NHL Mock Draft 2025: Projections & Rumors
- The 2025 NHL Draft is generating buzz as teams prepare to select the next generation of talent.
- The Sabres are expected to bolster their defense with Schaefer, a reliable and solid pick.
- 9 - San Jose Sharks (from Chicago Blackhawks): Carter Wright, D, USNTDP
Dive into the action as we analyze the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft! This complete preview unveils the potential first-round picks, team strategies, and what the primarykeyword, the NHL Draft, holds for the future. Examine how injuries and team needs are shaping selections. News Directory 3 provides exclusive insights, exploring which teams are targeting secondarykeyword defensemen to fortify their rosters. Discover the rising prospects poised to make an impact and shift the balance of power.uncover the latest projections and rumors surrounding your favorite teams and their draft strategies. Discover what’s next …
NHL Mock Draft 2025: First Round Predictions
Updated June 27, 2025
The 2025 NHL Draft is generating buzz as teams prepare to select the next generation of talent. While there isn’t a consensus No. 1 pick, the draft is rich with potential stars and intriguing prospects. Here’s a breakdown of how the first round could unfold, focusing on team needs and player potential.
No. 8 – Buffalo Sabres: Matthew Schaefer, D, Seattle
The Sabres are expected to bolster their defense with Schaefer, a reliable and solid pick.
No. 9 - San Jose Sharks (from Chicago Blackhawks): Carter Wright, D, USNTDP
Wright is a strong, physical defenseman who isn’t afraid to mix it up. The Sharks are bolstering their defense with a solid, reliable pick.
No.10 – Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon
McQueen, a big-bodied center, is projected to anchor the Ducks’ middle for years. Concerns about a back injury may cause him to drop, making him a steal for Anaheim.
No. 11 – Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens
Eklund, a selfless and team-oriented winger, is seen as a glue guy who can contribute significantly to the Penguins.
No. 12 – New York Rangers: Lynden lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw
lakovic’s high hockey IQ and phenomenal vision make him a versatile force on the wing, addressing a need for the Rangers as Artemi Panarin ages.
No. 13 – Detroit Red Wings: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie
Aitcheson, a strong two-way defenseman, is expected to become a core starter and power-play contributor for the Red Wings, who need youth on defense.
No. 14 – Columbus Blue Jackets: carter Bear, LW, Everett
Despite an ACL tear, Bear’s talent is undeniable. The Blue Jackets are willing to take a chance on this potential game-changer.
No. 15 – Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle
Cootes, a scrappy forward, is expected to bring much-needed edge to the Canucks’ front line.
No. 16 – Montreal Canadiens (from calgary Flames): Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand
Carbonneau’s skating ability and hockey sense make him a natural fit for the Canadiens.
No.17 – Montreal Canadiens: Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers
Reid’s speed and passing ability make him a valuable asset on the blue line for Montreal.
No. 18 – Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils): Cole Reschny, C, Victoria
Reschny’s reliability and well-rounded game make him a solid pick for the Flames.
No.19 – St. Louis Blues: Ben Kindel, RW, Calgary
Kindel’s relentless effort and constant movement align with the Blues’ preference for high-motor players.
No. 20 - Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild): Cole McKinney, C, Michigan
McKinney’s leadership and understanding of the game make him a potential glue guy for the Blue Jackets organization.
no. 21 – Ottawa Senators: Jack Nesbitt,C,Windsor
Nesbitt’s strong defensive play and physicality at the faceoff make him a valuable asset for the Senators.
No. 22 – Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche): Kurban Limatov, D, Dynamo Moskva
The Flyers, with a deep system, can afford to take a high-upside player like Limatov, hoping for another success like Matvei Mitchkov.
No. 23 - Nashville Predators (from vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks): Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University
Boumedienne’s positional play and shot-blocking ability make him a solid addition to the Predators’ defense.
No. 24 – Los Angeles Kings: Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton
Fiddler’s unique playing style and playmaking ability from the blue line could fill a need for the Kings.
No. 25 – Chicago blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs): Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie
Spence, an NHL-ready player, is expected to provide immediate help for Connor Bedard in Chicago.
No. 26 – Nashville Predators: Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State
Potter’s deceptive speed and aggressive play could usher in a new era of success in Nashville.
No. 27 – Washington Capitals: Daniil Prokhorov, RW, St. Petersburg
Prokhorov, a top Russian forward, could eventually try to fill Alexander Ovechkin’s role in Washington.
No. 28 - Winnipeg Jets: Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin
Hensler’s remarkable right-side defense makes him a valuable addition to the Jets’ blue line.
No.29 – Carolina Hurricanes: Joshua Ravensberger, G, Prince George
Ravensberger could provide help in net for the Hurricanes, perhaps as early as next year.
No. 30 – San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars): Henry Brzustewicz, D, London
Brzustewicz is too good to pass up for the Sharks, especially if they don’t land Matthew schaefer earlier.
No. 31 – Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers): William Horcoff, C, Michigan
Horcoff, son of former Oiler Sean Horcoff, is projected to be a solid two-way player with great vision.
No. 32 – calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers): Mason West,C,Edina High
West,a towering forward committed to michigan State,has a massive shot and the potential to generate his own offense.
what’s next
As the draft approaches, expect more surprises and shifts in team strategies as they vie for the best young talent to shape their franchises for years to come. The NHL Draft promises excitement and potential franchise-altering decisions.