The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft is exactly one week away. It’s set to be an exciting day for multiple reasons. It will be the league’s first decentralized draft in some time, though that decision could change as soon as next year. Draft discussions have also been rife with trade rumors – both of high-profile picks landing on the block, and pick-poor teams vying for a way back in.
For all of the excitement surrounding them, the 2025 NHL Draft class offers much more intrigue than many have made out. It’s headlined by a star defender whose season was cut short, quickly backed by a quartet of sky-high upside forwards in every shape and build. Day one quickly turns into a guessing game behind that group, with a slew of burly defenders, nimble forwards, and high-skill to sort through. We’ll attempt to cut through the draft day fog in PHR’s annual NHL Mock Draft.
2025 NHL Draft Mock First Round
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer (LD) / Erie Otters (OHL)
It seems the first-overall pick in this year’s class has already been painted on the wall. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer has earned persistent praise throughout this season, even despite his season ending in December when he broke his collarbone at the World Junior Championship. Prior to what was a freak injury, Schaefer had dominated every aspect of play in 17 OHL games, five Hlinka Gretzky Cup games, and one World Juniors game. He looked every bit like a star defender, showing tons of poise and fundamentals in shutting opponents down on defense; and routinely flashing great puck-skills to move the puck up ice. On top of that, Schaefer’s personality precedes him – and seems well-equipped for a leadership role at the next level.
How Schaefer carries the puck over both blue-lines, uses his lanky puck-control to get around opponents, and scans for the best options are all reminiscent of the NHL’s premier defensemen. He lost a lot of ground by missing the second-half of the year, but also clocks in as one of the youngest players in the entire draft class. That’ll give him extra time to makeup for lost time this year. Draft skepticism around Schaefer is less worried about his first-overall status, and more concerned about whether he’ll continue his career in the NCAA – or even the NCHC conference, as sources suggest to ProHockeyRumors – next season.
Other Options: James Hagens (C), Michael Misa (C)
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa (C) / Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Sharks can’t lose with this pick. They’re reportedly as bullish on Schaefer as the rest of the league, but will settle here for the premier forward in the group Michael Misa. Misa became the eighth player to be granted exceptional status into the CHL in 2022. He did amazing work with the bid, and will end his OHL career with the highest scoring pace (265 points in 177 games, 1.50 points-per-game) since Andrei Svechnikov (1.64, 2017-18) and Alex DeBrincat (1.74, 2014-2017). That includes Misa’s monstrous 62 goals in 65 game sthis season – a mark that ties Patrick Kane’s goal total from his own draft year, though Kane reached it in seven fewer games.
There seems no arguing that Misa is headed for scoring-stardom. His explosive jump down ice, keen offensive instinct, and deceptively strong shot have all remained consistent through three years in the OHL. Misa has added to that a phenomenal, pro-ready frame that should help cushion his move into the NHL. Even better – Misa’s breakout scoring this year often came alongside current Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov, who also posted dazzling numbers this year. San Jose will get to maintain that duo, and majorly boost an already strong, young offense, with the addition of hot scorer Misa.
Other Options: Matthew Schaefer (LD)
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Caleb Desnoyers (C) / Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
The Blackhawks hold the first truly uncertain pick of the draft. They’ve been connected to a countless end of players, styles, and trade rumors as draft day draws near. But as the NHL Combine came and went, clamor around the Hawks slowly began to focus in on three players: center Caleb Desnoyers, and wingers Anton Frondell and Porter Martone. It seems in some fashion that one of those three will be Chicago’s pick. Early indications suggest that they’ll land with the effective, two-way center of the bunch — despite Martone praising the Blackhawks organization, and Frondell’s pro-end size.
No, it will be the QMJHL championship-winning center to head to the Windy City, looking to provide rigidity down the depth of an undersized, but over-skilled lineup. Desnoyers is a perfect match for the bill. He plays a beautifully poised and confident game in all three zones, and knows how to move between them with ease. He’s sharp and nearly always executes the plays he steps up to make. His passing and shooting are also more than strong enough for the next flight. In style, Desnoyers’ game is reminiscent to the likes of Patrice Bergeron and Dylan Larkin, though those impacts do run the risk of getting misconstrued. Either way, he’ll be the exact piece Chicago needs to bolt down an up-and-coming scoring lineup.
