Los Angeles, California — The excitement is building as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, particularly following the recent draft lottery that determined the order of selections. The New York Islanders emerged as the big winners of the lottery and are poised to make a significant impact with the first overall pick, according to predictions from NHL experts.
Both Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale, who specialize in NHL prospects, predict that the Islanders will choose Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters. Schaefer, 17, boasts impressive agility and a diverse skill set that sets him apart as the top player in this draft class, despite facing recent challenges due to a clavicle surgery that sidelined him. His ability to handle various game situations and dynamic offensive play has put him at the forefront of scouts’ attention.
The San Jose Sharks are expected to follow suit with the second pick, targeting center Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit. Misa’s exceptional hockey sense and scoring prowess have drawn comparisons to NHL star John Tavares. His ability to lead the Canadian Hockey League in scoring this past season, accumulating 134 points, underscores his potential to enhance the Sharks’ roster significantly.
As the draft order solidifies, the landscape of the first round remains unpredictable beyond the top two selections. The draft will take place at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater, with the first round on June 27, followed by rounds two through seven the subsequent day.
Among the teams vying for prospects are the Chicago Blackhawks, who are projected to select either Jake O’Brien, a talented center from Brantford, or James Hagens from Boston College. O’Brien has demonstrated significant progress this season, showcasing his vision and playmaking abilities, while Hagens has received recognition for his competitive spirit and performance at the World Junior Championship.
Excitement mounts not only for the top contenders but also for clubs like the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, each in search of key players to fill gaps in their lineups. The Predators look for a franchise center and might land Hagens, while the Flyers could opt for Roger McQueen or defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, both embodying the qualities of impact players.
The draft will also be vital for the rebuilding efforts of teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets, who are seeking to bolster their rosters with talented young prospects. The Red Wings are in search of offensive firepower, while the Blue Jackets aim to deepen their center position with potential picks like Lynden Lakovic.
As anticipation builds, the results of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will further shape the draft landscape, determining the final teams and their selected order. The wealth of talent expected in this year’s draft presents an exciting opportunity for each franchise, as they look to lay the groundwork for future success.
With the stage set and the countdown underway, teams are preparing to make critical decisions that could alter their trajectories for years to come, capturing the attention of dedicated fans and analysts alike.