2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock Draft 7 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-16

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is headlined by Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Find out who got Schaefer.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: June 27, 2025.

1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
   
   
   The New York Islanders failed to meet expectations as I figured this team would win a playoff series. Instead they had the tenth worst record due to Noah Dobson going from 70 to 39 points along with Matthew Barzal dealing with an injury. New York did move up from 10 to 1 by winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. This is the first time the New York Islanders are picking first overall since 2009 when the New York Islanders drafted center John Tavares over defenseman Victor Hedman. Tavares left the New York Islanders to go to Toronto and now Tavares will be a UFA once again, so New York could get Tavares back. My point is Hedman had a longer career with the team that drafted him than Tavares. That's why passing on the consensus best player in Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer does not feel like a decision the New York Islanders can make.
   
   
   
   The New York Islanders currently do not have a General Manger after firing Lou Lammarillo, but Patrick Roy remains the head coach after taking the New York Islanders to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs after being hired as Lane Lambert's replacement in the midseason. Even without a General Manager, I'd say there is a 80 percent chance Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer goes first overall. There's a 10 percent chance Saginaw Spirit center Michael Misa goes first overall with him being the consensus second best plyer, there's a 5 percent chance Brampton Steelheads right winger Porter Martone goes first overall, and a 5 percent chance Boston College center James Hagens, who grew up an Islanders fan, and was the preseason number one prospect ends up being a New York Islander. Those percentages could change depending on which GM the New York Islanders, but right now Matthew Schaefer is going to be the pick and everyone outside of those 4 has pretty much no shot of going first overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   The New York Islanders have Anders Lee as their first line left winger entering a contract year, Bo Horvat as their first line center, and Matthew Barzal as their first line right winger. New York has Maxim Tsyplakov as their second line left winger, Jean Gabriel-Pageau as their second line center in a contract year, and Simon Holmstrom as their second line right winger. New York has Anthony Duclair as their third line left winger, Casey Cizikas as their third line center, and Pierre Engvall as their third line right winger. New York will have Kyle MacLean back as their fourth line left winger, Marc Gatcomb as their fourth line center, and New York needs fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   The New York Islanders would have Noah Dobson and Matthew Schaefer as their two first line defensemen. New York has Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech as their two second line defensemen. New York has Alexander Romanov and Scott Mayfield as their two third line defensemen. That's a really good blue line with three strong lines of defense for the New York Islanders.
   
   
   
   The New York Islanders have Ilya Sorokin as their starting goalie and Semyon Varlamov as their backup goalie. These two goalies are both good enough to be starters on other NHL teams.
   
   
   
   The New York Islanders still need a first or second line center that can push Jean Gabriel-Pageau and a right winger on the back six. If New York can find a center to push JT Miller that would be superb for them. Team captain Anders Lee also enters a contract year, so using the remaining picks on forwards after you draft a defenseman at 1 has to be the route the New York Islanders take assuming they draft Matthew Schaefer first overall.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 160 lb Matthew Schaefer supplanted Ryan Roobroeck the preseason favorite to go first overall in the 2023 OHL Draft as the top prospect for the 2023 OHL Draft according to Hockey Prospect's 2023 OHL Draft Guide. Erie Otters General Manager Dave Brown saw Matthew Schaefer warm up as the team captain of Team Ontario at the Canada games and loved what he saw. He had personal contact with every single player on the ice and knew in that moment he was going to be the player the Erie Otters drafted first overall. Dave Brown went as far as to tell assistant General Manager Scott Grieve this was our guy on February 18, 2023 when Team Ontario competed in the 2023 Canada Games.
   
   
   
   Team Ontario defeated Team Saskatoon mainly due to Matthew Schaefer's game-winning goal for Team Ontario in the 2023 Canada Games in double overtime. Matthew Schaefer was just that clutch in that moment.
   
   
   
   Dave Brown was wowed by the leadership and maturity Matthew Schaefer displayed. Brown compared Schaefer to Jamie Drysdale, a defenseman the Erie Otters drafted in the first round of the 2018 OHL Draft who got drafted sixth overall by the Anaheim Ducks who made the immediate jump to the NHL at the age of 18. He was drafted first overall 2023 OHL Draft by the Erie Otters.
   
   
   
   Matthew Schaefer had 12 goals, 20 assists, and 32 points in 25 regular season games with the Halton Hurricanes AAA Under 16 Team in 2022-2023. Matthew Schaefer won the Jack Ferguson Award which goes to every first overall pick in the OHL Draft with previous winners of this award including Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Shane Wright, Ty Nelson, Quentin Musty, and Michael Misa. The Erie Otters have already signed Matthew Schaefer to an OHL contract.
   
   
   
   Matthew Schaefer has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He's a two-way defensemen with excellent foot speed and athletic traits.
   
   
   
   Matthew Schaefer is someone who projects as a first line defenseman in the OHL and will also play the power play and the penalty killing units which were two things Matthew Schaefer excelled at with the Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA Team. He picks the right slots to take shots. Can play all three zones and skates like the wind. Matthew Schaefer's older brother played for the Niagara IceDogs who had the second overall pick, so you cannot fault the Erie Otters for taking Matthew Schaefer first overall.
   
   
   
   Mathew Schaefer added 14 lbs of muscle during his rookie season to get from 6-1 160 when he was drafted number one in the 2023 OHL Draft to 6-1 174 lbs. Matthew Schaefer also had 3 goals, 14 assists, 17 points, and a -2 +/- ratio in 56 games as a rookie. Matthew Schaefer was eased in at first as a number four defenseman on the second line, but he did well enough by the time the 2024 OHL Playoffs started to get promoted to the first line where he was the top left defenseman on the Erie Otters showcasing his first line potential.
   
   
   
   Matthew Schaefer added 9 more lbs of muscle from his first to second season in the OHL. Matthew Schaefer is now 6-2 183 lbs entering the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after being 6-0 160 lb when he entered the 2023 OHL Draft. Matthew Scahefer only posted 7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points, 8 penalty minutes, and a +21 +/- ratio in 17 regular season games with the Erie Oters
   Cayden Lindstrom providing for his three little sisters with two seperate parents was a pretty inspirational story. Matthew Schaefer not only had a strong rookie year in the OHL, he also had to deal with a tragedy which might light a fire under Matthew Schaefer's ass on the ice this Fall in Erie, Pennsylvania. Matthew Schaefer's mom who always made him laugh growing up as a kid before dying of breast cancer back on May, 4, 2024, also known as May The Forth be with you by Star Wars fans.
   
   
   
   Matthew Schaefer is a huge role model for his younger brother as well. I said in the Fall that Matthew Schaefer is gonna have a huge chip on his shoulder and he could end up supplanting Logan Hensler as the top defenseman in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with a strong season. That ended up happening and not only did he surpass Hensler, he surpassed every other prospect in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. I've seen four of his interviews and if you are willing to look past the medicals he feels like a sure thing with the amount of adversity he's dealt with.
   
   
   
   Noah Dobson is a right sided defenseman with a right handed shot. Matthew Schaefer is a left sided defenseman with a left handed shot. I put more stock into putting the two best defenseman I have on the top line if I coach hockey, but some GMs and coaches are sticklers for having a right sided defenseman with a right shot on the right side and a left sided left shot defenseman on the left side. Basically drafitng Matthew Schaefer gives the New York Islanders a leader and difference maker not just from a talent standpoint, but from a scheme fit standpoint as well. There are 12/15 hockey scouting services including us at Draft Utopia that have Matthew Schaefer going first overall as he's the first player that can develop into a first line player.
   
   
   Previous Pick: William Moore, C, USNTDP (USHL)
   
   
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
   
   
   Before the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, there were rumors that San Jose had already set their top 3 with Matthew Schaefer at 1, Michael Misa at 2, and James Hagens at 3. San Jose ended up dropping one spot after having the leagues worst record. Porter Martone is playing on the same line as San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini in a tournament right now. He could enter the discussion to go second overall if Celbrini pounds the table for him the same way Shaq went to bat for Penny Hardaway back in the day. I'm still mocking Michael Misa at 2 since San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier was asked about Misa, the consensus number two player multiple times in his press conference after the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. Head coach Ryan Warsofky got named head coach for the IIHF World Tournament and did a good job with the leagues worst roster in his first year as a 36-year-old head coach.
   
   
   
   San Jose gets a player with the versatility to play both left winger and center here at 2. Michael Misa could either be a first line left winger next to Macklin Celebrini or he can be a second line center. The big question is does San Jose want to build a very strong top line at left winger, center, and right winger like Colorado or Dallas or does San Jose want to have two elite centers like Edmonton. That is what GM Mike Greir will have to address. After trading Mikael Granlund and losing Logan Couture to a retirement due to injuries, gettng a third center to compliment Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith is now a need. I do think Misa would be used as a second line center if all of those three played center. San Jose could also have Michael Misa at left winger, Macklin Celebrini at center, and Will Smith at right winger on the top line. I think San Jose will draft Misa as a center, but use Misa, Celbrini, and Smith on the first line power play unit.
   
