NHL First Round Mock Draft

The 2025 Draft  is one of the few drafts in recent memory that truly lacks a consensus. In 2023 and 2024, we had a pretty consensus even among the top 5 picks, though some teams deviated from their expected picks. In 2025 however, there is little consensus, though one thing is for certain, a lot of prospects in this draft are solid all around, but many lack game-changing talent. There are stark differences in this year’s draft. To the point where some scouts believe that a player selected around 18th overall could yield the same value as a player drafted in the late second round. In this class, there is not much consensus, however, that does not take away from the game changing talent that is to be had. The draft is being held in Los Angeles, and i’ll be going over what I think could happen in the entire first round, trades included.

1: New York Islanders: D Matthew Schaefer – Erie (OHL)

The Islanders jumped 9 spots in the lottery, they had a 3.5% chance of winning this draft lottery, and the ping pong balls fell their way, and they won the first overall pick in the draft. With this pick it should be a no-brainer, the Islanders should take Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters of the OHL. Not only is he far and away the best player, he also fits an organizational need of the Islanders, which is defensive prospects. The Islanders have two high-end forward prospects in Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman, now they add to the blueline with Schaefer. Schaefer missed a lot of this season, he missed the early going due to coming down with Mono, but he missed the rest of the season after breaking his collarbone at Team Canada’s world junior camp. Schaefer was easily the best player on that roster, and even though he only played 17 games last season, this pick is more than deserving. Schaefer is a dynamic offensive defenseman with elite skating ability, and the ability to jump up into the rush and create scoring chances like Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes. He also has a great ability defensively, playing on Erie’s penalty kill early on in the season. He sees the ice exceptionally well, and dictates play with his ability in transition. Schaefer was about 2 weeks away from being eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, which only makes his profile more impressive. The Islanders likely will consider Misa and Hagens here, but Schaefer is a game changing prospect, and I believe the Islanders will make the right choice. There has been a lot of discussion about how Schaefer stacks up against recent top defensive prospects, and the consensus is that he’s the best defensemen prospect since Rasmus Dahlin in 2018, and some would argue that Schaefer is better heading into his draft. New Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said he expected to make this pick, and he does.

2: San Jose Sharks: C Michael Misa – Saginaw (OHL)

The Sharks were desperately hoping to win the lottery for a second consecutive year after selecting Macklin Celebrini first overall last season, but they drop one spot to #2. And they, as expected, will still draft an elite talent at 2nd overall. Michael Misa was the 8th player in CHL history to receive exceptional status from the Canadian Hockey League to ascend to major junior hockey a year early at age 15. In 2022 he was selected first overall by the Saginaw Spirit. Misa didn’t pop off the scoresheet immediately, he was above point-per-game pace but he didn’t truly put up a season in which he was towards the top of the OHL in scoring until his draft year. Misa put up 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in 65 games. Misa put up the type of production not seen by a forward in his draft year since Patrick Kane in 2007 with the London Knights. Misa shows a fantastic two-way game, and he has been very successful on both ends of the ice. Misa is very defensively responsible and also versatile, he played on the wing for his first two years in the OHL before moving back to his natural position of center for this year. If San Jose drafts Misa, they would have an even better up and coming young core, almost an embarrassment of riches if you’re San Jose. In 2023 you draft Will Smith and Quentin Musty, in 2024 you draft Macklin Celebrini, Sam Dickinson, and Igor Chernyshov,who Misa played with this year. Then you add Michael Misa to the fold. The Sharks are set up with an amazingly good young core, and pairing Celebrini with Misa down the middle for the next 10-15 years, the Sharks are setting themselves up amazingly with this pick.

3: Chicago Blackhawks: C Anton Frondell – Djurgardens IF (SHL)

Frondell has had a very interesting last two seasons. In his Draft year minus-one, he missed some time due to injuries, which caused his stock to dip a little bit, but this year, he proved why he should be a top draft pick. Frondell looks very similar to other European prospects like Aleksander Barkov and Elias Pettersson. He is a crafty two way centerman with a heavy shot, as well as elite skating. He is one of the best pure shooters in the draft, and has some of the best offensive upside in the class as well. Frondell has some of the most translatability of any player in this class, and he could get even better when he makes the adjustment to smaller rinks in North America. Frondell uses his skating greatly on the forecheck, not shying away from physical play to get pucks out is a big part of his game. Frondell could end up at center or at wing, but he projects as a dynamic offensive player who can be a weapon on the power play.

