, and showing strength in contested areas.

Frondell has shown an ability to drive play against professional men in the Allsvenskan, which bodes well for his NHL projection. He is projected to develop into a second-line NHL player, capable of producing around 70 points per season. His playing style translates well, and he might be just a year away from playing significant NHL minutes. The Ducks possess a wealth of skill, particularly down the middle, and Frondell will add a versatile, two-way dimension that makes him easy to integrate throughout the lineup.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins

Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

The Penguins add a right-handed center projected to become a high-end second-line center in the NHL, with the potential to reach the first line. He is considered one of the draft`s best playmakers, consistently generating high-danger scoring opportunities. He effectively manipulates defenders, distributes the puck using both forehand and backhand passes, and employs fakes to momentarily freeze opponents and goaltenders. He does exhibit some junior league habits, such as holding onto the puck too long while seeking the perfect play. If O`Brien can simplify his approach and improve his skating speed, there is genuine first-line potential.

The Penguins will face significant voids at the center position within the next couple of years as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin`s careers wind down. Bringing a player like O`Brien – or potentially Roger McQueen – into the system to learn from future Hall of Famers could facilitate a smoother transition. O`Brien`s two-way game has seen dramatic improvement throughout the season, as he effectively fills lanes, deflects pucks, and supports the puck carrier across the ice. His defensive tracking is better, suggesting a projectable two-way game at the NHL level.

His high-end playmaking abilities offer real upside, and while there is some risk due to his slightly smaller frame compared to other available players, O`Brien is a chance worth taking for the Penguins.

10. New York Islanders

Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

The Islanders need to continue building their base of elite talent after drafting Cole Eiserman in 2024. While McQueen comes with some injury risk, he represents a talent too significant to pass up. McQueen is a rare type of player – a 6-5 center who skates with the speed and agility typically seen in someone much smaller, perhaps 5-10. He embodies the modern power forward. Although the confidence in his exact projection is somewhat limited due to a lack of game time this season, he possesses the upside of a superstar two-way center. His right-handed shot and size add considerable value, as does his willingness to engage physically. He is a good two-way player with significant offensive potential.

Had it not been for injuries, McQueen might be discussed as a top-five pick in this draft class, given his exceptional combination of skating, skill, physicality, and size, which is quite rare. He dominates the cycle game, is a strong transition player, and has the skill to create offense off the rush. He represents the complete package.

He is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward prospect and could become a dominant two-way force in the NHL for many years if he can stay healthy – especially with a team capable of allowing him the time needed for proper development. The Islanders require this type of player in their system and should take the chance on McQueen.

11. New York Rangers

Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

The Rangers selecting a 6-6, right-handed defenseman with good mobility is a logical choice for their system. He is exceptionally difficult to get around, consistently stopping offensive players effectively. He is projected as a shutdown defenseman due to his excellent stick work and ability to angle opponents away from scoring areas. Mrtka possesses the tools to develop into a second-pairing defender, most likely fitting into a No. 4 or 5 role. Mrtka utilizes his mobility to evade pressure and make smart, simple first passes without overcomplicating the play.

The Rangers are unlikely to be drafting this high in subsequent seasons, and defenders of this profile are not frequently available. Mrtka should mature into a reliable transition defender and a dependable penalty killer. He should also be capable of playing around 20 minutes per game. While he lacks significant offensive prowess, his skating, size, and intelligence provide him with the foundation to develop into a large, shutdown defenseman at the NHL level.

12. Detroit Red Wings

Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett (WHL)

Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman is known for swinging on high-skill players, and Carter Bear perfectly fits that description. Before suffering a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the CHL. He is a skilled playmaker, using various pass types to move the puck into dangerous areas. He also possesses excellent hands around the net and is consistently involved in creating scoring chances. His versatility, playing both center and wing, is a plus, and he projects as a point-producing second-line player.

