Inside the NHL Mock Draft 2025: Why Matthew Schaefer Could Be the Islanders’ Game-Changer No One Saw Coming

7. Boston Bruins: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

The Bruins need skill in a big way at every position, but especially at center. The right-shot O’Brien checks multiple boxes as the Bruins rebuild around David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. No. 7 will be the highest selection since 2010, when the Bruins took Tyler Seguin second after Taylor Hall. — Fluto Shinzawa

8. Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka, RHD, Seattle (WHL)

This will be the Kraken’s fifth draft. They’ve used their previous four first-round picks on forwards. I thought last year was the year for them to finally buck that trend and take a D. They took Berkly Catton instead, deepening their pool at forward once more. They need a premium D prospect, and Mrtka has been in their backyard all year with the Thunderbirds. Sometimes that kind of exposure can work against a player. There are also some who aren’t convinced of Mrtka’s top-eight merits. But we very rarely see just one defenseman taken in the top eight, and Mrtka’s combination of size and skating would be unique in their pool. Brady Martin would be too — and should be a consideration here — but they’re already going to have to navigate working Catton into their mix up front. — Scott Wheeler

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