   
   
   San Jose could have Tyler Toffoli as their first line left winger, Macklin Celebrini as their first line center, and William Eklund as their first line right winger. San Jose could have Quentin Musty as their second line left winger, Michael Misa as their second line center, and Cameron Lund their 2022 second round pick as their second line right winger. San Jose would have Igor Chernysov as their third line left winger and Will Smith as their third line center, and Ty Dellandrea as their third line right winger. San Jose would have Michael Misa at left winger on the first line power play, Macklin Celebrini at first line center on the power play, and Will Smith as the first line right winger on the power play giving the San Jose Sharks a lethal power play.
   
   
   
   San Jose's defense will remain awful unless their second 2024 first round pick Sam Dickinson arrives in the NHL in 2025-2026. If Sam Dickinson does arrive, you'd have Sam Dickinson and Timothy Liljegren, Toronto's 2017 first round pick as your first line defensemen. Mike Grier only gave up a 2025 third round pick and a 2026 fifth round pick to get one of Toronto's top four defensemen who was good enough to play on an NHL teams top line which is a bargain even though Liljegren enters a contract year next season. Yaroslav Askarov the Nashville Predators 2020 first round pick that San Jose traded for may be starting goalie of the San Jose Sharks next season.
   
   
   
   San Jose should have 9 quality forwards giving the Sharks three good lines of forwards, a first line defensive pairing of Liljgren plus Dickinson, and Askarov assuming you find a way to keep Liljgren under contract. I don't think San Jose will be a bottom five team next season, but they still need more pieces on the back 6 and more defensive players on the second and third lines to contend for a playoff spot.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 175 lb Michael Misa is versatile enough to play left winger, center, and right winger. He was drafted first overall by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2022 OHL Draft.
   
   
   
   Michael Misa had 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points, and a +7 +/- ratio in 45 games as a rookie in 2022-2023. Michael Misa had 3 goals, 5 assists, and i8 points in 11 games during the 2023 OHL Playoffs. Michael Misa had 29 goals, 46 assists, 75 points, and a +3 +/- ratio in 67 games as a first line left winger on the Saginaw Spirit in 2023-2024. Michael Misa had 4 goals, 7 assists, and 11 points in 17 games during the 2024 OHL Playoffs. The Saginaw Spirit hosted the 2024 Memorial Cup and defeated the 2024 OHL Champion London Knights in the finals to win the 2024 Memorial Cup.
   
   
   
   Michael Misa transitioned from first line left winger to first line center in his NHL draft year. Michael Misa had 62 goals, 72 assists, 134 points, 45 penalty minutes, nad a +45 +/- ratio in 65 games as the Saginaw Spirit team captain in 2024-2025. Michael Misa had 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and 0 penalty minutes in 4 games during the 2025 OHL Playoffs where the Erie Otters swept the Saginaw Spirit even with Matthew Schaefer injured.
   
   
   
   Michael Misa has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He's the second player with the upside to develop into a first line player in the NHL down the road. I've seen three different Michael Misa interviews.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
   
   
   
   
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
   
   
   Chicago fell one spot after having the second worst record behind San Jose. Getting a top line player that can be a big time star with Connor Bedard makes a lot of sense for the Chicago Blackhawks ta 3. Kyle Davidson is entering is fourth year as NHL General Manager, but he's hiring his third different head coach in the past four years despite scouting and drafting well enough to rebuild this team. Chicago currently does not have a head coach.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 196 lb Porter Martone was drafted fifth overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2022 OHL Draft. Porter Martone eventually got dealt from the Sarnia Sting to the Mississauga Steelheads.
   
   
   
   Porter Martone had 33 goals, 38 assists, 71 points, and a +25 +/- ratio in 2023-2024. Porter Martone had 1 goal, 5 assists, and 6 points in the 2024 OHL Playoffs. Porter Martone was the first line right winger on the Mississauga Steelheads last year and the Mississauga Steelheads relocated to Brampton where the Brampton Steelheads will play in the OHL now.
   
   
   
   Porter Martone added 11 lbs of muscle to get up to 207 lbs. Porter Martone got promoted to team captain of the Brampton Steelheads. Porter Martone had 37 goals, 61 assists, 98 points, 74 penalty minutes, and a +19 +/- ratio in 57 games played. Porter Martone had 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, 10 penalty minutes, and a +3 +/- ratio in the 2025 OHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Porter Martone has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He's the third player with the upside to develop into a first line player in the NHL down the road. Porter Martone compliments Connor Bedard as a first line right winger on the Chicago Blackhawks. Like the top two picks, I believe he will play in the NHL right away.
   
   
   
   Chicago will have Ryan Donato as their first line left winger, Connor Bedard their first overall pick inn the 2023 NHL Draft as their first line center, and Porter Martone as their first line right winger. Chicago could have Teuvo Teravainen as their second line left winger, Frank Nazar a player Chicago drafted fourteenth overall in 2022 as their second line center, and Tyler Bertuzzi as their second line right winger. Chicago could have Nick Foligno as their third line left winger, Jason Dickinson as their third line center, and Oliver Moore their second 2023 first round pick as their third line right winger. Chicago could have Landon Slaggert as their fourth line left winger, Joe Veleno as their fourth line center, and Lukas Reichel as their fourth line right winger. You would still have Colton Dach for depth as well as guys like Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, and Nick Lardis in your prospect pool. Martin Misiak is another guy in the prospect pool, but my guess is Boisvert replaces Jason Dickinson when he becomes a UFA.
   
   
   
   Chicago could have Artyom Levshunov who they drafted second overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and Alex Vlasic as their two first line defensemen next season. Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski would be the two second line defensemen. Connor Murphy and Wyatt Kaiser Chicago's 2020 third round pick that I mocked to Chicago at 80 in 2020 be the two third line defensemen both entering contract years in 2025 with Murphy being a UFA and Kaiser being an RFA. You also have Noah Allen a 2021 first round pick who could take over for Connor Murphy.
   
   
   
   Spencer Knight will be the starting goalie and Drew Comesso will be the backup goalie. The goaltending for Chicago will be a lot stronger.
   
   
   
   I believe Chicago will have the pieces to be a Stanley Cup Playoffs contender by 2026-2027. Drafitng Porter Martone at 3 and hiring the right head coach gives the Chicago Blackhawks an outside shot to be a dark horse team that contends for a playoff spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
   
   
4. Utah Mammoth: James Hagens, C, Boston College
   
   
   Utah moved up from 14 to 4 following the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Utah Mammoth is now the official team name with a logo that came out on May 7, 2025 after previously being the Utah Hockey Club this past season. I believe the Mammoth take James Hagens at 4 who I actually mocked first overall to Utah back in August. Utah won the second NHL Draft Lottery draw in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery allowing them to move up ten spots from 14 to 4.
   
   
   
   Bill Armstrong remains GM after being the assistant GM on the 2019 St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup winning team and Andre Tourigny remains the head coach. Andre Tourigny is now the fourth longest tenured head coach with one team after being hired by Armstrong in 2021 in the NHL trailing only Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche, and Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes. Utah is looking at James Hagens, Anton Frondell, Roger McQueen, and the top three players I mocked already as options with the fourth pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 170 lb James Hagens had 39 goals, 63 assists, and 102 points with the United States National Team Developmental Program in the USHL in 2023-2024 as their first line center. He heads to Boston College this Fall where he will most likely play on Boston College's first line with both Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith now in the NHL after Gauthier played on Boston College's first line with Will Smith on the second line in 2023-2024. James Hagens had 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 points, 24 penalty minutes, and a +21 +/- ratio in 37 games of College Hockey as a first line center in his freshman season at Boston College. There is a chance he goes back to Boston College rather than signing an NHL contract even though he's good enough to play on the second or third line with Utah right now.
   
   
   
   Utah could have Clayton Keller as the first line left winger, Logan Cooley as their first line center, and Dylan Guenther as their first line right winger in a contract year. Utah could have Tij Iginla their 2024 first round pick that was drafted sixth overall as their second line left winger, James Hagens as their second line center, and Nick Schmaltz as their second line right winger. Utah could have Lawson Crouse as their third line left winger, Barrett Hayton as the third line center, and Josh Doan as the third line right winger. Utah could have Matias Maccelli as the fourth line left winger, Jack McBain as the fourth line center whose an RFA in 2025, and Kevin Stenlund the fourth line right winger in a contract year. Utah will have a lethal top six as well as the necessary depth at forward to be a contender if they somehow manage to draft James Hagens if they bring him up to the NHL. Daniil But could replace Lawson Crouse when his contract is up, but might start out in the AHL upon signing his rookie deal.
   
   
   
   Utah will have Mikhail Sergachev and Sean Durzi as their two first line defensemen. Utah could have John Marino and Dmitri Simashev Arizona's 2023 first round pick as their two second line defensemen. Michael Hesserling the number five defensemen would play with Olli Maata on the third line.
   
