2025 NHL Mock Draft and Betting Odds: Plenty of questions in the first round

Matthew Schaefer is widely expected to go first overall to the Islanders at Friday’s NHL draft, followed by Michael Misa to San Jose and Porter Martone to Chicago. After that, the consensus drops off and several players could end up in Utah with the fourth overall pick.

We’ve got out our NHL GM hats dusted off and firmly on our heads as we do a mock draft for the entire first round, with a deep dive into who we believe will be the first 10 players selected.

Let’s dive in.

Don’t forget to check us out for a complete list of NHL futures, including draft odds.

1. New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)

Matthew Shcaefer is the consensus top pick in this year’s draft. What’s really fascinating about Schaefer, is he’s a slam-dunk to be taken first overall despite playing just 21 games this season because of a mononucleosis then a broken clavicle.

Schaefer has everything you’re looking for in a No. 1 defenceman. He’s an elite skater, he can quarterback a power play and he’s a big body who can punish opponents. Think of him as a player somewhere in the middle of Cale Makar and Victor Hedman.

2. San Jose Sharks

Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)

Michael Misa exploded offensively this season, leading all CHL players with 134 points (62G, 72A) in just 65 games. He’s a strong skater with vision and clarity and he could provide generational depth down the middle in San Jose playing behind Macklin Celebrini. MIsa’s comparable are John Tavares and Steven Stamkos because of his high hockey IQ.

3. Chicago Blackhawks

Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)

Chicago could use a little grit in their lineup and that’s what they’ll get with Porter Martone, a strong power-forward who led Brampton with 98 points (37G, 61A) this season. Martone proved he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL after playing with Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship and he could serve as a great compliment playing on Connor Bedard’s right side.

4. Utah Mammoth

Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (SWE-2)

Anton Frondell impressed as an 18-year-old playing against men in Sweden’s second-highest professional league this past season. He’s an elite offensive talent, with scout’s marvelling at both his fitness level and his competitiveness.

5. Nashville Predators

Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)

Pick five is where the consensus really starts to drop away in this draft. I like Caleb Desnoyers for Nashville. Desnoyers was named MVP of the QMJHL playoffs after putting up 30 points (9G, 21A) in 19 games to reach the Memorial Cup where he also won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league’s top pro prospect. Desnoyers is comparable to shutdown stars like Aleksander Brakov or Jonathan Toews.

6. Philadelphia Flyers

Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)

Jake O’Brien, the 2023-24 OHL Rookie of the Year, was tied for seventh in the OHL with 98 points (32G, 66A) this season. His vision, playmaking and strong 200-foot game make him a great fit in Philadelphia and he should thrive playing for Rick Tocchet.

7. Boston Bruins

James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

James Hagens starred at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, leading the United States to a second straight gold medal as their top line centre. Hagens is a strong centre in the face-off dot, which Boston needs, and he’s blue collar two-way player, which should make him a fan favourite for the Bruins.

8. Seattle Kraken

Brady Martin, C/RW, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Brady Martin doesn’t necessarily have the size of a typical power-forward, but his competitiveness and toughness are more than enough to make up for his smaller frame. Seattle could use Martin in all situations and he projects to be a highly elite special teams player.

9. Buffalo Sabres

Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)

Roger McQueen should go early as a right-handed centre with size and a good scoring touch. While Buffalo has a reputation for drafting players who go on to have success in other organizations, they’re going to want to hold onto McQueen for the long haul.

10. Anaheim Ducks

Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgardens (SWE)

Anaheim already has a solid young core of talented scorers, so a player like Victor Eklund, who can mix scoring with high physicality, makes perfect sense. Eklund is a strong skater who is the first on the forecheck to do the dirty work that makes life easier for players like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson.

Mock draft for picks 11-32

11. Pittsburgh Penguins

Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)

12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers via Vancouver Canucks)

Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)

13. Detroit Red Wings

Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)

15. Vancouver Canucks

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)

Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

17. Montreal Canadiens

Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils)

Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

19. St. Louis Blues

Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL)

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild)

Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

21. Ottawa Senators

Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche)

Ben Kindel, RW/C, Calgary (WHL)

23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

24. Los Angeles Kings

Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs)

Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)

26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks)

Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo (SWE J20)

27. Washington Capitals

Will Horcoff, C/LW, Michigan (NCAA)

28. Winnipeg Jets

Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)

29. Carolina Hurricanes

Bill Zonnon, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars)

Eric Nilson, C, Djurgardens (SWE J20)

31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers)

Ryker Lee, RW, Madison (USHL)

32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers)

Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)