The 2025 NHL Entry Draft has concluded. As expected, Matthew Schaefer was selected first overall, but the decentralized, two-day event still delivered its share of unexpected moments and intrigue. From unique presentations to reactions to the draft format, there were many points of discussion. With all 224 selections now made, we look back at the key takeaways, highlighting the winners and losers from this year`s draft.
Winners
Creating Lasting Memories: NHL teams and the league went the extra mile to make draft moments truly special for young players. For first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders honored his late mother by adding a ribbon and initials to his jersey, a gesture that deeply moved him. The Anaheim Ducks created a memorable experience for their No. 10 pick, Roger McQueen, by flying him via helicopter to Disneyland after his selection. These personal touches turned a significant life event into an unforgettable experience.
Goaltenders Get First-Round Love: After a three-year drought, the 2025 draft saw two goaltenders selected in the first round: Pyotr Andreyanov (20th overall, Columbus) and Joshua Ravensbergen (30th overall, San Jose). This marked the first time since 2021 that a goalie was picked in the opening round and the first time since then that two were selected, reigniting the debate about the value of drafting goalies early.
San Jose Sharks Build a Strong Future: The Sharks continued to accelerate their rebuild, adding a significant haul of talent to their prospect pool, which already includes last year`s first-overall pick, Macklin Celebrini. By selecting Michael Misa second overall, goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen at pick 30, and defenseman Simon Wang early in the second round (33rd overall) among others, General Manager Mike Grier is making shrewd moves that appear to be positioning the franchise for long-term success.
James Hagens Finds a Home: Highly-touted prospect James Hagens experienced a rollercoaster, as some anticipated he might slide. The Islanders reportedly attempted to acquire the picks needed to select the Long Island native, but the Boston Bruins ultimately drafted him seventh overall. The announcement, delivered via video by actor Adam Sandler, added a unique touch to Hagens` emotional draft night, bringing him to a local team in Boston.
WHL Matches Record First-Round Haul: The Western Hockey League demonstrated its strength by having nine players selected in the first round, tying its league record set in 2014. With Radim Mrtka going ninth and Roger McQueen tenth, the WHL extended its streak of having multiple top-10 picks to four consecutive years. The league continues to be a major producer of first-round NHL talent.
St. Louis Blues Land Talent and Jokes: The St. Louis Blues had a successful draft, both on and off the ice. They landed potential 20-goal scorer Justin Carbonneau with the 19th pick (announced by comedian Nikki Glaser) and secured a key piece of their future by re-signing goaltender Joel Hofer, humorously noting he wouldn`t be “subject to offer sheets” – a jab at previous dealings with the Oilers. Their draft and off-ice moves position them well.
Arizona State Joins Elite NCAA Company: With forward Cullen Potter selected 32nd overall by the Calgary Flames, Arizona State`s men`s hockey program celebrated its first-ever first-round NHL draft pick. This significant milestone places Arizona State in an exclusive club of universities that have produced first-round selections in MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA drafts.
Losers
The Decentralized Format: The primary force behind the decentralized draft format – the 26 NHL general managers who favored it – might be counted among the losers. Citing issues like a lack of face-to-face trade discussions hindering deals, a lengthy 4.5-hour first round, and somewhat awkward remote interactions, the execution of the format was widely criticized and is expected to be a one-time experiment.
Trade Enthusiasts: Fans hoping for a flurry of major trades during the draft were largely left wanting. While the John Gibson deal between Anaheim and Detroit provided *some* in-draft action (distinct from the pre-draft Noah Dobson blockbuster), other widely speculated moves involving players like Mitch Marner, Erik Karlsson, and Jason Robertson did not materialize by the draft`s conclusion. The lack of significant player movement during the event was a letdown for many.
NTDP`s First-Round Streak (Sort Of): A point of contention was whether the U.S. National Team Development Program`s streak of having a player drafted in the first round ended. While four NTDP *alumni* were selected Friday, none were actively playing for the program this past season. If the criteria require the player to be currently with the team, the NTDP`s streak, which began in 2009 (after no first-rounders in 2008), was broken. Despite this, the program celebrated a record-setting 23 total players selected across all rounds, highlighting its continued role in developing talent.
Formal Dress Codes: Perhaps the true sartorial loser of the draft was the traditional dress code. In a symbolic moment, the 223rd overall pick, Aidan Park, casually accepted his Edmonton Oilers jersey while wearing shorts and a hoodie. Having arrived unexpectedly as he lived nearby, Park`s relaxed look contrasted sharply with the tailored suits worn by most prospects, playfully suggesting a win in the “fashion draft” as NHL dress codes are reportedly becoming less strict.
Finland`s Quiet Draft: Finnish hockey experienced an unusually quiet draft year. For the first time since 2021, no Finnish player was selected in the first round. Lasse Boelius at pick 60 was the first Finn off the board, and the nation finished with a total of just eight players drafted, its lowest count since 2014. This represents a rare dip for a country that consistently produces significant NHL talent.
