2025 NHL draft: Buzz on prospects, trades, free company

Though the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers might never stop celebrating, the NHL offseason has begun.

The previous a number of days have included Jonathan Toews pledging to sign with the Winnipeg Jets as soon as free company begins, in addition to a flurry of re-signings, and a trade between the Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken, with Andre Burakovsky headed to the Second Metropolis.

On Friday and Saturday of this week, the NHL draft will happen in Los Angeles, together with seven rounds of prospect picks and (most definitely) a handful of franchise-altering trades. Then on Tuesday, July 1, free company formally begins.

To assist make sense of all of it, our reporters reached out to sources in entrance workplaces across the league for his or her takes on the draft, trades and the free agent class.

So forward of this week’s flurry of motion, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski ship the exchange center buzz across the NHL:

Schaefer earned perspective via tragedy

Matthew Schaefer has been the projected first general decide on this yr’s draft for months, projected to land with the New York Islanders, who maintain the primary decide on Friday. However the Erie Otters defenseman is not all that involved about the place he in the end lands.

No stress. No stress. It is all about having fun with the journey — a lesson Schaefer has discovered the exhausting method.

“I have been via loads,” he stated just lately. And that is placing it mildly.

Schaefer misplaced his billet mom in late 2023. Two months later, his personal mom died after an extended battle with most cancers. Then, in the course of the 2025 World Junior Championship, Otters proprietor Jim Waters — with whom Schaefer was shut — additionally handed away. Throughout that very same occasion, Schaefer broke his collarbone and missed the rest of his season in Erie.

That may be a debilitating 12 months for anybody to endure, not to mention a 17-year-old on the cusp of attaining his life-long dream of enjoying within the NHL. Schaefer has an infectiously upbeat angle to all of it, although. What others would possibly view as adversity he sees as nearly a superpower, and it is helped him deal with the calls for of being a extremely touted prospect.

“There’s loads worse issues that may occur in life [than not being picked No. 1],” he stated. “Going via accidents are tremendous simple. I really feel like after I was youthful and I stubbed my toe, I most likely would have thought the world was ending, however going via every thing, there’s a lot worse issues that may occur in life. And actually, you simply gotta take the alternatives. You gotta work as exhausting as you may. I feel simply being a very good individual goes such a good distance.”

Schaefer is quick-witted and personable, admirably earnest and fully real. He is executed charity work with different youngsters experiencing grief-related challenges, and plans to do extra volunteering with the hospital the place his mom acquired remedy. It is not for present, both.

Schaefer readily admits he enjoys assembly new individuals, and listening to their tales.

“I personally love serving to individuals,” he stated. “Respecting individuals, [treating them] the way you’d prefer to be handled. Holding a door for somebody, it goes such a good distance. I feel every day I simply need to have a optimistic mindset. My mindset has modified loads with every thing. Seeing what my mother went via, having a smile on her face with most cancers and every thing attempting to convey her down, however she would not let it convey her down. Want I used to be as powerful as her.”

Schaefer believes that mother will probably be watching when the draft takes place, and that perhaps alongside the best way she’s even suited up once more in her personal signature position that formed him into the participant he’s at this time.

“My mother used to go in web and placed on the tools, and I might shoot on her,” he recalled. “Once I’m capturing pucks within the basement, she most likely spiritually has the hockey tools on, attempting to save lots of them, and I am lacking the online as a result of she’s most likely blocker saving that. There’s plenty of issues I’ve discovered. I am undoubtedly loads stronger now.” — Shilton

Might the Islanders draft Hagens too?

James Hagens is aware of how badly some Islanders followers need to see the Hauppauge-born, Lengthy Island native drafted by their group. In spite of everything, the 18-year-old Boston School heart is certainly one of their very own: A child within the stands cheering on the Islanders throughout playoff video games at Nassau Coliseum who simply occurred to in the future turn out to be a high NHL draft prospect.

“I nonetheless have the [rally] towel to today,” he instructed me in the course of the Stanley Cup Last. “I simply bear in mind being a bit child, screaming my lungs off. It was a small constructing, however it received loud.”

Hagens stated he is had individuals stroll as much as him on the golf course again residence expressing hope that he’ll be an Islanders draft alternative. Driving again from a exercise in the future, he noticed a automobile with a “Deliver Hagens Residence” bumper sticker on the again.

“I simply tried to duck my head and drive by. Did not actually attempt to make eye contact or something,” Hagens recalled.

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He could not assist however get his hopes up when he watched the Islanders win the first overall pick within the lottery. There was a time when Hagens seemed like he’d go first general within the 2025 draft. The venerable Bob McKenzie of TSN had him ranked first before the season, with 9 of the ten NHL scouts he surveyed in settlement.

There have been quite a lot of elements for why Hagens slipped a bit this season — a terrific however not elite freshman season at BC, persevering with considerations about this 5-11-ish body — however chief amongst them was the emergence of Schaefer because the Islanders’ presumptive No. 1 general decide.

