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Rachel Doerrie
The primary spherical of the NHL draft is Friday night time in Los Angeles, and for the primary time, group personnel won’t be centralized. Nobody shall be reporting on who visited whose desk, who was seen talking in the dead of night corners of a tunnel or who’s strolling over to central registry. However the gamers shall be in attendance, which ought to make for fascinating draft pictures.
Other than Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, there’s a ton of intrigue on this 12 months’s draft class. There is no such thing as a consensus after the highest two, and there may be good purpose to consider we’ll see a ton of decide shuffling as early as the primary spherical. With such volatility throughout draft boards, groups would possibly need to transfer up or down relying on who is offered, and groups with a number of first-round picks would possibly elevate eyebrows with their picks.
For the ultimate mock draft, we’ll assume the picks will stick with their groups, however there shall be point out of who is likely to be chosen if the decide is traded. As an example, it positive appears as if the Columbus Blue Jackets, Utah Mammoth, Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks might transfer their first-round picks for extra quick assist, and people issues shall be made.
In a mock draft, it is not about which participant is the most effective, it’s about how the group drafting perceives the gamers obtainable — and who they’re probably to pick. In different phrases, this is not an train of “who would I decide if I had been GM” as a lot as it’s an train of “who’s probably to be chosen if the decide is not traded.”
With that out of the best way, here is the ultimate projection of the primary 32 picks:
This isn’t rocket science and nobody must overthink this. The James Hagens story — his being a Lengthy Island native, and an Islanders fan — is a good one, and we’ll handle that later, however Schaefer is the clear-cut finest participant obtainable on this draft.
Many scouts consider he’ll grow to be a franchise cornerstone defenseman able to driving play at each ends of the ice. The Islanders are in a precarious place on protection with Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov in want of recent contracts. Neither of these gamers will signal low-priced offers, and each have been rumored in commerce discussions. Provided that, the Isles clearly view Schaefer because the defenseman of the long run. Ought to they elect to maintain Dobson, the incoming Schaefer would permit the elder to slip into a job extra suited to him and take away among the heavy lifting.
Schaefer misplaced almost his whole draft 12 months to damage, and would virtually definitely profit from a 12 months within the NCAA to proceed growing. That appears unlikely. However even with out that, the Isles can safely challenge him to step into their lineup in a big position as a rookie. It would not shock anybody to see Schaefer working the facility play, logging top-four minutes and turning into a staple on the Isles’ again finish earlier than snow hits the bottom this season.
2. San Jose Sharks
Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)
There appears to be some intrigue surrounding the Sharks heading into draft weekend, as they’ve a transparent want on protection and are additionally believed to love Anton Frondell (a middle). However passing on a expertise reminiscent of Misa for any purpose could be ill-advised. The hole between Schaefer and Misa exists, however the hole between Misa and the subsequent tier is even bigger.
Including a dual-threat offensive dynamo with above-average two-way play to a younger lineup that already has Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith could be very thrilling. Misa can play heart or wing, however his two-way play is extra useful at heart, and would give the Sharks a big one-two punch for years to return. A top-six group that features Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund and Misa — who’re all 22 or youthful — units up the Sharks with a formidable assault and dependable two-way play drivers in the midst of the ice for years to return.
Misa brings dynamic scoring means, wonderful pace, and elite hockey sense to mix with a never-quit type. It is not out of the query that he steps into the lineup this season and has an identical impression to what Celebrini did as a rookie in 2024-25 as a result of he is such an entire participant, with skilled habits all around the ice.
3. Chicago Blackhawks
Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
That is the place issues begin to get very fascinating.
It’s rumored that Chicago might transfer this decide, but when it would not, Frondell or Porter Martone appear to be the probably picks. Hagens could be the most effective obtainable, however it appears as if Chicago needs a extra sizable participant to pair with Connor Bedard.
On this state of affairs, Chicago hopes Frondell can slot into the lineup behind Bedard and supply two-way worth with an elite shot launch and the flexibility to search out open area to get his shot off. Frondell would profit from one other growth season exterior the NHL earlier than making the soar to grow to be a extra well-rounded play driver.
When he is prepared, the Hawks can slot Frondell throughout from Bedard on the facility play and have two gamers with elite launch on their flanks. Ideally, Frondell drives a second line as a robust two-way heart and provides Chicago a formidable one-two punch for years to return.