TRADE: Utah Mammoth Trade 4th overall, D Maveric Lamoreaux, and F Matias Maccelli to the New York Islanders in exchange for D Noah Dobson, 42nd Overall, and a 2026 3rd Round Pick

4: New York Islanders (Via Utah): C James Hagens – Boston College (NCAA)

The Islanders win the draft lottery, but know they cannot pass up on Matthew Schaefer, but also know that finding a way to draft Hagens would be a fantastic move for the franchise on and off the ice. Adding to a prospect pool that already includes Schaefer, Cal Ritchie, and Cole Eiserman among others, the Islanders suddenly have one of the brightest futures in the league. Hagens is one of the best skaters in the class, and also the best playmaker. His shot isn’t weak, but it is underutilized. Hagens played at a point-per-game pace at Boston College last season, many had gripes with only playing at that pace, playing on a line with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, but given that Hagens is a 17 year old who is playing College Hockey against players upwards of six years older than him, he should be given some leeway. Though Hagens had lapses in his game, the Islanders know that he projects as a future top 6 player, one that will be able to drive his own line at the next level, and if he’s playing with Cole Eiserman, that’ll be a fun line to watch. The Islanders find a way to bring the Long Island kid home.

5: Nashville Predators: C Caleb Desnoyers – Moncton (QMJHL)

There was talk early on about Nashville trading this pick, but GM Barry Trotz seems content staying at 5. The Preds had a bad year after splurging on multiple big free agents, and this pick will definitely help them in the future. Desnoyers had a fantastic year for Moncton in the QMJHL, potting 35 goals and 84 points in 56 games for the Wildcats. Desnoyers is a very strong all around player, sporting a great two-way game and a high hockey IQ that scouts and teams dream about. He’s a solid skater and isn’t afraid to play physically along the boards. He has solid size at 6 ‘2 and 178 pounds. He’s very smart off the puck and knows where to pick his spots to create passing lanes and high danger chances in the offensive zone. He can create off the rush and has solid playmaking. Desnoyers is a guy who profiles as a future 2nd line center, though he probably won’t be able to drive his own line on his own in the future, Desnoyers is a solid all around prospect and one that Nashville could use, he’s a guy who could pair well with a prospect in Nashville’s system in Teddy Stiga.

6: Philadelphia Flyers: C Roger McQueen – Brandon (WHL)

The Flyers are going pure upside here. McQueen’s combine testing proved critical to his draft stock and likely his draft position as well. It was reported that his back injury was a fracture, and not something that looks to be a long term issue like many suspected. Which only tells us he will go higher than he was projected pre-combine. McQueen has a combo of size and skill, projecting to be a very good goal scorer at the next level, but a solid playmaker as well. Some compare him to Montreal forward Kirby Dach. I feel that’s a somewhat lazy comparison, given that they’re both forwards with size. McQueen is a guy who can absolutely change the game with his size, when he’s driving to the slot he generates a lot of high danger chances. McQueen also plays a physical game that the Flyers like, if he hits, he’ll be one of the best forwards from this draft. Playing either center or wing, he projects as a consistent top six forward at the next level.