But right here was buzz in the course of the Stanley Cup Last that the Islanders would possibly search to make a draft-day splash by taking Schaefer first general — after which buying and selling again into the highest 4 once more to pick Hagens. It is assumed the San Jose Sharks are drafting ahead Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit) and Hagens hasn’t been linked a lot with the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3. Utah has the fourth general decide, whereas Nashville is drafting fifth.

What could possibly be in play from the Islanders? Hypothesis surrounds 25-year-old defenseman Alexander Romanov, a restricted free agent due a large elevate, in addition to the Colorado Avalanche‘s first-round decide in 2026 that the Avs can defer to 2027. However that is simply a place to begin for buying a top-five decide and, most significantly, a hometown offensive star.

Isles GM Mathieu Darche has talked about his expenses changing into an “attacking” group. Co-owner John Collins has mentioned the need for the franchise to make “deeper connections” with the Lengthy Island hockey neighborhood. Hagens would appear to deal with each wants, both at No. 1 — or if the Islanders can hit a two-fer within the draft. — Wyshynski

Clock is ticking on Tavares in Toronto

Except Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs bear significantly profitable {couples} counselling within the subsequent week, it is unlikely the winger will probably be again in blue and white this fall. That ending has been projected for months, and admittedly displays some poor asset administration by the Leafs that they are about to lose this yr’s high UFA for nothing.

Is there a risk of a sign-and-trade, or one other suitor excited by buying Marner’s rights like Toronto GM Brad Treliving did in buying Chris Tanev‘s rights ultimately yr’s draft? Certain. However once more … do not maintain your breath.

The place the Leafs’ focus can and must be at this stage is on John Tavares. The exchange center phrase is that the 2 sides aren’t shut on an extension, and Toronto cannot beat across the bush too lengthy right here. As a result of there should not many different viable unrestricted free agent facilities obtainable.

Sam Bennett seems decided to remain in Florida. Matt Duchene and Jonathan Toews have signed elsewhere. Past Tavares, the Leafs are Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter or maybe Claude Giroux.

There may not be a lot Toronto can recuperate from the Marner state of affairs. Tavares is the alternative; he desires to be a Leaf and is prepared to barter.

Dallas simply inked Duchene to a four-year, $18 million extension. Sure, there’s some artistic accounting in there between the bottom wage and signing bonuses coupled with Duchene’s continued buyout bundle from Nashville. Nevertheless, a $4.5 million common annual worth contract for Tavares is not wanting so dangerous when you think about the Leafs can’t lose a second-line heart that simply had certainly one of his greatest seasons ever at age 34 and will not have a lot alternative on a substitute if Tavares does really feel undersold and settle for one other group’s provide (of which there could possibly be many).

It is a essential juncture for Treliving to deal with good, and contemplating all of the elements at work, there is no time like the current for Toronto to place its greatest foot ahead and get Tavares again below contract. — Shilton

Can Panthers convey again the massive three, together with Marchand?

Having coated the Panthers for a number of rounds within the playoffs, I had hours of conversations about their three key unrestricted free brokers: Heart Sam Bennett, defenseman Aaron Ekblad and winger/Dairy Queen enthusiast Brad Marchand.

There was a typical notion about them earlier than the Panthers hoisted the Cup for a second time, however these have shifted:

1. Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP, was a lock to re-sign. Whereas scores of groups might need doubled his base wage ($5 million), Bennett and the Panthers have been assured one thing would get executed. Then, on the Panthers’ victory celebration at E11EVEN in Miami, he quoted “The Wolf of Wall Road” whereas informing followers he was not leaving whereas a message that learn “8 extra years” was displayed behind him.

2. Ekblad, who was drafted first general by the Panthers in 2014, was iffy to re-sign. He could be coveted as a cell right-shot defenseman with two Stanley Cups to his credit score. The Panthers reportedly made a suggestion to Ekblad was reportedly rejected final summer time, and Florida then explored the commerce marketplace for him.

However the winds have shifted right here. Hypothesis in Dawn was that the Panthers and Ekblad, 29, might swap a excessive cap quantity for time period, which could be dangerous with a participant that has Ekblad’s harm historical past. Florida actually likes its present defensive depth — Ekblad with Gustav Forsling, after which Seth Jones on a second pairing, the place the Panthers consider he is completely forged. Ekblad now expects to remain, however as he cautioned just lately: “Issues appear to return right down to the final minute right here.”

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3. Marchand took much less cash in Boston on his final deal for a participant of his accomplishments — he made solely $8 million in base wage twice in 16 seasons with the Bruins. So the notion was that he would signal with whichever group provided the best wage with the time period he was looking for, rumored to be 4 years. The Maple Leafs have been the main target right here, within the final “if you cannot beat’em, have him be a part of’em” second in NHL historical past. However suitors starting from the Washington Capitals to the Utah Mammoth have been rumored to be ready on him.

