Elite Prospects' 2025 NHL Mock Draft - Top 32

Every draft class brings its share of unknowns, but the 2025 group feels particularly cloudy. Outside of a few standouts, there is a sense among scouts and executives that this might not be the most talent-rich year. The depth is questionable, the top-end skill is inconsistent, and there are more projection risks than usual.

But that just opens the door for strong-scouting clubs to mine talent.

“It's our job to find the prospects.” One NHL Executive shared. “It's just a harder class for scouts to analyze.. I think the class will turn out to be average or slightly below average.”

One thing that does appear settled is the race for first overall. Matthew Schaefer has separated himself as the clear-cut top prospect. Despite playing a significantly abbreviated season due to injury and illness, the