Inside the 2025 NHL Mock Draft: Shocking Surprises and Bold Predictions That Could Redefine the First Two Rounds
After countless hours of crunching data, back-and-forth conversations, and deep dives with insiders—from agents to scouts, coaches, and family members—I’ve finally pieced together my definitive mock draft for the 2025 NHL Draft. This isn’t just the usual list tossed together; it’s a meticulously crafted two-round forecast with 64 picks, blending sharp intel with my educated instincts on team strategies, player potential, and the ever-shifting consensus. Along the way, I’ve sketched out alternate paths and potential curveballs that could shape how this draft unfolds, offering a nuanced lens into what could be a thrilling journey for many hopefuls. Curious to explore every twist and turn? LEARN MORE
The work is done. The phone calls and text messages have been sent and received. And after a season of speaking with agents, scouts, coaches and family members, here is my final mock draft for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Packed with intel, this two-round, 64-pick mock combines sourcing with my sense for team need and leanings, as well as the consensus range for these players. Throughout, I’ve also mapped out different scenarios, considerations and contingencies for certain picks.
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Commentary
I haven’t heard a single thing in recent weeks that leads me to believe it’s not Schaefer here, and haven’t spoken with a single scout in months who thinks he’s not the No. 1 prospect in this class. If there was a debate to be had, I think the way he presented at the combine put it to bed. Schaefer looks like a first-pairing D and carries himself like he’s NHL captain material.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 2″
Weight
186 Ibs
Photo:
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
LHD
Islanders
Commentary
A couple of weeks ago, I heard that the Sharks were quietly showing real interest in Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers, causing some to wonder if it maybe wasn’t Misa here. One source also connected Porter Martone, and mentioned the Sharks’ desire to add a big winger. I also heard Misa told one team at the combine that he wasn’t sure the Sharks were going to take him. But as I’ve followed up on those four players, the majority of folks think the Sharks are leaning Misa, and that he’d love to go there. I don’t think it’s cut and dry here, though, is my sense. If I had to guess as to which player it’d be if it’s not him, I’d say Frondell, then Martone, then Desnoyers.
Height
6′ 1″
Team
Saginaw
Weight
182 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Commentary
I’ve been saying since the start that I believe this pick comes down to three players for the Blackhawks: Misa, Frondell and Desnoyers. I think it’s in that order, too, and if the Sharks don’t take Misa, I’d bet the Blackhawks do. James Hagens, because of his size and the size of their pool, and Martone, because of his below-average pace, just don’t feel like fits for the Blackhawks. I still think the thicker Frondell is the most likely outcome here. One thing to keep an eye on, though: the Blackhawks have been shopping this pick, or at least have expressed they’re open to offers on it, and the Rangers, Sabres and Penguins have all discussed it with them.
Height
6′ 1.25″
Team
Djurgarden
Weight
204 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
C
Blackhawks
Commentary
I’ve said for the last couple of months that Brady Martin is in the conversation starting at No. 4 with Utah. I believe the Mammoth like Jake O’Brien a lot as well. But Desnoyers was trending as a top 4-5 consensus player in this draft all year, and I know he really stamped that with impressive interviews at the combine. Utah has also spent extra time with him, and he’d fit in really nicely as the 2C of the future behind Logan Cooley. The Mammoth are the most common team I’ve heard connected to trade talk ahead of the draft this year as well (and specifically that they’re after an established goalie this offseason).
Height
6′ 1.5″
Team
Moncton
Weight
178 Ibs
Photo:
Daniel St. Louis / Moncton Wildcats
Daniel St. Louis / Moncton Wildcats
Commentary
My sense for this pick hasn’t changed. I could see the Preds considering Hagens, Martin and Desnoyers if he’s around here, but I also know they were in Brampton a lot to watch Martone this year (including upper management), and I think he’s their guy. Martone would give them the high-skill, top-of-the-lineup forward prospect they’ve been searching for as long as the organization has existed. Right-shot wingers with his size and profile don’t grow on trees either, even if center is the more premium position.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 3″
Team
Brampton
Weight
204 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
RW
Predators
Commentary
The Flyers are high on all three of Martin, O’Brien and Hagens, and I’ve had two different people say O’Brien and Martin “don’t get past the Flyers.” And yet, if Utah doesn’t take one of them, I think there’s a chance both are here and as a result one of them *does* get past the Flyers. I know they’ve spent extra time with all three of those guys. But there are a lot of people in the NHL who think they’re going to take Martin. I could see a scenario where Martin was the guy they liked and thought they could get, and Hagens was the guy they didn’t think would get to them, but would take if he did, for example. I’m partial to Hagens, but a lot of the teams near the top love Martin, and it’s easy to see why if you know him.
