2025 NHL Draft: Identifying Each Team’s Top Prospect Needs

As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches on June 27-28, it`s crucial to assess the specific needs within each team`s prospect system. While the standard advice is always to select the best player available, particularly in early rounds, and avoid drafting solely based on position or size (which can lead to mistakes), some teams clearly have more urgent requirements. Long-standing contenders often have depleted pipelines, while others may lack elite talent or have imbalances, strong in one area but weak in another. Very few teams boast a truly balanced prospect pool. This analysis delves into what each NHL team needs most and which players in the upcoming draft class could potentially address those needs.

Anaheim Ducks

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th

Anaheim has a strong track record in developing defensemen. While they have promising young puck-moving defenders like Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zelweger, their system lacks a large, mobile defenseman to complement this group. Stian Solberg offers competitiveness and mobility, but his puck skills need refinement for the NHL level. Potential draft candidates fitting this need include Radim Mrtka, Blake Fiddler, and Carter Amico.

Boston Bruins

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Bruins` prospect pool notably lacks high-end skill across the board. Currently, there isn`t a player projected to be a true difference-maker at the NHL level, which could impede the team`s retooling efforts. Specifically, they need a versatile center who can both create scoring chances through passing and pose a significant shooting threat. Additionally, they require mobile defensemen skilled in moving the puck. Given their success over the past two decades, their prospect pool`s current state isn`t surprising. However, they have a history of finding quality players outside the top 10. To inject skill, potential targets at pick No. 7 include forwards Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers, and Anton Frondell, or defensemen Sascha Boumedienne and Luka Radivojevic.

Buffalo Sabres

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)

The Sabres boast a deep and skilled prospect pool. The primary missing piece, though minor, is a large, skilled forward who could evolve into a power forward. The current pipeline features many smaller, soft-skilled players like Konsta Helenius, Brody Ziemer, Noah Ostlund, and Isak Rosen, complementing existing smaller NHLers like Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn. While some possess two-way attributes, none offer significant physical imposition. Buffalo needs a power forward combining soft and hard skills to excel in puck battles, provide a net-front presence, and bring overall physicality. Potential draft fits include Brady Martin, Porter Martone, and Bill Zonnon. If favoring hard skill over pure size, Carter Bear and Viktor Eklund would also align well.

Calgary Flames

2025 draft picks: 1st (FLA), 1st (NJ), 2nd (COL), 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

Holding two first-round picks, Calgary has an excellent chance to add a skilled play driver to their prospect system. Beyond 2024 first-rounder Zayne Parekh, a highly skilled offensive defenseman, and other solid prospects like Matvei Gridin and Andrew Basha, the Flames require a skilled, dual-threat forward capable of generating offense independently, as many current forward prospects are seen as complementary players. The aging core at the center position suggests looking ahead, but the immediate need for a play-driving winger is more pronounced. Numerous options should be available for the Flames, including Benjamin Kindel, Carter Bear, Cullen Potter, and Cole Reschny.

Carolina Hurricanes

2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (TB), 4th, 6th, 6th (TB), 7th

Carolina is known for drafting effectively, consistently prioritizing skill regardless of position. They often appear as “winners” in draft analyses that utilize analytics due to their proficiency in extracting value throughout the draft. However, if there`s one positional area where the Hurricanes are less stocked, it`s centers in the pipeline. Many of their high-end projected prospects are defensemen (Dominik Badinka, Alexander Nikishin, Scott Morrow) or wingers (Bradly Nadeau, Nikita Artamonov, Felix Unger Sorum), expected to be middle- or top-of-the-lineup contributors soon. The team currently lacks a center prospect projected into this same elite category. Given their draft position and philosophy, players like Jack Murtagh, William Moore, Ivan Ryabkin, Jack Nesbitt, and Milton Gastrin (along with winger Cameron Schmidt) might pique their interest.

