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It's time to put down the NHL Mock Drafts and prepare for the real thing. The 2025 NHL Draft is underway from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Draft day has already seen a ton of movement, with the New York Islanders trading Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens dominating the headlines.
Trade rumors are always in high gear this time of year. Oftentimes, the buzz never truly lives up to the hype. In fact, we're only two years removed from an NHL Draft that featured no first-round trades. However, this year could be different, as nearly every team in the league is trying to make something happen. The decentralized nature of this year's event could also play a role in any movement.
There's no more time left to waste. The 2025 NHL Draft is officially underway. Stick with ClutchPoints as we track all the activity and instantly grade the picks and trades as they come down the pike. The entire first round order will be displayed below. Please refresh your browser to ensure you get the latest information.
ClutchPoints' final 2025 NHL Mock Draft
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL)
The Islanders had a few different choices they could have made here. Notably, they could have taken hometown product James Hagens with this selection. However, after trading Dobson to the Canadiens, they needed defensive help. Matthew Schaefer is the best player in the 2025 NHL Draft. And he should be a top-pairing defenseman for a long time in this league.
Grade: A
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
There was a lot of buzz around the Sharks in recent days. In the end, they select Michael Misa, who is the best forward in this class. There are very few flaws in his game. Misa can score in bunches, as he scored 134 points for the Spirit this past season. He is good in the defensive zone, and his playmaking can break games open. The Sharks continue to build one of the NHL's most impressive forward cores. This is a home run.
Grade: A
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Anton Frondell is a rather intriguing prospect at the top of this class. He is a natural center, but played on the wing in HockeyAllsvenskan a ton this year. He had a knee injury in September that impacted his draft stock. Still, is a very impressive scorer who can find the back of the net in multiple ways. Frondell may move to the wing in the NHL to succeed. He could hit as a top-six forward, though there is a decent chance the upside is a tad lower than this. Overall, it's a fine selection for Chicago.
Grade: B+
4. Utah Mammoth – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Caleb Desnoyers is generally considered one of the safest players in this draft. Especially among the center prospects. He is very good at creating plays in the open ice while also possessing a nose for the net. Desnoyers is also one defensively responsible, allowing him to make an impact in all areas of the game. The Mammoth add more depth down the middle after adding on the wings with the JJ Peterka trade.
Grade: A
5. Nashville Predators – Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Brady Martin received a ton of buzz in the top five in recent weeks. He is one of the hardest-working players in the 2025 NHL Draft class. In fact, he didn't attend the draft, opting to work on his family's farm instead. The Predators needed a center, so the logic makes sense. There are questions over Martin's ceiling, though. Leaving other centers with more potential on the board knocks Nashville's grade down, but this is a good player.
Grade: B+
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Porter Martone is the best natural winger in this class. He brings an impressive combination of size and skill that can see him succeed at the NHL level. The Flyers traded for Trevor Zegras prior to the 2025 NHL Draft, so maybe they felt they didn't need a center. If Zegras doesn't work out, though, they now have two wingers and a glaring need down the middle. Martone is a fantastic selection, but the grade gets a slight knock based on organizational need.
Grade: A-
7. Boston Bruins – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
The Boston Bruins love their bang-and-crash forwards. James Hagens is not this, but he could become their franchise center in short order. Hagens opened the season as the potential first overall pick. He saw his stock slip, but not for anything he did wrong. The Boston College star is an exceptional two-way playdriver down the middle who can take over games at both ends of the ice. He is more skill than snarl, but this is a new era of Bruins hockey.
Grade: A
8. Seattle Kraken – Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The Seattle Kraken add to its forward depth with this selection. O'Brien is a selfless player on the ice. He loves to make the key pass and allow his teammates to take their chances. His offensive skill is very impressive at this point in his development. He needs to add a bit of strength to his game, and he can improve his defense. This is a fine pick, even if Seattle's defensive pipeline remains a bit barren at the top.