Other Options: Anton Frondell (RW/C), Porter Martone (RW)
4. Utah Mammoth – James Hagens (C) / Boston College Eagles (Hockey East, NCAA)
We run into another contentious pick here. Speaking directly, sources available to ProHockeyRumors have suggested that the Utah Mammoth could look to trade their first pick in Mammoth-history should their top option – Caleb Densoyers – fall off the board. More directly, the pick could be moved to the Islanders, as they look to reel in Long Island’s own draft star, James Hagens.
But Utah has been connected plenty to Hagens as well, and already house his predecessor in breakout star Logan Cooley. The two have familiarity playing with each other, and – more importantly – Hagens’ projection could land even higher. As a result, he’ll land as fourth on our board regardless of trade rumors.
Hagens is a cerebral, poised, playmaking-tactician. His shot is snappy, and he controls movements through and down the middle lane incredibly well. Hagens’ defensive impacts aren’t as strong as Desnoyers’, but he still brings a hardy amount of two-way play to back his phenomenal ability in the offensive end. Hagens holds the scoring record at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge and World U18 Championship, despite appearing in both tournaments one year underaged. He’s a perennial scorer who fits nicely among the loaded top-end in this year’s class.
Other Options: Caleb Desnoyers (C), Porter Martone (RW)
5. Nashville Predators – Anton Frondell (RW/C) / Djugardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Nashville has been closely connected to many top names in the 2025 class. It certainly makes sense – as the club tries to search for the big swing that will land them far away from the dismal season they’re coming off of. Hagens has long felt like the best fit for the Predators, who can allow him to pair with Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly through the first few years of his career. Instead, Nashville will finish that line with Anton Frondell – a move that many pro scouts would claim benefits them in the end.
That’s certainly a hard case to argue. Frondell has perhaps the most pro-size in the draft’s top-end, and used it to phenomenal effect in his pursuit of a HockeyAllsvenskan championship this season. He’s a true commander on the ice, with the ability and feist to tear up play in the corners, body his way into the slot, or use finesse dekes to find his way into open space. Frondell’s shot headlines his game, and he serves just as well as a spot-shooter than he does in any other role. That’s to say – the flexibility on display here is tremendous, and should only grow as part of a veteran-led Predators offense.
Other Options: James Hagens (C)
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Jake O’Brien (C) / Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
There were three teams – Utah, Boston, and Philadelphia – who watched Desnoyers like a hawk as his season winded to a close. Through stressful ground-travel and moved games, an NHL presence followed Desnoyers all the way through his QMJHL title-win. That will make all three teams a strong consideration for the two-way centerman – but with him off the board, Philadelphia will have to settle for the playmaker instead.
O’Brien is this year’s late bloomer, gaining a heap of steam as fans became more aware of just how impressive his 98 points in 66 games this season was. He’s a nifty playmaker who keeps his eyes trained on the small openings between and around opponents. Many have critiqued how much of O’Brien’s scoring came on the power-play – though the acknowledgement ultimately seems more a testament to his ability to take advantage of space than a knock on his even-strength ability. He also wields a tremendous frame – deceptively built-out considering just how nimble and neat his game is. The slick passing, drive downhill, and ability to control offense will all fit beautifully as Philadelphia finds a compliment to Matvei Michkov.
Other Options: Caleb Desnoyers (C), Porter Martone (RW)
7. Boston Bruins – Brady Martin (C) / Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
The Boston Bruins are in need of a hardy push towards the future after crumbling with a veteran lineup this season. As mentioned, they were one of many teams closely eyeing Desnoyers – but find a great contingency in Soo centerman Brady Martin. Martin’s unconventional rise to NHL Draft stardom has been closely followed as the year has come to a close. He grew up on a cattle farm and plays with all of the traits you’d expect because of it: namely beefy, sturdy, and powerful drive down the ice. Martin knows how to create a mess and emerge the beneficiary of it. He doesn’t shy away from hits or dirty puck-battles, and shows enough finesse and offensive snap to stay effective away from gritty plays. In more ways than one, Martin seems incredibly reminiscent of St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn. Landing a 1,000-game veteran with captain upside here at seventh-overall would be a smash win for the Bruins. The squad could also find big-frame size in Roger McQueen – who is far more of a boom-or-bust option than the sturdy Martin.