Height
6′ 0″
Weight
186 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Commentary
Everyone I’ve talked to in the last week or so seems to think O’Brien/Martin/Hagens don’t get past the Flyers and Bruins at 6-7, and yet one of the top eight guys has to go outside the top seven. I’ve also heard the Bruins have looked into moving up. I do think it’s interesting that the Flyers and Bruins seem to like the same three guys and pick back-to-back, though, and Hagens just makes so much sense for the Bruins as that high-end piece to build around if he’s there.
Height
5′ 10.5″
Team
Boston College
Weight
186 Ibs
Photo:
Eric Canha / Imagn Images
Eric Canha / Imagn Images
Commentary
I’ve spoken to a couple of different people who are convinced O’Brien goes to one of Utah, Philly or Boston at 4, 6 or 7. Despite never having drafted a D with any of their top picks, I’m starting to think the Kraken probably take whichever of the consensus top eight is available, though. I could see the Kraken considering Roger McQueen for how different he is from the other centers they’ve drafted high as well. Eventually, they’ll have to take a D with a first. I’m not sure this is the year they do it. I’ll say this, too: I wouldn’t be totally shocked if Hagens is the one who lingers. I think there’s a scenario where the Sharks don’t take Misa and then the Blackhawks do and Frondell slips a little as well.
Height
6′ 1.75″
Team
Brantford
Weight
172 Ibs
Photo:
Brandon Taylor / OHL Images
Brandon Taylor / OHL Images
Commentary
As I’ve previously reported, I’ve had Mrtka connected to the Sabres. If it’s not Mrtka, I could see it being McQueen, though. They could use his size within their pool and could use a premium center prospect, too.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 5.75″
Team
Seattle
Weight
218 Ibs
Photo:
Brian Liesse / Seattle Thunderbirds
Brian Liesse / Seattle Thunderbirds
Commentary
As I previously reported, one scout noted to me that the Ducks took McQueen out to a “sneaky” dinner just before the combine in Buffalo. I think he makes a lot of sense for them. They have a good pool at forward and on defense but I think it’s slightly more likely they take whichever of the top forwards is still available, and McQueen, Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish would give them a unique mix of young players — and a big one (McQueen, Sennecke and Carlsson all still have room to fill out further, too). Despite a deep D pool, they don’t have a D that looks like Mrtka either, so he could be of interest if available. And Kashawn Aitcheson and Stian Solberg have some similarities, so I could see them being drawn to the ultra-competitive Barrie Colts D for the same reasons (even if a bit redundant). McQueen makes the most sense, though, and I think he goes top 10-11.
Height
6′ 5.25″
Team
Brandon
Weight
198 Ibs
Photo:
Jeremy Champagne / Brandon Wheat Kings
Jeremy Champagne / Brandon Wheat Kings
Commentary
The Penguins are high on Martone and Hagens, and the sense I’ve gotten is that if they can swing a move to move up, Martone will be the target. I think they’d be all over McQueen and Mrtka if they get to here as well. But there are no trades in this mock, all four of those names are gone, and I know they took Aitcheson out for dinner in Buffalo. A lefty like Aitcheson or Jackson Smith makes a lot of sense for them, given the rise of righty Harrison Brunicke. If they were to get the Rangers’ pick at No. 12, I could see a winger like Lynden Lakovic being a fit as well.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 1.5″
Team
Barrie
Weight
199 Ibs
Photo:
Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Terry Wilson / OHL Images
LHD
Penguins
Commentary
There are people in the league who think the Rangers are after Aitcheson if they don’t move up. If Aitcheson is here, I’d mock him to them. He fits the ultra-competitive, thorny DNA they’ve targeted at the draft. If he’s not here, my mind has gone to Smith. Their pool needs D more than forwards, unless they can add one of the premium forwards. The sense I got at the combine and out of my scouts survey was that Smith goes right around the top 10. Either way, I think the Rangers probably go D here. I could see this being the start of Logan Hensler’s range as well if the other top D are gone.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 4″
Team
Tri-City
Weight
199 Ibs
Photo:
Portland Winterhawks
Portland Winterhawks
LHD
Rangers
Commentary
Despite how quiet they keep things as an organization, the Red Wings have been an easier team to mock over the last few years because they have a clear type. The challenge this year is that there are multiple Steve Yzerman types in their range, instead of just one or two. I could see them taking Aitcheson or Smith if they were to get here, but if they don’t, there are a number of forwards that fit their mold, including wingers Carter Bear, Justin Carbonneau and Eklund, and centers Braeden Cootes and Cole Reschny. No. 13 would be a little early for Cootes and Reschny (at least relative to the consensus), though, and the Red Wings do have solid center prospects in Nate Danielson and Marco Kasper. Bear and Eklund also fit their archetype the closest. I debated Bear here and mocked him to them last time because he’s a lefty, they have right-shot wingers like Michael Brandsegg-Nygård and Lucas Raymond, and they could probably use a little more size, but Eklund is their type, he’s the higher ranked winger in the consensus, and I wonder if Bear’s Achilles injiury (even though he’s now back skating) and stiff interviews at the combine hold him back ever so slightly. I could still absolutely see him here, but I’m leaning Eklund at the moment and trusting my gut on this one more than the others.