Chicago Blackhawks

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th

It`s widely known the Blackhawks possess significant talent in their system, primarily concentrated on defense. After selecting Artyom Levshunov and having Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel, and Ethan Del Mastro, Chicago has defensive depth for the foreseeable future. However, they critically need a star forward to complement franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. Adding a forward with genuine top-line potential capable of both producing and facilitating offense is essential. Ideally, this player could drive their own line, allowing the team to distribute talent in the top six. A substantial infusion of talent at the top of the forward group is needed to accelerate the rebuild. With high draft capital, including the No. 3 overall pick, they should strongly target Michael Misa, Porter Martone, or James Hagens with their first selection, and consider players like Shane Vansaghi, Benjamin Kindel, Nathan Behm, and Ryker Lee with their subsequent picks within the top 64.

Colorado Avalanche

2025 draft picks: 4th (VAN), 7th

Following the trade of Calum Ritchie, the Avalanche`s prospect pool lacks significant upside. Outside of Mikhail Gulyayev, there`s a real shortage of players likely to play impactful roles, and notably, zero forward prospects project as top-six players. Given their Stanley Cup contention window and aggressive “all-in” approach, the lack of high-end skill in the pipeline is understandable; they`ve traded picks and prospects to bolster the current roster. However, the Avalanche will eventually need cost-controlled players who can contribute meaningful minutes to support their elite core. With only two total selections in the upcoming draft and no picks in the first three rounds, acquiring the necessary upside will be challenging without trading to gain more draft capital.

Columbus Blue Jackets

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (MIN), 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (VGK)

The Blue Jackets made notable progress this season, with young players playing key roles. Their center depth is looking good, assuming Cayden Lindstrom stays healthy and develops into a second-line player. They also have tremendous young wing talent and offensive ability on the blue line. However, after trading David Jiricek, Columbus lacks a prospect defenseman projected to be a minute-eating, top-four defender capable of matching up against opponents` best lines. Charlie Elick might have an outside chance at being a No. 4, but is more likely a depth defender and penalty killer. Columbus could address this need with their two first-round picks by targeting players like Logan Hensler, Kashawn Aitcheson, Cameron Reid, Blake Fiddler, and/or Sascha Boumedienne.

Dallas Stars

2025 draft picks: 3rd, 5th, 5th (NJ), 6th, 7th

Considering their current team strength and historical success in drafting and developing players outside the first round, the lack of a high-end center prospect isn`t immediately critical for Dallas, especially with Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz established as their top two centers for the foreseeable future. However, the Stars` prospect pipeline lacks any depth at the center position and would benefit significantly from bolstering it. Mavrik Bourque and Emil Hemming are their best remaining forward prospects, both wingers (and Bourque will graduate from prospect status soon). On defense, Lian Bischel, Christian Kyrou, and Aram Minnetian offer legitimate upside, making the need for center depth more noticeable. Given their limited draft capital, acquiring the type of player needed in their prospect pool will be difficult without trading for additional picks.

Detroit Red Wings

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)

The Red Wings have numerous young prospects, but most of their highest-ranked players are defensemen. With Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper now established NHLers, the Red Wings lack any player in their pipeline projected to be a top-line forward. Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are seen as future middle-six forwards, while Axel Sandin-Pelikka and Andrew Gibson are expected to join the team`s promising young defense corps. Trey Augustine is projected to be an NHL starting goaltender. This leaves the Red Wings well-covered in most positions except at the top of their forward lineup. Detroit needs players capable of driving play and generating offense. Desirable additions to the pipeline include Carter Bear, Jake O`Brien, Lynden Lakovic, and Cole Reschny. If players like Viktor Eklund or Roger McQueen were to drop out of the top 10, the Red Wings would likely be very pleased to select either.

Edmonton Oilers

2025 draft picks: 3rd (STL), 6th, 7th

The Oilers possess only three picks in the entire draft, none of which are in the top 64. It`s unsurprising that a team in their Stanley Cup contention window lacks high-end skill in its prospect pool; this typically results from drafting late, trading away picks, or trading away top prospects. Edmonton has done all three and lacks significant high-end skill beyond Matthew Savoie. Sam O`Reilly and Beau Akey represent the best chances for the Oilers to add middle-of-the-lineup players. Edmonton desperately needs a skilled winger to complement either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Without early picks, they`ll need to trade up or take calculated risks in later rounds on players like LJ Mooney, Shamar Moses, Filip Ekberg, and Gustav Hillstrom.