Other Options: Roger McQueen (LW/C), Caleb Desnoyers (C)
8. Seattle Kraken – Radim Mrtka (RD) / Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Seattle presents another draft-day question mark. Unlike many teams near the top of the class, they aren’t pushed in any one direction by another quiet performance in 2024-25. Instead, they’ll likely continue focusing on building their franchise from the prospect-pool and up. This year, the Kraken’s most glaring need comes at right-defense, where they have little in the way of prospects ready to succeed Brandon Montour. Even left-shot Ryker Evans was filling right-defense minutes at the end of the year.
Seattle will mitigate that issue by drafting out of their backyard this year. Radim Mrtka is a fascinating draft prospect – with a rare mix of 6-foot-6 frame and beautiful puckhandling. He moved to the WHL from Czechia earlier this season, and seemed to be battling through the woes of a significant change in pace and style – on top of continuing to improve his mechanics. But through those bumps and bruises, Mrtka’s offensive jump and ability to get in front of opponents on defense both lent themselves to tremendous upside. He’s in many ways a second coming of Tyler Myers, who went 12th-overall in his own draft class and has since appeared in over 1,000 NHL games.
Other Options: Porter Martone (RW), Roger McQueen (LW/C)
9. Buffalo Sabres – Porter Martone (RW) / Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
With the decisions above them, Buffalo will land as the beneficiary of a draft-day fall. Porter Martone entered the season closer to third-overall than 10th-overall, and his ability to contribute to a lineup was consistently reaffirmed by his appearances with Team Canada at the World Junior Championship and World Championship. He’s a strong puck-carrier with the strength to plow through defenders, or the finesse to dash around them. Martone uses both traits in the name of driving as close to the low-slot as he can, though he’s shown an impressive flash when he takes the time to use space further up the offensive end. His physical prowess has been a bit overplayed – and his skill underplayed – as the draft has drawn near. Either way, he’ll be a tremendous addition to the Sabres lineup – especially if they lose Alex Tuch soon.
Other Options: Anton Frondell (RW/C), Jake O’Brien (C)
10. Anaheim Ducks – Roger McQueen (LW/C) / Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Anaheim has had a knack for finding the best mix of size and skill possible in each draft class. They’ll be perfectly positioned to find both in this mock, with Roger McQueen tumbling to the bottom of the top-10. McQueen only appeared in 17 league games this season, while battling through multiple injuries related to fractures in his spine. But he was incredibly high-event when he did play, averaging one penalty and at least one score in every game he appeared in (20 points, 40 penalty minutes in 17 GP). That’s some impressive action that holds consistent with McQueen’s 51 points in 53 games last season.
Truly, there may be no bigger upside bet in the draft than McQueen. He’s a 6-foot-5 forward who handles the puck as though he’s playing in a lower bracket entirely. Much of his fundamentals, poise, and drive could stand to improve – but the sheer amount of skill packed into his massive frame is hard to deny. That’ll make for a match made in heaven here at #10.
Other Options: Lynden Lakovic (LW), Brady Martin (C)
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Victor Eklund (LW) / Djugardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
The Pittsburgh Penguins scouted Djugardens IF with precision all season long. Even general manager Kyle Dubas took trips to Sweden to get a glimpse of the two draft-year stars that pushed the club back into SHL contention. There has been talk of the Penguins trying to find a way to land both options – but with Frondell off the board, they’ll have to settle with feisty winger Victor Eklund here.
Eklund is another very intriguing mix. He’s a slight-frame winger who has relied heavily on a pro-made shot, quick hands, and a strong ability to get into and maintain space in the offensive end. But he’s added every bit of jump, aggression, and ability to win puck battles needed to compliment his scoring prowess. He plays as though he’s two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier when he’s away from the puck, but packs all of the skill and finesse needed to hold down a top-line role on the puck. Pittsburgh has found ways to make feisty shooters work year-over-year, and will find another strong candidate in this year’s class.
Other Options: Jake O’Brien (C), Anton Frondell (RW/C)
12. New York Rangers – Jackson Smith (LD) / Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Perhaps the biggest question mark in this year’s class is the New York Rangers – who aren’t yet sure that they’ll even possess the #12 pick in this year’s class. They have to send one of their 2025 or 2026 firsts to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the January trade that sent J.T. Miller to New York and Marcus Pettersson to Vancouver. Should they keep this year’s option, it will be in the name of finding a big body to bring feist back to a lineup in need. There are multiple options available as the teens roll around, but the best fit seems to be large-frame, all-skill defender Jackson Smith.