Position
RW
Height
5′ 11″
Team
Djurgarden
Weight
169 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
RW
Red Wings
Commentary
I’ve gone pretty consistently to two names with the Blue Jackets: Smith, if he’s here (and I’d throw Aitcheson in there as well, but I’m starting to feel like both will be gone), and Lakovic. As I reported previously, they like Lakovic, and I think he makes a lot of sense for them as a big left-shot winger with a compelling skating-skill package as a potential up-and-down the lineup top-nine winger. While I’m sure they’d love to add a D here, and Cameron Reid seems to really be trending to go in the teens, I don’t get the sense they’re the team that will take him/that he’s a fit there.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 4″
Team
Moose Jaw
Weight
200 Ibs
Photo:
Nick Pettigrew / Moose Jaw Warriors
Nick Pettigrew / Moose Jaw Warriors
LW
Blue Jackets
Commentary
The consensus seems to be that Cootes is going to go in the 15-20 range, and the Canucks took him to dinner at the combine. They’d be familiar with his game due to the proximity to Seattle, and their top prospects at the moment are a D (Tom Willander) and a winger (Jonathan Lekkerimäki). I don’t think Lekkerimäki, who has had some ups and downs this year in the AHL, precludes them from taking a winger by any means (I’ve heard they like Eklund and I mocked him there in my last mock), and could see them prioritizing the higher skill level of Justin Carbonneau and Bear over Cootes here because they need talent, but Cootes makes a lot of sense as a projectable middle-six C.
I could see the Canucks take defenseman Cameron Reid, too. I think they’re the start of his range.
Height
5′ 11.25″
Team
Seattle
Weight
183 Ibs
Photo:
Kyle Smutzki
Kyle Smutzki
Commentary
Habs fans don’t seem to be fans of them taking Reid with one of these picks, and I’ve heard about it when I’ve mocked him there twice. But I’m doing it a third time, and as I wrote the last time around, I know they’re high on him. I don’t think having Lane Hutson and Reid on your back end prevents you from building a winning six-man blue line, either. Awesome player, and the Habs faithful will come around on him if they go this way.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 0″
Team
Kitchener
Weight
183 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
LHD
Canadiens
Commentary
What do Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Patrik Laine, Juraj Slafkovský, Kirby Dach, Ivan Demidov, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and even Oliver Kapanen, Michael Hage and Owen Beck have in common? Regardless of their handedness, they all prefer to play right wing. For that reason, the more I’ve thought about left-shot wingers like Lakovic and Bear more than a right-shot winger like Carbonneau for the Habs with this second first-round pick. Even if several of those players won’t be with the Canadiens long- or even medium-term, you can see the point. If Lakovic makes it here, I could see Montreal take him. The same goes for Bear as an up-and-down-the-lineup top-nine winger who can play with anybody. I wouldn’t at all rule out a center like Reschny with their desire to find that 2C, but Bear just felt a little more likely for me here. An off-the-board one that one person connected to Montreal: Cullen Potter. This would be a little early, and he probably doesn’t get to them at No. 41, but I figured I’d at least mention it.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 0″
Team
Everett
Weight
179 Ibs
Photo:
Caroline Anne / Everett Silvertips
Caroline Anne / Everett Silvertips
LW
Canadiens
Commentary
The Flames’ pool is deepest on defense and deeper on the wing than it is at center. They should consider Reschny here if he’s around, and I think they’re a team that would. But I don’t think Matvei Gridin or Aydar Suniev preclude them from taking a winger here, and I think there are good odds that one of the second-tier wingers lingers. Some wonder about Carbonneau’s defensive play, his average skating, his late-stage agency switch and consider him a little cocky — and while those are all viewed as very minor things, and he could go higher than here as a 6-1 winger with a legitimate skill-scoring-size-physicality package, is it just enough to make him the one that slips a little? (It’s worth noting I’m a big fan of Carbonneau, he’d be my best player available here, I’m not the only one, and I think the Flames pool could really use a player like him.)