   
   
   Utah will have the forwards and defense to be competitive in 2025-2026. Karel Vejmelka finally put together a winning record as a goalie while getting his goals against average under 3.00 and save percentage above .900. I still believe Michael Hrabel could be a quality backup goalie on Utah.
   
   
   
   James Hagens has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He has experience on the first line and is the fourth player in this draft with first line potential, but I see Hagens as a second line player in the NHL despite having the experience to play on the top line at center. Having a young star like Logan Cooley puts less pressure on Hagens to be a first line center.
   
   
   
   James Hagens checks every box at center like the last two number one draft picks in Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. At the same time, he doesn't generate as much hype as either of those two and I believe Hagens is the least effective of those three. At the same token, James Hagens broke Nikita Kucherov's record for goals at the 2024 IIHF and won MVP of the 2024 USHL Prospects Game in his plus one draft year. I seee him as a second line center more so than a first line center which is why he fell to four after being the presason favorite to go first overall.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Nashville Predators: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (Elitserien)
   
   
   The Nashville Predators could have Filip Forsberg as their first line left winger, Steven Stamkos as their first line center, and Jonathan Marchessault as their first line right winger if Gustav Nyquist leaves after this season. Nashville could have Michael Bunting as their second line left winger, Ryan O'Reilly as the second line center, and Luke Evangelista as their second line right winger. Nashville has Zachary L'Hereux as their third line left winger, Fyodor Svechkov their 2021 first round pick as the third line center, and Joakim Kemell, Nashville's 2022 first round pick will replace Gustaf Nyquist if he leaves after this upcoming season, but Kemmell will be eased into the lineup starting out on the third line. Nashville has Cole Smith as their fourth line left winger who will enter a contract year in 2025, Colton Sissons as the fourth line center, and Michael McCarron is the fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   The Nashville Predators could have Roman Josi their team captain and Brady Skeji will probably compliment Roman Josi. Justin Barron and Jeremy Lauzon are going to be the two second line defenseman in a contract year. Tanner Molyndyk and Spencer Stastney could be their two third line defensemen. Nashville did not have Roman Josi and Jeremy Lauzon due to injuries which explains why they finished in the bottom three in the NHL Standings despite dropping two spots in the NHL Draft Lottery to 5.
   
   
   
   The Nashville Predators have Jusse Saros as their starting goalie and he just got an eight year exetension this Summer and Justus Annunen.
   
   
   
   I think Nashville will draft a center and develop him for a year. I'm leaning towards Anton Frondell being the pick here at 5 even though I'm not a big fan of his game. General Manager Barry Trotz wants to give younger guys bigger roles to take pressure off of older guys and brought back head coach Andrew Brunette. Nashville also has three first round picks for the first time in NHL history too.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 196 lb Anton Frondell has the defensive awareness you want and skates backwards quite well. He is NHL ready from a defensive standpoint as far as checking people and anticpating the puck with his stick while also skating backwards effectively. He can skate well when he doesn't have the puck. He's also versatile enough to play anywhere at forward at left winger, center, and right winger. He didn't immpress me as a skater on offense, shooter, or passer in the first two periods of the game I watched despite showing some promise on the power play as a passer in the third period. His passing and slap shot improved this year. His wrist shot is still a major project.
   
   
   
   Anton Frondell does have experience on a top line, but he didn't show the traits of a top line forward in 2023-2024 before improving to a degree in 2024-2025. I'd say he has a 95 percent success rate on the fourth line in the NHL, a 80 percent success rate on the third line, a 55 percent success rate on the second line, and a 30 percent success rate on the first line. He's the fifth player with the upside to develop into a first line player in the NHL down the road despite being raw.
   
   
   
   Anton Frondell had 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 points in 29 games in 2024-2025. He's gonna be promoted from Allsvenskan to the SHL in 2025-2026. I think Anton Frondell will be the replacement to Colton Sissons on the fourth line in 2025-2026.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Charlie Tretheway, D, USNTDP (USHL)
   
   
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
   
   
   Philadelphia did well enough to avoid a top 5 pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and the Flyers avoided a top 5 pick once again thanks to the NHL Lottery causing the Philaelphia Flyers to drop two spots to 6. The last time the Philadelphia Flyers picked sixth overall they drafted a center named Peter Forsberg in 1991, the year I was born in. If they have that type of luck, they better hold onto that center because I don't want to bring any trauma to Flyers fans reading this by bringing up the Eric Lindros trade. Philadelphia has the right General Manager in Daniel Brierre and hired former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet as their new head coach.
   
   
   
   I think Philadelphia is looking at two centers here. Caleb Desnoyers the Montcon Wildcats center in the QMJHL and Jake O'Brien a player I mocked to Philadelphia at 7 back in August of 2024. I like Caleb Desnoyers a little bit more if those are Philadelphia's two options. In fact, I think Caleb Desnoyers could end up on the Philadelphia Flyers opening day roster as a guy who pushes Sean Couturier to be the first line center on the Philadelphia Flyers. I like Desnoyers more coming out of Moncton than I liked Couturier coming out of Drummondville and I remember the 2011 NHL Entry Draft being the first draft I watched prior to launching Draft Utopia a year later.
   
   
   
   Philadelphia could have Tyson Foerster their 2020 first round pick as their first line left winger, Caleb Desnoyers as their first line center, and Bobby Brink their 2019 second round pick as a first line right winger thanks to Brink having experience playing right winger on the first, second, and third lines. Philadelphia could have Matvei Michkov their 2023 first round pick as their second line left winger, Sean Couturier their 2011 first round pick as their second line center, and Travis Konecny their second 2015 first round pick as well as the only 2015 first round pick still on the Flyers a second line right winger. Philadelphia could have Noah Cates as a third line left winger, Ryan Poehling in a contract year as a third line center with Jett Luchanko last years first round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft as his likely replacement, and Owen Tippett as a third line right winger. Philadelphia has Nicolas Deslauriers as their fourth with Elliot Desnoyers the older brother of Caleb Desnoyers as a potential fourth line left winger option down the road, Jakob Pelletier as a fourth line center, and Garnet Hathaway whose in a contract year as the fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   Philadelphia has Travis Sanheim and Cam York, their 2014 and 2019 first round picks on their first line of defense. Philadelphia has Jamie Drysdale and Nick Seeler as their second line defensemen. Philadelphia has Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen as their third line defensemen. When those two defensemen were injured, Egor Zamula and Emil Andrae a 2020 second round pick that I loved entering that draft filled in for Ellis and Ristoalainen gaining invaluable NHL experience. Oliver Bonk might push for a spot as one of Philadelphia's 2023 first round picks, but is more likely to begin his AHL career with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
   
   
   
   Philadelphia has Samuel Ersson a 2018 fifth round pick that started for Sweden at the 4 Nations Tournament as their starting goalie and Alexei Kolosov a 2021 third round pick as their backup goalie. Both goalies are under contract until 2026 and are RFA's after that.
   
   
   
   Philadelphia needs to get younger at center with Sean Couturier turning 33 in December. That's why this pick has to be a center here regardless of which player you like the most between Caleb Desnoyers, Jake O'Brien, or Roger McQueen.
   
   
   
   Caleb Desnoyers the first overall pick in the 2023 QMJHL Draft may be a dark horse to go straight to the NHL right out of the gate as an 18-year-old. His tape is that good.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 175 lb Caleb Desnoyers had 20 goals, 36 assists, 56 points, and a +2 +/- ratio in 60 QMJHL games as a rookie in 2023-2024. Caleb Desnoyers had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 4 games during the 2024 QMJHL Playoffs before the Moncton Wildcats got swept out of the first round. Caleb Desnoyers had 35 goals, 49 assists, 84 points, 39 penalty minutes, and a +51 +/- ratio in 56 games with the Moncton Wildcats in 2024-2025. Caleb Desnoyers has 9 goals, 15 assists, 24 points, 8 penalty minutes, and a +6 +/- ratio in 13 games in the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs. He also helped the Moncton Wildcats secure a spot in the 2025 QMJHL Cup and if Moncton wins that, NHL scouts will see Caleb Desnoyers in the 2025 Memorial Cup.
   
   
   
   Caleb Desnoyers also won the Paul Dumont trophy which goes to the player with the best personality in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with other previous award winners for that award including Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Jonathan Hubergou, Jonathan Drouin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Thomas Chabot, and Alexis Lafrenierre. Most players that win the Paul Dumont award either get picked in the first round, or in Kris Letang's case become stars down the road. Winning that award definitely leaves scouts with a strong impression of Caleb Desnoyers.
   
   
   
   Caleb Desnoyers has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He's the sixth player with potential to be a first line player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but if Philadelphia takes Caleb Desnoyers, he's the one guy left on the board who could push Sean Couturier for the first line center job while getting hands on mentorship from the Philadelphia Flyers captain whose under contract until 2030. Caleb Desnoyers is fourth on my big board behind Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and Porter Martone in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
   
   
   
   
7. Boston Bruins: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
   
   
   I have the Boston Bruins as the team with the best regular season record that did not make the Conference Finals. Boston fired Jim Montgomery and ended up in the bottom 5. Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney mentioned a player with an injury history and a player from Sweden as draft options at 7. This leaves Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings and Victor Eklund the younger brother of William Eklund. Don Sweeney has scouted McQueen in person, but Boston traded their team captain left winger Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline too which is why you cannot rule out the possibility of Eklund winning out with McQueen's injury history. I'm going with Roger McQueen because he's the one center left in this draft that can push as well as surpass Elias Lindholm as the long-term first line center. Boston is looking for a new head coach.
   