Smith’s season was defined by bold pushes through the neutral zone and over the offensive blue-line. He’s tremendously strong on the puck and knows how to force plays up the ice. He has a serious knack finding the seams of offensive setups and working with his teammates to generate scoring chances — even if his fundamentals, all-around game, and physical presence could all continue to be honed. Those are traits that can be taught, and certainly ones New York is no stranger to folding into their top names.
Other Options: Kashawn Aitcheson (LD), Lynden Lakovic (LW)
13. Detroit Red Wings – Lynden Lakovic (LW) / Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Detroit is always prepared to pull out a draft-day wild card. Perhaps their best player right now – Moritz Seider – was once a jaw-dropping draft-day selection who quickly ramped up to NHL success. That could send them in one of many directions next week, though they seem a great fit for WHL bruiser Lynden Lakovic. Lakovic is another juniors-league puckhog who has earned his keep by facilitating his team’s movement through the neutral zone. Lakovic gains the blue-line with tempo and doesn’t shy down to a wall of defenders. But much of his play has stayed close to the perimeter all season long. He has the frame to be a sharp, heavy option at the next level – but needs to grow his ability to break into the middle of the ice before he’s there. As it stands, he’s a shoot-first winger with multiple layers of physical and scoring upside.
Other Options: Carter Bear (LW), William Horcoff (RW/C)
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Carter Bear (LW) / Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Columbus will find themselves in a similar situation to Detroit and Seattle – with no clear push towards one style but a tremendous array of options available. They could go for feisty scorer Justin Carbonneau, or feistier playmaker Cole Reschny – but in this group Columbus will instead bet early on the persistent drive to the net offered by Carter Bear.
Bear scored a tremendous 40 goals and 82 points in 56 WHL games this season, while often operating from a role that rotated through Everett’s top-six. He earned many of those goals with a relentless drive into the deep parts of the offensive end. While not the most physical away from play, Bear was fearless in his pursuit of loose pucks and slight openings between opponents. He held his own all year long, and even recovered ahead of schedule from a partial Achille’s Tendon tear suffered late in the year. He’s expected to carry a full bill of health into next season, and could find a quick ramp to the pros if his style stays as burly.
Other Options: Justin Carbonneau (RW), Cole Reschny (C)
15. Vancouver Canucks – Braeden Cootes (C) / Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Sources close to PHR have suggested that Vancouver will pursue one of two options in this year’s draft. Their top choice appears to be trading this pick away – with a suggestion that they’re, “aggressively” shopping the option. If a trade doesn’t manifest, it will be a decision between centers – with the technical Braeden Cootes, feisty Cole Reschny, and hefty Cole McKinney headlining their list.
In our mock, we’ll couple the Canucks with World U18 Championship star Braeden Cootes. Cootes handles the middle-lane better than most, if not all, of this year’s draft class. He holds close to his positioning – but not to any detriment. Instead, he’s a constant option for teammates on the flanks, and wields the quick processing, stickhandling, and jump needed to make a variety of plays work. There’s promising two-way upside, and a clear projection forward, in Cootes’ build. That security will be nice reassurance for a Canucks club experiencing plenty of flux.
Other Options: Cole Reschny (C), Cole McKinney (C)
16. Montreal Canadiens – Justin Carbonneau (RW) / Blainville-Boisbrand Armada (QMJHL)
Montreal seems well-positioned to take both a forward and defender with back-to-back picks in the teens of this year’s class. They’ll cross the former off their list first, with a tough decision between scoring upside in Carbonneau or projectability in a player like Malcolm Spence. Ultimately, the Canadiens could benefit from upside more than certainty, and will find it in heaps with the all-out-excitement of Carbonneau.
Few wingers manned their lineups as well as Carbonneau commanded the QMJHL’s Armada this year. He was an end-to-end standout, consistently corralling possession in the defensive end and bolting it 200-feet up ice. He created endless opportunities off the rush with his size, puck protection, and rocket shot. When he couldn’t generate off the rush, Carbonneau was among the best at forcing play into offensive systems, and finding opportunity through cycles or play to his defenders. He’s an offensive asset in tools and mindset — with the added boost of a gut-punch determination to protect his teammates (especially his goalie). Carbonneau’s ice presence is intimidating, and warrants a confident selection on draft day.
