Winners, Losers and Top Moments of the 2025 NHL Draft

The 2025 NHL draft has wrapped up. While Matthew Schaefer going first overall was widely anticipated, the two-day event wasn`t short on unexpected turns.

Highlights included celebrity appearances for pick announcements, unique aspects of the first `decentralized` draft format, and the usual surprises that define draft day.

With all 224 selections made, what were the most significant takeaways? ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski offer their analysis on the best, worst, and most memorable moments from the event.

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WINNERS

Elevating Special Moments

Being drafted into the NHL is a monumental occasion for any young player. Yet, the league and teams add specific touches that transform these already memorable moments into truly unforgettable experiences.

When Matthew Schaefer was chosen first overall by the New York Islanders, he was already thinking of his late mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer the previous year. Schaefer had her photo and signature stitched into his jacket. Upon receiving his first Islanders jersey, he found a purple Hockey Fights Cancer ribbon sewn onto the left chest and his mother`s initials on the inside collar. Schaefer was visibly moved, kissing the ribbon after putting on the jersey.

“This is a first-class organization,” Schaefer commented. “Some might see it as just a ribbon, but it holds deep meaning for me. My mom was everything to me. This jersey is definitely getting hung up.”

Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks, in coordination with the NHL, created a spectacular moment for their No. 10 pick, Roger McQueen. They arranged for him to be flown across Southern California by helicopter and then driven to Disneyland. The fact that McQueen got to meet the character Lightning McQueen in California Adventure added a delightful touch to the experience. Another fun moment was No. 13 pick Carter Bear`s connection to the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.

Whether it was a poignant tribute or a rookie meeting a beloved Disney character, these are the moments that will likely define memories of this year`s draft. – Analysis by Wyshynski

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Goaltenders Back in the First Round

A recurring theme each year is the debate surrounding the wisdom of selecting a goaltender in the first round. Friday`s draft added a new chapter with two goalies being taken in the opening round: Pyotr Andreyanov by the Columbus Blue Jackets at pick No. 20 and Joshua Ravensbergen by the San Jose Sharks at pick No. 30. This marked the first time in four years and also the first time since 2021 that two goalies were drafted in the first round.

In 2021, Sebastian Cossa went to the Detroit Red Wings at No. 15, and Jesper Wallstedt was selected by the Minnesota Wild at No. 21.

The subsequent three-year gap without a first-round goalie was noteworthy, as the NHL hadn`t gone that long without one since the mid-1980s (1984-1986). The late `80s saw an increase in teams picking goalies early. The 1990s only had two drafts without a first-round goalie (1991, 1992). The 2000s saw goalies picked in the first round in every year except 2007 and 2009, but the following 15 years included eight drafts where no netminder was taken in the first round.

Does 2025 signal a shift back, or will we wait another four years for the next first-round goalie? – Analysis by Clark

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San Jose Sharks Strengthen Their Future Core

The San Jose Sharks are undoubtedly navigating a rebuilding phase, but their future outlook appears remarkably promising. This isn`t just because Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick in 2024, has quickly adapted to the NHL. San Jose landed another impressive group of prospects poised to contribute to the franchise`s growth.

Michael Misa, selected second overall on Friday, projects as a potential top-six center. Joshua Ravensbergen is a large, athletic goaltender (6-foot-5) who could develop into their long-term starting netminder. Defenseman Simon Wang, picked at No. 33, became the highest-drafted Chinese-born player ever; he stands 6-6, possesses excellent skating ability, and has a remarkable wingspan.

These are just a few examples of the talent entering the Sharks` system. General Manager Mike Grier is consistently making shrewd draft selections that are steadily positioning the organization for sustained success. While the process has required patience, it feels like San Jose is progressing toward contention faster than some might have anticipated. – Analysis by Shilton

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A Happy Landing for James Hagens

It`s always good to feel valued. James Hagens was considered by some to be a potential top prospect before the 2024-25 season. However, a solid but not spectacular season at Boston College, coupled with the rise of other players, saw his ranking drop. Some wondered if he might fall significantly in the first round.

