2025 NHL Mock Draft: Pick Predictions and Scouting Reports

Rachel Doerrie

As the Stanley Cup playoffs reach their peak, several NHL teams are already setting their sights on the upcoming draft in June. The top half of this draft class presents an exciting mix of high-end talent and calculated risk. Prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa stand out as potential franchise cornerstones, making them highly coveted prizes at the very top.

Beyond the initial picks, the draft features considerable variation in team preferences. Success will likely depend on a team`s willingness to embrace risk and bet on significant upside. There are players with immense potential but also notable development or injury concerns. Conversely, some players may be highly valued by specific teams for their particular play style, despite being ranked lower overall.

Here is a mock draft projection compiled before the lottery results, offering insights into potential team fits, historical drafting tendencies, reasons for player-organization compatibility, and each prospect`s potential NHL ceiling.

1. San Jose Sharks

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

San Jose is projected to select Schaefer, adding a defenseman who has the potential to be a true number one defender for many years. Schaefer is an impactful player on both ends of the ice. Standing 6-2, he skates effortlessly, with agility that makes him extremely difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His season was unfortunately limited to 26 games due to an injury suffered at the World Juniors, where he was expected to play a significant role as an underage player. In his appearances, he consistently logged over 25 minutes per game and positively influenced his team`s performance.

Many league executives and scouts believe Schaefer could become one of the NHL`s elite defensemen soon and a cornerstone for a Cup-contending blue line. With Macklin Celebrini leading the forward group, adding Schaefer to the defense is a major boost. Schaefer is expected to be a strong transition player, effective in both directions, capable of handling matchup duties and quarterbacking a power play. He possesses the skill and talent to develop into a top-10 NHL defender, and Sharks fans could see him in the lineup as early as next season.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)

After selecting defenseman Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov in the previous draft, the Blackhawks are fortunate that Michael Misa is available at number two in 2025. Misa, an exceptional status player in the OHL, had an outstanding goal-scoring season, netting 62 goals in 65 games—that`s correct, sixty-two. Misa is projected as a top-line forward and someone who could form a dangerous partnership with Connor Bedard.

Misa`s offensive talent is remarkable. He processes the game at an elite level and plays with incredible pace. He appears ready to join Chicago`s roster and possesses the talent to become an elite center if his development continues on its current path. Without the puck, Misa excels at finding open ice and has a knack for crucial goals. Both his playmaking and scoring abilities are equally threatening, making him a dual offensive threat. His compete level has notably improved, demonstrated by better backchecking, covering for teammates, and playing a more complete game. This, combined with dynamic speed and offensive skill, provides the Blackhawks with another foundational piece.

3. Nashville Predators

James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

Nashville requires both skill and depth at the center position, and Hagens addresses both needs. While he may not be as flashy as Misa or Victor Eklund, he is highly effective. He is a two-way player expected to provide value on both sides of the puck in the NHL. Hagens brings a high-energy motor, speed, and the ability to drive play. He supports the puck effectively, wins battles, and understands positioning well. The professional details in his game should translate smoothly to the NHL.

His playmaking was evident with the U.S. national team development program, but it was less consistently dynamic at Boston College. Hagens likely needs another season at BC to further develop and regain some of that dynamic skill to truly be a difference-maker in the NHL. Without linemates like Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, Hagens will be relied upon to lead a line, carry the offensive load, and maintain defensive responsibility. With further offensive development, Hagens has the potential to become a complete package in the NHL. His ceiling is very high, and given Nashville`s history of bold picks, he makes a lot of sense for the Predators.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)

Martone projects as a high-end second-line forward with a noticeable edge to his game. He is a dual-threat offensively, capable of both scoring himself and setting up teammates. Despite his size, he isn`t a stereotypical power forward, but there`s a hint of Tom Wilson in his style. He fits the Flyers mold as an agitator who uses his physicality to impose his will on opponents. As his game matures, he will learn to use this skill more strategically for greater effectiveness.

Martone`s combination of scoring and facilitation will make him a challenging player to defend in the NHL. Concerns exist about his foot speed, but skating is highly coachable, and he has shown significant improvement throughout 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 hard skill the Flyers value and the soft skill that excites fans. There`s strong reason to believe Martone can be a quality top-six forward with bite, and watching him play alongside Matvei Michkov would be highly entertaining.

5. Boston Bruins

Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

Prepare for the broadcast comparisons to Patrice Bergeron – although those are extraordinarily high expectations, Desnoyers does possess special qualities. This large, two-way center from Quebec is a coach`s ideal player due to his ability to handle any assignment. In pressure situations, he makes smart, simple plays, forechecks aggressively, and makes life difficult for opponents. He leads by example on both sides of the puck and is effective in all game situations.