Other Options: Malcolm Spence (LW), Lynden Lakovic (LW)
17. Montreal Canadiens – Logan Hensler (RD) / University of Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten, NCAA)
Montreal will balance their bet on scoring upside with perhaps the most projectable defender available after pick-15. Logan Hensler faced plenty of scrutiny throughout the season as he struggled to manage the top-defender role on a buried Wisconsin roster, playing in a conference where the average age of defenders (22.0) is four years older.
The tough role he faced seemed to knock Hensler out of the brazen offense he flashed at the U.S. National Team Development Program. But he was knocked towards a burly defender role. He learned how to use his great frame and strength to shutdown play in the defensive end, and had the quick hands to get the puck north before opponents had a chance to regroup. He’d be a perfect, projectable compliment to Montreal’s flashy offensive-defenders on the left-hand side, even if he only ever glimpses the heights of his own offensive potential.
Other Options: Kashawn Aitcheson (LD), Blake Fiddler (RD)
18. Calgary Flames – Blake Fiddler (RD) / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
As the 20s approach, so will the defenders in this year’s class. Calgary will have a quick pivot away from Hensler in the beefy form of Blake Fiddler, son of Vernon Fiddler, veteran of nearly 900 NHL games. Blake grew up around closely following his father’s journeyman career, and clearly learned much of the poise and fundamental impacts needed to make it at the next level.
Fiddler has a hefty frame, already north of 6-foot-4 and 200-pounds. Despite that, he carries the puck with ease – routinely capable of shutting down opponents deep in the offensive end then sparking a fast breakout. He hits, he corrals opponents, and he joins the rush – all impressive attributes from a truly defensively-oriented option. As his game rises to the pro level, he’ll develop into a clear pro with a high-floor.
Other Options: Logan Hensler (RD), Cole McKinney (C)
19. St. Louis Blues – Malcolm Spence (LW) / Erie Otters (OHL)
The St Louis Blues are another team that could go in one of endless directions this year. They’ve been closely attached to players like Cootes and Cole McKinney, but also have a long-running knack for drafting the cream of the crop out of the OHL… especially if they’re left-wings or left-defenders. Both options will be available, but St. Louis seems more likely to bet on the burly size of Malcolm Spence than the undersized flash of Cameron Reid.
In Spence, the Blues will be landing a tireless workhorse who knows how to make an impact on the boards, in the corners, or in front of the net. Spence has flashed top-end strength and skill at every level he’s played at. He imposes tremendous pressure onto opponents, largely on the back of being two steps faster than anyone would expect from such a hefty frame. Spence has lost some of the finesse that made him a premier youth hockey prospect, but he’s made up for it in projectable impact – and would be a great addition to St. Louis’ growing pool of strong forwards.
Other Options: Braeden Cootes (C), Cameron Reid (LD)
20. Columbus Blue Jackets – Cole Reschny (C) / Victoria Royals (WHL)
Size is the name of the game for much of this year’s draft class, but Columbus will have a golden chance to stray away from that mark with feisty Cole Reschny, who falls just under 6-foot even. Reschny is a poised but aggressive centerman with the ability to fill any role on the forecheck. He has the tempo and speed to win races to the puck in the corners, the quick reactions to make plays on loose pucks, or the keen awareness to find space while his teammates win out possession. He adds to that a true snap in his shot and dekes around opponents. Where many players lean on skill to push them forward, Recshny has leaned on drive, and allowed his skill to serve as a helpful boost. That should be beyond welcome as Columbus looks to build a cohort of young stars to boost Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko.
Other Options: Cameron Reid (LD), William Horcoff (RW/C)
21. Ottawa Senators – Cole McKinney (C) / U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP)
The Ottawa Senators will face a tough decision with the heaps of options flying off the board ahead of them. They could go in any number of directions, though many defender options available fall on the left-hand side, where Ottawa is already crowded. Because of that, they’ll instead turn towards the heavy strength of Cole McKinney.
McKinney emerged as the NTDP’s top center and carried a ton of responsibility this season, after the unconventional departure of Cullen Potter and William Horcoff before the end of their U18 season. Having to man the top role took McKinney away from his typical role of transition-specialist and sniper, but forced him to learn how to make an impact behind and in front of the net. He’s a well-rounded, strong option capable of handling any task thrown at him. Even better, he’s an offensive specialist who could be offered more chance to thrive at the University of Michigan next season. That upside should be beyond welcome in an otherwise quiet Senators prospect pool.