Florida Panthers

2025 draft picks: 4th, 4th (CGY), 5th, 5th (SJ), 6th, 7th

When a team has recently won the Stanley Cup and made multiple deep playoff runs, their prospect cupboard is predictably bare. This is precisely the case for the Florida Panthers, who are in need of… well, everything. There is no single position of strength within their pipeline, nor is there a single player projected to be a high-impact NHL contributor at any position. Justin Sourdif, Jack Devine, and Gracyn Sawchyn have the best chances to become NHL forwards, while Marek Alscher and Tobias Bjornfot might develop into depth defensemen. With Spencer Knight no longer in the system, the Panthers also lack any goaltenders projected to play NHL games. They are not in a position to be selective. Without any draft picks in the first three rounds, the Panthers must focus on swinging for skill and upside with their late-round selections.

Los Angeles Kings

2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (PHI)

Following Brandt Clarke`s graduation to the NHL, the Kings are currently without a single prospect defenseman projected to become an NHL player. However, forwards Liam Greentree, Koehn Ziemmer, and Kenny Connors have varying degrees of NHL projection; Greentree is the most likely to become a middle-six forward, while the others project as depth players. In goal, the Kings are exceptionally strong with Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky, and Erik Portillo, arguably boasting the best goaltending pipeline in the NHL. The Kings` clear need is for defensemen in their pipeline, and they are well-positioned in the upcoming draft to add several. Potential targets within the top 90 picks include Blake Fiddler, Sascha Boumedienne, Carter Amico, Kurban Limatov, and Alex Huang.

Minnesota Wild

2025 draft picks: 2nd, 4th (TOR), 5th (CBJ), 6th

It`s quite unusual to examine a playoff team`s prospect pool and find seemingly no weaknesses. Yet, this is the case for the Minnesota Wild, largely due to their excellent success rate over the past five years in drafting players who eventually sign NHL contracts. The Wild are well-stocked with high-end prospects at every position, from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to defensemen David Jiricek and Zeev Buium, and forwards Danila Yurov, Ryder Ritchie, Charlie Stramel, and Hunter Haight. There is no shortage of talent, setting them up for excellent depth for years. Their drafting philosophy prioritizes taking the best player available, free from concerns about size or relying solely on “high-floor” picks. Despite having only one pick in the first three rounds this year, expect the Wild to continue finding value in later rounds.

Montreal Canadiens

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (CGY), 2nd, 2nd (PIT), 3rd, 3rd (NJ), 3rd (VAN), 4th, 4th (BOS), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Canadiens have taken their draft-based rebuild seriously, making smart choices like selecting smaller, highly skilled players such as Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. Adding Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, and Filip Mesar further bolsters their impressive group of skaters. Jacob Fowler is a top goaltending prospect, projecting as an NHL starter, possibly in a tandem role. On defense, the team hopes David Reinbacher stays healthy and develops into the top-four minute-muncher they envisioned when drafting him high in 2023. To complete the roster`s composition, the Canadiens could use more hard skill – players who can complement their soft-skilled scorers, win puck battles, contribute at the net front, and bring a physical presence. Kaiden Guhle provides this on defense, and Owen Beck and Joshua Roy could become solid bottom-six players if they make the jump. Having a top-six forward who blends physicality with 65-70 point production would add a crucial dimension. While Juraj Slafkovsky possesses some of these traits, a player like Brady Martin or Caleb Desnoyers would be an ideal fit. If Roger McQueen were to slide, similar to Lane Hutson, he would also align well with this need.

Nashville Predators

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)

General Manager Barry Trotz has been outspoken about the draft, and the Predators` clear need is skill, particularly a true top-line scoring center to play alongside Filip Forsberg, a position they`ve lacked for years. While they have scoring wingers and two-way centers in the pipeline, they lack centers capable of high point production. With a top-five pick, the Predators are poised to add an elite center. Any of Hagens, Misa, or Frondell would be excellent selections. Should they aim for a high-ceiling pick if Misa isn`t available, McQueen makes sense, despite some concerns about his injury history. Regardless of their pick at No. 5, a center with top-six potential will be available. Misa (widely considered the top center), Hagens (a projected 70+ point two-way center), and Frondell (projected top-line center) should all be strongly considered. After trading Yaroslav Askarov, the Preds also lack a goaltender prospect and could target Joshua Ravensbergen or Jack Ivankovic with one of their four additional selections in the first two rounds.