7: Boston Bruins: C Jake O’Brien – Brantford (OHL)

O’Brien was the OHL Rookie of the Year in the 23-24 season, putting up 64 points in 61 games, but he followed it up with an even more impressive statline this season. For Brantford he put up 32 goals, and 98 points in 66 games while wearing an “A” for the Bulldogs. O’Brien is one of the best playmakers in the class, having a great knack for generating scoring chances. He’s absolutely deadly on the powerplay because of his playmaking, being able to make tape-to-tape passes to generate better shots. But when there isn’t a pass to be made, O’Brien doesn’t hesitate to take the shot himself. O’Brien is a hardworking player on the forecheck and is a solid two-way player. And for a team like the Bruins, this is a pick they should 100% make. I’d understand if they took a swing on a Roger McQueen, or if they decided to take Anton Frondell at this spot, but considering O’Brien is more pro-ready, I could see the Bruins taking him here. And many have joked, “Imagine walking into a sports bar in Boston and seeing a Bruins Jake O’Brien jersey hanging up? a match made in heaven.” O’Brien is another guy who rose in the second half, but for good reason. His combination of size, speed, and skill as well as a high floor makes him very valuable. This is the right pick for Boston at this stage of their retool.

8: Seattle Kraken: F Porter Martone – Brampton (OHL)

Seattle goes best player available here, and they’re getting a very good prospect in Martone. Martone had a really good year with Brampton in the OHL. He has size and skill and is a good playmaker. Martone is a big winger who plays with physicality, and is the perfect type of player that you want on your team in the playoffs, he plays similarly to how the Tkachuk brothers play. Big hits, timely goals, but isn’t exactly the most fleet of foot. Martone doesn’t have amazing skating but it isn’t unplayable. Martone is likely going the NCAA route next season, as it was reported recently that he may be going to Penn State next season, though that remains unconfirmed due to Penn State’s pursuit of 2026 top prospect Gavin McKenna. If Martone goes the college route, it will likely bode better for him long term than if he goes back to the OHL. He’ll be playing against higher competition where he’ll be forced to adjust to a higher level of play, and he will only go up from there. Seattle is likely surprised he’s available at this spot, but they’ll run to the podium to be able to take him.

9: Buffalo Sabres: D Radim Mrtka – Seattle (WHL)
Obviously Buffalo has not had a lot of recent success, but their prospect pool to boot is one of the best in the league, after trading back and selecting Konsta Helenius last year, this year they plug a hole they’ve had for years, and it’s right handed defensemen who can significantly contribute offensively. And to me, Radim Mrtka can be a really good player at the next level. Mrtka played in Czechia before coming over to the WHL and putting up good numbers there. Mrtka has a lot of size, standing at 6’6 207 pounds. Mrtka is a solid skater but doesn’t have Cale Makar game breaking game speed, but he doesn’t need to have that to be successful at the NHL level given his profile. At worst, he could be an overly physical bottom pair guy who can still contribute on the power play. At his best he could be a top pair guy capable of putting up 50+ points in any given season, and given Buffalo’s lack of Right D, this could be a pick based off of need here for them.

10: Anaheim Ducks: C Brady Martin – Soo (OHL)

If Utah doesn’t move their pick, Martin will likely go there, but Anaheim gets what many would consider a huge steal at 10th overall. Martin was a late riser throughout the process. Martin is a high skill and high motor player who plays a really good all around game. Martin is also said to be the hardest hitter in the draft, and that if he spent last season in the NHL he would’ve been among the NHL’s leaders in that category. Martin is a high effort player with a strong hockey IQ, and is a solid skater. If Anaheim can add him to their already potent young score sporting Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson Lacombe, plus other prospects like Tristan Luneau and Beckett Sennecke, Martin could fit into Anaheim’s plans fantastically. Martin likely will return to the OHL next season, which will do him some good, and will likely step into the NHL with a much more competitive Ducks team.

11: Pittsburgh Penguins: F Victor Eklund – Djurgardens IF (SHL)

In the first of Pittsburgh’s two first round picks, they will select Victor Eklund. Eklund is the best player available at this spot, and probably should’ve gone earlier. Victor, brother of William who went 7th overall to San Jose in 2021, goes at 11th after a stellar season alongside fellow top prospect Anton Frondell. Eklund is a highly skilled player who is one of the better playmakers in the class, but also has a solid shot. He’s a guy that should fill out into playing a top-six role, and being a sniper on the power play. He’s a good skater with a high motor, and high hockey IQ. In a barren prospect pool, Pittsburgh snags Eklund who’s a high floor player.

