NHL Draft Outlook 2025
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, teams are reassessing their rosters and focusing on developing their prospects for a more competitive future. Understanding each team’s most critical needs, especially in their minor league systems, is essential as they chart their course in the coming years.
Team Assessments
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have cultivated a promising pool of young forwards, supplemented by rising talent in their defensive ranks, including players like Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, and Tristan Luneau. Despite their strength in offense, the Ducks may look to balance their roster more effectively in the future.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have seen a noticeable gap in their defenseman prospects since drafting Mason Lohrei in 2020. They haven’t picked a blueliner in the top three rounds since then, indicating a need for defensive depth as their system lacks impact players across all positions.
Buffalo Sabres
Recently, the Buffalo Sabres have invested heavily in young offensive players, but their defensive game remains a concern. While goalies Devon Levi and Ukko Pekka-Luukkonen show promise, the team struggles to maintain a strong defensive presence on the ice.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are addressing gaps in their center position after focusing on wingers in previous drafts. With the addition of top defense prospect Zayne Parekh last year, the emphasis is shifting towards strengthening their forward depth.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have experienced a similar struggle, drafting numerous skilled wingers but lacking viable center prospects after the underwhelming development of Ryan Suzuki and the recent trade of Jack Drury.
Chicago Blackhawks
In Chicago, the franchise has accumulated many young forwards and defensemen through strong draft performances. While the potential of Connor Bedard shines brightly, the Blackhawks still seek to diversify their center options to enhance future scoring capabilities.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche find themselves with substantial needs, particularly in the center position. With defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev as their sole bright spot in the prospect pool, adding offensive talent should be a pressing priority moving forward.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets have selected several high draft picks but are now in a better position with talent across the board. Still, after the lackluster performance of their 2022 sixth overall pick, David Jiricek, bolstering their defense depth may become essential.
Dallas Stars
In Dallas, while there are promising young talents on both offense and defense, the pipeline is not deep enough, indicating a potential need for more high-caliber prospects.
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit has been effective in building a strong future, particularly in net and on the blue line, but they are on the lookout for forwards equipped to score consistently.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have a light pipeline overall, although they have a few promising forwards. Their defense could critically benefit from additional young talent to support their existing structure.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have prioritized immediate success over developing their pipeline, having traded away many assets. While there are intriguing young forwards, the defense remains a significant area of need.
Los Angeles Kings
In Los Angeles, Quinton Byfield’s growth provides reassurance for center depth, but the team acknowledges that further fortification on defense is necessary.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild boast strong prospects without an evident need for goaltending; however, enhancing their offensive capabilities may be beneficial for a comprehensive approach to development.
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have amassed valuable defensive prospects, but there’s a notable gap at center that they need to address moving forward.
Nashville Predators
For the Nashville Predators, the current outlook is challenging, facing a drought of front-line talent in their system. They require an infusion of skill at all positions.
New Jersey Devils
Addressing their goaltender gaps, the New Jersey Devils drafted Mikhail Yegorov. Their focus should be on adding more scoring prowess to support their forwards.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders face considerable breadth of needs, particularly on defense as they build their foundational talent.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators’ lack of depth in their system limits them. They could use reinforcements at forward.
Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia’s selection of Jett Luchanko signals a move towards strengthening their center position, yet their system requires more than just surface-level improvements.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Despite limited picks, the Pittsburgh Penguins must address their center weaknesses, especially after trading Brayden Yager.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks must prioritize bolstering their defense despite the acquisition of promising offensive prospects.
Seattle Kraken
In Seattle, while a focus on skilled forwards has been beneficial, there’s still an urgent need for quality defense prospects.
St. Louis Blues
For the St. Louis Blues, after a draft focusing on defense, the emphasis must remain on finding centers to support their standout prospect, Dalibor Dvorsky.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s scant draft capital necessitates a comprehensive rebuilding effort, especially in defense.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ shallow prospects are pronounced following recent trades, with a pressing need for centers to bolster their options.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks have an urgent need for center prospects, not having used high picks on this position since drafting Elias Pettersson in 2017.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals, loading up on forward talent in their latest drafts, must recalibrate their focus on building a sturdy defensive lineup.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have a significant emphasis on backfilling their center positions, needing to invest further in their defensive prospects.