Other Options: Kashawn Aitcheson (LD), Jack Nesbitt (C)
22. Philadelphia Flyers – Kashawn Aitcheson (LD) / Barrie Colts (OHL)
Philadelphia opted for a flashy forward at the start of the draft, and will now balance it out with a flashy defender to boot. Aitcheson scored a tremendous 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games of his draft year this season. He added 88 penalty minutes to those marks – an appropriate decrease from the 126 PIMs he posted last year. Aitcheson was a big moment player in more than one way. Whether Barrie needed to hold down the fort defensively, a big hit in open ice, or a last-ditch drive for a goal – it was Aitcheson on the ice. His high-event hockey may not stick through the next levels, but his feist and determination certainly will. Those will be exciting traits to bet on for a Flyers team in need of defense.
Other Options: Sascha Boumedienne (LD), Cullen Potter (C)
23. Nashville Predators – Sascha Boumedienne (LD) / Boston University Terriers (Hockey East, NCAA)
Like Philadelphia and Montreal, the Predators will have a golden chance to balance out their selection of a forward earlier in the day. Here, they’ll land fundamental Boston Terrier Sascha Boumedienne, the son of longtime pro Josef Boumedienne. Sascha is a by-the-books defender in more ways than one. He handles movement up and down the boards with ease, using a strong stick and positioning to shut down defenders one way and clean puck-control to support the rush the other way. Many have critiqued Boumedienne’s lack of a true X-factor, though his ability to facilitate movement up the ice stood proud and impressive prior to his early jump to college. That should re-emerge as a defining trait as he becomes more comfortable in Hockey East, and continue on through his entry into the pro scene.
Other Options: Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. (RW), William Horcoff (RW/C)
24. Los Angeles Kings – Jack Nesbitt (C) / Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Los Angeles is another team with a wealth of options available to them. But if precedent holds true, the Kings’ preference lies in finding bulky bodies that they can mold into hardy pros. That’s exactly what they’ll get in Jack Nesbitt, a longtime scrutinized prospect who adjusted to the heights of a top-six OHL role with ease this season. Nesbitt controls the middle lane with confidence and doesn’t shy away from dirty plays. He’s able to pull them off thanks to quick decision-making and a strong frame. He has layers to add to his game, but the skill and size build to go in a variety of directions. That will make for a great build-your-own prospect for the Kings to mold into a backstop for Quinton Byfield.
Other Options: Bill Zonnon (RW/C), Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. (RW)
25. Chicago Blackhawks – Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. (RW) / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Another Chicago Blackhawks pick will bring another wave of uncertainty – though sources available to ProHockeyRumors suggest that is’ truly a two-headed race for pick-25. The Hawks are high on defender Boumedienne, but should he be gone, they’ll jump off of the board to land power-forward Vaclav Nestrasil Jr.
Nestrasil Jr., the younger brother of 2009 third-round draftee Andrej Nestrasil, had a major breakout in the year’s second-half as he supported Muskegon’s drive to a Clark Cup Championship. He started the year as a clear power-forward, filling the burly roles in the corners, along the boards, and in front of the net. But as time went on, Nestrasil Jr. added a considerable amount of creativity and puck-control to his style. He became a core piece of Muskegon’s approach down the ice, and ensured break-ins where his teammates struggled. He seems to be developing into a strong offensive asset, on top of his 6-foot-5 frame. That size, heft, and upside will all be welcome in an undersized Blackhawks pool.
Other Options: Sascha Boumedienne (LD), Cullen Potter (C)
26. Nashville Predators – William Horcoff (RW/C) / University of Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten, NCAA)
Among the biggest risers in the year’s second half is William Horcoff, the child of former longtime NHLer Shawn Horcoff. That second-half breakout came after Horcoff made the brazen move away from a record-low-scoring NTDP squad to a top-six role in the Big Ten. He instantly became one of Michigan’s best forwards, on the back of a great mix between responsible impact and flashy scoring jumps. Like his dad, William knows how to handle the small plays exceptionally well – but adds to that an exciting mix of puck-control, hard shot, and drive towards the net. He could be a major breakout candidate with a full year at Michigan next season, where he could play opposite of Malcolm Spence and Canadiens prospect Michael Hage.