In addition to his offensive talents, Bear demonstrates solid defensive habits. He effectively gets his stick into passing lanes, forechecks with intensity, tracks back well on the backcheck, and finishes his checks. The Red Wings adding a player with `hard skill` who is also defensively reliable is an ideal fit for their middle-six forward group, and Bear appears likely to be ready for NHL action sooner rather than later.

13. Columbus Blue Jackets

Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

With Martin, the Blue Jackets acquire a true blue-collar player who combines physicality with skill. He is incredibly difficult to contain due to his strength and relentless drive to win the puck. Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals. He plays like a wrecking ball, setting a physical tone and drawing opponents into battles. While the Blue Jackets have many young talented players, Martin is distinct due to his versatility and well-rounded capabilities.

Many top prospects can become less effective if they aren`t at their absolute best, but Martin consistently finds ways to be involved physically, and these traits translate well to the NHL level. There is a realistic possibility that Martin develops into a second-line player, but even if his scoring doesn`t fully translate, he would be a valuable member of a third line who can still contribute offensively.

His hard-nosed playing style is somewhat rare in today`s NHL, and Martin will create space and make it easier for skilled players like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Kent Johnson to operate effectively.

14. Utah Hockey Club

Lynden Lakovic, C/LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

The 6-4 left winger possesses translatable scoring ability and is a strong skater for his size. He attacks defenders using linear crossovers and leverages his large frame to protect the puck, making plays with good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger, adding another scoring option to Utah`s prospect pool. Lakovic is projected with reasonable confidence to become a middle-six winger based on his existing tools and size.

For a player of his size, development will be key on the physical side of his game. He needs to become more consistently physically involved, learning to effectively use his body to shield pucks, lean on opponents, and drive towards the middle of the ice. With his current offensive tools, he would become a significantly more dangerous scoring threat by increasing his physical engagement. This is a skill that can certainly be developed and would make him much harder for opponents to defend.

Given their strong pipeline quality, Utah can afford to take chances on high-potential prospects, and Lakovic`s offensive upside makes him a worthwhile selection.

15. Vancouver Canucks

Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

There is a strong possibility that Aitcheson might be selected before Vancouver`s pick, given the type of game he plays. Aitcheson possesses all the attributes required to be a physical force on an NHL blue line. Whether it`s a preseason exhibition or a playoff game, Aitcheson maintains the same aggressive, physical style and isn`t afraid to deliver powerful hits on opponents. He is the kind of player who forces opponents to be constantly aware of his presence on the ice, thanks to his ability to make impactful open-ice hits and finish checks with authority.

It`s believed that scouts and management within the Canucks organization are keen on adding these physical qualities to their defense, making Aitcheson an ideal fit. He will require development time – his skating and playmaking skills are still quite raw – but his competitive intensity and the progress he showed this season are very promising. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement developed as the season went on, as he started rotating with teammates and driving towards high-danger areas, becoming more dangerous when given open space.

Based on his current statistical profile, he projects as a bottom-pairing defenseman, but a player with his style is more likely to play a minute-eating role on a second pair, physically imposing his will on the game.

16. Montreal Canadiens (from CGY)

Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

French-Canadian born Carbonneau checks many boxes for the Canadiens, including his local roots. Carbonneau possesses numerous NHL-caliber attributes that teams desire, such as powerful skating and dynamic attacking prowess. He drives offense through his playmaking and skating ability and has the potential to develop into a well-rounded offensive threat in the NHL. The potential for him to become a top-six forward exists, although the certainty of that outcome is less confident. Montreal has demonstrated a willingness to take chances on players with high upside, and this approach has yielded successful results with players like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. They have an excellent development staff that has been instrumental in helping young players reach their potential.

Carbonneau has a physically mature build, but he will need some time to adapt to the speed of the professional game and learn to execute plays effectively in tighter spaces. Regardless, the Canadiens should be pleased to acquire him with Calgary`s pick.