But two events in the first round demonstrated strong interest in Hagens. First, the Islanders, according to GM Mathieu Darche, actively sought ways to draft the Long Island native using the two first-round picks acquired in the Noah Dobson trade. Islanders fans at their draft party even chanted, “We want Hagens!” cheering for anyone *but* the player they hoped to get.

Ultimately, Hagens did find himself somewhat close to home: The Boston Bruins selected him at No. 7, viewing the local college standout as a key piece for their roster retooling. To announce the pick, the Bruins enlisted none other than actor Adam Sandler, channeling his “Happy Gilmore” character via video. The journey was undoubtedly emotional for Hagens, and his first game against the Islanders wearing the Bruins` Spoked-B will surely be a surreal experience. – Analysis by Wyshynski

Adam Sandler announcing the Bruins pick added a celebrity touch to the draft.

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WHL`s Record-Tying First Round

Recall the Western Hockey League`s impressive showing in the 2014 draft? That year, the WHL set a league record with nine players selected in the first round. That group included future stars like Leon Draisaitl (No. 3) and Sam Bennett (No. 4), along with others who reached the NHL.

Eleven years later, the WHL matched that record, also having nine players chosen in the first round. It began with the Buffalo Sabres drafting Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka at No. 9, followed by the Ducks selecting Roger McQueen at No. 10. Mrtka`s selection at ninth continued the WHL`s streak of having a first-round pick for a fifth consecutive year. Having both Mrtka and McQueen in the top 10 extended another streak – four straight years with multiple top-10 picks, a run that started in 2022.

The WHL consistently produces a significant number of first-round talents. Entering this year`s draft, the league had placed five or more players in the first round in nine of the previous 11 drafts. Recent WHL alumni who have successfully transitioned to the NHL include Connor Bedard, Seth Jarvis, Kaiden Guhle, and Dylan Guenther. – Analysis by Clark

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St. Louis Blues` Social Media Game and Smart Picks

The St. Louis Blues showed their personality, specifically on social media, by announcing a two-year extension for promising young goaltender Joel Hofer with a playful jab. Their post noted he would *not* “be subject to offer sheets,” a clear reference to their previous moves in signing Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway via offer sheets from the Edmonton Oilers. This bit of friendly fire added some spice to the draft`s second day and was completely fair game.

But St. Louis` success wasn`t limited to their online presence. Beyond re-signing Hofer, a key part of their future in net, the Blues secured an excellent prospect in Justin Carbonneau at No. 19. His pick was announced by comedian and Blues enthusiast Nikki Glaser. Carbonneau is described as confident and physical, with the potential to become a 20-goal scorer in the NHL – a fitting prototype for the St. Louis organization. – Analysis by Shilton

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Arizona State Joins Elite University Club

While the full impact of most draft picks takes time to evaluate, the Calgary Flames` selection of forward Cullen Potter with the final pick of the first round (No. 32) had an immediate historical impact on his college program.

Potter became the first player from the Arizona State men`s hockey program to be drafted in the first round. ASU records indicate six players were draft picks as incoming freshmen, with notable alumni including Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord and Buffalo Sabres winger Josh Doan. Doan held the distinction of being the highest-drafted ASU player prior to Friday, taken 37th overall in 2021 by the Arizona Coyotes.

Potter`s first-round selection not only marked a major milestone for the ASU hockey program but also placed the university in exclusive company. Arizona State is now one of only a handful of schools to have produced first-round picks in MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA drafts. This elite list includes universities like Connecticut, Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.

Penn State is also notable, having first-round picks in four of these five leagues. However, they are set to have a first-round NHL draft pick on their roster next season with the arrival of defenseman Jackson Smith, who was drafted 14th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. – Analysis by Clark

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LOSERS

The General Managers Who Wanted This Format

The shift to a decentralized draft format was largely driven by 26 of the 32 NHL general managers, who cited reasons like travel cost savings and the ability to work from their home arenas. Regardless of how one felt about the overall presentation on Friday night, this majority preference was the initial catalyst for the format change, even if the NHL tried to make the best of it.

This decentralized approach contributed to a first round that stretched over four and a half hours. It also seemed to result in fewer trade fireworks, with veteran executives like Columbus` Don Waddell suggesting that the lack of face-to-face interaction on the draft floor hindered deal-making. Furthermore, it necessitated elements like the “NHL draft house,” where prospects video-called GMs who drafted them.

