NHL 2025 Mock Draft (1.0) with @TheProspectDon
Picks 1-16
Our NHL 2025 Mock Draft starts off with a big surprise: the Islanders leap from the 10th pick to the top spot.
Key Takeaways
The Islanders jump to the number one overall pick and Utah’s jump up to 4th changes the landscape of the entire draft.
Matthew Schaefer remains the consensus number one prospect, but Michael Misa is not far behind.
Team needs will significantly influence draft strategies.
The 2025 draft is shaping up to be a rollercoaster event.
The Wide-Open Field Beyond the Top Two
After Schaefer and Misa, the competition is wide open. Many talented prospects are vying for the top 16 spots. The key players to watch include:
James Hagens, who many on Long Island want to go 1st overall.
Anton Frondell from Sweden
Porter Martone, the big winger who is currently playing on Team Canada in the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Caleb Desnoyers, the complete centreman with outstanding playmaking abilities.
NHL teams are keeping a close eye on these players as the draft approaches.
Potential Draft-Day Trades and Surprises
Draft-day trades are relatively common in the NHL Draft. Teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins might trade to move up in the draft, or will the Islanders trade down and select the Long Island kid James Hagens. How bad does San Jose want Matthew Schaefer? How bad does Chicago want Michael Misa? Don’t forget Utah jumped up in the draft lottery as well, will they make a trade? We are going to have to wait and see.
Who do you want the Islanders to select?
First Round Picks 1-16: Teams and Selections
1st. New York Islanders
Analyst at selects Matthew Schaefer, LD from the Erie Otters of the OHL.
The New York Islanders have a rejuvenated prospect pool after trading away Brock Nelson at the Trade Deadline for Calum Ritchie and a 1st round pick. Cole Eiserman and Danny Nelson shined in the WJC as Team USA brought home the Gold for the second straight year. Adding Matthew Schaefer to that group will give Islanders fans a lot to be excited about. Schaefer is a low-risk, high ceiling type of prospect with elite skating and puck-moving ability. He’s an elite prospect but if he wants to be generational he’s going to have to work on his shot and bulk up to bring more physicality and hard edge to his game. I would like to apologize to the #BringHagensHome crowd for this one.
The Prospect Don selects Matthew Schaefer, LD from the Erie Otters of the OHL.
Matthew Schaefer. After having a 3.5% chance at winning the lottery the New York Islanders lock up their future top pair left handed defenseman of the future. Schaefer has elite potential as a two-way, minute munching, defenseman that can play in all situations. Although the Islanders have to make a tough decision to pass up on hometown kid James Hagens, Matthew Schaefer is the clear number 1 pick and would be a fantastic pair for Noah Dobson for years to come.
Matthew Schaefer Interview with The Prospect Don
2nd. San Jose Sharks
Isles Rumor selects Michael Misa, C/LW from the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.
The San Jose Sharks would have loved to pick Matthew Schaefer with their first pick but unfortunately for them the New York Islanders jumped all the way from 10 to 1 and take him right before they get the chance. With that being said having a 1-2 punch of Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa down the middle for the next 15 years is something most teams would dream about. Misa has the skills to be a two way centreman in the near future at the NHL level and has a ton of offensive talent. I’m not as high on him as everyone else but I can’t see San Jose passing up on Misa here.
The Prospect Don selects Michael Misa, C/LW from the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.
Sharks drop one spot in the draft lottery and end up selecting Michael Misa who can play Center or Wing and help either Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith create a dynamic trio or center the second line with Saginaw teammate Igor Chernyshov. Misa had an incredible year in the OHL leading all players in assists and points as well as reaching point totals only Patrick Kane and John Tavares have tallied. Misa is a truly special player for the Sharks and they will run to the podium to select him.
3rd. Chicago Blackhawks
Isles Rumor selects James Hagens, Center from Boston College.
This is where my mock becomes controversial. Chicago has their eyes on Michael Misa but like Matthew Schaefer and San Jose, he gets taken right before them. James Hagens a year ago was the consensus number one overall pick in this years draft and it seems a bit unfair to him that after having a point per game season in the NCAA he is getting disrespected. I could see Hagens being their 2C of the future behind Bedard or even a move to the wing to play with Bedard could be in the works, either way I think he’s the best player available and sees the ice as good as anyone in the draft.