12: Pittsburgh Penguins (Via New York Rangers): D Jackson Smith – Tri-City (WHL)

At 12th overall, we won’t know the fate of it until a few days before the draft, as the Rangers own this pick, but they have the option to either retain the 12th overall pick and send their 2026 first rounder to Pittsburgh, or send the 12th pick to Pittsburgh, and retain their 2026 first overall pick. I suspect they’ll choose the latter, leaving the 12th overall pick to the Penguins. The Penguins select Jackson Smith, who played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL last season. Smith is a good all around defenseman, he contributes a good amount offensively, while also striving to have a complete 200-foot game. Smith put up 54 points in 68 games last season, and finds himself the third defenseman off the board. Smith is very mobile, finding good passing lanes to open up chances for teammates or finding an opportunity to take the shot himself. He’s a very safe prospect, unlike a Radim Mrtka, he isn’t nearly as boom or bust, with a higher floor, Smith could go higher than this, but Pittsburgh is thrilled to snag him here. He’s committed to play for Penn State next season.

13: Detroit Red wings: F Justin Carbonneau – Blainsville (QMJHL)

Carbonneau is one of my favorite players in this draft class. He netted 46 goals and 89 points for the Armada in the QMJHL last season, and he is a guy who is being overlooked in my opinion. I feel he is in the same tier of prospects as Eklund or Martin, but some seem to view him a bit lower. Carbonneau has all the attributes that you look for, he has a great shot, he’s a great skater, and also has the ability to make defenders look dumb out there on the ice, he brings a competitive edge on the ice during every single shift. He’s a physically developed winger who excels along the boards and tends to win a lot of puck battles. This type of player absolutely screams Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings, and they will be thrilled to select him here at 13th overall.

14: Columbus Blue Jackets: F Carter Bear – Everett (WHL)

The Blue Jackets showed a lot of improvement last season, being in the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs until the season’s final days, but they were not able to qualify. Though they missed the playoffs, they are going to add another big forward to their already strong prospect pool. Carter Bear is no exception, if not for an achilles injury in the later stages of the season, he likely would’ve been picked inside the top 8. Bear was a big riser this season, coming into the year was projected as a 2nd round pick, but rises all the way to being a lottery pick. Bear is a highly skilled forward who just has a knack for scoring. He plays with a high motor and a high compete level, and can play in all situations. Bear is the type of player who can play center or wing, and who compares really well to a player like Brandon Hagel, a player who has a big role on a cup contending team. Columbus is hitting a home run with this pick, Bear could even jump to the NHL next season.

TRADE: Vancouver trades 15th overall to Buffalo for D Bowen Byram

15: Buffalo Sabres (Via Vancouver): F Lynden Lakovic – Moose Jaw (WHL)

Buffalo acquires this pick in exchange for Bowen Byram, though it could make sense for Buffalo to select a Cameron Reid or Kashawn Aitcheson to fill the future LD void, I suspect they’d do the opposite, and go the forward route. Lakovic is a really fun player. Though he was the lone bright spot on a very bad Moose Jaw Warriors team, he put up 27 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 47 games. Lakovic, standing at 6’4, projects as a future top-six power forward with skill and a knack for finding the back of the net. He is also a very good skater for his size, and uses his size and skill to protect the puck and open up shot opportunities. Though his off-puck play and overall decision making could use some improvement, those are things that will improve with time as he develops.

16: Montreal Canadiens: C Cole Reschny – Victoria (WHL)

In the first of Montreal’s back-to-back first rounders, they select Cole Reschny. Reschny is a playmaking machine who plays a very well rounded two-way game and had a fantastic season for the Royals last season. Reschny played both center and wing for Victoria last season, and also had good production at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, as well as the World Juniors for team Canada. Reschny is a fantastic playmaker who also showed a solid goal-scoring touch, leading to a final line of 26 goals and 66 assists for 92 points in the WHL last season. Reschny has a big enough frame that he could step into the NHL had he not committed to North Dakota. Montreal on the trade market has been looking for a center, primarily a playmaker, to play alongside top prospect Ivan Demidov as they come out of their rebuild, though Reschny is going to be at North Dakota for a season or two, he definitely fits that bill and Montreal selects him here at 16.

