By Keith Jenkins
With the Stanley Cup Final recently concluded and the Florida Panthers celebrating their second consecutive championship, attention now shifts to the future of the National Hockey League.
The road to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final officially begins this Friday evening with the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
This year`s draft will take place in Los Angeles over two days, Friday and Saturday. The event features a total of seven rounds where NHL teams will select the next generation of talent. Fans can watch comprehensive coverage of every pick across ESPN`s various broadcast and digital platforms.
Holding the highly anticipated first overall selection are the New York Islanders, who secured the top spot after winning the draft lottery back in May.
Here`s essential information regarding the 2025 NHL Entry Draft:
Key Draft Details
When and Where to Watch:
The 2025 NHL Draft commences on Friday at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Coverage of the first round will be available on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. The draft continues on Saturday with Rounds 2 through 7, starting at 11:00 AM ET, exclusively available for streaming on ESPN+ and Disney+.
How Fans Can Follow Every Pick:
Fans interested in tracking each selection as it happens can do so through the dedicated NHL streaming content area.
Top Prospects for the 2025 Draft:
According to ESPN`s current rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, here are some of the leading prospects:
- Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
- Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)
- James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA)
- Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)
- Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)
Learn More About the Prospects:
Gain deeper insight into some of the top prospects with `Welcome to the NHL: Meet the Prospects.` The first part of this two-episode series premieres Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN2, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
Finding Additional Draft Information:
For continuous updates, detailed analysis, insights into team offseason strategies, and more draft-related content, fans should visit the main NHL section on ESPN`s platforms.
