The 2025 NHL Draft is set to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with a mix of elite talent and strategic team maneuvers expected to shape the future of the league. Here’s a detailed look at the top 32 picks and the potential strategies teams might employ.

1. New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL) Schaefer is the consensus top pick, with scouts believing he can become a franchise cornerstone defenseman. His ability to drive play at both ends of the ice makes him a perfect fit for the Islanders, who are looking to solidify their defense.

2. San Jose Sharks

Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL) Misa’s dual-threat offensive capabilities and above-average two-way play make him an exciting addition to the Sharks’ young lineup. His versatility at center or wing provides significant value.

3. Chicago Blackhawks

Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) Chicago is rumored to be interested in Frondell, who could slot in behind Connor Bedard and provide two-way value with an elite shot release.

4. Utah Mammoth

Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Martin’s hard skill and physicality make him a strong candidate for Utah, who are looking to add some grit to their top six.

5. Nashville Predators

Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL) Martone’s hockey sense and vision are among the best in the draft class, making him a valuable asset for Nashville, who are focused on upside and skill.

6. Philadelphia Flyers

James Hagens, F, Boston College (NCAA) Hagens’ speed, puck skill, and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for the Flyers, who need centers to complement their existing talent.

7. Boston Bruins

Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL) Desnoyers’ two-way play and clutch production make him an ideal pick for the Bruins, who value players with a winning mentality.

8. Seattle Kraken

Jake O'Brien, F, Brantford (OHL) O’Brien’s high-end playmaking and potential to quarterback the power play make him a strong candidate for Seattle, who are looking to add depth to their young centers.

9. Buffalo Sabres

Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL) Mrtka’s projectable mobility and quality transition defending make him a perfect partner for Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power in Buffalo.

10. Anaheim Ducks

Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL) McQueen’s size and potential as a dominant two-way force make him a valuable addition to the Ducks, who are looking to add impactful players.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins

Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL) Smith’s size, physicality, and offensive upside make him a strong candidate for the Penguins, who are looking to add depth to their blue line.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers)

Viktor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) Eklund’s forechecking ability and two-way play make him a valuable addition to the Penguins, who are looking for players who can contribute immediately.

13. Detroit Red Wings

Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL) Bear’s elite instincts and playmaking ability make him an attractive option for the Red Wings, who are looking to add a play-driving winger.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL) Aitcheson’s raw potential and two-way value make him a strong candidate for the Blue Jackets, who are looking to add defensemen.

15. Vancouver Canucks

Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL) Cootes’ reliable two-way ability and off-puck instincts make him a valuable addition to the Canucks, who are looking for a center.

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)

Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL) Reid’s skating ability and sound decision-making make him a perfect partner for Lane Hutson in Montreal.

17. Montreal Canadiens

Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) Carbonneau’s potential as a power forward makes him a valuable addition to the Canadiens, who are looking to add size to their lineup.

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils)

Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL) Reschny’s playmaking ability and hockey sense make him a valuable addition to the Flames, who are looking for a center.

19. St. Louis Blues

Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL) Nesbitt’s size and physicality make him a valuable addition to the Blues, who are looking for a two-way checker.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild)

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA) Hensler’s mobility and transition defending make him a valuable addition to the Blue Jackets, who are looking for a defenseman.

21. Ottawa Senators

Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL) Lakovic’s physical potential and dual-threat scoring make him a valuable addition to the Senators, who are looking for a difference-maker.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche)

Daniil Prokhorov, F, St. Petersburg (MHL) Prokhorov’s physicality and raw offensive abilities make him a valuable addition to the Flyers, who are looking for a power forward.

23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA) Boumedienne’s offensive upside and transition game make him a valuable addition to the Predators, who are looking for a defenseman.

24. Los Angeles Kings

Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL) Fiddler’s shutdown ability and NHL bloodlines make him a valuable addition to the Kings, who are looking for a defenseman.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs)

Vaclav Nestrasil, F, Muskegon (USHL) Nestrasil’s potential as a power forward makes him a valuable addition to the Blackhawks, who are looking for size and skill.

26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights, via SJ)

Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL) Spence’s speed and two-way play make him a valuable addition to the Predators, who are looking for a versatile forward.

27. Washington Capitals

Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL) Kindel’s playmaking and speed make him a valuable addition to the Capitals, who are looking for a center.

28. Winnipeg Jets

Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL) Brzustewicz’s offensive instincts and skating ability make him a valuable addition to the Jets, who are looking for a defenseman.

29. Carolina Hurricanes

Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL) Lee’s playmaking and offensive instincts make him a valuable addition to the Hurricanes, who are looking for a skilled forward.

30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars)

Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA) Potter’s speed and offensive development make him a valuable addition to the Sharks, who are looking for a skilled forward.

31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers)

Bill Zonnon, F, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) Zonnon’s relentless playing style and two-way ability make him a valuable addition to the Flyers, who are looking for a versatile forward.

32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers)

Milton Gastrin, F, MoDo (J20 Nationell) Gastrin’s play-driving ability and supportive puck play make him a valuable addition to the Flames, who are looking for a center.