Grade: B+
9. Buffalo Sabres – Radim Mrtka, RD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Radim Mrtka came over from his native Czechia midseason, and it was a fantastic move. Mrtka was a conductor for the Thunderbirds as everything ran through him. He is a towering defender with exceptional offensive ability and shutdown potential on the backend. Scouts want to see him be more physical, especially given his frame. But the Sabres need right-shot defensemen even after acquiring Michael Kesselring from the Mammoth. Ironically, it's Buffalo making a Mammoth pick here.
Grade: A
10. Anaheim Ducks – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Roger McQueen could have gone higher than this in the 2025 NHL Draft. However, a back injury prevented him from skating for most of the year. Still, when healthy, the potential is undeniable. He has the potential to be a first-line pivot at the NHL level for years to come. He joins Leo Carlsson to form one of the best young 1-2 punches down the middle in the league. A fantastic selection for the Ducks.
Grade: A
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Here is the first true curveball of the night. Benjamin Kindel brings playdriving and exceptional offensive ability to the ice. He plays with a ton of pace, which he combines with his skill to beat defenders and create scoring chances. In saying all of this, Kindel projects best as a middle-six forward. There are true flaws with his game that could hold him back at the NHL level. Pittsburgh needs center depth though, and Kindel can stick down the middle at the next level.
Grade: C+
12. *TRADE* Philadelphia Flyers (via PIT/VAN/NYR) – Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the 12th selection to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for picks 22 and 31 in the 2025 NHL Draft
The Philadelphia Flyers certainly love what Jack Nesbitt brings to the table. And it makes a lot of sense. He has the potential to become a defensive specialist at the NHL level. He is a relentless forechecker who can create offense from that. The defense is the main calling card. Nesbitt could become a top-six potential option if the offense comes around. However, it feels more likely that he becomes a shutdown third-line center. That's a valuable player, but a top-15 pick is a bit rich, especially when you trade up for him.
Grade: C+
13. Detroit Red Wings – Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Carter Bear could have gone in the top 10 had he not suffered an Achilles injury. The Silvertips star is a fantastic offensive presence and can goal goals in bunches. Detroit loves players who compete, and Bear has an excellent motor. His potential is quite high, and his skill is something the Red Wings need. His Achilles injury is something to keep an eye on, but if he stays healthy, this might be a home run pick for the Winged Wheel.
Grade: A-
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Jackson Smith is a jack-of-all-trades on the back end. If you need offense, he can provide that. If you need someone to shutdown the opposing offense, he can do that. He is an excellent skater and handles the puck very responsibly. Smith is a very promising two-way defender who could play top-four minutes at the NHL level. The Blue Jackets need defensive depth, so this is an excellent pick for Columbus.
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Grade: A-
15. Vancouver Canucks – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Braeden Cootes is another fast-rising prospect in this 2025 NHL Draft Class. The Thunderbirds star is a relentless worker on the ice who never takes a play off and always finds a way to be involved. He has the ability to emerge as an exceptional playmaker, given his impressive chance creation ability. Vancouver needed center depth, and while they would have preferred immediate help, this is a fine pick for the Canucks.
Grade: A-
16. New York Islanders (via MTL/CGY) – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Many believed Victor Eklund had the potential to be a top-10 pick in this draft. He certainly has the talent and skill to match up with any player in this class. He is extremely competitive who will never quit, especially on the forecheck. Eklund's shot is also quite impressive. The Islanders come out of the Noah Dobson trade with a potential top-six forward. They had a need there, especially on the wings. This is a fantastic pick.
Grade: A
17. New York Islanders (via MTL) – Kashawn Aitcheson, LD, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Kashawn Aitcheson is an absolute bulldog on the ice. He is a throwback to the clutch-and-grab era of hockey who will hunt open ice hits any time he can. He backs up his physicality with impressive defensive ability. Aitcheson is a very responsible player, which makes his physicality all the more coveted. The Islanders walk away from the 2025 NHL Draft with three very impressive building blocks for the future.