New Jersey Devils

2025 draft picks: 2nd, 2nd (EDM), 3rd (VGK), 4th, 6th, 6th (SJ)

The Devils are strong down the middle with established top-six centers in Nico Hischier (a Selke Trophy candidate) and Jack Hughes. However, both players are on the smaller side and have accumulated injury histories. Their immense talent ensures they will lead the Devils for the foreseeable future. The Devils` management seems to value size and would benefit from adding a big center to their system. Without a first-round pick, acquiring an impact center will be challenging, though many successful middle-six centers have been found in the second and third rounds. The Devils are loaded on defense, potentially offering assets for trades to bolster the current roster. Tyler Brennan and Mikhail Yegorov provide viable options in goal with NHL potential. Targeting size among forwards wouldn`t be surprising, and potential fits include William Horcoff, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Eddie Genborg, and Vaclav Nestrasil.

New York Islanders

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Islanders struck gold by winning the draft lottery in a year featuring a consensus top defenseman. The pressing need for a No. 1 defenseman is clear, and Matthew Schaefer fits that description perfectly. He is expected to be the first overall pick and will significantly improve the team`s blue line depth by allowing other defensemen to play roles better suited to their abilities. The Islanders have solid forward talent, with Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman projected as top-six forwards and Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley potentially developing into depth NHLers. Defensively, the pipeline is much thinner, with only Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen currently projected to play NHL games. Bolstering the defensive pipeline is a significant weakness the Islanders need to address.

New York Rangers

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th

The Rangers present something of an enigma, featuring a mix of young and aging players. Their blue line needs help, and most aspects of the team, aside from goaltender Igor Shesterkin, seem to be in transition. The Rangers should utilize their first-round pick this year and hope their pick next year (owned by Pittsburgh) is late in the draft after a playoff appearance. While the Rangers don`t entirely lack talent, there`s a concerning pattern of difficulty in developing prospects to their full potential. Gabe Perreault, EJ Emery, and Drew Fortescue are among the few prospects with confident NHL projections, and none play center. The Rangers could benefit from adding more mobile defensemen like Radim Mrtka or Kashawn Aitcheson, who fit their drafting style. If they prioritize a center, they would need to hope someone like Jake O`Brien or Caleb Desnoyers drops to them at pick 12.

Ottawa Senators

2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (FLA), 4th (SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Senators took a notable step forward this season, largely thanks to excellent play from their top-line players and decent goaltending. When the Senators have drafted for skill, as with Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, they`ve hit home runs. Drafting primarily for toughness has been far less successful. The Senators` prospect pipeline currently has ample size, grit, and tenacity but lacks high-end skill and players projected to produce above the 60-point mark offensively. Holding the 21st overall pick, the Senators can use it to select a forward with offensive creativity. Suitable players include Kindel, Potter, Reschny, Cootes, Schmidt, Lakovic, and Carbonneau. If they opt for defensemen, Logan Hensler and Cameron Reid would be good fits.

Philadelphia Flyers

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th

The Flyers desperately need high-end skill throughout their prospect pool. With three first-round picks, they are positioned to take calculated risks on players with significant upside, even those considered boom-or-bust. There is a clear need for skilled centers. Oliver Bonk provides skill on the blue line and is expected to join the top four within a couple of years. However, the Flyers lack a forward prospect with point-per-game potential, making it a priority to find a center who can complement Matvei Michkov. The Flyers have many targets for their first pick, with Martone, McQueen, Frondell, Eklund, and Desnoyers warranting strong consideration. With their later first and second-round picks, they can select players who might slide or pursue Ryabkin, Potter, Kindel, Cootes, and Nesbitt. This draft presents a significant opportunity to inject speed, skill, and elite offensive creativity into their pipeline, which the Flyers must capitalize on.