The Prospect Don selects Porter Martone, RW from the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL.
There is going to be a ton of debate over this one leading up until the draft, but I think the Blackhawks will ultimately draft Connor Bedard a linemate in 6’3” skilled, power forward Porter Martone. He is so skilled, has great vision and passion, and a great scoring instinct. His cons are that he needs to work on his skating but I believe with the right coaching especially with the speedy Blackhawks, this will not be an issue. Martone can be a top line winger and a 35+ goal scorer a year if he hits his potential. His player comp for himself is Matthew Tkachuk.
Porter Martone Interview with The Prospect Don
4th. Utah Mammoth
Isles Rumor selects Porter Martone, RW from the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL.
This one just feels right. Utah will be making their first pick as the Mammoth and what better way of doing so than by selecting a big physical winger who can fit that Mammoth identity. Utah has skill forwards in the likes of Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther but I think the physicality aspect of Martone would complement perfectly. He’s not quite as physical as the Tkachuk brothers but his compete is off the charts.
The Prospect Don selects Anton Frondell, Center from Djurgårdens IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan.
Anton Frondell. Anton Frondell is a two-way top 6 center that has an incredible shot. Many Swedish players DraftPros has interviewed called him the best player they have ever played against. He is almost 7 months younger than Porter Martone and has been playing with men in the SHL. With limited ice time and a short lease on his SHL team, Anton has done an incredible job closing out the season on a strong note. He had a tough start to the season with 3 quick injuries but really came into his own during the later half of the season.
5th. Nashville Predators
Isles Rumor selects Caleb Desnoyers, Center from the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
Nashville needs a little bit of everything here at pick 5 and I bet they were hoping James Hagens would fall into their lap to bring more offense, but Caleb Desnoyers is no consolation prize. Desnoyers is someone Barry Trotz can rely on to do the right thing and never give up on the play and that fits the old Trotz system perfectly. He also put up the offensive production to warrant a top 5 pick. Desnoyers is secretly one of my favorite players in this draft class.
The Prospect Don selects James Hagens, Center from Boston College.
Nashville gets the early steal of the draft with James Hagens falling into their lap. He is an incredible playmaking center that was once projected as the favorite to go 1st overall. He had 37 points in 37 NCAA games and in the eyes of many was not as productive as many had hoped. But Hagens had a good year and has the skill and hockey IQ to be a producer at the NHL level despite being under 6’. The NHL is trending to become a smaller and more skilled league and James Hagens is perfect for that transition.
6th. Philadelphia Flyers
Isles Rumor selects Anton Frondell, Center from Djurgårdens IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan.
I think Philadelphia would be shocked to see Frondell drop this far and would sprint to make this pick. Scouts around the league see him as the most NHL ready and well rounded prospect in this draft and reasonably so considering he’s playing against grown men in Sweden. Frondell is strong on the puck and will forecheck extremely well for the Flyers in the near future. The Flyers need a Frondell type of player down the middle sooner rather than later.
The Prospect Don selects selects Caleb Desnoyers, Center from the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
Caleb Desnoyers might be the best defensive forward in the NHL Draft. He has offensive upside as well and has shown a tremendous amount of flashes throughout the season. Desnoyers played in the QMJHL tallying 35 goals 49 assists for 84 points in 56 games played. He would be a perfect linemate for Matvei Michkov who is an offensive guru and Desnoyers could play more of a defensive role with some playmaking ability. Really high floor player has little holes in his game but does not have the biggest playmaking upside at this time.
7th. Boston Bruins
Isles Rumor selects Roger McQueen, Center from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.
Boston is in a bit of a nightmare scenario after trading away key pieces this season and could use just about anybody and everybody they can get. I personally believe that this draft has a clear top 6 and there’s a bit of a drop off after that. With that being said Roger McQueen just screams Boston Bruins. McQueen is 6 foot 5 and has a ton of skill for his size. Unlike Frondell who I have going right before him I think he’s going to need a bit of time to become NHL ready. McQueen is more of the high-risk high reward type of prospect.
