2025 NHL Draft Overview
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches in just over a week, excitement builds around the numerous questions that will shape the future of the league come June 27. Set to lead the charge is the New York Islanders, who possess the coveted first overall selection.
Top Prospects
Widely recognized as the top prospect in this draft class, defenseman Matthew Schaefer stands out due to his impressive mix of size, agility, significant offensive upside, and an unyielding work ethic. His potential as a true top-pairing NHL defenseman makes him a likely choice for the Islanders.
However, there is an intriguing subplot with James Hagens, a local star from Long Island who was once touted as a potential top pick. His dynamic offensive capabilities could resonate deeply with Islanders’ fans, offering both emotional fan service and marketing advantages. Yet, following a lackluster finish to the season, scouts have adjusted his ranking down to around fifth overall, suggesting the Islanders will likely stick with Schaefer as their top pick over Hagens or Michael Misa of Saginaw, despite some ongoing discussions.
Misa has had a standout season as an exceptional status forward in the OHL, solidifying his status as the foremost candidate to be the first forward selected. His ability to drive the pace of play and generate offense puts him high on many teams’ wish lists. Other talented forwards in contention include:
- Porter Martone, a large winger with notable skill,
- Anton Frondell, who exhibits an all-around game and a powerful shot,
- Caleb Desnoyers, who boasts a standout season in the QMJHL, projecting as a center suited for tough matchups,
- Jake O’Brien and Roger McQueen both add size and adeptness down the middle.
Competition Among Prospects
Most NHL teams have earmarked Misa as their leading forward prospect, but there exists a consensus that players like Frondell could rival him in appeal. While McQueen would be an ideal choice for NHL teams due to his combination of size and skill, concerns linger regarding his previous back injury, which could complicate his draft positioning.
Another player generating buzz is goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen, who leads this year’s goaltending prospects although his performance has been inconsistent. His physicality and athleticism are assets, but he has shown erratic tendencies that might deter teams from investing a high pick in him. Although the trend leans toward avoiding early selections of goalies, the demand for a top-tier goaltender might push someone to take a gamble in the latter part of the first round.
Defensive Standouts
Following Schaefer, it remains uncertain who follows him among defensemen. Radim Mrtka, a large right-shot defenseman, displays significant skating and offensive skill while Jackson Smith brings impressive mobility but has been inconsistent. Kashawn Aitcheson stands out due to his physical play, making the decision on who comes next highly contingent upon team preferences.
Brady Martin’s stock has risen considerably after impressive performances, especially at the U18 World Championships. His combination of physical play and skill has made him an attractive option, and he might find himself selected much earlier than predicted a few weeks ago.
Names to Watch
Meanwhile, Hagens remains a name to watch as he could still land in the top ten, though his slight stature and average physicality have raised questions about his potential impact at the next level. Ivan Ryabkin initially appeared poised for a top-10 pick but has faced scrutiny due to behavioral issues that haunted his time in the USHL, pulling him back into the conversation for first-round contention.
Finally, this year’s draft features relatively few elite prospects from Finland, leading to questions about which players might emerge from the class. Mason West, a fascinating dual-sport athlete, could cement his status as a first-round talent if he chooses to focus on hockey. Teams may hesitate, however, if they believe he might switch gears to pursue football after high school, leaving enticing questions ahead of the draft.