   
   
   The Boston Bruins have Morgan Geekie their first line left winger, Elias Lindholm is the first line center, and David Pastrnak, Boston's 2014 first round pick is the first line right winger. Marat Khusniutdniov is the second line left winger, Pavel Zacha is the second line center, and Fabian Lysell their 2021 first round pick that I had a top 15 grade on in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft is the second line right winger. Boston has John Beecher their 2019 first round pick as their third line left winger, Casey Middelstadt as their third line center and John Farinacci as a third line right winger. Boston has Jakub Lauko as their fourth line left winger, Fraser Minton as their fourth line center, and Matthew Poitras their 2022 second round pick as their as their fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   The Boston Bruins have Charlie McAvoy their 2016 first round pick as their number one defenseman and Hampus Lindholm Hampus Lindholm a former top 10 draft pick who had many good years in Anaheim before being traded to Boston on the top defensive line. Andrew Peeke was Boston's number one defenseman while Charlie McAvoy was injured and he will anchor the second line as the number three defenseman with Nikita Zadorov complimenting him. Mason Lohrei their 2020 second round pick was a number six defenseman the last two years, but finally did enough to earn a promotion to the number five defenseman role that anchors the third defensive line. Boston still needs a number six defenseman to round out this core.
   
   
   
   The Boston Bruins have Jeremy Swayman their 2017 fourth round pick as the starting goalie and Joonas Korpisalo as their backp goalie. Jeremy Swayman will start the bulk of the games moving forward after splitting reps with Linus Ullmark who got traded to Ottawa prior to the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Boston could draft a defenseman here if they think a guy can crack their NHL roster day 1, but outside of Matthew Schaefer, there's not a defenseman with a realistic chance in the NHL in 2025-2026. William Eklund would be a good replacement to Brad Marchand if Boston wants to get younger at left winger. I mocked Roger McQueen, the Brandon Wheat Kings center to Boston at 7.
   
   
   
   Roger McQueen could develop in the WHL for two more years and he would be ready to take over on the Boston Bruins NHL roster when Pavel Zacha and Casey Middelstadt both become UFA's in 2027 leading into the 2027-2028 NHL Season. Boston would bring back one of those two and plug McQueen in as a third line center to start out giving him the opportunity to earn a bigger role if he proves himself. If Boston lets both guys walk, Roger McQueen would be on the top 6 complimenting Elias Lindholm at center. If the Bruins retain both guys while staying under the cap, Roger McQueen could go to the Providence Bruins for a year in the AHL.
   
   
   
   The Boston Bruins take the best player available here in Brandon Wheat Kings center Roger McQueen. The fourth pick in the 2021 WHL Draft was drafted behind Berkly Catton, Jordan Gavin, and teammate Charlie Elick in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 192 lb Roger McQueen took a leap in year three on the Brandon Wheat Kings as their second line center with 21 goals, 30 assists, 51 ponts, and a +5 +/- ratio on the Brandon Wheat Kings. Rogr McQueen had 4 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points in 4 games in the 2024 WHL Playoffs where the Brandon Wheat Kings got swept by the eventual WHL Champion Moose Jaw Warriors who represented the Western Hockey League in the 2024 Memorial Cup. Roger McQueen had 10 goals, 10 assists, 20 points, and 40 penalty minutes in 17 games as the first line center on the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2024-2025 before a season ending injury.
   
   
   
   The former fourth overall pick from the 2021 WHL Draft was the Brandon Wheat Kings fourth line center in 2021-2022, then got promoted to third line center in 2022-2023, and then got promoted to second line center in 2023-2024. He was the Brandon Wheat Kings first line center in 2024-2025.
   
   
   
   Roger McQueen has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, hockey IQ, foot speed, playmaking and sniping, you want. Roger McQueen could shoot in bantam, but he didn't dominate as a shooter until his draft year in the WHL. Roger McQueen is the seventh player with potential to develop into a first line player in the NHL.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
   
   
8. Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
   
   
   Ron Francis is back as General Manager as Francis has been Seattle's GM since their inception afer previously working with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dan Bylsma got hired to replace David Hakstol. Seattle is looking for their third head coach in the past two NHL seasons.
   
   
   
   Seattle has Jared McCann their first line left winger, Matty Beniers as their first line center, and Kaapo Kakko the former New York Rangers second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft as the first line right winger with Kakko breaking out taking the first line right winger job from Jordan Eberle. Seattle has Jaden Schwartz as their second line left winger, Chandler Stephenson as their second line center, and Jordan Eberle as their second line right winger. Seattle could have Eeli Tolvanen as their third line left winger, Shane Wright as their third line center, and Andre Burkaovsky as their third line right winger. Seattle could have Tye Kartye as the fourth line left winger, Berkly Catton their 2024 first round pick as the fourth line center with Berkly Catton taking the Spokane Chiefs to the WHL Finals in his plus one draft year, and Jagger Firkus as the fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   Seattle has Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn as their two first line defensemen with Dunn being a UFA in 2027. Brandon Montor and and Ryker Evans their 2021 second round pick as their two second line defensemen. Seattle could have Jamie Oleksiak a former top four defenseman on Seattle now as the number five defenseman and Ville Ottavainen their 2021 fourth round pick as the number six defenseman.
   
   
   
   Seattle has Joey Daccord an undrafted goalie from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft as their new starting goalie with him taking the starting goalie job from Phillip Grubauer whose now the backup goalie with Niklas Kokko a goalie they drafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as their backup goalie when Phillip Grubauer's contract is up.
   
   
   
   Seattle will either draft a defensemen or right winger. Seattle has drafted good centers and defensemen outside of the first round. However, the Seattle Kraken never drafted a defenseman in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft and if a number one defenseman fell to their lap and was the best overall player on the board, that could enough to sway Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis.
   
   
   
   Seattle has three defensive prospects currently in their system. Those three defensemen are Ty Nelson, the former first overall pick in the 2020 OHL Draft, that Seattle took in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lukas Dragicevic one of Seattle's three 2023 second round picks, and Caden Price a 2023 third round pick. The crazy thing is I had first round grades on all three defensemen despite the fact that the Seattle Kraken drafted all of thsose defensemen outside of the first round. Those three guys could be complimentary players to Adam Larsson, a 2025 first round pick if Seattle finally drafts a defenseman in the first round at 8, and Brandon Montour down the road in 2027.
   
   
   
   I feel like Seattle will draft a defenseman at 8 eventually because the Seattle Kraken have never drafted a first round defenseman under Ron Francis. Every Western Conference Semifinalist had a first round defenseman as Dallas has Miro Heiskanen, Colorado has Cale Makar, Vancouver has Quinn Hughes and Edmonton has Evan Bouchard all first round picks drafted in the top 10. This year you can add Alex Pietrangelo a former top five pick drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2008 on the Vegas Golden Knights and Josh Morrissey the Winnipeg Jets 2013 first round pick is Winnipeg's number one defenseman when fully healthy despite not being a top 10 pick. This should validate why Ron Francis will go defense since this defenseman could stay in the CHL and develop for two more years before replacing Vince Dunn in 2027.
   
   
   
   The 6-6 198 lb Radim Mrtka was the Seattle Thunderbirds second round pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after playing for HC Ocelari Trinec in the Extraliga in the Czech Republic where Mrtka was so dominant he got promoted to the Extraliga league against grown men in the Czech Republic as a 16-year-old. He dominated against the Czech Republic's best players on HC Ocelari Trinec's Under 16 Team, the Under 18 Team, and the Under 20 Team to earn a promotion where he played professionally against men in the Czech Republic.
   
   
   
   Radim Mrtka slipped through the cracks in the CHL Import Draft and went from a second round pick in the CHL to a top 3 defenseman in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Radim Mrtka came into the Seattle Thunderbirds and managed to win the number one defenseman job on the first line in his first WHL season. Radim Mrkta had 3 goals, 32 assists, 46 penalty minutes, and a +10 +/- ratio in 43 WHL games with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2024-2025. Radim Mrtka had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points, in 6 games in the 2025 WHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Radim Mrtka has skating, speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He can play on the power play, penalty killing unit like Matthew Schaefer. He can also play in 4-on-4 situations. He's got the stamina to play for 35 minutes in an NHL game too.
   