17: Montreal Canadiens: F Malcolm Spence – Erie (OHL)

Spence is a guy who probably should be picked higher than this, all things considered, but teams taking swings for upside makes him fall a little bit in this first round. Spence is a solid all around prospect with a good offensive game. Spence played for the Erie Otters in the OHL and put up very good numbers, even while playing two-thirds of his season without Matthew Schaefer. Spence has proved that he can score 30 goals at the OHL level, and there isn’t much left for him to prove at that level. That’s why he’s committed to the University of Michigan next season, which will help farther accelerate his development. Spence has been a guy who boasts a strong 200-foot game, and at Michigan he will be able to enhance that skill set and hopefully develop into a middle-six winger for Montreal down the line.

18: Calgary Flames: F Benjamin Kindel – Calgary (WHL)

The Flames are absolutely running to the podium to select Benjamin Kindel. It’s a pretty good storyline, considering Kindel plays for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, and Kindel becomes Calgary’s top forward prospect. He’s a dynamic goalscorer as well as one of the best playmakers in the class. He put up 35 goals and 99 points in 65 games. Not only has Kindel been one of the most dynamic skaters in the draft, but he instantly will become Calgary’s top forward prospect, and he could be the future top line guy that Calgary needs in order to escape mediocrity. There are some that believe Kindel won’t go until late in the first round, but I’d personally be surprised to see him go much later than Calgary here at 18, he’s a perfect fit, and Calgary will select him if available.

19: St. Louis Blues: D Cameron Reid – Kitchener (OHL)

St. Louis had a pretty quick and quiet retool and turned around very quickly. Though drafting Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud help, they’re getting a player in Cameron Reid who could be similar to them. Though Reid is a defenseman, he has a lot of traits that the Blues are going to love. He can do a little bit of everything on the ice, and plays a very solid all around game. Though slightly smaller at 5’11, he doesn’t shy away from physical play. The best part about Reid’s game is his skating. He has the explosiveness and skill to take a play that’s along the boards in the defensive zone to a odd man rush going the other way. Reid has 54 points in 67 games for the Kitchener Rangers last season, and he can definitely be a puck moving defenseman at the next level. Reid plays a strong game in all 3 zones, ans is a guy who profiles as a solid contributor on the backend and could quarterback the power-play if needed.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets C Braeden Cootes – Seattle (WHL)

Cootes is a solid all around prospect, and had a good offensive year for the Thunderbirds last year. I’m not sure Cootes will fall this far, as I believe he will be Vancouver’s pick if they end up keeping it, but I digress. Cootes is a good two-way center with some good offensive production. He plays bigger than his size at just 5’11, and had 26 goals and 63 points in 60 games last season. Cootes’ offensive game is developing into one that could profile as a shutdown third-line center or a low tier second liner when he hits his ceiling. Cootes plays with speed and insane energy, he shows flashes of high end ability, but not enough consistency at times. Columbus is a solid fit for him, as he could provide some depth scoring down the middle for Adam Fantilli and Sean Monahan.

21: Ottawa Senators: D Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson is a great fit here for Ottawa, even though they already have Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot locked in on the left side, a player with Aitcheson’s profile on the third pair could work wonders for the Senators. Aitcheson has solid hands and good skating, and has great hockey sense as well. Though Aitcheson put up solid goal and point totals for the Colts last season, he likely isn’t a player who will quarterback a power play at the next level. He brings solid offensive skill but not one that will be high enough for him to be considered a high-level puck mover. Aitcheson is one of the hardest hitters in the draft, he’s up there with Brady Martin. Even if Aitcheson is a physical third-pair guy, Ottawa will take that given their current D core, and Carter Yakemchuk hasn’t debuted yet.