4. Utah Mammoth
Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
There’s a very actual probability Utah would not make this choice and trades the decide. If it does, I anticipate Hagens to be the choice by the buying group. However Utah has made it recognized it needs laborious talent, and there are two gamers who match that invoice: Caleb Desnoyers and Brady Martin. Each are legit potentialities for the Mammoth, who need to add some beef to a prime six that has Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther.
It’s no secret that Martin is excessive on Utah’s record, and he cemented that standing by making a wonderful impression when he met with Mammoth brass on the scouting mix. The farm boy has a lot of groups after him, together with the Flyers and Bruins. Some consider he may very well be a Sam Bennett kind of participant who produces properly beneath some extent per recreation within the common season however is a “mammoth” within the playoffs. Utah believes it wants some jam on the prime of its lineup, and nobody this excessive has extra jam than Martin.
No group has scouted Martone extra closely than Nashville, and higher administration was within the rink to see him on various events. Martone might need the most effective hockey sense and imaginative and prescient within the draft class, and can be within the dialog for finest puck talent. Tacking on an elite shot together with his playmaking and you have got a 6-foot-3 ahead with each laborious and tender talent — and a sky-high ceiling.
He won’t be Mikko Rantanen, however Rantanen is his second-closest comparable in my mannequin, together with Cole Caufield — by way of NHL potential, not dimension (clearly).
Should you’re Preds GM Barry Trotz, you ask Martone to develop his bodily recreation to grow to be an imposing pressure and the makings of a dual-threat ahead who shall be rather a lot for opponents to deal with. If they do not take Martone, Trotz has been clear he values upside and talent. If he actually needs to try this, Hagens feels just like the man. However there is a sneaky hunch that Nashville might purchase an NHL participant and extra from the Isles in trade for this choice if Hagens is offered.
6. Philadelphia Flyers
James Hagens, F, Boston Faculty (NCAA)
The Flyers want facilities greater than something, and if Hagens falls into their lap at No. 6, they should comply with swimsuit with their Matvei Michkov method and take the child who had no enterprise being obtainable to them. The potential of including Michkov and Hagens to their prime line with out drafting within the prime 5 in these years could be astronomically useful to the group.
Hagens would instantly grow to be the Flyers’ finest prospect at heart, and the group would not must rush him via faculty with Sean Couturier, Noah Cates and newly acquired Trevor Zegras already on the NHL roster. When he is prepared, Hagens can step in to supply a jolt of offense the Flyers sorely want. His pace, puck talent and wonderful playmaking means will match properly beside Michkov, particularly if he regains his play-driving means in one other season at Boston Faculty. The main points of his recreation will permit him to earn the coach’s belief and grow to be a staple of the Flyers’ offense for years to return.
7. Boston Bruins
Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)
One other decide that may very well be on the transfer, but when the Bruins make this decide, Desnoyers could be an ideal match for the group. A French Canadian two-way heart with wonderful shutdown means, and a clutch producer and chief in a Bruins uniform ought to sound fairly acquainted to Bruins followers.
Desnoyers is a serial winner, and he performs his finest when the video games matter essentially the most. He is wonderful within the robust areas, is a deft playmaker and has high-end hockey sense. His defensive recreation is already NHL-ready, and if he can enhance his pace, the Bruins may have a legit offensive menace able to dealing with robust matchups in key conditions.
8. Seattle Kraken
Jake O’Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)
There is a consensus group of six on the prime of the draft after Schaefer and Misa, and Seattle in all probability takes whomever is left from that group. However the Kraken want a defenseman, and I might see them buying and selling again a number of spots to the vary of Radim Mrtka and Jackson Smith.
In the event that they keep at No. 8, I believe O’Brien is the decide, except they go for Roger McQueen. Seattle is likely one of the deepest groups relating to younger facilities with Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Berkly Catton all age 22 or youthful. O’Brien is a high-end expertise and would possibly permit the Kraken to maneuver Catton to the wing within the prime six.
O’Brien brings extra high-end playmaking than Wright and Beniers, and may have time to bodily mature and add pace to hit his ceiling as a playmaking top-six heart. He ought to grow to be a playmaking pressure who quarterbacks the facility play and makes his wingers some huge cash.
9. Buffalo Sabres
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
The Sabres have a good prospect pool, however the group actually wants high-end heart and right-handed defensive prospects. Each Mrtka and McQueen ought to be obtainable to them right here, however it feels as if the massive defenseman is their man.