   
   
   Radim Mrtka played for 35 minutes in game 2 of the 2025 WHL Playoffs against the Everett Silvertips, the WHL's best team in the regular season. Everett only scored 1 goal in the first period when he was not on the ice in that game. When Landon DuPont committed a penalty on him, Mrtka showed a lot of intensity by shoving DuPont into the boards after a penalty on DuPont. Not only can he stand up for himself, he will fight for teammates if they get harmed too. Radim Mrtka had the game-tying assist on a power play goal later in the second period. Everett scored in the third period to take the lead. Radim Mrtka was not on the ice when the Everett Silvertips scored either of their two goals in game 2 of the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Radim Mrtka was on the ice when the Seattle Thunderbirds got the game-tying goal with under 30 seconds left in regulation. His skating got a lot better as the game progressed with Mrtka showing some explosion while in overtime. Everett won 3-2 in overtime, but Radim Mrtka was not on the ice when Everett scored all three of their goals and that says something. Radim Mrtka had more hits and blocked shots than Landon DuPont whose the top player in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft as a defenseman in that overtime loss.
   
   
   
   Radim Mrtka has to refine his skating and his release on his shot. Radim Mrtka needs to shoot the puck sooner and quicker. Getting a trainer to skate with him and a shooting coach could go a long way into molding Radim Mrtka into a star defenseman because he checks every other box in a defenseman whether its crashing boards, stealing the puck, blocking shots, or fighting for the puck. He's the eighth player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with potential to develop into a first line player in the NHL.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
   
   
   
   
9. Buffalo Sabres: Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
   
   
   Buffalo underachieved for the second year in a row. General Manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff are both back, but Buffalo did hire former Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal as a special assistant to GM Kevyn Adams which makes me wonder if Staal will end up becoming the eventual Buffalo Sabres future GM. Rasmus Dahlin, the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft said there need to be changes this offseason after Buffalo's win over the Carolina Hurricanes in a regular season finale. Dahlin went from being Buffalo's number one defenseman as an 18-year-old rookie on a rookie contract, to making $6-million a year for 3 years following his rookie deal, to making $11-million a year for 8 years. Dahlin enters year 3 of that 8 year contract and if the Sabres do not start contending soon, things may get to the tipping point where Dahlin demands a trade like Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhardt did before winning Stanley Cups each of the last two season with Eichel securing a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights before Sam Reinhardt got a cup with the team that lost to Vegas in 2023 a year later with the Florida Panthers.
   
   
   
   Buffalo hasn't decided who they will draft at 9. Early speculation is they will take a forward. My fifth best player in this draft is Brantford Bulldogs center Jake O'Brien whose still on the board at 9. Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff moved their first line center Tage Thompson back to his natural position at right winger entering the 2016 NHL Entry Draft where Tage Thompson had a resurgence. This leads me to believe Buffalo will draft a center at 9 and hope he becomes as good as Jack Eichel.
   
   
   
   The last time Buffalo drafted ninth they took Matthew Savoie who I had a top 5 grade on at 9. Buffalo traded Matthew Savoie to Edmonton where Savoie re-united with his older brother while posting 51 points with the Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton's AHL team in his rookie season of professional hockey following his tenure in the WHL. Three years later they can get another player in my top 5 at 9 in Jake O'Brien.
   
   
   
   Buffalo could have Zach Benson a 2023 first round pick as their first line left winger, Jake O'Brien as their first line center or Jiri Kulich their last of three 2022 first round picks if they want to send Jake O'Brien back to the OHL, and Tage Thompson as their first line right winger. Buffalo could have John-Jason Peterka their 2020 second round pick now known as JJ Peterka as the second line left winger, Ryan McLeod as their second line center, and Jack Quinn Buffalo's 2020 first round pick as a second line right winger. Buffalo could have Jason Zucker as their third line at left winger, Peyton Krebs at center, and Alex Tuch at right winger on the Buffalo Sabres third line. Isak Rosen their second 2021 first round pick is the fourth line left winger, Noah Ostlund Buffalo's second 2022 first round pick after Matthiew Savoie is their fourth line center, and Sam Lafferty as their fourth line right winger.
   
   
   
   Buffalo has two number one draft picks on their blue line with Rasmus Dahlin the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and Owen Power the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and both of those guys could be complimenting each other on Buffalo's top line next season. Bowen Byram and Connor Clifton could play on the second line. Buffalo will need two third line defensemen.
   
   
   
   Buffalo has Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as their starting goalie and Devon Levi as the backup goalie. I'm honestly not sure who Buffalo's long-term starter at goalie is despite a promising group of forwards and defensemen. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo's 2017 second round pick at goalie broke out despite Devon Levi being the favorite to start last year after Levi broke out the year before. As long as either of those two goalies step up, a playoff appearance isn't out of the cards.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 168 lb Jake O'Brien was the OHL Rookie Of The Year despite being the eighth overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft. Jake O'Brien had 13 goals, 51 assists, and 64 assists in 61 OHL games in 2023-2024. Jake O'Brien had 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points in 6 games during the 2024 OHL Playoffs. He also led set Bulldogs rookie records for assists and points after leading all OHL rookies in points, assists, power play goals, power play assists, and points per game. Jake O'Brien had 32 goals, 66 assists, and 98 points in 66 OHL games in 2024-2025. Jake O'Brien had 3 goals, 8assists, and 11 points in 11 games during the 2025 OHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Jake O'Brien has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jake O'Brien has the versatility to play left winger, center, right winger, and defenseman on the power play just like Macklin Celebrini in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He's the ninth player with potential to be a first line player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He's got an outside shot to be an immediate impact center in Buffalo, but the Sabres also have the flexibility to keep him in the OHL until 2026 or 2027. They can even give him additional time to develop with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League if that is necessary.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Emile Guite, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
   
   
10. Anaheim Ducks: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (Elitserien)
    
    
    It is pretty obvious that Anaheim will draft the best winger or defender on the board and develop them. Anaheim is looking at twenty different players to draft at 10 and should take the best player among that group at 10. Pat Verbeek is back as General Manager and Anaheim hired Joe Quenville as their new head coach. I also heard that Anaheim has four defenseman in their top 10, but Matthew Schaefer is the only defenseman in the Ducks top 6. If that is true, then Anaheim will go for the best player on their board at forward over a defender at 10 if a guy in their top 6 falls. Something tells me Victor Eklund is in their top 6 and with the progress that William Eklund has made with the San Jose Sharks, drafting Victor to compete against his older brother, whose also in the state of California isn't a bad idea.
    
    
    
    Anaheim has Cutter Gauthier as their first line left winger, Leo Carlsson as their first line center, and Alex Killorn as their first line right winger. Anaheim has Trevor Zegras as their second line left winger, Mason McTavish as their second line center, and Sam Collangelo, a 2020 second round pick that was a second line right winger on the Chicago Steel became the Anaheim Ducks second line right winger. Anaheim has Frank Vatrano as their third line left winger, Ryan Strome as their third line center, and Troy Terry as their third line right winger. Anaheim has Tim Washe, the captain of Western Michigan's team that won the 2025 Men's College Hockey tournament this year is the fourth line left winger taking over for UFA Isac Lundstrom, Nathan Gaucher their 2022 first round pick as a fourth line center, and Brett Leason Anaheim's 2019 second round pick the fourth line right winger is an RFA.
    
    
    
    Anaheim Ducks third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft Beckett Sennecke, a right winger on the Oshawa Generals could push both Sam Collangelo and Brett Leason for a roster spot in camp this fall, but the early sentiment is he may end up going back to the OHL for one more season because Anaheim will not need him until 2027 when Alex Killorn is a UFA, but he's produced 86 points in the OHL after getting drafted third in 2024 and the reality is Beckett Sennecke will get an NHL opportunity if any of the right wingers I mentioned get injured next season. He will be on the Anaheim Ducks by 2026 at the latest unless these four right wingers all dominate under Joe Quenville next season with Anaheim making the playoffs. Beckett Sennecke could be Alex Killorn's replacement as a first line right winger if Killorn gets moved before the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline assuming the Anaheim Ducks continue to rebuild vs contending with a head coach that won three Stanley Cups in Chicago.
    
    
    
    Anaheim has Jackson Lacombe a 2019 second round pick and Radko Gudas as the two first line defensemen. Pavel Mintyukov and Owen Zellweger are on the second line. Tristan Luneau, the former first pick in the 2020 QMJHL Draft had a great rookie season in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls and looks like a third line regular in Anaheim this Fall. I wonder if Tristan Luneau's QMJHL teammate Noah Warren who was also drafted by Anaheim ahead of Luneau in 2022 would be the sixth defenseman if Anaheim declined to draft a defenseman at 10. Anaheim could also get a veteran defender in Free Agency.
    
    
    
    John Gibson will remain the starting goalie with Anaheim while Lukas Dostal will remain the backup goalie. Anaheim also has Calle Clang and Damian Clara their 2023 second round pick on their AHL team the Springfield Gulls.
    
