The past two NHL Drafts had a clear No. 1 prospect.

In 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. Last year, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier alerted the world just minutes after winning the lottery that he was going to select Macklin Celebrini with the first pick. On Monday, the same two teams held the top odds to claim the first pick in 2025, with the New York Islanders ultimately having the lottery balls fall in their favor.

Except, there isn’t a clear No. 1 prospect this year.

The 2025 NHL Draft is bound to be an interesting one, with multiple options to choose from at the pointy end of the field. The U-18 World Championship came to a close this past weekend, giving scouts one last glimpse at more than 100 prospects in one place to close out the season. There’s still some hockey to be played – most notably in the CHL finals – but most players eligible for 2025 are done for the season. Next up, the NHL Draft Combine to kick off June in Buffalo.

This is not a draft ranking – if you prefer a bigger list, check out our latest top 75. But for those interested in who your team might take, here’s an updated mock draft after the draft lottery from Monday night:

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

Wow. What a moment for the Islanders. This makes me wonder if they’d take Long Island native James Hageans, but they need to go for best player available. The Isles have one of the worst pipelines in hockey, and they could use a high-end defensive prospect. Schaefer instantly would become the top blueliner in the system. Schaefer never returned from his injury at the World Juniors, limiting him to just 26 games between the OHL, World Juniors, Hlinka Gretzky and the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. But he’s still viewed so highly in this draft class. He’s so smart, so skilled, and the results at just about every single level have been so promising. Schaefer is a special talent, and he’s going to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL sooner rather than later.

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

The Sharks needed a defender more, but they’re getting the best forward in this class instead. He’s a skilled forward with size and an outstanding shot. Seriously, could you imagine him alongside Macklin Celebrini, especially on the power play? Misa is one of the best pure goal-scorers in the CHL and is on track for one of the most impressive goal-scoring draft campaigns that we’ve seen out of the OHL in quite some time. The big thing here is his ability to take over a shift – Misa is a true difference-maker.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

Martone would be a perfect pickup for the Blackhawks. The team doesn’t have many hard-hitting offensive threats and he’d be a great future top-six winger. He’s got an excellent combination of skill, size and power, and he’s equally dangerous as a shooter and a passer. He’s not your typical power forward player, and that’s because he can beat guys with pure skill. James Hagens would be an excellent pickup but the idea of Martone creating havoc alongside Chicago’s top skilled guys is awesome. Hagens would be a good pick, but I think Martone would be perfect here.

4. Utah Hockey Club: James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)

Hagens was the third-best forward on his own line, but it feels like too many people discount the Boston College star. He’s an incredible skater and matches up with anyone in this draft class, skill-wise. Utah would be getting a player who has been a leader just about anywhere he has played and has broken numerous records on the international stage. I see a potential top-line forward here – although the big question is whether he’ll be a No. 1 center or if he’s more suited for the wing. Regardless, he’s almost too underrated.

5. Nashville Predators: Anton Frondell, C/RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Fondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by a U-18 player in Allsvenskan history. He also helped Djurgardens earn promotion, too. Frondell has experience down the middle and on the wing, which makes him intriguing. Frondell has a fantastic shot release and he’s getting even better at attacking pucks, too. Frondell has had to make up for lost time, but he put himself back on the map to get selected this high. I’m not 100% convinced he’s a top-line center, but Frondell has so much upside. If they don’t take Frondell, Jake O’Brien and Brady Martin would be perfect options.

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

The Flyers have three first-round picks, and it’ll be interesting if they use them all. This one, obviously, is the most important – and I like the idea of them taking Desnoyers. They selected center Jett Luchanko in the first round a year ago, but I think he’s more of a middle-six threat. Desnoyers is a safe bet to become a two-way, top-six forward. I like his physical play, even though he’s not huge. I think he’s a great playmaker and he’s one of the smarter centers in this draft. Desnoyers is a guy you can win with, having done so at various international tournaments already. That ability to stay calm and collected under pressure – and still perform to a high level – should excite Flyers fans.

7. Boston Bruins: Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

Speaking of betting high, how about Martin? He’d be a perfect fit for a Bruins franchise that loves workhorse forwards (and many scouts see this as a perfect fit). Martin has been severely underrated by those outside of the scouting community because he didn’t have explosive numbers and isn’t particularly big. But, oh boy, he’s probably my favorite prospect in this draft class due to his work ethic alone. He hits everyone in sight, constantly battles hard for the puck and is a noted goal-scorer, too. His play at the U-18s really opened up some eyes.

8. Seattle Kraken: Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)

I’m really high on Smith. You could never have enough puck-moving defenders with size. His U-18 performance showcased a few holes in his game – he can panic a bit too often behind his own net. But he’s competitive, has great offensive instincts and would give the Kraken potentially the best defender they’ve ever drafted. I like him, and I think he should be the second blueliner off the board.

