2025 NHL Mock Draft – Top 15 picks

With the 2025 NHL Draft set to take place on June 27th and 28th, this is the time where everyone puts their Nostradamus hats on and attempts to predict the future. 

But before we get started, it is my opinion that this year’s draft is a lot like the 2006 draft, and for several reasons. 

In 2006, five players made their case to be drafted number one overall—Erik Johnson, Jordan Staal, Jonathan Toews, Nick Backstrom, and Phil Kessel, respectively. The same can be said for this year’s crop of prospects. At the time, Kessel was viewed as the number one overall pick for the longest stretch, but it was Johnson who eventually went first overall.

Secondly, out of the first ten selections in 2006, six were centers. The same kind of “run on centers” could happen this June, with perhaps six, maybe even seven, projected to be taken in the first ten picks.

But let’s get back to 2025. Here’s the first half of my draft predictions, presuming no trades. This class doesn’t feature a Bedard or Celebrini, but there’s plenty of future starters cast throughout:

New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

If I were the Isles, I would draft Michael Misa, but defensemen with Schaefer’s skills do not come around very often. The Isles play it safe and grab the best defensemen on the board. 

San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)

Misa might be the best player with future all-star potential in the 2025 draft. San Jose gets a gift here when the Isles choose Schaefer. 

Chicago Blackhawks – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

James Hagens would be my choice for the Hawks here, but O’Brien brings his 6’2 frame to the center position, where Chicago needs more size. 

Utah Mammoth – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL) 

As much as it pains me to say it, Martone playing alongside Logan Cooley sounds like a match made in heaven. That pairing could be one of the best for years to come. 

Nashville Predators – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

The Predators always seem to value and or draft for offense, and Hagens is a solid fit for their rebuild. He will fill a need and slot in as a future first or second-line center for them. 

Philadelphia Flyers – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

Imagine that—the Flyers grab a massive center ice man (McQueen is 6’5”), and with newly minted Head Coach Rick Tocchet, there could not be a more perfect fit for the Broad Street Bullies. 

Boston Bruins – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (SWE-2)

Frondell is a sniper and ready to play in the pros. I can see a scenario where he makes the roster for the Bruins sooner rather than later. He could be the steal of round one at the seven spot. 

Seattle Kraken – Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

Mrtka is a right-handed, puck-moving defenseman who can skate. And oh, by the way, he just happens to be 6’6” with room to add bulk to his frame. This is a no-brainer for the Kraken. 

Buffalo Sabres – Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (SWE-2)

Eklund is an emerging talent who will need a few years to mature before taking to the NHL ice, but his vision and playmaking will make him a star winger in Buffalo. 

Anaheim Ducks – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

Desnoyers is the best pure skater in the class of 2025 and should be a top five pick, but in my mock, his need to develop his full game before he appears in the NHL pushes him down to the Ducks at the ten spot. They will be happy to wait for him, and when he’s ready, he should be a star for Anaheim. 

Pittsburgh Penguins - Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

The Pens could draft a center here to replace the aging Evgeni Malkin but have some latitude if the Rangers forfeit the twelfth overall selection to Pittsburgh this year (instead of an unprotected first rounder in 2026). Aitcheson has offensive skills and brings a physical style of game missing in Pittsburgh. Desnoyers and Brady Martin could also be in the mix here if the Rangers do not forego their pick. 

New York Rangers - Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Assuming the Rangers keep this pick, Martin is a great fit for new Head Coach Mike Sullivan’s style and game. The Rangers can use help up the middle, and Martin will fill that void for them nicely at twelve.

Detroit Red Wings – Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)

Bear’s Achilles injury brings some concern to his draft status, but all indications are that he’s on the mend, and the Wings get a steal here as a result. 

Columbus Blue Jackets - Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

Smith is a 6’3”, 195 lbs blue liner with above average speed. He projects as a power play specialist and can lead a team’s penalty killing. The Jackets finally start to fill the holes along their blue line with the addition of Smith here. 

Vancouver Canucks – Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

Hensler’s a right-handed defenseman who can move. He’s a great disrupter in the defensive zone and with his hockey IQ, always seems to be in the right position. He will be a top-four pairing for the Canucks down the road.