With the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft now completed, we have the opportunity to evaluate the fantasy hockey potential of several prominent prospects. While this draft might not feature as many widely recognized names as previous years, experts suggest it offers quality over quantity. Beyond the top pick, many selections are centers, and many of these players are expected to become versatile and valuable assets for fantasy managers in the coming years.
Additional analysis provided by ESPN`s Rachel Doerrie.
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Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders, Erie (OHL) (Selected: 1, Rank: 1)
Rachel Doerrie describes Schaefer as a dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, noting his ease of skating and elite mobility which allows him to shut down opponents and create offense through quality transition play. This young defenseman is expected to be a star; it`s simply a matter of when. With Noah Dobson moving on, the Islanders seem to be positioning Schaefer to take over as a key defenseman and top power-play anchor. Compared to Ottawa`s Jake Sanderson for his superior skating, hockey IQ, and physical play, Schaefer is projected to become a top-15 fantasy defenseman by contributing across various categories. While probably not next season, even if he makes the NHL lineup, his long-term dynasty value is immense. Keep in mind he doesn`t turn 18 until September. For context, in his third NHL season at age 22, Sanderson averaged 2.4 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard leagues.
Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks, Saginaw (OHL) (Selected: 2, Rank: 2)
According to Rachel Doerrie, Misa`s offensive instincts are elite; he processes the game at a high level and executes at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and possesses the potential to become an elite top-line center. Expected to be an NHL star, Misa provides the Sharks with an exciting one-two punch down the middle alongside Macklin Celebrini. He led the CHL with an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games last season, demonstrating his ability to score regularly at even strength and on the power play. An immediate must-acquire in dynasty leagues, Misa is also projected to eventually blossom into a highly attractive target in re-draft leagues. Alongside other young San Jose talents like Celebrini and Will Smith, this player shows potential for 90-100 points in the NHL.
Keep an Eye On…
Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) (Selected: 3, Rank: 5)
Rachel Doerrie highlights Frondell`s capability to drive play against men in the Allsvenskan, a trait that has translated well for other prospects in the past. He is projected to eventually produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play is seen as translating well, making executives excited about his potential to enter the league within the next 18 months. Able to play both center and wing, Frondell is admired for his solid two-way game, physical style, and outstanding shot. The newly turned 18-year-old should eventually find a spot in the Blackhawks` top six – his versatility offering considerable flexibility – and on a power-play unit with Connor Bedard. In addition to a projected initial output of 60 points in 2026-27, Frondell is also expected to provide good numbers in shots and hits.
Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth, Moncton (QMJHL) (Selected: 4, Rank: 7)
Doerrie projects Desnoyers as a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player, describing him as cerebral with quick hands and playmaking ability. He`s effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck, though not flashy. Loosely projected to potentially play behind Logan Cooley as Utah`s second-line center and on a top power-play unit, the Quebec native possesses 70-point potential with a developing Mammoth team. Drawing quiet comparisons to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, as Doerrie also notes, the speedy, tall playmaker recorded 35 goals and 49 assists in 56 games with his QMJHL team last season.
Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) (Selected: 5, Rank: 13)
Rachel Doerrie sees Martin as a “Swiss Army knife” type of player who will be most effective on the wing due to his strong play along the boards. He projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals routinely, with potential upside as a second-line forward. Likened to Florida`s Sam Bennett, this player is not expected to accumulate points at the same rate as others in this draft class. However, similar to Bennett, Martin should still earn fantasy value in deeper leagues that reward performance across various categories, including hits.
Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers, Brampton (OHL) (Selected: 8, Rank: 4)
Doerrie characterizes Martone as a big, cerebral forward who is a dual threat offensively, capable of scoring himself and facilitating plays. He is projected to be a second-line scoring winger who should receive top power-play minutes. He is indeed big, creative, and fiercely competitive. If Martone`s skating – considered a weakness – improves, he could break into the Flyers` top line in the near future. Fantasy managers should definitely monitor his progress in this area in the coming months. If his skating develops, his productive ceiling is near the 70-point mark, with a strong emphasis on assists.
James Hagens, F, Boston Bruins, Boston College (NCAA) (Selected: 7, Rank: 3)
Rachel Doerrie projects Hagens as a top-line center, or one of the NHL`s best second-line centers. He brings a good work rate with excellent speed and passing ability, expected to effectively drive play at the NHL level. While smaller and lighter than some prospects, which causes some team concern, there are comparisons drawn to Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in terms of his transition play and creativity. After one more year in college, Hagens should move into a top-six spot in Boston, potentially alongside one of the game`s best scorers. Remember, David Pastrnak is signed with the Bruins through 2031. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should certainly monitor for that potential line combination in future seasons.
Jake O`Brien, F, Seattle Kraken, Brantford (OHL) (Selected: 8, Rank: 9)
Described by Doerrie as deceptive and incredibly smooth, O`Brien is projected to be a point-producing, top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. He is estimated to be two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, and patience could be the key to him reaching his top-line ceiling. If he does, he is expected to become an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver. As a top-six center in Seattle, O`Brien is poised to score in bunches, potentially more than any other Kraken player eventually. He merits immediate consideration in deep dynasty leagues and should rise on fantasy cheat sheets further down the line. If things go well, he possesses a potential 90-point ceiling.
Wild Cards
Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks, Brandon (WHL) (Selected: 10, Rank: 6)
Rachel Doerrie notes that his projection as an elite top-line center lacks confidence due to limited playing time resulting from a back injury. Without the injury, she suggests he might have been discussed near the top of this draft class because his combination of skating, skill, and physical gifts is rare – the kind of toolbox executives dream of. Further described as a textbook “high-risk, high-reward player,” McQueen could prove to be an outright steal if he is truly recovered from his significant back injury. Whether he ultimately displaces Leo Carlsson, or someone else, from the first-line center position in Anaheim, or shifts to the wing, the tall skater has point-per-game potential. Fantasy managers will get a better sense of how his back is holding up throughout the next season.
Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks, Prince George (WHL) (Selected: 30, Rank: 24)
Doerrie identifies Ravensbergen as the clear top goaltender prospect in this draft, projecting a composed, confident demeanor and a confident future as a starting NHL goaltender capable of handling a significant workload. He is only considered a `wild card` because all young goalies face uncertainty at this stage of their careers. Ravensbergen is likely to play frequently for a Sharks squad that is expected to be considerably improved by the time he is ready to debut, likely in about three years.
Other first-round selections with projected fantasy upside include forward Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings) and forward Viktor Eklund (New York Islanders).