9. Buffalo Sabres: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allvsenskan)

The Sabres could use some extra scoring help (or a defender, but I go best player available in this case) and I think Eklund could be an NHLer in two years. He makes things happen with the puck that very few can, and he’s got an excellent shot, to boot. I loved him at the World Juniors because it felt like he was always involved in the puck play. He might not be big at 5-foot-11, but he does have some decent strength. Defensively, he needs work, but it shouldn’t stop him from playing high in the lineup. Bet high on skill, kids.

10. Anaheim Ducks: Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

O’Brien would be massive for Anaheim, who I’d like to see add to their center depth. His off-puck play is great, and he’s always out-thinking his opponents. O’Brien just fell short of 100 points with 98, but he only continued to get better as the season wore on. He’s never going to blow you away with his pure skill, but his work ethic and ability to be effective in all three zones will allow him to have a solid career.

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

Speaking of personal favorites, Aitcheson is one tough SOB to have to contain at any end of the ice. He has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL – someone who just gives opponents nothing to work with. His physicality is the best attribute of his game because he’s willing to get involved with just about anyone. Penguins fans would absolutely love him because he’ll land a huge hit, take the puck and go score the other way. His offensive game might not translate perfectly to the NHL, but he has all the traits of becoming a long-term NHL defenseman.

12. New York Rangers: Radm Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

While Mrtka’s U-18s were a bit of a mixed bag, it shouldn’t hurt him too much on draft day. He’s a bit of a rare treat in this draft – he’s 6-foot-6, a right-hand shot and quite mobile. He put up good numbers with Seattle and was Czechia’s top defenseman in every event he participated in. This would be an excellent for a Rangers team who could use Mrtka’s size and speed.

13. Detroit Red Wings: Carter Bear, C/LW (Everett Silvertips, WHL)

Bear was one of the CHL’s most dangerous forwards in the first half of the season, but an injury ended his season early. He’s a difficult player to play against, and his athleticism is top-notch. The big question for scouts is what type of player he’ll be at the next level, but they clearly appreciate his ability to perform for a top contender in the WHL – something that isn’t always the case for a draft-eligible. I really like his upside if he keeps trending the way he has, though, and the Wings could definitely use someone who knows how to score in the pipeline.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

I like the idea of the Blue Jackets getting a potential top-four defender to replace David Jiricek. Hensler is a 6-foot-2, mobile blueliner with good reach and can rough guys up, and he’s solid in his own zone. You won’t confuse him for a puck-rushing offensive defenseman, though. There’s a good chance he becomes a second-pairing defenseman who plays a safe defensive game.

15. Vancouver Canucks: Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings)

This is a high-risk, high-reward pick – but one I think could prove to be huge. McQueen missed a large chunk of the season due to a back injury and couldn’t replicate his hot start down the stretch. Still, there’s so much upside from the 6-foot-5 right-shot center. It’s just a question of whether a team feels confident he’s at full strength moving forward as to where he’ll fall. There’s legit top-five upside here, so don’t be surprised if he goes much higher.

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)

The Canadiens have always been willing to bet high on smaller forwards, and I think Reschny would be a huge get. The 5-foot-10 center is coming off a mega showing at the U-18 World Championship, and was one of the CHL’s most productive players this year. He’s a fantastic playmaker who sees the ice as well as anyone, but he was more of a shooter at the U-18s. This feels like a pick that would pan out very, very well for the Canadiens, who haven’t selected a center with their first pick since 2018 with Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

17. Montreal Canadiens: Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

This would be a popular pick in Montreal – partly because he’s French, but also because he looks like a future electric middle-six scoring threat. Carbonneau loves to make big, flashy, high-end plays and often comes out on the right side of it. He loves to shoot and could probably use his linemates a bit better, but I think his willingness to do whatever it takes to generate offense will pay off in the NHL.

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Benjamin Kindel, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)

The Flames need center depth, but I don’t love any of the options at No. 18. But Kindel is someone I think Flames fans would really grow to like. First off, he plays locally. But more importantly, he was one of the WHL’s most thrilling prospects this year. He’s equally good as a shooter and a playmaker and is the driving force of Calgary’s attack. Kindel does a great job of finding open space and exploiting it and he has a shot he can unleash from just about anywhere. I hope he improves his skating, but working with pro-level coaches will help.

19. St. Louis Blues: Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

The Blues have addressed their blueline depth over the past two years but I like Reid’s potential. He can do a little bit of everything – his three-zone game is so good, and he’s got the intelligence to beat so many players in 1-on-1 situations. I liked him in the OHL playoffs and really think he’s destined to be an impact top-four defender.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Joshua Ravensbergen, G (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

The Blue Jackets have some promising goalie prospects, but Ravensbergen would be better than all of them. More often than not, we’re talking about an 18-year-old goaltender who has had to carry his team to wins, and it’s rare to find a goalie his age with this much starter experience already. He’s also 6-foot-5, which doesn’t hurt. He’s the consensus No. 1 goalie prospect in this draft and won’t need to wait long to hear his name called.