Many already suspected this format would be a one-off experiment. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman`s comments leading up to the draft often carried a “be careful what you wish for” tone, and the reaction to the first round likely solidified the decision to return to a traditional setup. – Analysis by Wyshynski

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Fans Desiring Draft-Day Trades

Credit is due to Detroit and Anaheim for the John Gibson trade, which provided at least one significant move *during* the draft itself. While the Noah Dobson trade was a blockbuster, it occurred before the draft officially began.

There`s always anticipation for teams to make moves ahead of free agency opening on July 1. Although there were rumors of other potential trades – perhaps involving players like Mitch Marner, Erik Karlsson, or Jason Robertson – none of these speculative deals materialized before the draft`s conclusion.

It`s exciting for fans to see “win-now” trades unfold alongside the unveiling of the league`s future talent. This year, that element was largely missing, which was a disappointment for many hoping for more draft-floor action. – Analysis by Shilton

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The NTDP`s First-Round Streak (Sort Of)

No NHL draft is complete without a debate centered on definitions and semantics. This year, that discussion revolved around whether the U.S. National Team Development Program`s (NTDP) first-round streak officially ended on Friday.

The situation is nuanced. The NTDP did have four alumni chosen in the first round: James Hagens, Logan Hensler, Will Horcoff, and Cullen Potter. However, all four were playing for different teams during their draft-eligible season.

So, if you count players who simply went through the program, the streak of NTDP alumni being drafted in the first round continues. But if the criteria is players who were *part* of the NTDP setup *this season*, then none were selected in the first round. The NTDP`s own website provides a precedent; for the 2024 draft, it listed only players who finished the season with the program (Eiserman and Emery) as first-rounders, excluding an alum who played elsewhere (Buium).

Under this interpretation (counting players from the current season`s roster), Friday marked the first time since 2008 that the NTDP did not have a player drafted in the first round. The 2008 draft saw eight NTDP players taken in the second round or later, before the 2009 draft began a new streak with Kyle Palmieri going 26th.

Despite this specific streak ending, the NTDP still had a highly successful draft overall, with 23 players selected across all rounds. This set a new program record, surpassing the previous high of 21 from 2016. – Analysis by Clark

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Formal Dress Codes

While details of the new collective bargaining agreement are still being finalized, it`s known that teams will no longer be able to mandate a dress code for players arriving or departing games. Hockey`s traditional fashion norms took another hit during the final round on Saturday afternoon.

The player selected with the second-to-last pick (No. 223) by the Edmonton Oilers accepted his new jersey while wearing shorts and a hoodie.

In his defense, Aidan Park lives just eight miles from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the draft venue. He explained he showed up because he had friends working the event. Park was a ranked prospect, having played in the USHL and committed to the University of Michigan. He genuinely didn`t expect to be drafted until his name was called, which was met with loud applause from the remaining attendees.

So, while most draftees were dressed impeccably in tailored suits, the nephew of former NHL player Richard Park kept it casual – and arguably won the draft`s fashion award. – Analysis by Wyshynski

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Finland`s Quiet Draft

Finnish hockey fans might want to look away from the draft results. The nation that has supplied the NHL with cornerstone players like Aleksander Barkov, Miro Heiskanen, and Mikko Rantanen did not have a single player selected in the first round on Friday.

This marked the beginning of an unusually quiet draft for Finland. Lasse Boelius was the first Finn chosen, going at No. 60 to the Ducks. Finland would not have another player drafted until the fourth round. The nation finished the draft with just eight players selected overall, the first time they`ve finished in single digits since 2014 when they had nine.

QuantHockey statistics show Finland ranks fifth in the number of players in the NHL. However, the absence of a first-round pick continues a recent pattern of alternating strong and weaker drafts for the country. Finland had a consistent streak of multiple first-rounders between 2004 and 2020, highlighted by the 2017 draft with six first-rounders, all of whom reached the NHL. Their streak ended in 2021. Since then, they`ve alternated: no first-rounders in 2021, two in 2022, none in 2023, and two last year. 2025 returns to a year with no first-round Finnish players. – Analysis by Clark