The 6-6, right-handed defenseman has projectable mobility and high quality transition defending, and may very well be the right accomplice for Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power. Including Mrtka offers the Sabres one other high quality defenseman with projectable shutdown means because the group seems to finish the NHL’s longest playoff drought.
10. Anaheim Ducks
Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)
The Geese might very properly commerce this decide for present NHL assist; GM Pat Verbeek already has been fairly energetic this offseason. But when not, taking a towering heart who’s a top-five expertise within the draft makes a number of sense.
The Geese took McQueen out to dinner on the mix, and seem to have accomplished a big quantity of homework on his again damage. If the Geese consider it will not be a problem shifting ahead, including a robust 6-5 heart who has the potential to be a dominant two-way pressure is a no brainer. The one restrict on McQueen’s ceiling is his physique’s willingness to carry up. If it does, we’re speaking a few participant who might find yourself because the top-of-the-line to return out of the draft class. That’s well worth the swing for the Geese.
Holding two picks again to again, the Penguins would possibly very properly attempt to transfer as much as nab an elite prospect — their decide worth mixed is almost similar to the No. 3 decide, so shifting up might be not totally out of the query. Failing that, the Penguins have a chance so as to add two vital gamers to their pipeline.
If McQueen is offered, I believe they take an extended look. However including Smith to their blue-line depth could be tidy enterprise for the Penguins, who at the moment have Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke there. Smith is large, bodily and has legit offensive upside. He ought to be able to enjoying in a matchup position and driving offense from the again finish. He is poised with the puck and shall be near Penguins brass whereas he attends Penn State.
There’s rather a lot to love in regards to the bundle Smith brings and the Penguins might use a participant together with his mix of dimension, skating, poise and offensive upside.
The Penguins land one other top-10 expertise right here with Eklund. Carter Bear and Lynden Lakovic may also be choices on condition that each have excellent offensive expertise.
However as for Eklund, he performs a mode that interprets properly to the NHL and has the potential to supply 70-plus factors in a top-line position. His wonderful forechecking means, willingness to have interaction bodily, fearlessness driving to the center of the ice and two-way play give him the instruments to be a Seth Jarvis kind of participant.
He’ll in all probability be NHL-ready before later, and for a group with as many veterans because the Penguins, that issues. Having Eklund study from the long run Corridor of Famers within the twilight of their profession might have an enduring developmental impression that vaults Eklund towards his ceiling as a first-line engine.
The Purple Wings have a sort, and by chance for them, a number of gamers of their vary match the invoice: Bear, Eklund and Justin Carbonneau. At the least two, if not all three, may very well be obtainable at this spot.
Bear’s elite instincts and playmaking means are engaging to many groups, together with Detroit. Mixed with top-of-the-line aggressive engines within the draft class, Bear has all of the hallmarks of a play-driving winger with dependable two-way play, just like Zach Hyman.
The Purple Wings have some high quality younger facilities, and Bear’s mix of playmaking and net-front ending means might see him grow to be a power-play operator and offensive facilitator. He’d be a wonderful match for the Purple Wings as a projectable top-six contributor.
There is a distinct chance that Columbus trades this decide for quick assist. But when it would not, this seems like the ground for Aitcheson, given the Blue Jackets’ want so as to add defenseman.
Although Logan Hensler is more likely to be a consideration right here — they usually do like him rather a lot — there are only some eventualities that Aitcheson will get to the Jackets’ second decide at No. 20, so it is sensible they’d take him right here.
In Aitcheson, Blue Jackets are including a uncooked defenseman who might grow to be a menacing nightmare to play towards whereas offering two-way worth. As one of many extra uncooked prospects, Aitcheson wants time to develop, however there may be each purpose to consider in his talent set to grow to be a middle-pair defenseman who’s tough to play towards, notably within the postseason.
15. Vancouver Canucks
Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)
In what might be the worst-kept secret within the hockey world, Vancouver is after a middle. The Canucks took Cootes to dinner on the mix, have scouted him closely all through the season and had been very impressed by how he dealt with himself all through the mix course of. Jack Nesbitt might discover himself right here as a result of the Canucks love their facilities with dimension, however Cootes and Cole Reschny have greater ceilings.
Cootes ought to grow to be a middle-six heart with dependable two-way means, wonderful off-puck instincts and produce 55 to 65 factors every season. If Aitcheson is offered, they won’t have the ability to withstand the massive, menacing defenseman.
