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2025 NHL Draft

Blue Jackets’ Pyotr Andreyanov Signs Five-Year Deal In Russia

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Columbus Blue Jackets goalie prospect Pyotr Andreyanov has signed a five-year deal with CSKA of Russia’s KHL, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. The deal will carry Andreyanov through his age-23 season in Russia’s top flight. Andreyanov was recently selected 20th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Notably, the deal includes an NHL release clause after the fourth season, according to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.

This move may come as a shock to many after Columbus selected Andreyanov about 20 spots earlier than many predicted. But sources available to ProHockeyRumors have indicated that the netminder’s plan to sign long-term in Russia was arranged before the draft took place, and comes with a clear intention to move to North America when the deal concludes. That’s excellent news for the Blue Jackets, who land another Russian phenom with this selection.

Andreyanov is lauded as one of Russia’s best goalies in recent memory. He posted a dazzling 23-6-6 record and .942 save percentage through 37 games in the MHL – Russia’s U21 league – this season. That performance gave mere decimals away from breaking the league’s save percentage record among draft-age goalies. That mark is currently held by New York’s Igor Shesterkin (.947).

Andreyanov earned that flashy season on the back of impressive athleticism. He was regarded by many as both the fastest and most controlled goaltender in the class, with an exceptional ability to track the puck and stay locked in between movements. He doesn’t get bogged down by traffic and shows the sly-grin determination to stop every chance that comes his way. Andreyanov is an exceptional goalie talent in many regards – and while his sharp and explosive movements can sometimes land him outside of his crease, there’s a shortlist of other Russians who would place above the CSKA Red Army netminder.

Columbus will add Andreyanov to an already stacked pipeline of goalie prospects. He’ll join compatriot Sergei Ivanov – a 2023 fifth-round pick – at the top of the Blue Jackets’ list. Ivanov posted a .911 save percentage with HK Sochi – often a bottom-ranked club in the KHL – this season. He had a much better save percentage of .943 in 38 KHL games last year. With Andreyanov and Ivanov in the system, the Blue Jackets could soon be relieved of their goalie concerns, once they convince top Russians to come overseas.

Canucks Sign Braeden Cootes To Entry-Level Contract

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The Vancouver Canucks have signed centerman Braeden Cootes to a three-year, $2.93MM entry-level contract. Cootes was recently selected 15th-overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He will have the ability to earn $500K in bonuses in each year of the contract, per Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK News. In comparing to Vancouver’s last two first-round picks, Dhaliwal points out that Cootes’ bonus is above winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki ($475K) but lesser than Tom Willander ($800K) on a per-season basis.

Cootes becomes the fourth player from his draft class to sign, after standing tall at Vancouver’s development camp. He’s a true middle-lane center, who showed a strong ability to work with his linemates to push pucks down the ice and generate scoring chances. While serving as the team’s captain, Cootes led the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds in scoring with 63 points in 60 games. He was a great couple with top Thunderbirds defenseman – and Buffalo Sabres ninth-overall draft pick – Radim Mrtka, who scored 35 points in 43 games.

Cootes rounded out a strong draft year with a stellar performance at the World U18 Championship. He led Team Canada with 12 points, split evenly, in just seven games played – while also wearing the ’C’ for his country. That scoring was more than fifth-overall pick Brady Martin, who finished second on the team with 11 points.

That precedent of strong scoring will now push Cootes onto his first pro contract. He will forgo NCAA eligibility with this deal, meaning the Vancouver roster or a return to the WHL will be his only options for next season. Given Cootes’ room to add more dynamic playmaking, and explosivity, into his game – a return to juniors seems more likely.