Pittsburgh Penguins

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th

The Penguins still feature two future Hall of Fame centers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin playing at a high level. However, there`s a critical need for elite talent at the top of the lineup to drive play and generate offense for the future. Tanner Howe and Rutger McGroarty are projected as middle-six forwards with ceilings around 60-65 points. Melvin Fernstrom and Tristan Broz project as depth NHL players. On defense, Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke have top-four potential, and Joel Blomqvist could become a legitimate starting goaltender. The good news is that plenty of high-end talent should be available for the Penguins in the early rounds. Eklund, McQueen, Lakovic, and O`Brien all make sense given their upside. In later rounds, players like Luca Romano, Viktor Klingsell, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg would align with their draft style.

San Jose Sharks

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)

Despite having numerous highly-touted prospects, it`s somewhat surprising that the Sharks need defensemen. Outside of Sam Dickinson and Mattias Havelid, the team lacks talent on the back end. Both Havelid and Dickinson primarily play an offensive style, creating a need for more two-way or defensive-minded players. The Sharks are expected to draft a forward with their top selection, although they must hope the Islanders pass on Matthew Schaefer at No. 1. Barring that unlikely scenario, the Sharks have three more picks in the first two rounds after second overall. They can target two-way or defensive defensemen such as Fiddler, Henry Brzustewicz, and Simon (Haoxi) Wang. Defensemen who can effectively move the puck, defend in transition, and complement Dickinson and Havelid are exactly what the Sharks require to continue their rebuild.

Seattle Kraken

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th

The Kraken have two young centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, along with promising forward prospects like Berkly Catton and Eduard Sale who project as top-six NHLers. In the middle six, at least two of Carson Rehkopf, Jagger Firkus, Jani Nyman, and Julius Miettinen should provide varying levels of offensive contribution. In goal, Niklas Kokko and Kim Saarinen have modest NHL projections. With depth up front and talent in goal, the Kraken`s main need is on defense. Aside from Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic, the Kraken lack defense prospects with clear NHL projections. Jackson Smith makes sense for them in the first round as a two-way defender with top-four potential. In the second round, Charlie Tretheway and Brzustewicz are good fits, as both have NHL potential.

St. Louis Blues

2025 draft picks: 1st, 5th, 6th

The Blues have done a commendable job stocking their system, although much of the talent projects to be less impactful at the very top end. They have several forward prospects projected as middle-six players, including Otto Stenberg, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Adam Jecho. On defense, Adam Jiricek, Colin Ralph, Theo Lindstein, and Michael Buchinger all have decent NHL projections. The Blues` main deficiency is a lack of truly elite talent in their prospect pool. Dvorsky has the highest upside, but his path to becoming a first-line point producer is less certain. The Blues need a top-line forward or an elite defender in their pipeline – someone who can genuinely be a difference-maker. The Blues own their first-round pick but have no other selections until the fifth round this year. Highly skilled players who might be available around pick No. 19 include Kindel, Schmidt, Ryabkin, and Potter.

Tampa Bay Lightning

2025 draft picks: 2nd (LA), 4th (EDM), 5th, 7th, 7th (MIN), 7th (SJ), 7th (UTA)

The Lightning have traded numerous picks recently, and 2022 first-rounder Isaac Howard reportedly doesn`t intend to sign with them – a significant blow for a team that hasn`t drafted in the first round frequently over the past five years. From top to bottom, the Lightning`s pipeline needs skill and players with legitimate NHL projections; they currently lack both. They need to find late-round gems to complement their aging skilled core. At every position, the Lightning must add players with real NHL potential, meaning there`s no luxury to be picky about position. The acquisition of Conor Geekie last offseason helped, and he`s clearly the best young player in the organization. Given the lack of early draft capital, the Lightning will need to be very strategic and judicious in their draft approach.

Toronto Maple Leafs

2025 draft picks: 2nd (FLA), 3rd (EDM), 5th, 5th (PIT), 6th, 7th

When a team doesn`t draft frequently and trades away its best prospects, the pipeline will inevitably lack skill. After trading Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan is the only remaining forward prospect with a top-six projection, and he projects as a second-line player. The Leafs have an abundance of goaltending prospects and drafted Ben Danford in 2024. While there are a few defense prospects who might become NHL players, the pipeline severely lacks high-end skilled forwards. Filling this gap will be challenging given the limited draft capital, requiring the Leafs to take some bold swings. Players potentially available with reasonable upside include Adam Benak, Luca Romano, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg. If they manage to trade into the top 40, Cameron Schmidt, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, and Nathan Behm could become options.