The Canadiens have a dynamic offensive presence on their blue line in Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, and Reid may very well be an ideal accomplice for him. Montreal brass scouted Reid closely this season, and have many believing it’ll goal him with one of many group’s two first-round picks. The Canadiens are one other group that would take Aitcheson, however Reid’s means to drive play via wonderful skating means and sound decision-making is difficult to go up.
He has the instruments to grow to be a stable top-four defenseman, and would not must overextend himself on offense to supply worth. He is much less dangerous than among the different obtainable defenseman, with projectable offense and wonderful mobility to spice up his transition worth.
17. Montreal Canadiens
Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
I’ve Carbonneau greater on my private board than most as a result of I consider he has sky-high potential as an influence ahead. With Juraj Slafkovsky already within the fold, the Habs want some extra dimension to enhance Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov.
Carbonneau has the potential to grow to be a dual-threat ahead in a top-six position, with high-end creativity. If every part clicks and his decision-making improves, there’s an opportunity Carbonneau turns into a robust, play-driving ahead. The Habs’ growth workers is strong and has accomplished wonderful work. Given Carbonneau’s upside, which is important, he’s greater than well worth the swing for the hometown group.
Calgary wants some depth at heart in its prospect pool, and Reschny is sweet worth on this vary. He is a high quality playmaker who facilitates offense, and has the most effective hockey sense of the facilities on this vary. He would not include dimension and might want to play on the within of the ice to hit his potential of a second-line heart, however the offensive instruments are there.
The main points of his recreation are almost NHL-ready, with good battle success, connective play and forechecking. There’s potential to grow to be a dual-threat playmaker and shooter, which is one thing the Flames covet.
19. St. Louis Blues
Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)
The Blues have used a number of their finest draft capital on protection, and the urgent want for facilities within the pipeline cannot be ignored.
Nesbitt has acquired a number of love from executives because the scouting mix, and will slide into the highest 20. The massive heart is more likely to prime out as a third-line, two-way checker however might see elevated offensive potential if he provides pace. At 6-4, he brings dimension, power, physicality and the flexibility to close down opponents. That’s engaging to many groups, together with the Blues.
It is not out of the query that the Blue Jackets take one other defenseman with their second first-round decide, and I believe it is extra possible than not. Lynden Lakovic could be a powerful consideration if he is obtainable, however Hensler is somebody the Columbus brass extremely covets.
He is a high quality neutral-zone and transition defender due to his wonderful mobility, permitting him to make proactive contact and maintain a decent hole. The precise-shot defender might grow to be a high quality No. 2 or 3 defenseman if he hits his ceiling and continues to develop his offensive recreation.
21. Ottawa Senators
Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Lakovic makes a ton of sense for the Sens. Administration appears to essentially like the massive, dual-threat winger with untapped bodily potential. He is sensible, strikes very properly for his 6-4 body, and may have chemistry within the prime six, no matter which heart he performs with.
If Lakovic can develop his physicality, the Sens have a legit dual-threat scorer with an influence recreation who ought to be a difference-maker.
The freight practice on skates is gaining a full head of steam heading into Friday night time’s first spherical, and the consensus is that a number of groups love his type of play and consider he’ll go within the early 20s. Groups with a number of first-round picks are likely to take swings with their picks, and Prokhorov is definitely one.
The Flyers are more likely to take a giant swing with not less than one in all their firsts, and a large, violently bodily child who has uncooked offensive talents that may translate into an influence ahead is strictly the form of expertise somebody like new head coach Rick Tocchet could be very excited to develop.
Given the place the Predators are deciding on at fifth and twenty third, it’s extremely possible they take a ahead at No. 5, if they do not commerce the decide. However on condition that their pipeline is skinny on protection, Boumedienne makes a number of sense for them right here.
Trotz likes to swing on upside, and Boumedienne has essentially the most upside of the defensemen on this vary. He has legit offensive upside, is an efficient breakout passer and is able to enjoying a two-way transition recreation on a second pair. If Logan Hensler is offered, he could be a significant consideration, and Blake Fiddler might be within the dialog as properly, though the primary two are the higher-upside choices.
24. Los Angeles Kings
Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
As famous in my prospect pool needs story, the Kings have virtually nothing within the defensive prospect cabinet. Fortunately for them, a 6-5 right-handed defenseman with NHL bloodlines is there for the taking on this state of affairs.