If the Flames go winger, they could also always go center with their next pick, and there are a couple of talented options who could make it.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 1.25″
Team
Blainville-Boisbriand
Weight
205 Ibs
Photo:
Sebastien Gervais / CHL
Sebastien Gervais / CHL
Commentary
Reschny could go to the Canucks, Canadiens and Flames just in front of the Blues, but if he gets to them, I think they’d strongly consider him. He’d be a great fit, and they’re a team that could use another center prospect behind Dalibor Dvorsky. I believe they’d be the floor for Cameron Reid, but I’m not convinced Reid gets to them. Logan Hensler could be in the mix here as well.
Height
5′ 10.5″
Team
Victoria
Weight
183 Ibs
Photo:
Kevin Light / Victoria Royals
Kevin Light / Victoria Royals
Commentary
If the Blue Jackets take a forward like Lakovic with their first pick, I could see them take a D here and would bet that both Hensler and Sascha Boumedienne (who would be a nice story after playing in minor hockey in Columbus for a couple of years) would be more likely for their group than Fiddler. I could see them take a D here even if they take a D at No. 14, too.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 2.5″
Team
Wisconsin
Weight
198 Ibs
Photo:
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
RHD
Blue Jackets
Commentary
There are a few players in this range that fit as Senators types. I could see their group liking competitive MoDo center Milton Gastrin, raw 6-5 skating defenseman Simon Wang (though that pick would be more likely in a move-back), the further-along Fiddler (I think this is probably the start of Fiddler’s range) and Daniil Prokhorov as well. But the two players I’ve kept coming back to are Nesbitt, a big center with skill and some presence to him, and Malcolm Spence, a 6-1 winger who plays a likable, competitive, honest game. Both scream Senators as prospects and fit into this early 20s range.
Height
6′ 4.5″
Team
Windsor
Weight
186 Ibs
Photo:
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Commentary
Prokhorov is really trending up right now based on the conversations I’ve had, and regardless of who the Flyers take at No. 6, they could/probably should look to add size to their pool with this second selection. Nesbitt, if he’s here, would make a lot of sense as a potential 3C of the future behind whoever they take at No. 6 and Jett Luchanko. But Prokhorov, as a big, strong, competitive secondary-scoring winger who can skate, makes a lot of sense for them, too. They’ve also got a contingent of Russians, which it never hurts to have when adding another. He’s going to go by the early 20s, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the late teens.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 5″
Team
Dynamo St. Petersburg
Weight
209 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Commentary
The Preds’ pool is notably thinner on the back end than it is up front, and that’ll be even more pronounced after they take a forward at the top this year. I’d bet they take a D with one of their two picks late in the first as a result, and I could see it being either of Fiddler or Boumedienne. Both are strong skaters. Fiddler is a 6-5 righty who could play opposite Tanner Molendyk, their top D prospect, as a complementary partner, but doesn’t offer much with the puck. Boumedienne is a lefty who offers a little more offense and has more room for physical development. I don’t think it’s nothing that Fiddler’s dad, Vernon, played for almost a decade within the Preds organization, either. I don’t think it’s out of the question that Hensler gets here, either.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 1.75″
Team
Boston University
Weight
184 Ibs
Photo:
BU Athletics
BU Athletics
LHD
Predators
Commentary
The sense I’ve gotten is that the Kings are likely to take a D here. I’ve also heard they want to get bigger. Those two things point to Fiddler, but I don’t think Wang is completely out of the question late in the first round, either. If Reid were to be here, I think they’d take him even though he doesn’t check the size box, but he’ll be long gone. Boumedienne would also be an option they could consider if he’s available. I think this is the start of where Henry Brzustewicz enters the conversation as an option for some teams, too. Hensler could even get here as well (it wouldn’t shock me at least).
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 4.5″
Team
Edmonton
Weight
220 Ibs
Photo:
Andy Devlin / CHL
Andy Devlin / CHL
Commentary
If either Prokhorov or Nesbitt (probably in that order) is here, I could see the Blackhawks targeting both to add more size to their pool. They’ve shown a willingness to be aggressive and look to move up as well, and I could see those two being targets for them in that kind of scenario. With both gone in this one, though, Spence, with his good speed, competitiveness and consistent effort level and game, makes a lot of sense as a projectable middle-six winger who plays a winning style and can play with anyone.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 0.75″
Weight
190 Ibs
Photo:
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
Brandon Soto / OHL Images
LW
Blackhawks
Commentary
Preds fans are probably tired of seeing me mock Ravensbergen to them, but leaving the first round with a forward, a defenseman and the top goalie in the class (though that’s not an absolute consensus and the two Russian goalies do have some camps) would be a really nice day for them. After moving Yaroslav Askarov, the Preds’ pool could use a young goalie. Ravensbergen’s timeline would align nicely with Juuse Saros’ when Askarov’s didn’t.
