NHL Mock Draft 2025 – Top 32
Every draft class comes with questions, but few feel as uncertain as this one. The 2025 crop offers skill, size, and intrigue—but not without projection risk. Several prospects have separated themselves, while others are still jostling for position.
Our Director of Film Scouting, Cam Robinson, delivers his annual look at how the opening round of the 2025 NHL Draft could play out. From Michael Misa and Matthew Schaefer to under-the-radar risers and stylistic fits, this NHL mock draft 2025 explores each selection through the lens of team needs and prospect ceilings.
You’ll find the full first-round board below, featuring shortened takes on each selection. For full scouting breakdowns and player videos, head to the main article.
2025 NHL Mock Draft: First-Round Predictions
1. Michael Misa | C | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) | New York Islanders
Misa gives New York the game-breaking forward they’ve lacked since Tavares. Dynamic and productive. See full breakdown.
2. Matthew Schaefer | LD | Erie Otters (OHL) | San Jose Sharks
Schaefer brings elite skating and high-end potential to San Jose’s blue line. Top player on their board. See full breakdown.
3. Porter Martone | RW | Brampton Steelheads (OHL) | Chicago Blackhawks
Martone adds size and playmaking to complement Bedard. A perfect fit and value. See full breakdown.
4. Anton Frondell | C | Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan) | Utah Mammoth
Frondell brings power, pace, and production. A high-floor pivot for Utah’s first-ever pick. See full breakdown.
5. Caleb Desnoyers | C | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) | Nashville Predators
A proven winner with two-way skill and leadership. Checks every box for Nashville. See full breakdown.
6. James Hagens | C | Boston College (NCAA) | Philadelphia Flyers
Once a #1 contender, Hagens still offers elite skill and play-driving upside. Big value here. See full breakdown.
7. Brady Martin | C | Soo Greyhounds (OHL) | Boston Bruins
Physical and fast, Martin embodies the Bruins identity. Tremendous compete level. See full breakdown.
8. Kashawn Aitcheson | LD | Barrie Colts (OHL) | Seattle Kraken
Not flashy, but tough, smart, and NHL-ready. A rise based on fit and raw upside. See full breakdown.
9. Radim Mrtka | RD | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) | Buffalo Sabres
Huge minutes, huge frame, and shutdown potential. Exactly what Buffalo needs on the right side. See full breakdown.
10. Roger McQueen | C | Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) | Anaheim Ducks
A risky pick with huge reward. If healthy, McQueen’s ceiling is sky-high. See full breakdown.
11. Victor Eklund | RW | Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan) | Pittsburgh Penguins
Engaging and skilled, Eklund plays with a competitive fire that fits the Penguins’ identity. One of the more NHL-ready prospects available. See full breakdown.
12. Jake O’Brien | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) | New York Rangers
A skilled, developing pivot with elite vision and creativity. Could blossom into a top-six producer. See full breakdown.
13. Jackson Smith | RD | Tri-City Americans (WHL) | Detroit Red Wings
Toolsy and mobile with two-way upside. Brings size and puck-moving to Detroit’s blue line. See full breakdown.
14. Lynden Lakovic | LW | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) | Columbus Blue Jackets
Creates offense under pressure with strong instincts and determination. Underrated scorer with upside. See full breakdown.
15. Carter Bear | C | Everett Silvertips (WHL) | Vancouver Canucks
Injury cut his season short, but Bear’s goal-scoring and motor stood out. Fills an organizational need at center. See full breakdown.
16. Justin Carbonneau | RW | Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) | Montréal Canadiens
Explosive and creative with top-six tools. Adds a dynamic offensive presence to Montreal’s wings. See full breakdown.
17. Malcolm Spence | LW | Erie Otters (OHL) | Montréal Canadiens
Speed, strength, and smart decisions define Spence’s two-way game. A solid, versatile piece. See full breakdown.
18. Benjamin Kindel | C | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) | Calgary Flames
Top scorer in the WHL draft class who knows how to finish. High-skill, high-upside pick for the hometown Flames. See full breakdown.
19. Logan Hensler | RD | Wisconsin (NCAA) | St. Louis Blues
Poised and efficient, Hensler makes smart plays under pressure. A dependable future NHL defender. See full breakdown.
20. Cole Reschny | LW | Victoria Royals (WHL) | Columbus Blue Jackets
Elite playmaker with terrific passing instincts. Could anchor Columbus’s future second line. See full breakdown.
21. Jack Nesbitt | C | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) | Ottawa Senators
Big-bodied center with strong habits and pro-ready traits. A value pick if offensive game grows. See full breakdown.
22. Blake Fiddler | RHD | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) | Philadelphia Flyers
Strong, mobile, and still raw—Fiddler has serious upside on the right side. Classic Flyers-style defender. See full breakdown.
23. Braeden Cootes | C | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) | Nashville Predators
Does everything well and competes in all three zones. An effort-driven glue guy. See full breakdown.
24. Sascha Boumedienne | LHD | Boston University (NCAA) | Los Angeles Kings
Mobile, puck-moving defenseman with great instincts. Could become a top-four mainstay. See full breakdown.
25. Ivan Ryabkin | C | Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) | Chicago Blackhawks
Scoring touch and physicality in one package. Risk-reward play for Chicago’s second pick. See full breakdown.
26. Cullen Potter | LW | Arizona State (NCAA) | Nashville Predators
Top speedster in the draft class. Brings transition dynamism to Nashville’s wing. See full breakdown.
27. Shane Vansaghi | RW | Michigan State (NCAA) | Washington Capitals
Heavy forechecker with flashes of high-end plays. Possible Tom Wilson successor. See full breakdown.
28. Henry Brzustewicz | RHD | London Knights (OHL) | Winnipeg Jets
Steady and reliable with good mobility. Jets bet on his pro projection. See full breakdown.
29. TRADE | Carolina Hurricanes
Traded the pick for two 2nd-rounders. They’ll still get their guy and a free pick. See full breakdown.
30. Bill Zonnon | LW | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) | San Jose Sharks
Power forward with growing confidence and shooting threat. Well-rounded addition. See full breakdown.
31. Joshua Ravensbergen | G | Prince George Cougars (WHL) | Philadelphia Flyers
Big, poised, and mentally tough—Ravensbergen has starter tools. Flyers take the goalie plunge. See full breakdown.
32. Cameron Reid | LHD | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) | Calgary Flames
Smooth puck-mover with offensive upside. Late first-round value on Calgary’s back end. See full breakdown.
More Than Just a Mock Draft
This mock draft offers a glimpse at how the 2025 NHL Draft might unfold—but it’s only the beginning. In Cam Robinson’s full article, you’ll find in-depth scouting reports, developmental insights, and video clips that break down each prospect’s game. From stylistic fits to boom-or-bust risk factors, the main piece delivers the context behind the projections—and the tape to back it up.