22: Philadelphia Flyers: F Cullen Potter – Arizona State (NCAA)

Cullen Potter is one of many players in this class that lacks consensus. There are some that view Potter as a top 10 prospect in this class, and there are some that view him as a mid 2nd round pick. As the order shows, i’m somewhere in the middle. Potter isn’t in the top tier in this class, but he definitely is a very talented prospect. Potter put up solid numbers for his freshman season at Arizona State, and solidified himself as one of the best skaters in the draft, and a move back to the center position made his stock rise later in the season. Potter is a very good fit in Philadelphia and could end up being a guy who plays alongside Matvei Michkov or Jett Luchanko in the future. Potter is on the smaller side, but he completely makes up for it with his speed and agility. He also played a big role in the United States’ run to gold at the World Juniors, collecting 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 7 games.

23: Nashville Predators: D Logan Hensler – Wisconsin (NCAA)

Hensler, like many prospects in this draft, has had inconsistent draft stock throughout the year. Hensler is no exception. Coming into the season, he was a consensus top 10 draft pick, and could go in the top 15, but my mock has him going outside the top 20. Hensler is a solid around defenseman, he’s a solid skater and has a decent offensive game. What makes him sort of difficult to evaluate is that last season, he played for a very bad Wisconsin Badgers team. He didn’t exactly put up game breaking numbers, but a solid two-way right handed defensemen is always going to valuable. Hensler may not be an Adam Fox, but he could definitely quarterback a power play unit and put up around 40 points annually.

24: Los Angeles Kings: F Bill Zonnon – Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

Zonnon is a high effort two-way winger who plays an imposing game. Zonnon uses his size in puck battles and to create offense, his playmaking ability is what could help him raise himself into a potential top-six forward. He’s very versatile, being able to play the wing or center. He looks like exactly the type of player the Kings would look for, a guy with size and skill who plays a high effort style of game. His competitiveness is unmatched, playing every shift like its his last. the main gap in his game is his skating ability, that’s not to say he is a slow skater, but his east-west movement and edgework need more development if he truly is to become a two-way force for the Kings.

25: Chicago Blackhawks: C William Moore – USNTDP (USHL)

Moore’s draft stock has fallen considerably over the last year. This time last year, he was a shoe-in top 10 draft pick, but now he’s on the verge of falling out of the first round, but I think Chicago will select him at this spot. The Blackhawks have had success with players who have or will have played at the NCAA level by the time they get to the NHL. Chicago having Frank Nazar play well last year, and other parts of their young core in Levshunov, Oliver Moore, and Sam Rinzel all play college hockey, William Moore is committed to play for Boston College. Moore’s biggest issue is consistency, but his ability to drive play and create opportunities for his strong shot, or opening a passing lane to a teammate to generate a chance. Moore could be a hard working middle-sixer but could be a top-six type guy if he can become more consistent.

26: Nashville Predators: C Jack Nesbitt – Windsor (OHL)

Nesbitt had some to prove coming into the season, but he completely solidified himself as a first round pick. He has size and skill and for a centerman, NHL teams LOVE that. He totaled 25 goals and 64 points in 65 games for the Spitfires while displaying a strong 200-foot game and a strong offensive skillset, he displays the vision and high hockey that could blossom into a goalscoring second line center, that also has good playmaking skills. He’s willing to get into the dirty areas in front of the net or along the boards to make a play with the puck. Nesbitt also contributed in all situations for Windsor, recording six power play goals, and also playing on the penalty kill for the Spitfires.

27: Washington Capitals: D Sascha Boumedienne – Boston University (NCAA)

The Capitals have definitely been scouting Boumedienne throughout this season at Boston University, mainly because the Terrier’s best defenseman was fellow Caps prospect Cole Hutson, and Washington adds another young blueliner to their future core. Boumedienne displayed a mature game at BU last season after playing for the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL in his D-1. Boumedienne is a plus-plus skater who provides a lot of value in the transition game, having the ability to quickly move the puck up the ice after recovering it in his own zone. His footwork is highlighted by very good four-way mobility. He plays with a lot of poise and maturity, and after he plays at least one more season at the NCAA level, he profiles as a potential future shutdown defenseman with an ability to chip in offensively.