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

6. Seattle Kraken

Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

The Kraken add a large, physical defenseman widely considered the second-best blueliner in this draft class. As a pure defender, Smith possesses all the attributes of a top-four matchup defenseman. He defends the rush exceptionally well, closes gaps effectively, and directs play in transition. His offensive game saw more development later in the season, but its limited presence earlier reduces confidence in his projection as a No. 4 or 5 defenseman based solely on offense. Given the importance of transition defense for a matchup role, it`s probable that Smith develops into a minutes-eating shutdown defender for Seattle in a top-three role.

Smith addresses a need for Seattle, particularly after using lottery picks on centers like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. Smith brings a valuable combination of skating, size, and defensive poise to the Kraken`s prospect pool. While the Kraken have several skilled forward prospects, they lacked a clear projectable top-four defenseman. While prospects like Caden Price or Lukas Dragicevic could potentially become second-pairing defenders, Smith immediately jumps to the top of their defensive prospect hierarchy.

7. Buffalo Sabres

Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

The Sabres are known for taking chances on skill and using analytics in their drafting process, and Eklund fits this profile perfectly. He boasts excellent underlying numbers, including a productive season in the Allsvenskan. Despite his smaller frame, his game exhibits qualities that should translate well to the NHL. He plays with a style that suggests greater size than his measurements, featuring a high-end motor and excellent forechecking ability.

Eklund excels in transition, attacking defenders with tenacity and fearlessness. He drives to the inside and uses his body effectively to win puck battles. His play without the puck is very mature and should complement the skill already present on Buffalo`s roster. The Sabres need a player who can seamlessly integrate and find chemistry with their skilled forwards, and Eklund`s hard skill provides a perfect complement. He has the makings of a top-line forward who could become a difference-maker within the next few years.

8. Anaheim Ducks

Anton Frondell, C/RW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Anaheim adds another quality forward in Frondell, a versatile two-way player comfortable at both center and right wing. His flexibility is particularly attractive to the Ducks, given their abundance of young forward talent. Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, rebounding strongly after an early-season injury. He possesses a strong shot and makes smart plays with and without the puck. A tactical player, he shows professional-level details, forechecking effectively, attacking the middle of the ice, and demonstrating strength in tight areas.

Frondell has shown the ability to drive play against men in the Allsvenskan, which is a positive sign for his NHL projection. He is projected to become a second-line NHL player capable of producing around 70 points per season. His style translates well, and he could be ready for meaningful NHL minutes in as little as a year. The Ducks boast considerable skill, especially at center, and Frondell`s two-way versatility will make him easy to utilize across the lineup.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins

Jake O`Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

Pittsburgh selects a right-handed center projected to be a high-end second-line player, with the potential to reach the first line. He is considered one of the draft`s best playmakers, consistently creating high-danger chances. O`Brien manipulates defenders, distributes the puck effectively on both forehand and backhand, and uses fakes to deceive defenders and goaltenders. He sometimes displays junior habits, such as holding the puck too long while searching for a perfect play. If O`Brien can simplify his game and improve his skating speed, there is genuine top-line potential.

The Penguins face the prospect of significant vacancies at center in a couple of years. Bringing in a player like O`Brien (or perhaps Roger McQueen) to learn from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could facilitate a smoother transition. O`Brien`s two-way game has improved dramatically, showing better lane coverage, puck deflections, and support all over the ice. His defensive tracking has improved, indicating a projectable two-way game at the NHL level. His high-end playmaking provides real upside, and while there`s some risk due to him being slighter than other available players, O`Brien is a swing worth taking for the Penguins.

10. New York Islanders

Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

The Islanders need to keep adding elite talent, especially after drafting Cole Eiserman in 2024. While McQueen carries injury risk, he represents a talent they shouldn`t overlook. McQueen is rare: a 6-5 center who skates with the speed and agility typically seen in players 5-10. He is a modern power forward, and although his projection is less certain due to limited gameplay this season, he possesses superstar potential as a two-way center. His right-handedness and size are significant assets, as is his willingness to play physically. He is a quality two-way player with considerable offensive upside.

Had he not faced injuries, McQueen might be discussed among the top five picks, as his combination of skating, skill, physicality, and size is exceptionally rare. He dominates the cycle game, is a strong transition player, and has the skill to generate offense off the rush. He is the complete package. McQueen is the definition of high-risk, high-reward. If he can stay healthy, he could become a two-way force in the NHL for years, particularly for a team like the Islanders that can afford him time to develop properly. The Islanders need this type of player in their system and should take the chance on McQueen.