Grade: A
18. Calgary Flames (via NJ) – Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Cole Reschny is an undersized center with some intriguing upside. Unlike other small players, though, his size is not the biggest knock. Reschny needs to improve his skating if he wants to breakout at the NHL level. He does play a detail-oriented game, though, which can certainly help. And he is a good playmaker, creating chances regularly in the offensive zone. Calgary needed some center depth, and this is a fine pick.
Grade: B+
19. St. Louis Blues – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
There are a lot of people who believe Justin Carbonneau could become one of the best players to come out of this class. There is a lot of work that needs to happen before he reaches those sorts of heights. However, St. Louis is getting one of the best pure goal scorers in this class. He can work as a power-play specialist in the top-six. If the Blues can cut out his turnover issues, there may be a more complete player here.
Grade: B+
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via MIN) – Pyotr Andreyanov, G, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
Now here is a shocker. Pyotr Andreyanov had some buzz around him as the first goalie off the board in the days leading into the 2025 NHL Draft. He is an aggressive goaltender who makes very athletic plays. He does struggle mightily with this puck control, though, and Columbus will need to work with him on this. If he can figure this out, he can become a starting goaltender. There are some other goalies with more potential, though, so this is a bit of a shock.
Grade: B-
21. *TRADE* Nashville Predators (via OTT) – Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The Ottawa Senators have traded this pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for picks 23 and 67 in the 2025 NHL Draft
There was buzz about Reid potentially going in the teens leading into this draft. Reid is an incredible offensive defenseman, though he never overcommits offensively. His size is something that knocked him down boards, though. And he is not the most complete defender. Still, the Predators are banking on the offense continuing to develop. On that alone, he could play top-four minutes in the NHL.
Grade: B+
22. *TRADE* Pittsburgh Penguins (via PHI/COL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded pick 12 (Jack Nesbitt) to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for this pick and pick 31
23. Nashville Predators (via TB)
24. Los Angeles Kings
25. Chicago Blackhawks (via TOR)
26. Nashville Predators (via SJ/VGK)
27. Washington Capitals
28. Winnipeg Jets
29. Carolina Hurricanes
30. San Jose Sharks (via DAL)
31. *TRADE* Pittsburgh Penguins (via PHI/EDM)
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded pick 12 (Jack Nesbitt) to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for this pick and pick 22
32. Calgary Flames (via FLA)
Rivals strike trade
Dillon Reagan ·The Philadelphia Flyers package a pair of first rounders (No. 22 and No. 31) to trade up to the No. 12 pick with the Pittsburgh Penguins, per Elliotte Friedman.
Misa wasting no time
Dillon Reagan ·Sharks No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa tells Bay Area News Group reporter Curtis Pashelka that he plans to play for San Jose immediately in 2025-26.
Happy Gilmore makes Bruins pick
Dillon Reagan ·Oh, Happy day.
Who we picking, Mr. Gilmore?#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/2K62fWGruA
Amazing gesture by Isles org
Dillon Reagan ·The #Isles not only put a cancer ribbon on Schaefer’s jersey, but also embroidered the inside of his collar with his mother’s initials “JS”. Amazing touch. 💜 https://t.co/XMAwvitgK6
Schaefer emotional after going 1st overall
Dillon Reagan ·An emotional moment as Matthew Schaefer dons the Islanders sweater for the first time 👏 pic.twitter.com/SfqQpwohEe
Big night for the Hawks
Dillon Reagan ·The Chicago Blackhawks, who have failed to cross the 70-point plateau over the past five seasons, look to take the next step in their rebuild with 10 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, including a pair of selections in both the first and second round.
#Blackhawks picks ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft:
Round 1, pick No. 3
Round 1, pick No. 25
Round 2, pick No. 34
Round 2, pick No. 62
Round 3, pick No. 66
Round 4, pick No. 98
Round 4, pick No. 107
Round 6, pick No. 162
Round 7, pick No. 194
Round 7, pick No. 197
Bennett stays with FLA
Dillon Reagan ·Many teams were hoping Sam Bennett would hit free agency on July 1st, but instead the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers inked the 2025 Conn Smythe winner to a 8-year, $64 million contract extension just ahead of the NHL Draft.