28: Winnipeg Jets: D Blake Fiddler – Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler is a big right-shot D who is a guy who is going to contribute in the NHL. He had 10 goals and 33 points for the Edmonton Oil Kings last season, and showed a strong defensive game with an offensive game that isn’t exceptional but serviceable. Fiddler can skate well and make clean passes on breakouts. He’s very good defensively, he is very smart in his own zone and defends the rush well with good gaps and a solid stick as well. Fiddler’s defensive game is heavily influenced by his high hockey IQ, above average at reading the play as well as using his angles as a means of cutting off plays. He competes well on the ice and projects to be a solid defender on the right side. He doesn’t have gamebreaking skill or upside but if he develops into a good second pair guy in Winnipeg you will take it every time.

29: Carolina Hurricanes: C Milton Gastrin – MoDo (Allsvenskan)

Put simply, Gastrin is a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick. He fits the profile of the types of players they look for in the draft, especially in European skaters. Gastrin is a responsible two-way player who creates offense in front of the net very well. Gastrin is a solid offensive contributor and is a very good playmaker. He has the tools to be a solid bottom-sixer in the NHL, he can provide speed and skill and depth scoring, while also winning the majority of his faceoffs. Even if he doesn’t provide a lot of points in the NHL, he will be defensively sound and will play with speed and physicality. He plays a simple game with a high compete level and a high hockey IQ, the exact archetype of players that Carolina looks for, and Gastrin will add another prospect to their stacked prospect pool.

30: San Jose Sharks: D Henry Brzustewicz

The Sharks decide to lock in what could be their first pairing of the future. They selected Sam Dickinson last season, and after a Memorial Cup win over Gavin McKenna and the Medicine Hat Tigers, The Sharks select Henry Brzustewicz at the 30th overall spot. His older brother, Hunter, was selected 75th overall in 2022, so he has his brother beat in that regard. Brzustewicz moves the puck out of his own zone extremely well, excelling at creating odd man rushes by utilizing stretch passes to find one of his teammates. He’s also a pretty good skater, so even if there isn’t a pass open, he has no issue skating the puck out himself to start a rush on his own. Brzustewicz played a second pair role behind the aforementioned Dickinson and Oliver Bonk, and saw an increased role this year. He has a good wrister that he loves to utilize from the point. Defensively he’s not terrible but is definitely a work in progress. His defensive awareness could use improvement and his gap control does as well. I’d suspect he goes back to London next year, but he is going to be a big part of San Jose’s future should they select him.

31: Philadelphia Flyers: C Ivan Ryabkin – Muskegon (USHL)

The Flyers taking Ryabkin could make some sense, as they already have Michkov, and are currently the favorites to land star KHL winger Maxim Shabanov in free agency, adding Ryabkin to a potential future core could help them greatly, especially if he develops into a #1 centerman. Ryabkin entered the season as a potential top 5 pick, and one with many issues at that. He had a Michkov or Demidov esque D-1 season in the MHL, showing elite goalscoring and playmaking as a center. But reported issues about competitiveness had him falling out of favor with his coaches in the MHL, getting healthy scratched on the regular. Halfway through the season, Ryabkin came to North America and signed with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. He potted 19 goals and 30 points in 27 games, but his first half made his draft stock difficult to recover. But he should be a first round pick, and the Flyers could really have something here.

32: Calgary Flames: C Cole McKinney – USNTDP (USHL)
McKinney is a solid all around player. Unlike years past, the United States National Team Development Program did not boast a large amount of top tier draft prospects, but that does not discount the type of player McKinney is. He had 27 goals and 61 points in 60 games playing for the USNTDP and also put up 26 points in 23 USHL games. McKinney is a center who can do it all, he plays hard and plays fast with tons of skill. He has a solid two-way game and also spent time on the penalty kill last season. McKinney may be streaky but when he is on he is an offensive threat, he has a strong shot and also great hands which helps him create deception against defenders, his playmaking also helps him generate high danger chances. He could be a solid third-line center at the NHL level in a few years, and for a Calgary team looking to get younger, he fits their timeline. McKinney is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. Though, don’t be surprised if Calgary moves this pick for a JJ Peterka or Marco Rossi.