    
    
    Anaheim will have all of the pieces to be a playoff team if they can hire the right coach. Anaheim hired Joe Quenville, so Anaheim is a team that I can see taking the next step this fall. Anaheim has the flexibility to go with the best player on the board over need at 10. I'm mocking Victor Eklund here at 10.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 161 lb Victor Eklund is versatile enough to play left winger or right winger. Victor Eklund had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 2023-2024. Victor Eklund had 19 goals, 12 assists, and 31 points in 42 games against men his own age in 2024-2025. Victor Eklund like Anton Frondell is under contract with Djurgardens IF for one more year, but can become an NHL player starting in 2026 if he signs his entry-level contract.
    
    
    
    Victor Eklund has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, versatility, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Victor Eklund has to develop his offensive game more, but in his defense he's a better penalty killer than his older brother William Eklund who was drafted seventh overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. I said this heading into his draft year. He developed his offensive game this season which is why Victor will go in the top 10 like his older brother. Victor Eklund is the tenth different player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with first line potential in the NHL.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jordan Gavin, LW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
    
    
    
    
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
    
    
    Pittsburgh kept Kyle Dubas as their general manager. Mike Sullivan got fired and is now on Pittsburgh's division rival which happens to be on deck in this years NHL Draft. Ptitsburgh has aging stars plus a cubbard of prospects from the last few NHL Drafts. Pittsburgh and Kyle Dubas will continue to stack the black and gold cubbard with more players to enhance the Pittsburgh Penguins prospect pool.
    
    
    
    The Pittsburgh Penguins have Rickard Rakell as their first line left winger, Sidney Crosby as their first line center with the first pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft extended sometime before training camp, and Bryan Rust as their first line right winger and those three remain on Pittsburgh's top line until 2027 after Crosby's 2 year extension with Rakell and Rust being UFA's in 2028. Pittsburgh has Danton Heinen as their second line left winger in a contract year heading into next season, Evgeni Malkin as their second line center after being drafted second overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft behind Alexander Ovechkin, and Philip Tomasino as their second line right winger. Connor Dewar is the third line left winger, Rutger McGroady as the third line center, and Valtteri Puustinen a 2019 seventh round pick as the third line right winger. Pittsburgh has Samuel Pouin as a fourth line left winger as Pittsburgh's 2019 first roudn pick, Kevin Hayes as a fourth line center, and Noel Acciari as their fourth line righ winger in a contract year.
    
    
    
    The Pittsburgh Penguins have Kris Letang their 2005 third round pick anchoring the blue line with Erik Karlsson last years Norris Trophy Winner for top defenseman in the NHL on the first line of the blue line. Pittsburgh could have Ryan Graves and Owen Pickering their 2022 first round pick on the second line. Pittsburgh could have Sebastian Aho the former defensemen on the New York Islanders and Ryan Shea, the Chicago Blackhawks 2015 fourth round pick complimenting Aho.
    
    
    
    The Pittsburgh Penguins have Tristan Jarry as their starting goalie. Alex Nedeljkovic got a two year extension. This allows Joel Blomqvist, Pittsburgh's 2020 second round pick to stay in the AHL until 2026 when his rookie contract is up. Joel Blomqvist was rushed before he was ready. Pittsburgh might trade back into the first round for a goalie like Dallas did with Jake Oettinger if a goalie they love falls within striking distance for a trade.
    
    
    
    Before I reveal who I mocked to Pittsburgh Penguins at 11, I do believe we will see a lot of prospects come up to Pittsburgh Penguins by 2025. Prospects that could be promoted to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025 include Tristan Broz a 2021 second round pick who I had a first round grade on in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft could replace Michael Bunting in 2026, Owen Pickering, Pittsburgh's 2022 first round pick as well as the two year captain of the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL as he's someone who could replace Marcus Petersson as well as a guy who can be groomed to be Kris Letang's successor.
    
    
    
    Pittsburgh also drafted six different players that played on the first line with each of their six picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas Nevada. Those six players include defenseman Harrison Brunicke of the Kamloops Blazers who I mocked to the Dallas Stars at 29, Tanner Howe the alternate captain to Connor Bedard on the Regina Pats before taking over as the captain after playing left winger with Bedard, who had ACL surgery, Chase Pietila the number one defenseman on Michigan Tech, Joona Vaisanen a first line defenseman on the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL that can develop in the NCAA before Pittsburgh has to sign him, Mac Swanson the Fargo Force two-way forward that I mocked to Pittsburgh at 44 in the seventh round whose going to North Dakota, and Finn Harding a first line defenseman on the Mississauga Steelheads.
    
    
    
    Pittsburgh can go for value over need here at 11 by drafting Carter Bear. Carter Bear was thirteenth on my board last August when everyone else had him in the second round. You can argue he's the sixth best player if you look past his medicals and he's still a top 15 talent even if you are somewhat concerned about his medicals.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 176 lb Carter Bear had 25 goals, 32 assists, 57 points, and a +23 + /- ratio in 67 WHL games in 2023-2024. Carter Bear had 0 goals, 4 assists, and 4 points in 9 games during the 2024 WHL Playoffs. Carter Bear had 40 goals, 42 assists, 82 points, and a +33 +/- ratio in 56 WHL games in 2024-2025 before a season ending injury which kept him out of the 2025 WHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Carter Bear has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Carter Bear needs to develop his slap shot and score more in the playoffs, but he has the passing, speed, skating, wrist shot, hands, deking, and personality that Pittsburgh could fall in love with. Carter Bear is the eleventh player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with first line potential.
    
    
    
    In one highlight video on Youtube, I saw him screaming fuck yeah before skating on the ice during warm ups. Frankly, I just love the energy and passion he brings to an NHL organization and if you think he brings too much energy someone like Sidney Crosby will take Bear under his wing by taming him and molding him into a Guentzel like left winger for Pittsburgh. He also said he's the voice in the Everett Silvertips locker room in one of the two interviews I saw. I have seen two Carter Bear interviews courtesy of The Prospect Don and SteelFlyers, feel free to dm me your social media handles if you want backlinks to your content. He was humble and very relaxed in the interview Anthony, The Prospect Don posted. I love Carter Bear's character off the ice and compete level on the ice.
    
    
    
    This young man is better than I thought he was, and I had him at 13 last Summer when everyone else in the country had him in round 2 when I only pinpointed 13 first line players in the top 100 of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft when looking at just plus 1 draft tape a year ago. His medicals and attitude may scare some teams, but he has fire in spades. He's confident not cocky. He might trick you into thinking he's cocky if cussing rubs you the wrong way. This guy is confident not cocky as this cannot be emphasized enough as Carter Bear has rock star confidence on and off the ice. My gut tells me he's gonna be a big time star. Think Baker Mayfield on skates with a hockey stick instead of a football. One of my former NHL Draft writers actually put Bear in the top five of their NHL Mock Draft too and is a bigger fan of Bear than myself.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jordan Gavin, LW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
    
    
12. New York Rangers: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
    
    
    Chris Drury is back as the New York Rangers general manager after trading Kappo Kako who rebounded in Seattle, team captain Jacob Trouba, and Ryan Lindgren who did well as a third line defenseman on the Colorado Avalanche in this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mike Sullivan is the new head coach. If Mike Sullivan can get Drury to a Stanley Cup, that could save Drury's job. One could argue that these trades were enough to warrant not extending Drury, but not enough to get Drury terminated with the New York Rangers making two out of the last three Eastern Conference Finals prior to 2025.
    
    
    
    The New York Rangers could have Artemi Panarin as their first line left winger, Mika Zibanejad as their first line center, and Gabriel Perrault their 2023 first round as their first line right winger on a rookie deal. New York has Brennan Othmann their 2021 first round pick as their second line left winger, J.T. Miller as their second line center, and Alexis Lafreniere as their second line right winger whose a RFA in 2025 after being the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. New York has Chris Kreider as their third line left winger, Vincent Trocheck as their third line center, and Will Cuylle a 2020 second round pick as their third line right winger New York has Johnny Brodzinski as their fourth line left winger, Sam Carrick as their fourth line center, and Jusso Parssinen their 2019 seventh round pick as a fourth line right winger.
    
    
    
    The New York Rangers have Adam Fox. New York traded their second and third best defensemen heading into the season by being sellers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Matthew Robertson a 2019 second round pick finally got some NHL experience playing on the top line with Adam Fox. K'Andre Miller and Will Borgen who signed a five year contract extension are the two second line defensemen. Braden Schneider, New York's 2020 first round pick and Carson Soucy on the thrid line. Even with these younger players having success on this blue-line all of these guys feel like stop gaps outside of Fox, Miller, Borgen, Schneider, and Soucy. New York needs to draft a defender in the first round to push not just the prospects, but some of the guys on their NHL roster, it feels like it is that dire of a need. New York can go best player available, and if their top player is a defender, a defenseman will be selected here.
    