2025 NHL Draft Results By Team

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The 2025 NHL Draft is now complete. Check out how each team did accruing talent and filling needs with each of their selections this weekend:

Anaheim Ducks

1-10 – F Roger McQueen, Brandon (WHL)
2-45 – F Eric Nilson, Djurgården (Sweden U20)
2-60 – D Lasse Boelius, Ässät (Finland U20)
3-72 – F Noah Read, London (OHL)
4-101 – D Drew Schock, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
4-104 – G Elijah Neuenschwander, Fribourg-Gottéron (Switzerland U21)
5-136 – D Alexis Mathieu, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
5-159 – F Émile Guité, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
6-168 – D Anthony Allain-Samaké, Sioux City (USHL)
7-200 – F Brady Turko, Brandon (WHL)

Boston Bruins

1-7 – F James Hagens, Boston College (Hockey East)
2-51 – F William Moore, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
2-61 – D Liam Pettersson, Växjö (Sweden U20)
3-79 – F Cooper Simpson, Shakopee (USHS-MN)
4-100 – D Vashek Blanár, Troja-Ljungby (Sweden U18)
5-133 – F Cole Chandler, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
6-165 – F Kirill Yemelyanov, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Buffalo Sabres

1-9 – D Radim Mrtka, Seattle (WHL)
3-71 – D David Bedkowski, Owen Sound (OHL)
4-103 – F Matous Jan Kucharcik, Slavia Praha (Czechia2)
4-116 – G Samuel Meloche, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
5-135 – D Noah Laberge, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
6-167 – F Ashton Schultz, Chicago (USHL)
7-195 – F Melvin Novotny, Leksand (Sweden U20)
7-199 – G Yevgeni Prokhorov, Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)
7-219 – F Ryan Rucinski, Youngstown (USHL)

Calgary Flames

1-18 – F Cole Reschny, Victoria (WHL)
1-32 – F Cullen Potter, Arizona State (NCHC)
2-54 – F Theo Stockselius, Djurgården (Sweden U20)
3-80 – D Mace’o Phillips, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
5-144 – F Ethan Wyttenbach, Sioux Falls (USHL)
6-176 – F Aidan Lane, St. Andrew’s (Canada U18 AAA)
7-207 – D Jakob Leander, HV71 (Sweden U20)
7-211 – F Yan Matveiko, CSKA (MHL)

Carolina Hurricanes

2-41 – G Semyon Frolov, Spartak (MHL)
2-49 – F Charlie Cerrato, Penn State (Big 10)
2-62 – F Ivan Ryabkin, Muskegon (USHL)
3-67 – D Kurban Limatov, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
3-87 – D Roman Bausov, Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)
6-183 – F Viggo Nordlund, Skellefteå (Sweden U20)
7-221 – F Filip Ekberg, Ottawa (OHL)

Chicago Blackhawks

1-3 – F Anton Frondell, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)
1-25 – F Vaclav Nestrasil, Muskegon (USHL)
1-29 – F Mason West, Edina (USHS-MN)
3-66 – F Nathan Behm, Kamloops (WHL)
4-98 – F Julius Sumpf, Moncton (QMJHL)
4-107 – F Parker Holmes, Brantford (OHL)
6-162 – D Ashton Cumby, Seattle (WHL)
7-194 – G Ilya Kanarsky, AKM Tula (MHL)

Colorado Avalanche

3-77 – D Francesco Dell’Elce, Massachusetts (Hockey East)
4-118 – D Linus Funck, Luleå (Sweden U20)
7-214 – F Nolan Roed, Tri-City (USHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets

1-14 – D Jackson Smith, Tri-City (WHL)
1-20 – G Pyotr Andreyanov, CSKA (MHL)
3-76 – D Malte Vass, Färjestad (Sweden U20)
5-160 – F Owen Griffin, Oshawa (OHL)
6-173 – D Victor Hedin Raftheim, Brynäs (Sweden U20)
7-198 – F Jérémy Loranger, Sherwood Park (BCHL)

Dallas Stars

3-94 – F Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver (WHL)
4-126 – F Brandon Gorzynski, Calgary (WHL)
5-146 – F Atte Joki, Lukko (Finland U20)
5-158 – G Måns Goos, Färjestad (Sweden U20)
6-190 – F Dawson Sharkey, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
7-222 – F Charlie Paquette, Guelph (OHL)

Detroit Red Wings

1-13 – F Carter Bear, Everett (WHL)
2-44 – F Eddie Genborg, Linköping (Sweden U20)
3-75 – G Michal Pradel, Tri-City (USHL)
4-109 – F Brent Solomon, Champlin Park (USHS-MN)
4-119 – F Michal Svrcek, Brynäs IF (Sweden U20)
5-140 – D Nikita Tyurin, Spartak Moscow (MHL)
6-172 – D Will Murphy, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
7-204 – F Grayden Robertson-Palmer, Phillips Academy (USHS-MA)

