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.
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)
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)
The center/left winger from the Saginaw Spirit could be the first offensive player off the board in June.
C James Hagens (Boston College)
Hagens is coming out of college into this year’s NHL Draft.
RW Porter Marone (OHL’s Brampton Steelheads)
Marone is yet another impressive offensive player in this year’s draft class.
C Jake O’Brien (OHL’s Bulldogs)
Another center on our board is fresh off playing in the OHL, and he figures to go after Misa and Hagens.