The 2025 NHL Draft isn’t until late June, but Monday night’s draft lottery will reveal which teams will pick where atop the first round.
NHL teams like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators have the best odds of securing the top handful of picks, as those struggling franchises seem destined for major talent infusion next month.
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While this NHL Draft might not boast an elite offensive prospect at the level of Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini, there are some very strong players in this draft class that should hit the NHL ice sooner than later.
Let’s run through five of the best players in this year’s NHL Draft.
D Matthew Schaefer (OHL’s Erie Otters)
Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, right, controls the puck against the Kitchener Rangers at Erie Insurance Arena in Erie on Nov. 23, 2024.
The young defenseman figures to be the first player off the board in this year’s draft. A defensive prospect hasn’t gone first in the NHL Draft since 2021, when the Buffalo Sabres took Owen Power.
C Michael Misa (OHL’s Saginaw Spirit)
Erie Otters forward Dylan Edwards, leftt, competes against Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa during an Ontario Hockey League playoff game at Erie Insurance Arena in Erie on April 1, 2025.
The center/left winger from the Saginaw Spirit could be the first offensive player off the board in June.
C James Hagens (Boston College)
Feb 28, 2025; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College forward James Hagens (10) shoots against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats during the third period at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Hagens is coming out of college into this year’s NHL Draft.
RW Porter Martone (OHL’s Brampton Steelheads)
BRANTFORD, CANADA – JANUARY 15: Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit battles for the puck against Porter Marone #94 of the Brampton Steelheads during the game between the OHL East and OHL West conferences during the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game at Brantford & District Civic Centre on January 15, 2025 in Brantford, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
Martone is yet another impressive offensive player in this year’s draft class.
C Jake O’Brien (OHL’s Bulldogs)
Grafton’s Jake O’Brien celebrates after scoring versus Littleton during the Grafton Holiday Tournament at Buffone Arena in Worcester on Thursday December 28, 2023.
Another center on our board is fresh off playing in the OHL, and he figures to go after Misa and Hagens.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2025 NHL Draft: 5 top prospects in this year’s class