    
    
    The New York Rangers gave Igor Shesterkyn their goalie an 8 year contract extension. After Connor Hellebuyck, Andrei Vasilevsky, Jake Oettinger, and Sergei Bobrovsky, I'd argue he's still the fifth best goalie in the NHL even after his contract extension. Jonathan Quick got a one year extension. New York's 2020 fourth round pick Dylan Garand has had three good seasons in the AHL now on the Hartford Wolfpack and will probably be the backup goalie on the New York Rangers in 2026 unless Jonathan Quick retires
    
    
    
    The New York Rangers can either draft a center or a defenseman at 12. New York should go for value over need. New York drafted a defenseman in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, but they draft another one here.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 191 lb Kashawn Aitcheson had 8 goals, 31 assists, 39 points, 126 penalty minutes, and a -1 +/- ratio as the number one defensemen on the Barrie Colts in 2023-2024. Kashawn Aicheson also had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 6 games during the 2024 OHL Playoffs. Kashawn Aitcheson had 26 goals, 33 assists, 59 points, 88 penalty minutes, and a +6 +/- ratio in 2024-2025. Kashawn Aitcheson had 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 poitns, 28 penalty minutes, and a +2 +/- ratio in the 2025 OHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Kashawn Aitcheson has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, slap shot power, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Kashawn Aicheson is the twelfth player with first line potential in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and his OHL linemate on the blue line will be Tristan Bertucci the Dallas Stars 2023 second round pick.
    
    
    
    Kashawn Aitcheson has to improve his wrist shot accuracy and slap shot accuracy. Everything else you want from a future first line defensemen is there though. New York needs defense and getting a player who could compliment Adam Fox ont he top line with the twelfth pick would be a plus.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Reese Hamilton, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
    
    
    
    
13. Detroit Red Wings: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
    
    
    Detroit was a team that I thought would make the playoffs. The Detroit Red Wings are in a position where they can go for value over need. I think this pick will either be a center if one of the top guys falls to their lap, but I can also see a defenseman coming off the board at 13.
    
    
    
    Detroit has Alex Debrincat as their first line left winger, Dylan Larkin their 2014 first round pick as well as the team captain as their first line center, and Lucas Raymond their 2020 first round pick as the first line right winger with all three first line players under contract until 2027 with all three players producing 67 points on Detroit's top line in 2023-2024 before improving in 2024-2025. Vladimir Tarasenko enters a contract year as the Detroit Red Wings second line left winger, Marco Kasper, Detroit's 2022 first round drafted eighth overall pick finished in the top 6 in points as the second line center despite only having 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points as a rookie in the NHL, and Detroit has Patrick Kane as their second line right winger with Kane set to be a UFA. Steve Yzerman said there is mutual interest from both parties to get a deal done and Kane finished fourth on Detroit in points ahead of Tarasenko and Kasper leading Detroit's second line in points. Michael Rasmussen Detroit's 2017 first round pick is the third line left winger, J.T. Compher is Detroit's third line center, and Jonatan Berggren the Detroit Red Wings 2018 second round pick is expected to be the third line right winger. Nate Danielson Detroit's 2023 first round pick drafted ninth overall is a two-way center with the versatility to play center and left wing allowing Danielson to slide over to the fourth line left winger role, Andrew Copp would be Detroit's fourth line center, and Austin Watson is Detroit's fourth line right winger in a contract year. Michael Brandseeg-Nygard, Detroit's 2024 first round pick will have to play right winger on Detroit if Patrick Kane isn't re-signed and he only played 2 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL producing 0 points, so he needs a season in the AHL, but he could be ready for the NHL in a year from now when Watson becomes a UFA in 2026.
    
    
    
    Detroit has Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson their two first round picks from the 2019 and 2021 NHL Drafts as their two first line defensemen. Erik Gustafsson and Ben Chiarot are the Detroit Red Wings two second line defensemen with both of those defensemen in contract years. Albert Johansson Detroit's 2019 second round pick is the number five defenseman on the third line with Justin Holl complimenting him on the third line in a contract year. Axel Sandin Pellikka Detroit's second 2023 first round pick could be on Detroit by 2026-2027. Detroit could draft a defenseman at 13 if a guy they love falls to their lap as the 2025 NHL Entry Draft has four defensemen with experience on the first line that should go in the first sixteen selections.
    
    
    
    Detroit has Cam Talbot as their starting goalie and Petr Mrazek as the backup goalie. Detroit's second 2021 first round pick Sebastian Cossa will get one more season on the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL before he has NHL responsibilities in 2026-2027.
    
    
    
    I gave Detroit another center. Saulte Ste. Marie Greyhounds center Brady Martin is seventh on my big board for the 2025 edging out top 5 pick James Hagens as the seventh best player on my big board as I got Hagens at 8 on my board with Roger McQueen at 9 and Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka rounding out my top 10. Brady Martin is a player that Yzerman will fall in love with and ultimately, I believe his upside is better than Marco Kasper who just feels like a better fit as a third line center.
    
    
    
    Brady Martin split reps with Owen Allard and 2026 draft prospect Carson Andrew as the first line center on the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Martin spent more games on the second or third line than the first line with his last first line game being on March 7, 2025. Brady Martin has the potential to be a top line guy, but with Dylan Larkin on Detroit, the Red Wings just need Martin to be a player to comoliment Larkin. Owen Allard won't be back next year which means Brady Martin should see more opportunities to play on the first line next season. Brady Martin will most likely replace Andrew Copp, the Detroit Red Wings fourth line center whose a 2027 UFA if the Detroit Red Wings end up drafting Brady Martin at 13, but if he improves on what he did this season with 72 points in the OHL next year and Kasper still isn't producing 40-50 points as a second line center, then Martin will have an opportunity to be Detroit's second line center in 2026 if he dominates in camp.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 176 lb Brady Martin was drafted third overall in the 2023 OHL Draft. Brady Martin was the team captain on the Waterloo Wolves AAA Under 16 Team prior to the 2023 OHL Draft. I've seen Brady Martin listed as high as the eleventh best overall player in the 2025 NHL NHL Entry Draft and Elite Prospects currently has Brady Martin as the fifteenth best player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft as of April 2023. Brady Martin has been considered the consensus third best player in Canada behind Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Roobroeck dating back to November of 2022. Two years later, Brady Martin managed to live up to the hype as a to 15 prospect as he prepares for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with some believing Martin is a dark horse to crack the top 10.
    
    
    
    Brady Martin had 10 goals, 18 assists, 28 points, 40 penalty minutes, and a +12 +/- rtio in 52 games as a rookie with the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds in 2023-2024. Brady Martin had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 11 games during the 2024 OHL Playoffs. Brady Martin had 33 goals, 39 assists, 72 points, 68 penalty minutes, and a +25 +/- ratio in 57 games as an alternate captain on the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 2024-2025. Brady Martin had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 5 games in the 2025 OHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Brady Martin has the speed, skating, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Brady Martin wins faceoffs consistently too. Brady Martin is the thirteenth player with experience on a first line in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Artyom Vilchinsky, D, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
    
    
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Milton Gastrin, LW, Modo Hockey (Elitserien)
    
    
    Columbus goes with the best player on their board at 14. I heard Columbus is high on a skater from Sweden believing he's in the same class as Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund meaning I expect Columbus to draft a player from Sweden at 14. I also hear Columbus is targeting a college player to stash and develop at 20.
    
    
    
    Columbus has team captain Boone Jenner as the first line left winger, Sean Monahan as their first line center, and Kirill Marchenko as their first line right winger. Columbus has Kent Johnson a 2021 first round pick as their second line left winger, Adam Fantilli a 2023 first round pick as their second line center, and Yegor Chinakov a 2020 first round pick as their second line right winger. Columbus has Dmitri Voronkov their 2019 fourth round pick as their third line left winger, Cole Sillinger their second 2021 first round pick as their third line center, and Mathieu Olivier as their third line right winger. Columbus could have James Malatesta a 2021 fifth round pick as their fourth line left winger, Luca Del Bel Belluz, a 2022 second round pick as their fourth line center, and Gavin Brindley their 2023 second round pick as their fourth line right winger.
    
    
    
    Columbus has Zach Werenski their 2015 first round pick and Damon Severson on the first line. Denton Mateychuk the Blue Jackets second 2022 first round pick that was not traded away will play on the second line with Erik Gudbranson after trading David Jiricek to Minnesota for the twentieth pick . Jake Christansen whose an RFA after this year after going undrafted and Stanlislav Svozil a 2021 third round pick are on the Columbus Blue Jackets third line.
    
    
    
    Columbus will have Elvis Merzlikins as their starting goalie and Daniil Tarasov as their backup goalie next season. Tarasov is a 2025 RFA while Merzlikins is under contract until 2027 despite coming off of back-to-back seasons with a save percentage below .900 and a goals against average of above 3.00 before rebounding this season.
    