Utah Mammoth

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

The Utah Mammoth had a successful season, and thanks to draft lottery luck that eluded them in Arizona, they moved up to 4th overall. With many previously high draft picks, the Mammoth`s system and current roster are loaded with talent. Young players like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther are already making a significant offensive impact at the NHL level. While the Mammoth have numerous smaller forwards, they lack a top-six forward with size and skill – the kind of player who can physically impose himself, win pucks, be effective at the net front, and create open ice for talented players like Keller, Guenther, Logan Cooley, and Tij Iginla (when he`s ready). With the No. 4 pick, potential options include Desnoyers, Martone, and McQueen. Some have also mentioned Brady Martin, though drafting him at that position would be considered a reach.

Vancouver Canucks

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th

Anyone listening to Vancouver radio or their President of Hockey Operations knows precisely what the organization needs, from the NHL lineup down to the prospect pool: a center. Whether it`s Jim Rutherford discussing it or one of the many local sports shows, it`s no secret. After not drafting a center in 2022, passing on Zach Benson in 2023, and not drafting until the third round in 2024, it`s unsurprising that their prospect pool features quality defensemen but zero centers with top-six upside. Armed with selections in the first two rounds this year, the Canucks are highly likely to target a center to address this significant need. Given the lack of organizational depth, they are more likely to prioritize certainty and lower risk (“high-floor”) over high-upside swings. Players fitting this description who could be available include O`Brien, Cootes, Nesbitt, Moore, McKinney, and Horcoff.

Vegas Golden Knights

2025 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd (WSH), 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (WSH)

It`s hardly surprising that Vegas has needs in their prospect pool, given their consistent strategy of trading away drafted players. Almost every first-round selection by the Golden Knights has been traded, and this trend is not expected to change. There`s a common joke in NHL circles that if you`re drafted by Vegas in the first round, you`re probably not playing in Vegas, so don`t get too comfortable. Vegas does not have a first-round pick this year but holds selections in rounds two through six. While they have a pressing need for defensemen, the more general reality is a pressing need for high-end talent overall if they intend to continue using prospects as trade assets. The Knights are likely to target players who hold value around the league. On defense, Tretheway, Brzustewicz, Radivojevic, Amico, and Limatov could fit this profile. If Cameron Schmidt were to fall out of the first round, he might also be a target for Vegas.

Washington Capitals

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (BOS), 3rd (CAR), 4th, 5th

It`s an excellent year to be in need of a goaltender prospect, and that`s precisely what the Capitals require. Washington holds picks in each of the first five rounds, and given the strong goaltending talent available in this draft class, they could potentially draft a future starter. With Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren signed for the next few years, there`s no immediate urgency for goaltending help. However, there`s a lack of depth behind them and no prospects with legitimate NHL projection. The Caps possess excellent young talent at other positions, including Cole Hutson, Terik Parascak, and Andrew Cristall in junior leagues, and Ryan Leonard, Hendrix Lapierre, Ryan Chesley, and Ivan Miroshnichenko playing professionally. Joshua Ravensbergen, Jack Ivankovic, and Alexei Medvedev all have legitimate NHL projections, with the first two seen as potential NHL starting goalies.

Winnipeg Jets

2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Jets have successfully retained their top talent, securing long-term deals for players like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Connor Hellebuyck. While Nikolaj Ehlers` future is uncertain, the Jets have forward reinforcements in their pipeline, including Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Kevin He, and Colby Barlow. The defense is considerably thinner, with Elias Salomonsson and Alfons Freij being the only prospects with any NHL projection, and those projections are modest. The Jets need to add defensemen to their prospect system and can use their first-round pick to do so. Defensemen like Boumedienne, Tretheway, and Fiddler might be available when the Jets pick and would make sense for their current pipeline composition. The Jets don`t require immediate help, and these defensemen are typically two to three years away from making a meaningful NHL impact, providing time for development.