Edmonton Oilers

3-83 – F Tommy Lafrenière, Kamloops (WHL)
4-117 – F David Lewandowski, Saskatoon (WHL)
5-131 – D Asher Barnett, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
6-191 – G Daniel Salonen, Lukko (Finland U20)
7-223 – F Aidan Park, Green Bay (USHL)

Florida Panthers

4-112 – F Mads Kongsbak Klyvø, Frölunda (Sweden U20)
4-128 – F Shea Busch, Everett (WHL)
5-129 – F Shamar Moses, North Bay (OHL)
6-192 – F Arvid Drott, Djurgården (Sweden U20)
7-197 – D Brendan Dunphy, Wenatchee (WHL)
7-224 – G Yegor Midlak, Spartak Moscow (MHL)

Los Angeles Kings

1-31 – D Henry Brzustewicz, London (OHL)
2-59 – F Vojtech Cihar, Karlovy Vary (Czechia)
3-88 – F Kristian Epperson, Saginaw (OHL)
4-120 – D Caeden Herrington, Lincoln (USHL)
4-125 – F Jimmy Lombardi, Flint (OHL)
5-152 – G Petteri Rimpinen, Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga)
6-184 – F Jan Chovan, Tappara (Finland U20)
7-196 – F Brendan McMorrow, Waterloo (USHL)
7-216 – D Will Sharpe, Kelowna (WHL)

Minnesota Wild

2-52 – D Theodor Hallquisth, Örebro (Sweden U20)
4-102 – F Adam Benák, Youngstown (USHL)
4-121 – F Lirim Amidovski, North Bay (OHL)
4-123 – F Carter Klippenstein, Brandon (WHL)
5-141 – D Justin Kipkie, Victoria (WHL)

Montreal Canadiens

2-34 – F Alexander Zharovsky, Ufa (MHL)
3-96 – F Hayden Paupanekis, Kelowna (WHL)
3-81 – D Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat (WHL)
3-82 – G Arseni Radkov, Tyumen (MHL)
4-113 – F L.J. Mooney, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
5-145 – G Alexis Cournoyer, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
6-177 – D Carlos Händel, Halifax (QMJHL)
6-189 – D Andrew MacNiel, Kitchener (OHL)
7-209 – D Maxon Vig, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

Nashville Predators

1-5 – F Brady Martin, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
1-21 – D Cameron Reid, Kitchener (OHL)
1-26 – F Ryker Lee, Madison (USHL)
2-35 – D Jacob Rombach, Lincoln (USHL)
2-58 – G Jack Ivankovic, Brampton (OHL)
4-122 – D Alex Huang, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
6-163 – D Daniel Nieminen, Pelicans (Liiga)

New Jersey Devils

2-50 – F Conrad Fondrk, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
2-63 – F Benjamin Kevan, Des Moines (USHL)
3-90 – F Mason Moe, Madison (USHL)
4-99 – G Trenten Bennett, Owen Sound (OHL)
4-114 – F Gustav Hillström, Brynäs (Sweden U20)
6-161 – F David Rozsíval, Liberec (Czechia U20)
6-178 – F Sigge Holmgren, Brynäs (Sweden U20)

New York Islanders

1-1 – D Matthew Schaefer, Erie (OHL)
1-16 – F Victor Eklund, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)
1-17 – D Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie (OHL)
2-42 – F Daniil Prokhorov, Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)
3-74 – F Luca Romano, Kitchener (OHL)
4-106 – F Tomas Poletin, Pelicans (Finland U20)
5-138 – D Sam Laurila, Fargo (USHL)
6-170 – G Burke Hood, Vancouver (WHL)
7-202 – F Jacob Kvasnicka, U.S. U18 (NTDP)

New York Rangers

2-43 – F Malcolm Spence, Erie (OHL)
3-70 – D Sean Barnhill, Dubuque (USHL)
3-89 – D Artyom Gonchar, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
4-111 – F Mikkel Eriksen, Färjestad (Sweden U20)
5-139 – D Zeb Lindgren, Skellefteå (Sweden U20)
6-166 – F Samuel Jung, Kärpät (Finland U20)
6-171 – D Evan Passmore, Barrie (OHL)
7-203 – F Felix Färhammar, Örebro (Sweden U20)

