So, here’s the thing about mock drafts this early in the year: the NHL standings can never stay still. Ever.

There’s still so much flip-flopping around the league, with a team able to move up five spots after a three- or four-game-winning streak. The Eastern Conference battle, in particular, is so tight, meaning it doesn’t take much to get yourself back in the playoff battle.

Last year, our first NHL mock draft saw the top spot change the very next day after it was posted – and the San Jose Sharks never looked back, landing Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. They’ve been in the 32nd spot for quite a while now, with Chicago once again sitting in second. Buffalo and Nashville recently swapped spots, and the rest of the top 10 has seen new teams come and go on a near nightly basis.

But with the NHL Trade Deadline past, now’s a good time to get the first 2025 NHL Mock Draft out of the way:

1. San Jose Sharks: Matthew Schaefer, LHD (Erie Otters, OHL)

Schaefer is the No. 1 prospect for most scouts, and he’d fit a perfect need in San Jose’s pipeline. Sam Dickinson is going to be a solid player, but Schaefer is a better all-around defenseman – and the best in this class by a large margin. Schaefer is so smart, so skilled, and the results at just about every single level have been so promising. You can see some similarities between Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes in the way he moves and makes decisions with the puck. Schaefer is hard to beat in 1-on-1 situations, and despite playing close to 30 minutes a night with Erie, he still found ways to have some outstanding underlying analytics. Schaefer is expected to start skating this week for the first time since suffering an injury at the World Juniors – so Sharks fans should tune into Erie games once he’s back.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Michael Misa, C/LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Misa has spent most of the season at center, but many scouts preferred him on the wing, like he played for most of last year. So, could you imagine him alongside Connor Bedard? 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 – there isn’t another player in this draft I’d trust more to go out and win a game.

3. Nashville Predators: James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)

The Predators have had a dismal season, but they’ve got enough talent to push themselves back into playoff contention sooner rather than later. They just need things to start clicking – and, unfortunately, the terrible start to the season seemed to kill any of the steam generated from the offseason. That’s why I like the idea of Hagens here – he could be a key piece of this organization quite soon. Hagens could go No. 1 overall and it wouldn’t surprise me. He’s really smart, plays a great two-way game and can thrive with just about anyone. Hagens has all the makings of being a No. 1 center on many NHL teams – Nashville could use that in the long run.

4. Buffalo Sabres: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

The Sabres could really use a solid blueliner at this spot, but I’m not sure stretching for someone like Jackson Smith is the way to go. Could I see it? Sure. But I like the idea of them selecting the no-nonsense Martone. 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. I like Martone as a future top-six forward who can finish plays and throw the body around.

5. Seattle Kraken: Anton Frondell, C/RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

*Anton Frondell (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

The Kraken love selecting centers, and this draft is full of them. If Martone is available, I think Seattle would take him instead to give them that wing depth they need. But with Frondell, he has experience down the middle and on the wing, and he’s really intriguing. Injuries derailed the early part of his season, but he’s having one of the most productive campaigns in league history. 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 has put himself back on the map as a potential top-five pick.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins: Caleb Desnoyers, C (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)

The Penguins need any depth they can get – and after moving Brayden Yager in the Rutger McGroarty draft, snagging Desnoyers will help bolster their center position. 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. He might not be the flashiest, but at the very least, Desnoyers is going to be a middle-six center because he does so many great things away from the puck. Desnoyers is a guy you can with – something Hockey Canada knows quite well after watching him win at the U-17 and U-18 level already.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

An injury knocked McQueen out for close to five months, and his return to Brandon has been a bit slow. But scouts absolutely love the massive 6-foot-5 forward, someone who isn’t afraid of anything and has the energy to match it. He blends a unique mix of size, playmaking, hockey sense, and an outstanding shot – he was scoring at a point-per-game pace before his injury. I want to see him move a bit quicker when he’s dealing with pressure-packed situations, but he has a unique base to build around.

8. Anaheim Ducks: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Eklund made some noise with a solid World Juniors and has been the most productive U-20 player in the Swedish second-tier league this year. He has a great shot that I wish he’d use a bit more, but he does like to create in open space. I also think Eklund is very good away from the puck, often pushing guys around and not letting others get him out of the areas he wants to be in. His skating is solid, as well.

9. Boston Bruins: Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)

The Bruins can use a bit of anything in their pipeline, but they’re lacking a high-end, top-four defenseman. Many consider Smith to be the second-best defensive prospect in the draft, and I can’t disagree. He’s physical, skates so well, and he’s very mobile for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds a way to explode offensively.