Height
6′ 5.25″
Team
Prince George
Weight
191 Ibs
Photo:
James Doyle / Prince George Cougars
James Doyle / Prince George Cougars
G
Predators
Commentary
The Caps have taken some swings at the draft over the last couple of years on talented but undersized players. Andrew Cristall, Cole Hutson and even Terik Parascak, to a certain degree, were choices others weren’t making around them, and I think it’s going to pay off. But they’ve also drafted a lot of wingers; when you add Ryan Leonard and Ivan Miroshnichenko to that group, it’s been a minute since they’ve taken a center. Gastrin, a projectable 3C, makes a lot of sense for them if he’s here. The Caps also had a big contingent at U18 worlds, where he finished strong. Benjamin Kindel and Potter would align more with the Cristall/Parascak choices, and both are technically listed as centers, but many believe they’ll be wingers in the NHL.
Height
6′ 0.75″
Weight
194 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Commentary
The Jets’ pool could use a defenseman (Elias Salomonsson is their only prospect of note on D) and a goalie more than a forward. If Ravensbergen is here, I could see them being another team to take him. But a defenseman is more likely and both Brzustewicz and even Wang are justifiable in this range. They also have a signed London Knights teammate of Brzustewicz’s within their pool already in Jacob Julien.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 1.75″
Team
London
Weight
203 Ibs
Photo:
Luke Durda / OHL Images
Luke Durda / OHL Images
Commentary
The offensive IQ of Kindel, the scoring of Jakob Ihs-Wozniak and the skill of Ryker Lee make each of them a potential target for a Canes group that has prioritized skill and offense over the years, even when it has at times come with some risk or been outside the consensus. But Potter, the best skater in the draft for me, also feels like a Canes pick and a worthy swing late in the first round. Players who can fly like him usually aren’t available late in the first, but there are mixed opinions on him, and he’s 5-10. The Canes could feel comfortable making the bet.
Height
5′ 9.25″
Team
Arizona State
Weight
172 Ibs
Photo:
Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP
Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP
C
Hurricanes
Commentary
In an ideal world, the Sharks would probably like to add a D here. I could see them being another team to take Brzustewicz in the late first as well. But with Brzustewicz gone, I’m not sure this is the range that a team quite feels comfortable taking Wang or Max Psenicka. If they don’t go D, an up-and-down-the-lineup winger who can play with pace and skill or pace and work ethic, like Zonnon, makes sense. Zonnon may end up an early Day 2 pick, but he could sneak into the late first.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 1.75″
Team
Rouyn-Noranda
Weight
185 Ibs
Photo:
Jean Lapointe
Jean Lapointe
Commentary
Even if they take a player like Nesbitt or Prokhorov with their second first, I could see the Flyers prioritize size again with their third pick and really make a dent in adding it at two or three of the selections. I’m not convinced they’ll take three forwards, as their pool could use another defenseman behind Oliver Bonk, but they have two second-round picks in the next 10 selections after this as well and could turn their attention to some D prospects who fit better in that range in this scenario. Prokhorov and Horcoff would really change the complexion and shape of their pool. Shane Vansaghi, who has some late-first-round momentum, could go here for the same reason.
Height
6′ 4.75″
Team
University of Michigan
Weight
203 Ibs
Photo:
Michigan Photography
Michigan Photography
Commentary
If the Flames take a winger at No. 18, I could see them target a center at No. 32. Kindel, who has been playing for the WHL team they own, makes a lot of sense, not just for those reasons but also to add some offensive smarts/skill to their pool. It’s not often you can find a 99-point WHLer this late.
Height
5′ 10.25″
Team
Calgary
Weight
180 Ibs
Photo:
Jenn Pierce
Jenn Pierce
Commentary
If the Sharks don’t take a D with their second first-rounder, I’d bet they take one to kick off Round 2. The 6-5 Psenicka, who some scouts think has more skill than his numbers indicate, is going to go in this range and makes a lot of sense to potentially slot in behind Sam Dickinson someday.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 5″
Team
Portland
Weight
185 Ibs
Photo:
Keith Dwiggins / WHL
Keith Dwiggins / WHL
Commentary
If the Blackhawks don’t take a Prokhorov/Nesbitt type with their first-rounder, I could see them prioritize size with this early second, and a player like Nestrasil makes sense. If they do get size with their first and feel less of a need to target it here, I wonder about a player like Alexander Zharovsky as a worthwhile skill swing for them. And if they go D here, I wonder about Psenicka to them as well.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 5″
Team
Muskegon
Weight
187 Ibs
Photo:
Courtesy Muskegon Lumberjacks
Courtesy Muskegon Lumberjacks
RW
Blackhawks
Commentary
If the Preds walk away from Day 1 with one of the top forwards, a second-tier D and the top goalie, they’ll have a little more freedom to take a swing early on Day 2. Their pool could also use a little more size. West fits the bill. I could see Wang here if they want to prioritize another D and take a swing on size. I could see them take Vansaghi as well.