Fiddler is a cellular skater who eliminates play in transition. He has above-average puck-retrieval abilities, and tasks as a dependable shutdown defenseman on the NHL degree. That is the best vary for Fiddler, and he matches completely with what the Kings want, and may have time to become the massive, shutdown man the Kings will depend upon within the years to return.
An increasing number of, I hear that groups are excessive on Nestrasil’s potential as a talented energy ahead. At 6-5, he provides some much-needed dimension to the Blackhawks’ prospect pool with out sacrificing potential.
He is a longer-term challenge, however the mix of passing, hockey sense and playmaking is engaging. There may be high-end upside as an influence ahead that’s tantalizing, as a result of he has a number of room to fill out his body. If he learns to leverage his physicality, he may very well be a space-creating winger who’s able to enjoying within the prime six in a dual-threat position with a high quality launch. The upside right here is well worth the swing for a Chicago group that lacks a giant energy ahead of their prospect pool.
As soon as regarded as top-10 prospect, Spence could be an incredible addition to the Preds’ prospect pool. I might see them taking goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen right here, however the thought is he could also be obtainable once they decide once more at No. 35.
Spence brings a very good mix of pace, physicality and relentless two-way play. He is the man who will go get pucks, create area, forecheck to create turnovers and play in key conditions. Spence has extra offense to provide, and there is a actual probability he turns into a pesty, second-line winger who can play robust matchups. The Preds haven’t got a prospect like Spence, and he’d be good worth if he can return to final 12 months’s kind.
The Capitals have a sort, they usually like to take swings. Their prospect pool wants a middle badly, and whereas Milton Gastrin is extra of a positive factor, getting Kindel — who notched 99 factors within the WHL this season — at No. 27 is superb worth.
Many challenge Kindel to be a winger on the NHL degree, however he has the hockey sense, playmaking and pace to be an NHL heart. Kindel has a really comparable draft-year profile to Brayden Point, and whereas Kindel might not flip into Brayden Level, the prospect of that’s properly well worth the choice right here.
28. Winnipeg Jets
Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)
The Jets’ prospect pool is de facto skinny on protection, and their scouts have spent a ton of time watching London, so Brzustewicz shall be acquainted to them.
Because the season progressed, Brzustewicz confirmed offensive instincts together with his puck motion and rush activation. There may be vital room for offensive progress, and he ought to be London’s premier defenseman subsequent season. The precise-shot blueliner offers the Jets a projectable transition defender with good puck-moving and skating means who ought to comfortably match on the second pair down the street.
The Hurricanes have a profile, and it’s drafting prospects with high-end talent and projectable upside. It seems like they’ll go along with one in all Ryker Lee or Cullen Potter.
Lee’s statistical profile is barely higher, and he owns elite playmaking, puck talent, a bullet of shot and offensive instincts. His means to determine quiet areas and launch a shot or make a deft play will translate to the NHL. His skating wants to enhance to reap the benefits of these abilities, however on condition that skating is essentially the most simply improvable trait, Lee’s talent bundle might make him a house run decide.
If Potter continues to be on the board right here, including the quickest participant within the draft could be nice worth for the Sharks.
Whereas they’d in all probability favor to take a defenseman, Potter is simply too good an asset to go up for a rebuilding group, and his promising growth on the NCAA degree might see him grow to be one other piece of a extremely expert prime six in San Jose. There’s room for some progress for Potter, and given his two-way growth, the speedster with a wonderful launch offers the child Sharks one other offensive participant with projectable defensive high quality.
Including a playoff-performing ahead with two-way means and a relentless enjoying type seems like the right Philadelphia Flyer transfer.
Zonnon has among the finest particulars within the draft, with wonderful forechecking, good defensive instincts and a willingness to get within the soiled areas to win battles. He performs one of many extra translatable video games of the remaining gamers, and by no means cheats for effort.
The Flyers will want gamers who can fill these roles as they give the impression of being to contend sooner or later, and Zonnon has projectable offensive playmaking traits. If he can enhance his skating via growth of his stride mechanics, there’s an actual path to being a fan favourite within the center six.
If Calgary will get Reschny with their first decide, it’s possible they take one other heart with this decide.
Gastrin has a comparatively protected projection as a bottom-six heart. He is extra of a play driver than he is given credit score for, and has proven the flexibility to compete with extremely expert gamers. He is a high-floor prospect who confirmed flashes of extra offensive means than beforehand thought this season. At a minimal, his instincts and supportive puck play ought to permit him to grow to be a staple of a checking line {that a} coach trusts in key conditions.