10. Detroit Red Wings: Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

O’Brien’s consistency has been really impressive, even in the games when Brantford isn’t producing much. His off-puck play is great, and he’s always out-thinking his opponents. O’Brien is 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. The Bulldogs are a serious threat to score every time O’Brien hits the ice, and his ability to impact shifts in many ways will excite Red Wings fans.

11. New York Islanders: Carter Bear, C/LW (Everett Silvertips)

Bear was one of the CHL’s most dangerous forwards in the first half of the season but his pace had dropped in recent months. Still, he’s a 40-goal, 80-point scorer who still has a lot of runway to finish the season off strong. 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. The Islanders could hit big here and get themselves some extra scoring help.

12. Utah Hockey Club: Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Utah has one of the best pipelines in the game, and it’s highlighted by two defenders in Maveric Lamoureux and Dmitri Simashev. But beyond that, I’m not convinced they have any other true long-term NHL threats. That’s why I like Mrtka, a 6-foot-6 defender who is playing at a 50-point full-season pace in Seattle. He’s so good with the puck, skates well and obviously has the size teams crave. Utah loves their big blueliners, so Mrtka makes sense.

13. Montreal Canadiens: Lynden Lakovic, LW (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)

Montreal might finally not be drafting in the top five, but they’ll still have a shot at a few notable forwards. Lakovic is so much fun to watch, and while he’s not putting up explosive offensive numbers, he reads plays so well and has an excellent shot. Things just seem to happen whenever he has the puck on the rush, and at 6-foot-4, he’s got tremendous size. If you’re a Habs fan that wants Juraj Slafkovsky to hit more, though, you might be a bit disappointed in Lakovic. But I like his two-way ability and think he’ll be a good top-six winger.

14. St. Louis Blues: Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

The Blues have drafted well in the midpack the past few years – but beyond Dalibor Dvorsky, the team lacks a true game-changing forward. That’s not going to change this year, but Carbonneau is one of the QMJHL’s most fascinating forwards in quite some time. Carbonneau loves to make big, flashy, high-end plays and often comes out on the right side of it. He can get caught trying to do too much and could use his teammates a bit more, but he understands that and is doing a better job of realizing when to bail on a play.

15. Pittsburgh Penguins (via New York Rangers): Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)

*Blake Fiddler (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

The Penguins have a weak pipeline, with Harrison Brunicke being the team’s most intriguing defenseman. So I could see them looking for a safe pick in Fiddler, who has emerged as one of the top blueliners in this class., Standing tall at 6-foo-4, he is a big-bodied defender who clears forwards away from his net and pushes opponents to the perimeter. Fiddler is averaging around 22 minutes a night this year and already looks good with the puck.

16. Vancouver Canucks: Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)

Spence is as close to a sure thing as it gets in terms of NHL prospects go in this draft. 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 he’s tracking for more than 30 goals and 70 points on an Erie team that’s been missing its best puck-mover for about half the season (Schaefer). Spence would give the Canucks a nice, physical edge that the team is lacking from its future top-six forward threats.

17. Columbus Blue Jackets: Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Cootes might become more of an energy forward in the NHL, but he’ll be a good one at that. The thing that really stands out here is just how much he wants the puck, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Cootes is also a solid playmaker, often easily finding teammates in open space. I think his value goes far beyond his numbers, but he’s also a bright spot on a bad team right now.

18. Montreal Canadiens (via Montreal Canadiens): Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

Ryabkin’s draft stock has fallen mightily since many originally projected him to go in the top five. He’s a skilled forward who just couldn’t put it together in any of the three Russian leagues he skated in this year, so he bolted to the USHL. Ryabkin has been a point-per-game player ever since, with his lethal shot being on full display. This would be a perfect time for the Canadiens to bet high on talent.

19. Ottawa Senators: Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

Hensler’s lack of flash and offensive instincts might drop him in the draft, but he’s one of the best at actually playing defense. There’s definitely some offensive upside, and he shows it on occasion. But his ability to shut guys down and keep chances to the outside is what’ll make him an effective NHL defenseman. Hensler isn’t huge, but he’s strong, and generally difficult to beat in 1-on-1 situations. He’s also extremely competitive, and I think that’ll help translate to the NHL.

20. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyounds, OHL)

*Brady Martin (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)*

Flames fans will love Martin. He’s one of the hardest-working players in the OHL, and his numbers have really taken flight after a slow start. Martin is on pace for both 69 points and 69 penalty minutes, so he’s a dual threat as a physical force and a point-producer. He might not be a playdriver in the NHL, but he’ll do the dirty work to make sure your team’s top scorers can finish the job. Martin is one of my favorite players in this draft class, and it’s nice to see he’ll be a 30-goal scorer quite shortly.