Height
6′ 6.25″
Team
Edina High
Weight
218 Ibs
Photo:
Marissa Schiock / Fargo Force
Marissa Schiock / Fargo Force
C
Predators
Commentary
The Flyers need size and could both stand to add a D prospect (especially if they take three forwards in the first round) and stand to take a swing as the team with the highest concentration of top 50 picks. Wang, with his raw profile, length and high-end skating, makes almost too much sense for them if he’s here. Philadelphia has a recent history with BU commits as well.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 5.75″
Team
Oshawa
Weight
222 Ibs
Photo:
Tucker Nadon / OJHL Images
Tucker Nadon / OJHL Images
Commentary
If the Capitals target a more projectable center or D with their late first, I could see them take another second-round cut on a skill-first type like Ihs-Wozniak, Lee or Zharovsky. Ihs-Wozniak gives them a little more size, though, even if he’s still learning how to use it.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 2.25″
Weight
190 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
RW
Capitals
Commentary
The Kraken have to take a D here, right? Right? I could see them targeting Kurban Limatov (though this is a little early), or Psenicka if he makes it. If it’s not one of those two here, a big boy like Rombach or Peyton Kettles will get consideration in this range and would give the Kraken something they don’t have in their pool. If they go D with their first, they’re an amateur scouting group that I could see take a swing on one of the skilled wingers in this range like Lee, Zharovsky or Ihs-Wozniak.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 6.25″
Team
Lincoln
Weight
209 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Commentary
The sense I got coming out of the combine was that Vansaghi was trending up and could go late first/early 30s. If he doesn’t go to one of the teams I’ve highlighted as a potential option above, though, I can’t imagine he gets past the Sabres, an organization that should want to add a heavy player exactly like him to its mix.
Height
6′ 2.5″
Team
Michigan State
Weight
212 Ibs
Photo:
MSU Athletic Communications
MSU Athletic Communications
Commentary
McKinney, a well-rounded, well-built center who projects safely as a 3C, is going to go in the 30s or early 40s, I believe. The Flyers like his type and could use a center like him in the organizational depth chart.
Height
6′ 0″
Weight
200 Ibs
Photo:
Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP
Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP
Commentary
Moore is one of the only centers likely to be available early on Day 2 who has the talent, smarts and potential to develop into a middle-six C. The Canadiens should be on the hunt for that, especially if they take a D and a winger in the first round.
Height
6′ 2.25″
Weight
180 Ibs
Photo:
Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP
Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP
C
Canadiens
Commentary
Nilson, a Michigan State commit, is a well-liked player who is expected to go in the 30s or 40s. He’s a smart, crafty, intuitive player who plays the right way and has speed and skill. Adding muscle will be important, but I could see him becoming a riser post-draft and catching some of the players in front of him. He’d be a nice addition behind Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman in the Isles’ pool.
Height
6′ 0″
Team
Orebro
Weight
166 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
C
Islanders
Commentary
Some scouts believe Frolov is in the conversation as the top goalie prospect/highest upside goalie in this draft. I could see the Rangers begin to start looking for a young goalie whose timeline aligns with Igor Shesterkin’s, and Frolov fits the bill. I could see Matthew Gard here as well. Rangers amateur scout Shaun Sutter drafted Gard into Red Deer when he was the assistant general manager there, and he’s the type of player they like.