Other Options: Cole McKinney (C), Jack Murtagh (LW/C)
27. Washington Capitals – Bill Zonnon (RW/C) / Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
The Washington Capitals have found heaps of success in drafting lanky but powerful playmakers in recent years. They’re in a golden spot to land another this year in the form of Bill Zonnon, who still looks a few pounds underweight. Despite that, Zonnon always seemed involved in play as it came across. He made hard plays on the boards and into open space – and generated plenty of scoring as a result. He’ll need to build out his stocky frame a bit more to adjust seamlessly to the pro flight – but that seems like a given after the heaps of offense and control he’s added to his game in recent years.
Other Options: Jack Murtagh (LW/C), Bill Zonnon (RW/C)
28. Winnipeg Jets – Jack Murtagh (LW/C) / U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Winnipeg are in need of a day-one impact, and will find it with a bet towards the future. Murtagh is among the youngest players in the draft class, but grew into a top-line role at the NTDP on the back of his hardy, do-it-all approach to every shift. Whether it’s battles in the corners, netfront control, or a high-volume shooter role – Murtagh has adjusted to it all with ease. He is another option missing a true defining trait, but could find it as he graduates from the NTDP into a young collegiate role. It will be physicality and sharp shooting that gets him there – two traits sorely needed in Winnipeg’s pool.
Other Options: Jack Nesbitt (C), Bill Zonnon (RW/C)
29. Carolina Hurricanes – Cameron Reid (LD) / Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The Carolina Hurricanes have never shied away from a clear star because of size or scrutiny. That pattern will benefit them with this year’s day-one pick – as they land the fantastic, all-three-zones determination of Cameron Reid.
Reid has been an effective, puck-moving defender for years – but he’s recently added a hardy boost of defensive control and full-ice poise. No longer is Reid rushing into transition up the ice. Now, he knows how to begin with fundamental shutdowns in the defensive zone, and use his forwards to help jump up the ice with tempo. When tempo picks up, Reid thrives – using quick feet and impressive playmaking knack to generate chances seemingly every shift. As Carolina eyes the turnover of multiple defenders, Reid’s upside will come in handy.
Other Options: Cullen Potter (C), Alexander Zharovsky (RW)
30. San Jose Sharks – Cullen Potter (C) / Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCHC, NCAA)
San Jose will have a heyday on draft day. They can focus solely on drafting for upside – and will find the epitome of the word in flashy forward Cullen Potter, the son of Olympic Gold Medal and four-time World Championship Gold Medal-winner Jenny Schmidgall-Potter. Like his mom, Cullen possesses all of the flashy skating, lightning-quick hands, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot needed to beat opponents at every level he’s played. He stood as Arizona State’s best player this season, even despite entering college well ahead of schedule. It was an impressive feat, though one that would have been far more supported had Potter wielded a bit more size and strength. How he adjusts to the NHL level will be a mystery – but he’s an all-skill, all-flash scorer who has lit up every level he’s played at.
Other Options: Henry Brzustewicz (RD), Shane Vansaghi (C/LW)
31. Philadelphia Flyers – Joshua Ravensbergen (G) / Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Philadelphia will complete the trifecta by taking the first goalie off the board. Joshua Ravensbergen has long been lauded as the top option in this year’s class, boasting both the size and mental fortitude needed to stand up to very hardy roles in international tournaments and high-moment league play. He’s formed a hardy wall all year long, backed by fundamental and athletic movements. There’s a strong chance he could land eaerlier in the class as a result, but in our mock – Philadelphia will get lucky late on day one.
Other Options: Cullen Potter (C), Ryker Lee (LW)
32. Calgary Flames – Benjamin Kindel (RW) / Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Few prospects have been so scrutinized as the high-skill flash of Benjamin Kindel. He was an undeniable scorer in the WHL this year, using flashy stickhandling, a slingshot wrister, and smart cuts to seamlessly beat defenders and find his way into open ice. But he was also noticeably unphysical all year long, and shied away from pressure in the dirty areas of the ice. Those traits make him a bit of a trepidatious pick. But with his star performance coming in Calgary’s backyard, it’s almost certain that the Flames will be able to see the skill through the skepticism.
Other Options: Henry Brzustewicz (RD), Cole McKinney (C)
Photos courtesy of Eric Canha-Imagn Images, David Reginek-Imagn Images.
