Thebigfaceoff NHL 2025 Draft Ranking and Scouting Report (Top Ten)

 

1) New York Islanders - Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

New York has a franchise-caliber center thanks to Misa's exceptional speed and inventiveness. The Islanders now have the ability to move Barzal or Misa to the wing in the long run.They are among the oldest teams in terms of average player age. Thebigfaceoff has them passing on Shaefer for the sole reason that they already have a dynamic offensive D in Noah Dobson.

NHL projection: Elite No. 1 center
NHL floor: Second-line winger
Projection confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
Strengths: Offensive instincts, explosiveness, transition offense, two-way play

2) San Jose Sharks – Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL)

Schaefer gives the Sharks a true potential No. 1 defenseman to build around. His high-end mobility, intelligence and competitiveness project him as a cornerstone on the blue line for years to come. The spot they are desperately lacking is on the back end. They have Sam Dickinson in the system but that is about it, They are loaded with young and exciting forwards like Celebrini, Eklund and Smith. Schaefer did suffer an injury that kept him out for an extended time this year. Still, he has sky-high potential at the NHL level.

NHL projection: No. 1 defenseman
NHL floor: Top-pair defenseman
Projection confidence: High confidence, low volatility
Strengths: Mobility, puck moving, creativity, rush activation

3) Chicago Blackhawks– James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

Blackhawks add high-end skill and speed down the middle with Hagens, even if he isn't the biggest player. He brings the potential to be a major point producer. He can slot in as the number two center behind Bedard.

NHL projection: First-line center
NHL floor: Second-line center
Projection confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
Strengths: Transition play, speed, hockey sense, puck handling

4) Utah Mammoth – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

The Utah Mammoth have a well-defined brand identity. They must now begin developing their on-ice persona. The owner of the Mammoth is prepared to make significant changes to this team. The biggest splash that could be made without really moving the pick is to draft Porter Martone. Martone has the ability to be a first-line play driver and is a top wing prospect. In Salt Lake City, he might get along well with players like Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley. Being difficult to play against is a top priority for Utah, and Martone will offer plenty of size, a high level of competition, and exceptional skill for a big guy.

NHL projection: Second-line power forward
NHL floor: Middle-six winger
Projection confidence: High confidence, slight volatility
Strengths: Playmaking, scoring, hockey sense, size

5) Nashville Predators – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

There is an obvious need at center ice for the Nashville Predators. But there are several paths they may go. This season, Caleb Desnoyers has climbed the draft boards. He is quite close to making it into the top five, according to many. There are several reasons why the Predators choose to select the Wildcats star. His character has been praised, he is someone his team usually rallies around, and he is dedicated to playing defense without cheating for offense. He may have a prosperous NHL career because of all these attributes.

NHL projection: Top-six, two-way center
NHL floor: Third-line checking center
Projection confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
Strengths: Two-way play, quick hands, playmaking, efficient puck play

6) Philadelphia Flyers – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Frondell already has the basis for a game like this. He is a fiercely aggressive player who plays with strength and power. All three zones are active for him. Additionally, he possesses the offensive prowess to back up a talented sniper like Mitchkov. Frondell could also score a good number of goals. Frondell is the potential top-line center the Flyers need, but they will want to improve his physical attributes.

NHL projection: Second-line center
NHL floor: Third-line scoring winger
Projection confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
Strengths: Versatility, two-way play, elite release, forechecking

7) Boston Bruins –  – Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Since Bergeron's retirement, the Boston Bruins have been in need of a center for a few seasons. Here, Jake O'Brien is a fascinating potential. He is a good fit for the Bruins' playing style. Along the boards, he is a physical forward who never lets up. However, he also contributes a remarkable level of skill that might propel him into this league's top six centers.

NHL projection: Top-six playmaking center
NHL floor: Middle-six scoring winger
Projection confidence: Fair confidence, medium volatility
Strengths: Playmaking, creativity, hockey sense

8) Seattle Kraken – Radim Mrtka, RD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

No defensemen was selected in the first round by the Seattle Kraken. As a result, they have developed a promising set of forwards. Eduard Sale and Berkly Catton have the capacity to have an effect. Additionally, Matty Beniers has already participated in a couple league seasons. But the Kraken discover a projected top-pairing defenseman here, which is what they need.

NHL projection: Top-four shutdown defenseman
NHL floor: Bottom-pair transition defenseman
Projection confidence: Fair confidence, slight volatility
Strengths: Size, stick positioning and use, hockey sense

9) Buffalo Sabres – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The 2024–25 season was a complete bust for the Buffalo Sabres. However, they have a healthy pool of potential customers. They have the opportunity to select the top player in the 2025 NHL Draft. They choose to gamble on Roger McQueen, a past No. 1 choice contender, with this selection.

Five players, including McQueen, were in the running to be selected first in this selection. But he missed a lot of the season due to a back problem. After a strong comeback, he struggled against the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the WHL Playoffs. The latter two games of that series were also missed by McQueen. However, Buffalo is relying on McQueen's health with this decision because he has exceptional potential.

NHL projection: First-line scoring center
NHL floor: Injury-shortened career
Projection confidence: Low confidence, high volatility
Strengths: Speed, puck handling, quick release, size

10) Anaheim Ducks – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Victor Eklund was chosen by the Anaheim Ducks to complete the top-10. One interesting prospect in this class is Victor, who is the brother of winger William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks. Although he doesn't possess any exceptional qualities, he excels at many things. Victor takes pride in staying involved in every aspect of the play and rarely takes plays off. Additionally, he has a precise wrist shot that gives him the ability to score goals, especially on power plays. To complement their core of Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish, the Ducks might need another young winger.

NHL projection: Top-six scoring forward
NHL floor: Middle-six scoring forward
Projection confidence: High confidence, medium volatility
Strengths: Motor, transition offense, two-way play, off-puck play, hard skill