Ottawa Senators

1-23 – D Logan Hensler, Wisconsin (Big 10)
3-93 – F Blake Vanek, Stillwater (USHS-MN)
4-97 – G Lucas Beckman, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
5-149 – F Dmitri Isayev, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
6-181 – F Bruno Idzan, Lincoln (USHL)
7-213 – G Andrei Trofimov, Magnitogorsk (MHL)

Philadelphia Flyers

1-6 – F Porter Martone, Brampton (OHL)
1-12 – F Jack Nesbitt, Windsor (OHL)
2-38 – D Carter Amico, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
2-40 – F Jack Murtagh, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
2-48 – F Shane Vansaghi, Michigan State (Big 10)
2-57 – F Matthew Gard, Red Deer (WHL)
5-132 – F Max Westergård, Frölunda (Sweden U20)
5-157 – D Luke Vlooswyk, Red Deer (WHL)
6-164 – F Nathan Quinn, Quebec (QMJHL)

Pittsburgh Penguins

1-11 – F Benjamin Kindel, Calgary (WHL)
1-22 – F Bill Zonnon, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
1-24 – F William Horcoff, Michigan (Big 10)
2-39 – D Peyton Kettles, Swift Current (WHL)
3-73 – D Charlie Trethewey, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
3-84 – G Gabriel D’Aigle, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
3-91 – D Brady Peddle, Waterloo (USHL)
4-105 – F Travis Hayes, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
5-130 – F Ryan Miller, Portland (WHL)
5-148 – D Quinn Beauchesne, Guelph (OHL)
5-154 – F Jordan Charron, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
6-169 – F Carter Sanderson, Muskegon (USHL)
7-201 – F Kale Dach, Sherwood Park (BCHL)

San Jose Sharks

1-2 – F Michael Misa, Saginaw (OHL)
1-30 – G Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George (WHL)
2-33 – D Haoxi Wang, Oshawa (OHL)
2-53 – F Cole McKinney, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
3-95 – F Teddy Mutryn, Chicago (USHL)
4-115 – D Ilyas Magomedsultanov, Yaroslavl (MHL)
4-124 – D Zack Sharp, Western Michigan (NCHC)
5-150 – F Max Heise, Penticton (BCHL)
7-210 – F Richard Gallant, U.S. U18 (NTDP)

Seattle Kraken

1-8 – F Jake O’Brien, Brantford (OHL)
2-36 – D Blake Fiddler, Edmonton (WHL)
3-68 – D Will Reynolds, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
5-134 – D Maxim Agafonov, Ufa (MHL)
7-205 – D Karl Annborn, HV71 (Sweden U20)
7-218 – F Loke Krantz, Linköping (Sweden U20)

St. Louis Blues

1-19 – F Justin Carbonneau, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
5-147 – F Mikhail Fyodorov, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
6-179 – G Love Härenstam, Skellefteå (Sweden U20)

Tampa Bay Lightning

2-56 – F Ethan Czata, Niagara (OHL)
4-108 – F Benjamin Rautiainen, Tappara (Liiga)
4-127 – F Aiden Foster, Prince George (WHL)
5-151 – D Everett Baldwin, St. George’s (USHS-RI)
7-193 – G Caleb Heil, Madison (USHL)
7-206 – F Roman Luttsev, Yaroslavl (MHL)
7-212 – D Grant Spada, Guelph (OHL)
7-215 – F Marco Mignosa, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs

2-64 – F Tinus Luc Koblar, Leksand (Sweden U20)
3-86 – F Tyler Hopkins, Kingston (OHL)
5-137 – F William Belle, U.S. U18 (NTDP)
5-153 – F Harry Nansi, Owen Sound (OHL)
6-185 – D Rylan Fellinger, Flint (OHL)
7-217 – F Matthew Hlacar, Kitchener (OHL)