The Prospect Don selects Roger McQueen, Center from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.
Bruins will take 6’5” right handed centreman Roger McQueen who has so much skill, great hands, vision, playmaking ability but has been hampered with a back injury that kept him out 4 and a half months this year. In his first game of the year he scored 4 goals. He ended up only playing the first 8 games before the injury. But Roger was looking like a potential top 5 pick in his first few games. Not many right handed centers that have that size and skill. I believe teams are going to line up to get their hands on someone with his kind of talent.
Roger McQueen Interview with The Prospect Don
8th. Seattle Kraken
Isles Rumor selects Jackson Smith, LD from the Tri-City Americans of the WHL.
Jackson Smith in my opinion is the clear second best defenseman in this draft behind Matthew Schaefer and I don’t think it’s very close. I think the two are similar in many ways, Smith is just a tier below. Jackson Smith is very aggressive defensively and possesses a high Hockey IQ. I think this could be a gem type of pick here at 8th overall for the Seattle Kraken who could use the help.
The Prospect Don selects Radim Mrtka, RD from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.
The 6’6” right handed defenseman who plays for the Seattle Thunderbirds will not be leaving Seattle. He possesses a ton of offensive traits that could take his two-way game to the next level. Really good, sound defenseman that handles the puck well and can maneuver through multiple defenders with ease. Can quarterback a power play 2 unit if need be and compares himself to Moritz Seider.
Radim Mrtka Interview with The Prospect Don
9th. Buffalo Sabres
Isles Rumor selects Jake O’Brien, Center from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL.
At 9th overall I think Jake O’Brien is an amazing prospect. O’Brien is one of the smartest players in this draft class who is a visible leader on the ice. I see him being more of a 2C than a 1C but I also see him becoming a captain in the NHL one day and that is hard to find. He will kill penalties and help quarterback a powerplay in the NHL.
The Prospect Don selects Jake O’Brien, Center from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL.
O’Brien processes the game at an extremely high level, especially when under pressure. The 17-year-old sees the ice at a higher level than most 18- to 20-year-olds. He has a keen sense and ability in space with the way he can control pace and create off-broken plays. When he is in tight situations or under heavy pressure, he has little to no panic with vision and spatial awareness and can get the puck through with his decision-making.
10th. Anaheim Ducks
Isles Rumor selects Radim Mrtka, RD from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.
Radim Mrtka is a massive two-way defenseman who possesses more skill than his point total might imply. He cuts off gaps efficiently and is a right shot defenseman who towers over the opposition at 6 foot 6. I expect him to be very effective killing penalties at the NHL level.
The Prospect Don selects Victor Eklund, LW from Djurgårdens IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan.
The brother of Sharks star William Eklund falls to 10 to the Ducks and they desperately need a player that is a forechecking winger with speed and creativity, Eklund thrives in transition and disrupts plays defensively. He plays a strong two-way game and brings energy and tenacity every shift.
11th. Pittsburgh Penguins
Isles Rumor selects Victor Eklund, LW from Djurgårdens IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan.
The knock on Eklund is his size. He is very skilled an amazing skater who has shown in Sweden that he can handle physical play. The question is How will that translate on American ice? If Eklund was bigger he would be getting drafted next to his teammate Anton Frondell. He is also the brother of William Eklund.
The Prospect Don selects Kashawn Aitcheson, LD from the Barrie Colts of the OHL.
Kashawn Aitcheson is a shutdown defenseman with scoring upside. His aggressive gap control and relentless forechecking is at an NHL level and his sharp defensive play is complemented by a hard point shot. At 6-foot-1, 198-pounds, he has an explosive first step, strong backward skating, good puck management and hockey sense.
12th. New York Rangers (*Pittsburgh Penguins)
* The New York Rangers will decide 48 hours before the 2025 NHL Draft whether or not they will ship over this year’s 12th overall selection or a 1st round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Isles Rumor selects Brady Martin, Center from the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL.