11. New York Rangers

Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

Selecting a 6-6, right-handed defenseman with good mobility makes a lot of sense for the Rangers. Mrtka is very difficult to bypass defensively, consistently stopping offensive players. He projects as a shutdown defenseman thanks to his excellent stick work and angling ability. Mrtka possesses the tools to develop into a second-pairing defender, most likely fitting into the No. 4 or 5 role. He uses his mobility to escape pressure and make simple, effective first passes without overcomplicating things.

The Rangers are unlikely to be in this drafting position next season, and defenders with Mrtka`s specific attributes are uncommon. He should develop into a strong transition defender and a reliable penalty killer, capable of playing around 20 minutes per game. While he lacks offensive flash, his skating, size, and hockey sense provide the foundation to become a large, shutdown defenseman in the NHL.

12. Detroit Red Wings

Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett (WHL)

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman often takes swings on skilled players, and Carter Bear fits that mold perfectly. Before a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the CHL. He is a skilled playmaker, utilizing various pass types to get the puck to dangerous areas. He also possesses excellent hands around the net and is consistently involved in creating scoring chances. His versatility allows him to play both center and wing, projecting as a point-producing second-line player.

In addition to his offensive talents, Bear has solid defensive habits. He gets his stick into passing lanes, forechecks with tenacity, tracks back effectively, and finishes hits. A player with hard skill who is also defensively reliable is an ideal fit for the Red Wings` middle six, 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 add a true blue-collar player who combines physicality with hard skill. His brute strength and determination to win pucks make him a nightmare for opponents to contain. Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals. He`s a wrecking ball who sets a physical tone and draws opponents into the battle. While the Blue Jackets have plenty of young talent, Martin`s versatile “Swiss army knife” capability is unique.

Unlike some top prospects who can disappear when their primary offensive game isn`t clicking, Martin always finds ways to be physically involved, and these traits are highly translatable to the NHL. There`s a real possibility Martin becomes a second-line player, but even if his scoring doesn`t fully translate, he would be a valuable third-liner who can contribute offensively. His hard-nosed style is increasingly 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.

14. Utah Hockey Club

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

The 6-4 left winger possesses translatable scoring ability and good skating for his size. He attacks linearly using crossovers, leveraging his large frame to protect the puck and make plays with good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger, providing Utah with another scoring option in their prospect pool. Lakovic is projected as a middle-six winger with fair confidence, thanks to his tools and size.

For a player of his size, his development will focus on the physical side. He needs to become more actively involved physically, learn to use his body to protect pucks, lean on defenders, and drive to the middle of the ice. With his offensive tools, becoming more physically engaged would make him a significantly more dangerous scoring threat. This is a skill that can certainly be developed and would make him much harder to manage defensively. Utah can afford to take swings on prospects given the quality of their pipeline, and Lakovic`s offensive upside makes him worth the gamble.

15. Vancouver Canucks

Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

Given the type of game he plays, there`s a strong possibility that Aitcheson will be selected before Vancouver`s pick. Aitcheson has all the tools to become a physical force on an NHL blue line. Whether it`s a preseason game or the playoffs, he plays with the same rugged style and isn`t afraid to deliver heavy hits on opponents. He`s the kind of player who requires opponents to be aware of his presence on the ice due to his ability to make open-ice hits and willingness to finish checks forcefully.

It`s believed that Vancouver scouts and management are keen on adding these qualities to their defense, making Aitcheson a perfect fit. He will require development time – his skating and playmaking are still quite raw – but his competitive attributes and his development curve this past season are very promising. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement grew throughout the season, showing ability to rotate with teammates and move towards high-danger areas, becoming more effective with open ice. He projects as a bottom-pairing defender based on current statistics, but a player like him is more likely to fill a minute-eating role on a second pair and physically impose himself 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 attributes that teams covet, including powerful skating and dynamic attacking ability. He drives offense through his playmaking and skating and has the potential to develop into a well-rounded offensive threat in the NHL. Top-six potential is present, though the confidence level in reaching that outcome is lower. Montreal has shown a willingness to take chances on high-upside players, which has paid off significantly with players like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. Their development staff is excellent and has been instrumental in helping young players reach their potential.

Carbonneau has a physically mature frame, but he will need time to adjust to the speed of the professional game and learn to make plays in tighter spaces. Regardless, the Canadiens should be thrilled to select him with Calgary`s pick.