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

The Blue Jackets have a solid young team, but I’m still not sold on their goaltending. So selecting a big, 6-foot-5 goaltender with so much potential in the system wouldn’t be a bad way to go, especially since they’ll have their early pick, too. 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.

22. Los Angeles Kings: Kawshawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)

I like Aitcheson a lot more than most – so I know he’s not going in the top 10. Anything from about 11th to 25th wouldn’t surprise me, though. Aitcheson is a hard-hitting, smooth-skating defenseman who prides himself on being hard to play against. He has shined in showcase events already this season and was one of Canada’s best defenders at the 2024 U-18 World Championship. We’ll see how his game transitions to the NHL where he’s going up against bigger players, but I think this would be an excellent pickup for the Kings.

23. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

Reid is closing out the regular season by playing some of his best hockey of the season. He’s starting to put up points consistently, and he’s shooting in more dangerous areas, too. Reid isn’t big, but he can shut guys down. Reid 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. Oliver Bonk might be Philadelphia’s best defensive prospect right now, but Reid might be able to surpass him.

24. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Benjamin Kindel, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)

I really hope the Flyers get back-to-back picks because that would be tremendous for intrigue. Kindel has been one of the WHL’s hottest prospects this season, and for a good reason. 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. Below-average skating and a lack of a physical edge knock him down a few pegs, but the Flyers should consider him for his pure puck skills and solid all-around improvement.

25. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning): Jack Murtagh, C/LW (USNTDP)

The Blackhawks could use another potential middle-six forward, and Murtagh is as good as you’ll find in the latter half of the first round. He’s a skilled puck handler who can absolutely fire a shot and is a bit of a workhorse, too. I think he’s a good skater and has the hockey sense you’re looking for in a second or third-liner. I’ve been impressed in most of my viewings this year, and he’s one of the primary reasons to watch the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in a down year.

26. Carolina Hurricanes: Cameron Schmidt, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)

The 5-foot-8 winger hasn’t managed to keep his explosive pace up in the second half of the season, but there’s still a lot to like. And if any team has shown a willingness to bet high on skill (Scott Morrow, Alexander Nikishin, Bradly Nadeau), it’s the Hurricanes. Schmidt is a pure offensive forward with great speed and likes being in front of the net. He’s the small guy who many think will thrive because there’s just so much offensive potential for him, and it feels like he’s not shown it all just yet.

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

I do wonder if the Hawks will keep this pick or trade it to bring in some help for 2025-26. But if not, 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.

28. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Cullen Potter, LW (Arizona State Univ., NCAA)

The Sharks have some good forwards in the system, and I could see them taking a chance on Haoxi Wang, Henry Brzustewicz or Sascha Boumediene to solidify their blueline even further. But Potter is a highly skilled forward who hasn’t let his small slow him down. He’s excellent on the breakout, makes his own space at 5-on-5 and has a great shot, too. Defensively, Potter has taken huge steps forward this year. His 5-foot-9 frame doesn’t do him many favors, but I like how engaged physically he makes himself.

29. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Nathan Behm, RW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)

Behm is having a breakout season with the Blazers, helping him rise the draft ranks quite quickly. He has always been a decent goal-scorer at every level, but he has found a way to put more muscle behind his shot while being better defensively, too. His skating is still a work in progress – he’s not particularly quick and can be beaten by mid-range skaters – but his play with the puck has been incredible this year.

30. Nashville Predators (via Vegas Golden Knights): Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)

Reschny can have his hot and cold momentum but I really like him as a playmaker. He has had great results with Team Canada in the past, finding ways to shine in the spotlight. His pace can be underwhelming at times but he has plenty of skill. Reschny does a lot of the heavy lifting in Victoria, and he’s not far off from finishing with 100 points. I can see him being a potential middle-six threat in the NHL.

31. Winnipeg Jets: Carter Amico, RHD (USNTDP)

The Jets have a lot of forwards in their pipeline, so I’m going with a big, skilled blueliner in Amico. A season-ending injury in the fall limited his season to just 13 games, but he still showed some promising signs. He’s hard to play against, moves well and has some decent puck skills, even if his point totals don’t reflect it. Amico hits hard and hits often, and his own-zone play was the best of any USNTDP defender before the injury. You could tell that not having him on the ice hurt the team in a big way. Maybe the Jets can capitalize on his fallen draft stock.

32. Washington Capitals: Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

Windsor has been a powerhouse in the OHL this year, and Nesbitt is a big reason why. The 6-foot-4 center is smart, plays a two-way game and has plenty of skill to boot, too. He’s good on the man advantage, has a powerful shot and is a solid skater for his size. The Capitals might have struck gold after taking 6-foot-5 Ilya Protas a year ago – let’s see if they follow suit by taking his teammate.

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