Height
6′ 3″
Team
Togliatti
Weight
203 Ibs
Commentary
Kettles is a big, mobile, physical right-shot D with more puck-moving ability than his numbers indicate. He’s projected to go in this range of the draft and is one of its youngest players. The Red Wings could use a D prospect of his makeup, and he could someday slot in as a depth D behind Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka. This isn’t Brady Cleveland 2.0, either. Rombach could be an option here for the same reason.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 5.5″
Team
Swift Current
Weight
195 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
RHD
Red Wings
Commentary
With the pick they acquired in the Trevor Zegras trade, the Ducks take Genborg, who would add more heaviness to their pool and is expected to be picked in this range. He’s a big, strong, hardworking player who projects as a bottom-sixer.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 1.5″
Team
Linkoping
Weight
205 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Commentary
The assumption seems to be that the Mammoth are just singularly focused on size, but I don’t think that’s the case, and I think their group is willing to take swings. I’ve heard they’re high on the miniature Adam Benak, and I could see them take Jack Murtagh here (though Murtagh is thick). I could also see them targeting Zharovsky, a highly skilled Russian with first-round talent who I think will go high second or not much lower than this.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 1″
Weight
165 Ibs
Commentary
If the Canucks decide to draft more for projectability with their first-rounder, I wonder if they’ll take a cut on a high-skill type here. They need to inject skill into their pool, and Lee has some of the best pure puck skills in the draft. He performed really well at the combine as well, which I think gave teams more confidence that his average skating should improve following a growth spurt.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 1.25″
Team
Madison
Weight
192 Ibs
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Commentary
The Flyers are another team that everyone assumes wants to get bigger, but I’ve also heard they like the diminutive Benak. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take him in the second, but I wonder if the teams that do like Benak roll the dice and see if they can grab him later in the second or the third. I still think adding some size, strength and competitivenss on their blue line should be and likely is a priority, too, and Hallquisth plays a hard and efficient game.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 1.25″
Team
Orebro
Weight
186 Ibs
Photo:
Courtesy Orebro HK
Courtesy Orebro HK
Commentary
The Canadiens love the super competitive types, and there are two players in this range that I’ve come back to with them: Gard and Carter Klippenstein. Klippenstein is one of the most competitive players in the class, and I could see them liking him for some of the same reasons they liked Florian Xhekaj. But Gard is even bigger and offers some of the same qualities while also having more areas for development in front of him.
Height
6′ 4.75″
Team
Red Deer
Weight
195 Ibs
Photo:
Taylor Lachance / WHL
Taylor Lachance / WHL
C
Canadiens
Commentary
Murtagh probably goes a little ahead of here, but a disappointing U18s could have moved him from closer to the front of the second round into this range. The Devils could use a forward prospect who can put the puck in the net.
Position
LW
Height
6′ 0.5″
Weight
198 Ibs
Photo:
Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP
Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP
Commentary
The Bruins were at a good number of Kitchener Rangers games this year, and as they try to rebuild their pool, they need to inject some skill into it. Romano needs to be more consistent, but his skating/skill package gets a second-round grade, and I think he goes in the 50-70 range. I wonder about talented BU commit Conrad Fonrdrk here or in the third round for the Bruins as well.
Height
5′ 11.25″
Team
Kitchener
Weight
177 Ibs
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Commentary
I don’t think the Wild would be afraid to take Benak or Cameron Schmidt here. If they go D, I could see Bryce Pickford or Hallquisth for them in this range. But Czata, a competitive, hardworking forward who rose into the second-round mix this season and profiles like a future third-liner, could be a solid pick.
Height
6′ 1.5″
Team
Niagara
Weight
178 Ibs
Photo:
Brandon Taylor / OHL Images
Brandon Taylor / OHL Images
Commentary
The sense I’ve gotten is that Ivankovic, despite his 5-foot-11.5 listing, is going to go in the second round. If the Sharks go D again here, names like Carter Amico, Pickford and Limatov fit. But despite having just acquired Yaroslav Askarov, I could see them take another goalie fairly high in this draft.
Height
5′ 11.5″
Team
Brampton
Weight
178 Ibs
Photo:
Charles Warburton / Brampton Steelheads
Charles Warburton / Brampton Steelheads
Commentary
Stockselius needs to get quicker, but he’s a pro-sized forward who’s effective all over the ice and can play different roles. He could be a potential future third-liner for a team like the Flames, and he’s going to go in this late-second/early-third range.
Height
6′ 3″
Team
Djurgarden
Weight
196 Ibs
Photo:
Courtesy Djurgardens IF
Courtesy Djurgardens IF
Commentary
Benak, despite his small stature, is liked in NHL circles more than people realize. I think he goes in the second round, and the Preds are one of several teams that have shown a good amount of interest.
One thing to watch out for as well: Despite having mocked Ravensbergen to the Preds, I’m not necessarily convinced he’s their guy, and I wonder about Ivankovic here if they go all skaters with their three first-rounders. I think that’s a real possibility.
Height
5′ 7.25″
Team
Youngstown
Weight
164 Ibs
Photo:
Scott Galvin / Youngstown Phantoms
Scott Galvin / Youngstown Phantoms
C
Predators
Commentary
There was a time this season when I was hearing late-first consideration was being given to Behm. But after regressing a little after a hot start, the mid-to-late second has become his range. He’s the Lightning’s type.