Nevertheless, the match and success he present in Florida seems to have shifted issues right here, too. Marchand publicly requested GM Invoice Zito to present him a contract — at a Dairy Queen, no much less — and Zito has stated a number of occasions he expects to have the ability to signal Bennett, Ekblad and Marchand at a cap hit that enables the Panthers “to usher in different good gamers.”

For what it is value, Marchand was caught on video on the famed Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale telling a fan that he isn’t leaving after which flashing 4 fingers. But it surely’s Marchand. He says loads. — Wyshynski

Do the Blackhawks have an enormous shock in retailer for Spherical 1?

Chicago is ready to select at No. 3. After Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are all however assured to go 1-2, the Blackhawks would be the first fascinating choice of the evening.

Do they go heart, or wing?

When the scouting mix in Buffalo was wrapping up, it seemed like Chicago was zeroed in on both Moncton Wildcats heart Caleb Desnoyers or Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone.

Martone’s inventory has risen even additional because the begin of June, and whereas it could have been the Blackhawks’ inclination to go heart, might they cross on Martone at this level? He is 6-3 and 207 kilos, brings a bodily edge, artistic playmaking, a terrific shot and terrific arms. Martone collected 37 objectives and 98 factors in 57 video games final season because the Steelheads’ captain, and scouts rave about his general potential and potential to excel within the NHL.

Chicago already has one exemplary younger heart in Connor Bedard. Whereas it is tempting so as to add one other potential standout on the place, the draw of what Martone might convey would possibly simply be an excessive amount of on which to cross. — Shilton

Oilers GM baffled by goalie choice

There isn’t any query that the Edmonton Oilers‘ goaltending was a detriment throughout their Stanley Cup Last loss to the Florida Panthers.

Stuart Skinner (.861 save proportion, 3.97 goals-against common) was pulled twice and finally benched for Calvin Pickard (.878, 2.88) of their Sport 5 loss, earlier than returning to surrender three objectives on 23 pictures on their Sport 6 elimination. Each goalies have been below-replacement degree in objectives saved above anticipated over their final 5 playoff video games. In the meantime, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky chugged alongside at 3.1 objectives saved above anticipated in his final 5 video games, and did what he wanted to do (.919, 2.45) within the Last.

This confuses Oilers GM Stan Bowman about his goaltending, as a result of he argues that Edmonton had the stronger goaltending of their three earlier collection within the Western Convention. “Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill and Jake Oettinger, our goalies have been higher than them in every of these collection,” he stated. “I feel that is the rationale we went to the [Stanley Cup] Last. After which within the Last it flipped.”

The idea has been that goaltending could be a precedence for the Oilers this offseason, particularly discovering an elite-level netminder that might theoretically forestall embarrassments like having to resolve which struggling goalie will begin Sport 6 of the Stanley Cup Last. However Bowman stated he is nonetheless mulling over any goalie modifications for subsequent season, with each Skinner ($2.6 million AAV) and Pickard ($1 million) signed via subsequent season earlier than changing into unrestricted free brokers.

Bowman stated modifications for subsequent season “might contain the goaltending or it couldn’t,” and that there is plenty of evaluation that must be executed within the wake of their second loss to Florida in two seasons earlier than making that call.

It is exhausting to fathom that the Oilers would run it again with the identical battery subsequent season, however the choices to improve are restricted. They have been linked to John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, who has a 10-team no-trade record and two years left on his contract at a $6.4 million AAV. New Jersey Devils veteran Jake Allen is the most suitable choice in a skinny UFA market that additionally contains Alexandar Georgiev (San Jose), Alex Lyon (Detroit) and Anton Forsberg (Ottawa).

Bowman stated that is a part of the choice for the Oilers: Who, precisely, could be an improve over Skinner and Pickard within the playoffs?

“It is not such as you simply go right down to the nook and decide up an elite goalie,” he stated. “They are not simply ready so that you can be a part of your group. So what number of are there in any case in that group?”

“When you take a look at the [elite] guys, a few of them have had some powerful playoffs. So there is no assure within the goaltending world. It is an important [position], however it’s additionally in some situations not why groups win,” the GM stated. “So in case you have a powerful sufficient group, then there’s been groups that win the Cup with out elite goaltending and there is been groups that received due to their goalie.” — Wyshynski

Is Nashville actually open to something?

Rumblings concerning the Nashville Predators proceed to develop. The Predators are selecting at No. 5, however should not within the typical place a group could be in with that choice.

Nashville desires to compete now. They usually have a bit of capital to wield in attempting to land an NHL participant now from a group that could be nearer to that re-tooling stage and eyeing a high prospect for his or her pool.

If there have been to be a blockbuster occurring within the first spherical, it seems like Nashville could be concerned.

Particularly, the Preds might use a viable defenseman to shore up the blue line alongside Roman Josi. And we all know from latest offseasons that GM Barry Trotz is prepared and capable of go all-in as vital and get artistic.

If Trotz believes in Nashville’s alternative to rebound from a tough 2024-25 with a profitable yr forward then he appears more likely to take into account a good deal for an NHL-level skater. — Shilton