Utah Mammoth

1-4 – F Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton (QMJHL)
2-46 – D Max Psenicka, Portland (WHL)
3-78 – F Stepan Hoch, Ceske Budojevice (Czechia U20)
4-110 – F Yegor Borikov, Minsk (KHL)
5-142 – G Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko, Ufa (MHL)
6-174 – D Ludvig Johnson, Zug (ML)
6-182 – D Reko Alanko, Jokerit (Finland U18)

Vancouver Canucks

1-15 – F Braeden Cootes, Seattle (WHL)
2-47 – G Alexei Medvedev, London (OHL)
3-65 – F Kieren Dervin, St. Andrew’s (Canada U18 AAA)
5-143 – F Wilson Björck, Djurgården (Sweden U20)
6-175 – F Gabe Chiarot, Brampton (OHL)
7-207 – F Matthew Lansing, Waterloo (USHL)

Vegas Golden Knights

2-55 – F Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Luleå (Sweden U20)
3-85 – F Mateo Nobert, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
6-186 – F Alex Weiermair, Portland (WHL)
6-187 – D Gustav Sjöqvist, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Washington Capitals

1-27 – F Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw (WHL)
2-37 – F Milton Gästrin, MoDo (Sweden U20)
3-96 – F Maxim Schäfer, Berlin (DEL)
5-155 – F Jackson Crowder, Chicago (USHL)
6-180 – D Aron Dahlqvist, Brynäs (Sweden U20)

Winnipeg Jets

1-28 – D Sascha Boumedienne, Boston University (Hockey East)
3-92 – F Owen Martin, Spokane (WHL)
5-156 – F Viktor Klingsell, Skellefteå (Sweden U20)
6-188 – D Edison Engle, Dubuque (USHL)
7-220 – F Jacob Cloutier, Saginaw (OHL)

Penguins Acquire Connor Clifton, Pick 39 From Sabres

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Connor Clifton and the 39th-overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenders Conor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau.

On the surface, this move comes as quite a surprise, with Buffalo sending a high second-round pick and veteran depth defender for two options that don’t seem assured in the NHL. Clifton joined the Sabres on a three-year, $9.99MM contract last summer. He appeared in 73 games with the club this season, and recorded a fairly moot one goal, 16 points, 45 penalty minutes, and minus-six. It was the first year that Clifton recorded minimal scoring and a negative plus-minus since the 2021-22 season, when he managed 10 points and a minus-two in 60 games with the Boston Bruins. He offered the Sabres a hefty, physical upside this season but wasn’t able to use that to command play on either side of the puck with much confidence.

It’s that fact that could make this a lucrative deal for the Sabres. Timmins appeared in 68 games this season, split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Penguins. It was the first fully healthy season of his NHL career, after he spent the previous five years battling through routine injury or assignments to the minor leagues. With health back on his side, Timmins chipped in 15 points, 30 penalty minutes, and a plus-11 across the full season – a statline that doesn’t fall too far shy of what Clifton achieved in Buffalo. Those marks bring Timmins’ career totals up to 46 points, 64 penalty minutes, and a plus-21 in 159 games. He’s already appeared in games with four different clubs, including the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes. He’ll now head to a sixth club with a wave of health, and look to take a full stride forward in what’s sure to be an important role in Buffalo.

Buffalo will also add minor-league prospect Belliveau in this move. The physical 6-foot-2 defender was once a highly-regarded draft prospect, though he fell to the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft following the QMJHL’s shortened season. He seemed to outperform that draft slot quickly, with double-digit goals and positive plus-minuses in each of his final two seasons in juniors — but Belliveau has struggled to carry his impact into the pro flight. He’s spent the last two seasons predominantly in the ECHL, recording 38 points in 70 games last season and 16 points in 25 games this year. He was also rewarded 22 appearances in the AHL this season, where he managed seven points and a plus-six. Belliveau is a responsible defensive-defenseman who plays well above his 185-pound frame. He’s imposing in the corners and uses his stick to shut down opponents. But with slow feet and the need for more jump, his projection to the NHL could be a long road. The Sabres will hope that their bet on Timmins pays off, as it will be the clear focal point of this deal.

2025 NHL Draft Pick Tracker

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June 28: Rounds 2 through 7 start at 11:00 a.m. Central. Follow along with the picks at Pro Hockey Rumors. If you’re looking for a directory of draft pick swaps today, follow our offseason trade tracker.