Position
RW
Height
6′ 1.5″
Team
Kamloops
Weight
192 Ibs
Photo:
Allen Douglas / WHL
Allen Douglas / WHL
RW
Lightning
Commentary
The Kraken have taken some cuts in the second round, and I could see them taking one on a winger like Schmidt, who’s small and can frustrate but is also one of the best skaters and shooters in the draft.
I also wonder about Pickford. The Kraken had success with another overaged WHL D when they took Ryker Evans in the second round.
Position
RW
Height
5′ 7.25″
Team
Vancouver
Weight
161 Ibs
Photo:
James Doyle / CHL
James Doyle / CHL
Commentary
There’s a very good chance Ryabkin doesn’t even go in the first two rounds. The consensus from my scouts poll seemed to be the third round. But all it takes is one team, and there are still people who would be comfortable taking him in the second. And if there’s one team that has shown it’s not shy to go where others won’t, it’s the Golden Knights. I could see them take Schmidt as well, and their pool could use a goalie prospect, so I thought about Pyotr Andreyanov and Lucas Beckman here.
Height
5′ 11″
Team
Muskegon
Weight
201 Ibs
Photo:
Courtesy Muskegon Lumberjacks
Courtesy Muskegon Lumberjacks
C
Golden Knights
Commentary
I kept coming back to Hopkins, Kingston’s competitive and detail-oriented center, for this Penguins pick. The cheap connection is between brothers Trent Mann (an adviser with the Penguins) and Troy Mann (Kingston’s head coach), but he’s also the type of player that the management group/scouting department tends to like, and he’s expected to go in the late second/early-third range.
Height
6′ 1″
Team
Kingston
Weight
184 Ibs
Photo:
Robert Lefebvre / OHL Images
Robert Lefebvre / OHL Images
Commentary
The Ducks didn’t draft a goalie last year, and the one they drafted two seasons ago, Damian Clara, has had some struggles since and doesn’t carry the same cachet/come with the same belief anymore. I could see them going goalie here and wonder about Andreyanov and Beckman (they’ve gone to the Q regularly and clearly see it as a market inefficiency).
Height
6′ 0″
Weight
207 Ibs
Photo:
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Commentary
I don’t view Klippenstein as a second-round prospect, but there are people who do. When you’re 6-3 and you have his combination of plus-athleticism and plus-competitiveness, teams will bet on you becoming a bottom-sixer. I’d guess he goes in the 40-60 range, and could see the Bruins being drawn to him after prioritizing skill earlier. Think A.J. Spellacy (who stuck around in his first NHL camp!) to the Blackhawks last year.
Height
6′ 2.5″
Team
Brandon
Weight
180 Ibs
Photo:
Jeremy Champagne / WHL
Jeremy Champagne / WHL
Commentary
Limatov probably goes a little in front of this, as D with good skill tend to, but this is probably the floor for him. I could see the Blackhawks liking him and being willing to wait for a Russian prospect given how many young D they already have vying for NHL promotions.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 3″
Team
Dynamo Moscow
Weight
198 Ibs
Photo:
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
LHD
Blackhawks
Commentary
Pickford, an overager, was one of the stories of the draft class this year and finished it with an emphatic playoff run and Memorial Cup. He now has a real chance to go in the second round after scoring more than 30 goals and playing to above a point per game in important minutes on the best team in the WHL.
Position
RHD
Height
6′ 0.25″
Team
Medicine Hat
Weight
182 Ibs
Commentary
Reynolds is the one new name that I’ve heard is going in the second round. He came out of nowhere this year and really took off in the second half. He’s a big, strong, competitive D who skates at an NHL level and has a lot of the attributes that teams — the Maple Leafs chief among them — now covet. He’s also an August birthday, and teams are excited about what that means for his development after how quickly he developed this season. I wonder about all of the big second-round D and the Leafs, though, so you can probably add Rombach, Kettles and Amico to the potential list. They’re placing a premium on it right now.
Some names that didn’t go in the first two rounds here that could go in the late second or early third: Alex Huang, Conrad Fondrk, Lucas Beckman, Ben Kevan, Owen Conrad, Vojtech Cihar, Charlie Cerrato (wonder about the Penguins there), Hayden Paupanekis.
Position
LHD
Height
6′ 2.5″
Team
Acadie-Bathurst
Weight
188 Ibs
LHD
Maple Leafs
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb; / The Athletic; photos of Michael Misa, Matthew Schaefer, Anton Frondell: Michael Miller / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
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