Inside the NHL Draft War Room: Experts Clash Over Surprising Round 1 Picks for 2025

I strongly considered Reid here but we need to take some swings and Potter, the best skater in the draft, represents that in this range for me. I project him as a more likely winger than center at the next level, but once the top group in the draft is gone — and in my estimation it now is — his blend of elite skating and plus-level puck skill is worth the bet. We added speed with the Jett Luchanko selection last year and we’re adding even more to a pool that could still use it here. Patience will be important for both him and us as he learns how to best deploy his skating and talent, but there’s upside with proper development. Matvei Michkov, Martone, Luchanko and Potter gives us a diverse mix of players to work with and suddenly a lot more skill after our first two selections of 2025. — Wheeler

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