June 27: The 2025 NHL Draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles is set to begin momentarily. We’re providing in-depth coverage on all the happenings tonight and Saturday for Rounds 2 through 7, but if you’re looking for a quick reference list of who’s been picked, we’ve got you covered. This tracker will be updated live throughout tonight and tomorrow.

We’re trying something new this year. Instead of a live chat on Friday or Saturday, PHR’s Josh Erickson will be active in the comment section on this piece, chiming in on picks and responding to questions. Hopefully, this will allow for more open-ended conversations and engagement.

As the first round progresses, you can check out how well our Gabriel Foley did at projecting the picks with his 2025 Mock Draft.

First Round

  1. New York Islanders – D Matthew Schaefer / Erie (OHL)
  2. San Jose Sharks – C Michael Misa / Saginaw (OHL)
  3. Chicago Blackhawks – C Anton Frondell / Djurgården (Sweden-2)
  4. Utah Mammoth – C Caleb Desnoyers / Moncton (QMJHL)
  5. Nashville Predators – C Brady Martin / Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
  6. Philadelphia Flyers – RW Porter Martone / Brampton (OHL)
  7. Boston Bruins – C James Hagens / Boston College (Hockey East)
  8. Seattle Kraken – C Jake O’Brien / Brantford (OHL)
  9. Buffalo Sabres – D Radim Mrtka / Seattle (WHL)
  10. Anaheim Ducks – C Roger McQueen / Brandon (WHL)
  11. Pittsburgh Penguins – C Benjamin Kindel / Calgary (WHL)
  12. Philadelphia Flyers (from NYR) – C Jack Nesbitt / Windsor (OHL)
  13. Detroit Red Wings – LW Carter Bear / Everett (WHL)
  14. Columbus Blue Jackets – D Jackson Smith / Tri-City (WHL)
  15. Vancouver Canucks – C Braeden Cootes / Seattle (WHL)
  16. New York Islanders (from CGY) – LW Victor Eklund / Djurgården (Sweden-2)
  17. New York Islanders (from MTL) – D Kashawn Aitcheson / Barrie (OHL)
  18. Calgary Flames (from NJD) – C Cole Reschny / Victoria (WHL)
  19. St. Louis Blues – RW Justin Carbonneau / Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
  20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from MIN) – G Pyotr Andreyanov / CSKA Moscow-Jr. (MHL)
  21. Nashville Predators (from OTT) – D Cameron Reid / Kitchener (OHL)
  22. Pittsburgh Penguins (from COL) – LW Bill Zonnon / Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
  23. Ottawa Senators (from TBL) – D Logan Hensler / Wisconsin (Big 10)
  24. Pittsburgh Penguins (from LAK) – C William Horcoff / Michigan (Big 10)
  25. Chicago Blackhawks (from TOR) – RW Václav Nestrašil / Muskegon (USHL)
  26. Nashville Predators (from VGK) – RW Ryker Lee / Madison (USHL)
  27. Washington Capitals – LW Lynden Lakovic / Moose Jaw (WHL)
  28. Winnipeg Jets – D Sascha Boumedienne / Boston University (Hockey East)
  29. Chicago Blackhawks (from CAR) – C Mason West / Edina (USHS-MN)
  30. San Jose Sharks (from DAL) – G Joshua Ravensbergen / Prince George (WHL)
  31. Los Angeles Kings (from EDM) – D Henry Brzustewicz / London (OHL)
  32. Calgary Flames (from FLA) – LW Cullen Potter / Arizona State (NCHC)