Brady Martin is a heavy hitting dependable two-way center. I project him to be more of a shutdown 2C in the NHL. Martin has great vison and is an energizer bunny on the ice. Teams are not going to like to play against Brady Martin at the next level.
The Prospect Don selects Brady Martin, Center from the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL.
Brady Martin may not be the biggest customer but certainly plays like it. He is a heavy hitting, relentless checking center that is constantly running at 100%. He generates offensively and is a reliable body in the defensive end. He is constantly surveying for that next big hit or scoring opportunity. His high motor, energy, scoring touch and overall potential upside made Martin a late riser.
13th. Detroit Red Wings
Isles Rumor selects Carter Bear, C/LW from the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.
Carter Bear is a future middle-six forward (likely winger) who is tenacious on pucks and is not afraid to lay the body. He’s got a solid mix of everything but I don’t see him being an elite point producer at the NHL level. Bear has elite instincts and that is going to lead to him winning many puck battles throughout his career.
The Prospect Don selects Lynden Lakovic, LW from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.
Lynden Lakovic has a ton of raw talent that hasn’t been unleashed yet. He is built like a truck but is a phenomenal versatile forward who drives play. He has a fluid long stride with his length as is a rangy player with tons of mobility. Lakovic protects the puck with his strong positioning, ability to outmuscle opponents, and read the game at a high pace. He has been able to set himself apart from other players, is a character in the locker room and would be a perfect balance of size and skill in the Motor City.
Lynden Lakovic Interview with The Prospect Don
14th. Columbus Blue Jackets
Isles Rumor selects Lynden Lakovic, LW from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.
Lynden Lakovic is a big winger who possesses solid speed and skill for his size. I project him to be more of a goal scorer than a playmaker at the next level but he can still create some chances. Lakovic will be difficult to take off of pucks.
The Prospect Don selects Carter Bear, C/LW from the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.
Carter Bear is a versatile offensive threat who can play up and down the lineup in any position. He has an incredible first step and agility. He loves creating offensive opportunities, and without injury concerns, he is a top-ten pick. Bear generates a lot of high-danger scoring chances with a quick release and has smooth hands. He is a reliable presence in all situations. Hockey sense and vision are his best qualities, making him a complete player.
15th. Vancouver Canucks
Isles Rumor selects Cole Reschny, C/LW from the Victoria Royals of the WHL.
This one may surprise some people. I am a lot higher on Reschny than most of the people analyzing this draft. Cole Reschny has phenomenal puck skills and a drive that will push him to be a mainstay in this league for years to come. His IQ is next level and he can fit a puck through just about any passing lane. I project Reschny to be an elite middle-six forward.
The Prospect Don selects Milton Gästrin, C/LW from MoDo Hockey of the HockeyAllsvenskan.
Gästrin is a strong, versatile player who will play anywhere in the lineup. The 17-year-old can slot in critical faceoffs and crash off the wing well. He is impactful from anywhere on the ice, with explosive movements and powerful strides. He makes a killing on drop passes to create separation and traffic in front of the shooter. He doesn’t hold the puck for long, with quick shot selection and passes as a true one-touch shooter.
16th. Montreal Canadiens
Isles Rumor selects Justin Carbonneau, RW from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL.
This just makes too much sense. The Quebec kid goes to Montreal. Carbonneau has one of the best releases and some of the fastest hands in this draft. He is going to have to work on his defensive game before he takes the ice in Montreal, but he’s worth the risk here at the halfway point of the 1st round.
The Prospect Don selects Malcom Spence, LW from the Erie Otters of the OHL.
The Erie Otters star Malcolm Spence is taking his talents to the University of Michigan which is an incredible program to showcase his two-way game paired with his great motor. Malcolm Spence compared himself to Carter Verhaeghe in our interview and I see him being a top 6 performer in the NHL. His floor is a top 9 contributor, but his upside could be very high. He is a playoff player and I think he is a perfect fit for the Canadiens.
Malcom Spence Interview with The Prospect Don
Conclusion
The 2025 NHL draft will leave a lasting mark on the league. It will introduce the next wave of Hockey stars. Get ready for an exciting and unpredictable event in the world of Hockey.
X Links:
 | A guest post by
|