    
    
    I believe Columbus drafts Milton Gastrin here since they are high on a player from Sweden. Milton Gastrin has the versatility to play center and left winger. Columbus has Sean Monahan until 2029. Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Luca Del Bel Belluz are all RFA's in 2026. Columbus also has Cayden Lindstrom the center they drafted fourth overall and Cayden Lindstrom will not join the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL until 2026. Milton Gastrin has one more year on his contract with Modo Hockey and then Columbus can sign him to an entry level contract in 2026. Columbus might end up moving Gastrin to left winger simply due to how stacked the Blue Jackets are at center, also Boone Jenner enters a contract year this season as the Columbus Blue Jackets captain.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 185 lb Milton Gastrin was the team captain on the Sweden Under 16 Team in 2022-2023, the Sweden Under 17 Team in 2023-2024, and the Sweden Under 18 Team in 2024-2025. His consistency as captain is why he could get drafted earlier than expected even though he is not a first line player. Milton Gastrin had 18 goals, 24 assists, and 42 points in 40 games as an alternate captain on the Modo Hockey Under 20 Team in 2024-2025. He did well enough to earn a promotion to Modo Hockey in the SHL in the Swedish professional league once known as Elitserien.
    
    
    
    Milton Gastrin has the speed, skating, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Milton Gastrin needs to develop his slap shot and gain experience on a first line. It is hard to ignore the fact that he was a captain for Sweden in his age group for three years in a row making him closer to other Swedish players like Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund who are both top ten picks. He has the traits of a top line forward even if he doesn't have the experience of one. Columbus can draft him and he might make the Blue Jackets as a left winger in 2026. The worst case scenario is he ends up on the Cleveland Monsters next year and gets ample time to develop into a future defenseman.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (Elitserien)
    
    
    
    
15. Vancouver Canucks: Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
    
    
    Vancouver has their GM and president of hockey operations back. Their head coach left, but Vancouver promoted assistant head coach Adam Foote to head coach which I think is a good move.
    
    
    
    The Vancouver Canucks have Nils Hoglander as their first line left winger, Elias Lindholm their 2017 first round pick drafted fifth overall as their first line center, and Conor Garland in a contract year after he showed he could fill in for 2015 first round pick Brock Boeser with both Garland as well as Boeser getting 50 points. Jake DeBrusk is the second line left winger, Filip Chytil will be the second line center if Pius Suter doesn't come back since Suter is a UFA, and Joanthan Lekkerimaki, Vancouver's 2022 first round pick only had 6 points in 24 games, but would replace Brock Boeser if Boeser leaves. Dakota Joshua is the third line left winger, Aatu Raty is the third line center, and Keifer Sherwood is the third line right winger. Drew O'Connor is the fourth line left winger, Teddy Blueger is the fourth line center, and Linus Karlsson is the fourth line right winger entering a contract year.
    
    
    
    The Vancouver Canucks have Quinn Hughes their 2018 first round pick and team captain as the number one defenseman that anchors the blue line. Filip Hronek is the number two defenseman on Vancouver's first line that compliments Quinn Hughes with both locked up until 2027 when Hughes is a UFA. Carson Soucy, Vancouver's number four defenseman whose under contract for the next two years is set to take over as the number three defenseman and Tyler Myers will compliment him on the Vancouver Canucks second line. Elias Pettersson Vancouver's 2022 third round pick played the number one defenseman role in the season finale with Quinn Hughes sliding over to the left side, so Elias Petersson will be the number one defenseman on the third line with Marcus Petersson complimenting him on the third line. Tom Willander, Vancouver's 2023 first round pick signed his entry level contract with Vancouver, but he might start out in the AHL rather than go to the NHL.
    
    
    
    The Vancouver Canucks have Thatcher Demko a 2014 second round pick out of Boston College as their starting goalie and Artuss Silovs, their 2019 sixth round pick started in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs when both Demko and UFA Casey DeSmith were injured as the backup goalie. Arturs Silovs did enough to earn a one-way contract as the Vancouver Canucks backup goalie. If he continues to improve, Vancouver might let Demko walk and turn the team over to Silovs when Demko is a 2026 UFA as Silovs is an RFA then too.
    
    
    
    When you think of the core of Vancouver's star players you think of Elias Petersson the first line center drafted fifth overall in 2017, you think of the team captain Quinn Hughes a 2027 UFA, starting goalie Thatcher Demko whose a UFA in 2026, and Brock Boeser whose the first line right winger their 2015 first round pick is a UFA this summer. You just gave Elias Petersson an eight year contract extension and while you hit on those four draft picks, you are now at a crossing road where you have to decide how many of those guys you can keep. Conor Garland who filled in for Brock Boeser on the top line is a UFA in 2026. Vancouver has to decide who they want to be on their core with Elias Petersson. Drafting a right winger like Justin Corbonneau makes a lot of sense for the Vancouver Canucks at 15.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 192 lb Justin Carbonneau had 46 goals, 43 assists, 89 points, 61 penalty minutes, and a +3 +/- ratio in 62 QMJHL games in 2024-2025. Justin Carbonneau had 3 goals, 0 assists, and 3 points in 5 games during the 2025 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Justin Carbonneau has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, versatility, passing, playmaking, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Justin Carbonneau is versatile enough to play both right winger and left winger on the wing. Justin Carbboneau needs to develop his slap shot and improve his defensive awareness, but he's the fourteenth different player with the potential to play on the first line in the NHL.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (Elitserien)
    
    
16. Montreal Canadiens: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
    
    
    Montreal is going to have a really good first line with Juraj Slafkovsky as their first line left winger, Nick Suzuki as their first line center, and Cole Caufield as their first line right winger. All three of those forwards played all 82 games and all three forwards finished this season with 50 points in the regular season in 2023-2024. All three of those guys played 79 games and had 51 points in 2024-2025 with everyone on that top line under contract until 2030. Slafkovsky is versatile enough to play left winger or right winger and Cole Caufield is also versatile enough to play right winger or left winger.
    
    
    
    Montreal could have Patrick Laine their second line left winger under contract until 2026, Jake Evans is the second line center, and Brendan Gallagher as their second line right winger.
    
    
    
    Montreal has Josh Anderson as their third line left winger, Alex Newhook the second line center is an RFA in 2027 after being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to Montreal, and Ivan Demidov their 2024 first round pick drafted fifth overall as their second line right winger after having Demidov first on their big board in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Montreal has a great top 9 with three really strong lines. Montreal has Emil Heineman as their fourth line left winger as Florida's 2020 second round pick was traded to Calgary before being to Montreal, Kirby Dach is the fourth line center, and Joshua Roy as a fourth line right winger.
    
    
    
    Montreal has Lane Hutson their 2022 second round pick who had 6 goals, 60 assists, and 66 points as a rookie with Hutson putting himself in the drivers seat to take the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year from Macklin Celebrini with Mike Matheson who played all 82 games as their two first line defensemen with Matheson under contract until 2026. Montreal has Alexandre Carrier and Kaiden Guhle their 2020 first round pick as the two second line defensemen. Arber Xhekaj played 70 games as a third line defenseman, so he will be the number five defenseman. Logan Mailloux Montreal's 2021 first round pick and David Reinbacher who was drafted fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft will compete to be David Savard's replacement with Montreal's number six defenseman David Savard retiring.
    
    
    
    Montreal has Samuel Montembault who went 16-15-9 in 40 games started with a 3.14 goals against average and a .903 save percentage with Montembault under contract until 2027. Cayden Primeau the backup goalie was awful having a goals against average of above 4.00 while posting an .870 save percentage in 11 games with Jakub Dobes a 2020 fifth round pick taking the backup goalie job from Cayden Primeau.
    
    
    
    Jacob Fowler went 61/64 on saves as the starting goalie for the Laval Rocket after leading the Youngstown Phantoms to a Clark Cup before the 2023 NHL Entry Draft following that up with two strong seasons at Boston College. I had a first round grade on Jacob Fowler when he was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Jacob Fowler is gonna be the Laval Rocket starting goalie next year. He could end up beating out Jakub Dobes for the backup goalie job in training camp, but Montreal also has the flexibility not to rush Jacob Fowler too if they want to keep Fowler in the AHL until Samuel Montembault's contract is up in 2027. I do believe Jacob Fowler is the starting goalie of the future and once he is starting for the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Canadiens will have a three year Stanley Cup Window from 2027 to 2030 assuming Jacob Fowler is starting by then if Samuel Montembault walks.
    
    
    
    Montreal has picks 16 and 17. They need a defenseman to push Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. They also need a left winger. Montreal can address their two default needs with the pick they got from Calgary at 16 and then with their own pick at 17.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 190 lb Jackson Smith entered his draft year at 5-11 173 lbs, but he grew four inches and added 17 lbs of muscle prior to the start of the 2024-2025 WHL Season.
    
    
    
    Jackson Smith had 8 goals, 21 assists, and 29 points in 2023-2024. Jackson Smith had 11 goals, 43 assists, 54 points, 48 penalty minutes, and a +2 +/- ratio in 2024-2025. Jackson Smith had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Jackson Smith has moments when he dominates and looks like a top 10 pick, but he also has moments where he vanishes and looks invisble. That kind of inconsistency along with the fact that nobody in the 15 has said anything about him is why he dropped to 16 in my mock. I saw Jackson Smith's interview on SteelFlyers and he's now the number one defenseman on the Tri-City Americans anchoring their first line defense.
    
    
    
    Jackson Smith has the skating, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jackson Smith is really good at faking slap shots before turning those slap shots into wrist shots. Jackson Smith is the fifteenth player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with first line potential.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)