Second Round

33. San Jose Sharks – D Haoxi (Simon) Wang / Oshawa (OHL)
34. Montreal Canadiens (from CHI) – RW Alexander Zharovsky / Ufa-Jr. (MHL)
35. Nashville Predators – D Jacob Rombach / Lincoln (USHL)
36. Seattle Kraken (from PHI) – D Blake Fiddler / Edmonton (WHL)
37. Washington Capitals (from BOS) – C Milton Gästrin / MoDo-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
38. Philadelphia Flyers (from SEA) – D Carter Amico / U.S. U18 (NTDP)
39. Pittsburgh Penguins (from BUF) – D Peyton Kettles / Swift Current (WHL)
40. Philadelphia Flyers (from ANA) – LW Jack Murtagh / U.S. U18 (NTDP)
41. Carolina Hurricanes (from PIT) – G Semyon Frolov / Spartak Moscow-Jr. (MHL)
42. New York Islanders – RW Daniil Prokhorov / Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)
43. New York Rangers – LW Malcolm Spence / Erie (OHL)
44. Detroit Red Wings – RW Eddie Genborg / Linköping-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
45. Anaheim Ducks (from CBJ) – C Eric Nilson / Djurgården-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
46. Utah Mammoth – D Max Psenicka / Portland (WHL)
47. Vancouver Canucks – G Aleksei Medvedev / London (OHL)
48. Philadelphia Flyers (from CGY) – RW Shane Vansaghi / Michigan State (Big 10)
49. Carolina Hurricanes (from MTL) – C Charlie Cerrato / Penn State (Big 10)
50. New Jersey Devils – C Conrad Fondrk / U.S. U18 (NTDP)
51. Boston Bruins (from STL) – C William Moore / U.S. U18 (NTDP)
52. Minnesota Wild – D Theodor Hallquisth / Örebro-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
53. San Jose Sharks (from OTT) – C Cole McKinney / U.S. U18 (NTDP)
54. Calgary Flames (from COL) – C Theo Stockselius / Djurgården-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
55. Vegas Golden Knights (from TBL) – RW Jakob Ihs-Wozniak / Luleå-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
56. Tampa Bay Lightning (from LAK) – C Ethan Czata / Niagara (OHL)
57. Philadelphia Flyers (from TOR) – C Matthew Gard / Red Deer (WHL)
58. Nashville Predators (from VGK) – G Jack Ivankovic / Brampton (OHL)
59. Los Angeles Kings (from WSH) – LW Vojtech Cihar / Karlovy Vary (Czechia)
60. Anaheim Ducks (from WPG) – D Lasse Boelius / Ässät-Jr. (Finland-Jr.)
61. Boston Bruins (from CAR) – D Liam Pettersson / Växjö-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
62. Carolina Hurricanes (from DAL) – C Ivan Ryabkin / Muskegon (USHL)
63. New Jersey Devils (from EDM) – RW Ben Kevan / Des Moines (USHL)
64. Toronto Maple Leafs (from FLA) – C Tinus Luc Koblar / Leksand-Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)

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Chicago Blackhawks Acquire 29th Overall Pick, Select Mason West

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According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Carolina Hurricanes have traded the 29th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks for the 34th and 62nd overall picks, plus a fifth-round pick in 2027. With their third first-round pick of the evening, the Blackhawks have selected Mason West from the USHL’s Fargo Force.

West, who will be joining the NCAA’s Michigan State University Spartans in the fall of 2026-27, is an intriguing prospect for a few reasons. He’s a towering forward, considering his talent, standing at 6’6″, 218lbs. Although he finished the year with USHL Fargo, he spent much of the year with Edina High School in Minnesota, scoring 27 goals and 49 points in 31 games.

Once he transitioned to Fargo toward the end of the year, he scored one goal and nine points in 10 games. The most fascinating part about West is that he’s never been a full-time hockey player. Throughout his time with Edina, West doubled as a premier high school quarterback and could receive D1 scholarships if his senior season this autumn goes well.

Because of his non-zero chance of cracking an NFL roster someday, West was projected to fall into the second round, anywhere between the 45th and 55th overall picks. The Blackhawks see potential in West and believe he will continue his professional hockey career.

Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire 24th Overall Pick, Select Will Horcoff

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According to a team announcement, the Los Angeles Kings have traded the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 31st and 59th overall selections. Using the pick, the Penguins selected Will Horcoff from the University of Michigan.

Horcoff, the son of longtime Edmonton Oiler Shawn Horcoff, had a split season during the 2024-25 campaign. He began the year with the United States National Team Development Program in Plymouth, MI, scoring eight goals and 14 points in 28 games with a +5 rating.

After making the short trip to Ann Arbor, MI, for the second half of the season, Horcoff finished his first year with the Wolverines with four goals and 10 points in 18 contests. He also performed well on the international stage, scoring two goals and four points in seven games for Team USA at the U18 World Junior Championship.

