A Bold Forecast for the 2025 NHL Draft!

With the draft lottery completed, anticipation builds for the 2025 NHL Draft set for June 27. This year's selection process is expected to favor forwards, especially with a wealth of talented centers poised to make an impact. Here’s my take on how the first round could shake out!

1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)

Schaefer is the standout prospect the Islanders need, bringing elite mobility and a competitive edge that could solidify their defense for years. Despite facing limited playtime this season, his talent is undeniable.

2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)

With Misa's game-changing speed and creativity, the Sharks secure a franchise center capable of reshaping their offense—and perhaps even shifting the lineup for long-term success!

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Frondell’s impressive two-way game makes him a perfect fit alongside Connor Bedard, potentially strengthening Chicago’s forward lineup for future success.

4. Utah Mammoth: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)

The Mammoth are set to amp up their physical play with Martone, whose size and skill promise to create a dynamic partnership with Logan Cooley on a formidable top line.

5. Nashville Predators: James Hagens, C, Boston College (Hockey East)

Hagens' blend of high-end skill and potential point production is exactly what the Predators need to fill their center gap. His game still has room for improvement, but the upside is tremendous.

6. Philadelphia Flyers: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

After a stellar playoff run, Desnoyers is rising up the ranks. With size and skill, he's poised to become a key player in Philadelphia's future.

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

A smart playmaker, O’Brien’s vision addresses Boston’s need for an offensive center, making him a valuable addition to their roster.

8. Seattle Kraken: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Seattle adds a physical, two-way force in Martin, complementing their previous skill-focused picks and potentially establishing a solid top-six forward.

9. Buffalo Sabres: Radim Mrtka, RHD, Seattle (WHL)

At 6-foot-5, Mrtka’s impressive skating and offensive upside grant Buffalo a rare right-shot defenseman with significant potential.

10. Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

McQueen’s size and playmaking ability present a high-risk, high-reward situation for Anaheim. With a history of injuries, they hope to find a future star.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson brings much-needed physicality and skill to Pittsburgh’s defensive core, giving them a robust prospect to build around.

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes is a speedy, versatile forward who can play both center and wing, addressing New York's need for offensive depth.

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

With Eklund's scoring prowess and motor, Detroit adds much-needed offensive firepower to their roster.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener (OHL)

Reid’s dynamic skating and ability to generate offense will serve the Blue Jackets well as they seek to bolster their blue line.

15. Vancouver Canucks: Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)

Reschny’s impressive second-half performance makes him a potential future centerpiece for Vancouver, albeit with some skepticism about his pro readiness.

16. Montreal Canadiens: Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)

Bear's physical play and skill could mesh well with Montreal’s top-six, adding both grit and scoring ability.

17. Montreal Canadiens: Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri-City (WHL)

Another strong pick for Montreal, Smith enhances their defensive prospects with his size and offensive tools.

18. Calgary Flames: Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

Carbonneau delivers a blend of speed and scoring ability, bringing high energy to Calgary’s offense.

19. St. Louis Blues: Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Lakovic’s impressive combination of size and scoring potential makes him a valuable addition for the Blues.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)

Ravensbergen is a promising goaltending prospect with starter potential, a great choice for Columbus’s second first-round pick.

21. Ottawa Senators: Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler’s defensive prowess makes him an enticing prospect for Ottawa, especially as they seek to strengthen their blue line.

22. Calgary Flames: Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo (Sweden Jr.)

A two-way center, Gastrin’s leadership and versatility could bolster Calgary's forward roster.

23. Carolina Hurricanes: Logan Hensler, RHD, Wisconsin (Big Ten)

Hensler’s mobility and passing skills light a path for Carolina’s defensive strategy moving forward.

24. Philadelphia Flyers: Daniil Prokhorov, LW, Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

Prokhorov’s size and skill fit perfectly with the Flyers’ aggressive draft strategy.

25. Philadelphia Flyers: Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University (Hockey East)

Boumedienne’s skating ability adds a valuable dimension to Philadelphia’s blue line.

26. Nashville Predators: Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)

Nesbitt’s combination of skill and aggression makes him a noteworthy addition as Nashville builds depth at center.

27. Los Angeles Kings: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, LW, Luleå (Sweden Jr.)

The Kings look to develop Ihs-Wozniak into a scoring weapon for the future.

28. San Jose Sharks: Henry Brzustewicz, RHD, London (OHL)

Brzustewicz’s smart play and mobility could make him a solid addition to San Jose’s blue line.

29. Chicago Blackhawks: Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)

Spence’s diligent play style and proven talent may land him in Chicago’s middle six.

30. Nashville Predators: William Horcoff, C, Michigan (Big Ten)

With his skill set, Horcoff poses a threat to become a scoring leader for Nashville, despite some skating concerns.

31. Washington Capitals: Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCHC)

Potter’s impressive skills and skating present a dynamic option for Washington’s forward lineup.

32. Winnipeg Jets: Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

Zonnon rounds out the draft with his promising performance, capable of making an impact in a middle-six role.