21. Ottawa Senators: Lynden Lakovic, LW (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)

The Sens like to draft big, and Lakovic is 6-foot-4. He reads plays so well and has an excellent shot. Things just seem to happen whenever he has the puck on the rush, and he creates a ton of great odd-man chances with his quick acceleration. I’d hate to have to match up against him in the middle of the lineup. I wonder if they’d take Malcolm Spence instead, though.

22. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Cootes continued to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with at the U-18s. For those who didn’t watch him, he showed tremendous poise and smarts in open space. The hard-nosed forward won almost every battle in the offensive zone and seemed to thrive no matter who he played with. Flames fans are going to love his work ethic and how he reads plays.

23. Carolina Hurricanes: Cullen Potter, C (Arizona State Univ., NCAA)

The Hurricanes like taking chances on skill, and Potter has a ton of it. He might not be big, but he’s got a ton to build off. Potter is an excellent skater, and he uses that speed to beat opponents to the middle to create chances. Potter is also much better defensively than he was at the same point last year – a testament to his work at ASU.

24. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

Nesbitt’s 6-foot-4 frame makes him an attractive center, so he could easily go in the top 15. He’s competitive, had an excellent season in Windsor and I thought he did well the deeper he went down Canada’s lineup. He’s tough to play against and be a shutdown forward if needed. I think he needs to add a bit more pace but the raw talent is there. I like his NHL future.

25. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Sascha Boumedienne, LHD (Boston Univ., NCAA)

I was low on Boumedienne early in the season because it felt like he made too many mistakes with the puck. As the season wore on, he continued to improve. But, more importantly, he saved his best hockey for last between the NCAA tournament and his record-breaking play at the U-18 World Championship. He’s a skilled puck-mover who thrives on the power play and loves to be involved in any way he can at both ends of the ice. This would be a nice pickup for the Flyers, but they could also spring for toughness up front like Malcolm Spence.

26. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)

After taking a center at the start, the Preds move back to get someone familiar with the city. The son of former Predator Vern Fiddler, Blake is a big, 6-foot-4 defenseman with good mobility and defensive instincts. He doesn’t offer a ton in terms of offensive flash, but he does have a good shot when he chooses to use it. Compared to the more high-flying offensive nature of Tanner Molendyk, I like Fiddler’s potential as a top-four defender in Nashville’s system.

27. Los Angeles Kings: Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)

Spence is a no-nonsense winger who blends skill and physicality to become a threat. He’s difficult to play against, hits hard and thrives under pressure. Spence has been a standout at so many different showcase events the past few years and can play with anyone. He won’t be a big-time offensive player but he can play anywhere up and down the lineup and generate results.

28. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Cameron Schmidt, RW (Vancouver Giants)

Schmidt might be small at 5-foot-8, but he makes up for it how hard he battles. He started the season as one of the WHL’s most productive forwards. His numbers started to quiet down as the season wore on, but he still showed his incredible puck skills and play reads every single night. Defensively, he took nice steps forward, too. Schmidt is a pure offensive forward with great speed and likes being in front of the net. On the power play, he’s absolutely lethal. The question is, can he translate his game to the NHL?

29. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Bill Zonnon, LW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

I like Zonnon. He’s very energetic, a tremendous playmaker and is looking more comfortable as a shooter, too. He’s physical, smart and is an excellent passer who can do some dangerous things with the puck. When he has the puck, he makes things happen in open space. Without it, he creates space for his teammates and he gets himself to the net. His ability to play with pace should intrigue teams in this range.

30. Nashville Predators (via Vegas Golden Knights): Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

This is a bet on high-end upside. Ryabkin fell drastically down the rankings early in the season and might not even remain a first-round threat. But with the Preds holding a ton of early draft capital, this is absolutely a bet worth making. His move to Muskegon proved fruitful, playing at a 40-goal pace over a full season. We’ve also seen him flesh out his physical and playmaking games, with his passing and hockey sense being two of his best traits. A boost of confidence in the USHL seems to have really helped Ryabkin’s stock after falling out of the first round in the eyes of many at the halfway point of the season.

31. Washington Capitals: Milton Gastrin, C (Modo, Sweden U-20)

I love Gastrin’s game. I think he’s a legit first-round prospect. He’s so smart, cradles the puck well and competes as hard as anyone. Mix in above-average skating and great defensive zone awareness and I’m seeing a player that reminds me of David Edstrom from two years ago. I have absolutely no concern about Gastrin not becoming an NHLer because he thinks and operates at such a high level.

32. Winnipeg Jets: Haoxi “Simon” Wang, LHD (Oshawa Generals, OHL)

This could either be a huge swing or a massive win for the Jets. Wang moved from Jr. A to the OHL this year, and while it took a bit for him to figure out how to handle the pace, he got better as the season wore on. Some aren’t convinced that he’s even a top 50 prospect. For me, I like the pure, raw upside of a mobile 6-foot-6 defenseman who has shown some serious growth over the past year. The Jets could use some extra defensive help, so I like this choice.

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