Unfortunately, few believed that Horcoff had the necessary offensive talent to warrant a first-round selection, with several mocks projecting him to fall to the second round. Still, at 6’4″, he’ll immediately add size and physicality to the Penguins system, and is arguably one of, if not the best, defensive forward available at this year’s draft. At any rate, it’ll be a few years before Pittsburgh sees the value in this pick, as Horcoff is expected to return to Michigan in the fall.

Nashville Predators Acquire 21st Overall Pick, Select Cameron Reid

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According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Ottawa Senators have traded the 21st overall selection of the 2025 NHL Draft to the Nashville Predators for the 23rd and 67th overall picks. The Predators have selected Cameron Reid from the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers as the franchise’s newest player at the time of writing.

Reid joins the Predators’ system as a very high-floor defensive prospect, being projected right around the time of selection if not a few spots higher. He recently completed his second season with the Rangers, scoring 14 goals and 54 points in 67 games with a +39 rating.

Unfortunately, Reid looked a bit weaker in the postseason, tallying five assists in 14 postseason contests with a -5 rating. It was an identical output to last year’s postseason in four additional games.

Although he’s mostly associated with the two-way archetype, Reid’s offensive capabilities are the best part of his game. He is an exceptional skater with advanced hockey IQ for his age, and his draft stock rose this season due to his effortless joining of the rush.

In all seriousness, shot selection may be his only true weakness, which is true of most younger defensemen, anyway. If he continues his developmental trajectory, Reid should have no issue being a top-four blueliner on Nashville’s roster and finding a role on both special teams units.

Flyers Acquire 12th Overall Pick, Select Jack Nesbitt

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As first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 22nd and 31st overall selections. With their newfound pick, the Flyers selected forward Jack Nesbitt from the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.

In what is considered a surprise selection by most analysts’ projections, the Flyers selected a player projected toward the bottom third of the first round, if not the second round. The most logical explanation is that Philadelphia believed other teams were interested in Nesbitt and were uncomfortable waiting until the 22nd pick to select him.

Still, he’s a prototypical Flyers player and has serious puck skills. Standing at 6’4″, 183 lbs, Nesbitt was selected as a center, but given his skating ability, is likely destined for a spot on the left wing. He recently concluded his second full year in Windsor, scoring 25 goals and 64 points in 65 games with a +12 rating, and winning the OHL’s Most Improved Player Award as voted on by the coaches.

Unfortunately, despite the raw scoring potential, there are serious concerns with Nesbitt’s skating ability. His scoring pace and effort level declined significantly toward the end of the 2024-25 campaign, tallying only one goal in 12 postseason contests with a -5 rating.

Bruins Select James Hagens Seventh Overall

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James Hagens is staying in Boston, as the Bruins have selected him with the seventh overall pick. Hagens, 18, put up 11 goals, 26 assists, and 37 points in 37 games last season at Boston College. General manager Don Sweeney and his front office benefit from Hagens sliding slightly down the draft board and keeping him in town. Although Sweeney left open the possibility of trading the No. 7 pick, the team ultimately couldn’t pass on Hagens as they rebuild toward contention.

While many believed at this time last year that Hagens was destined to be the first overall pick in this year’s draft, he slipped to seventh after producing less than expected in the NCAA. Still, Hagens game may be more NHL-ready than any of his peers in this draft class. The Long Island native plays bigger than his 5‑foot‑10, 185‑pound frame and has elite speed and scoring abilities.

In their 2025 NHL Draft Guide, Elite Prospects stated of Hagens:

“Hagens has seemingly been part of the hockey world’s zeitgeist from a young age. A fluid skater who is light on his edges, he leverages full-range wingspan handling, high activity rate crossovers, and a motor to create constant advantages. He layers pucks through tricky seams, hooks and slips feeds around pressure, and improvises on the fly with lightning-quick processing, punching away from threats and funneling play to the inside.” 

For his part, Hagens mentioned he’s glad to stay close to home and won’t have to change area codes.

“I’m so excited to be back in Boston. The Bruins are getting someone who puts his soul and body on the line. I love to win and I’m just so excited to be in Boston,” he said.

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