2025 NHL Entry Draft: First Round Pick Tracker and Analysis

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft`s first round took place on Friday, followed by Rounds 2-7 on Saturday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

This page provides a comprehensive tracker of each selection from the first round, featuring scouting notes and analysis on how each player fits with their new team.

More on the Draft:

• Grades for all 32 teams
• Winners and losers
• Prospect rankings
• Needs for all 32 teams

Round 1

1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D

Scouting notes: Schaefer is widely seen as a potential top-pair defenseman for years to come. He`s a dynamic player in all zones, an elite skater who can shut down opponents effectively and generate offense with strong transition play. Scouts and executives believe he has the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league, capable of leadership roles.

How he fits: After trading Noah Dobson, the Islanders found their potential future cornerstone defenseman in Schaefer. His dynamic skating, mobility, and ability to excel in tough matchups make him a franchise-changing piece. He`s expected to control play from the blue line, facilitate zone exits, and potentially run the power play. Schaefer could challenge for an NHL roster spot immediately and is seen as a future minute-eating, top-pair defenseman.

2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C

Scouting notes: Granted exceptional status in the OHL, Misa had a spectacular goal-scoring season with 62 goals in 65 games. He projects as a potential top-line forward capable of consistently exceeding 90 points. His offensive instincts and processing speed are elite, and he`s considered NHL-ready by many. Misa is a dual threat, excelling at both playmaking and finishing, and has a knack for performing in key moments.

How he fits: The Sharks added a truly special talent in Misa, giving them a second elite two-way center alongside 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Misa is projected as a first-line star with exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities. If his defensive game continues to develop, the Sharks could boast one of the best one-two punches down the middle in the league for years, with both centers capable of dominating in all zones and contributing significantly on the power play.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C

Scouting notes: Frondell is a versatile, intelligent two-way forward who can play both center and wing. He had one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in the Allsvenskan, projecting confidently as a first-line NHL forward. He excels at breaking down defenders, anticipating plays, and has translatable details like excellent forechecking and a willingness to attack the net. His ability to drive play against men makes his transition potential exciting.

How he fits: Chicago sought size up front, and Frondell provides just that along with an excellent two-way game. He projects as a first-line forward capable of beating defenders one-on-one and driving play effectively, with potential to score 30+ goals due to his strong shot and willingness to play inside. He`s likely a year away from the NHL but offers versatility to play behind or alongside Connor Bedard, providing significant offensive and defensive impact.

4. Utah Mammoth: Caleb Desnoyers, C

Scouting notes: Desnoyers is described as a “coach`s dream” due to his consistent execution in both offensive and checking roles. He makes intelligent, simple plays, provides physicality on the forecheck, and is generally disruptive to opponents. He projects as a quality second-line center with potential for a first-line role. He`s cerebral, possesses quick hands, and is consistently effective, known for making smart plays with the puck. Comparisons, albeit lofty, have been made to players like Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews.

How he fits: Utah chose Desnoyers, adding one of the draft`s best two-way players to their roster. He`s a versatile, intelligent player who adapts his game to win, whether it`s producing offense or shutting down opponents. Utah needed size and two-way capability to complement players like Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller, and Desnoyers fits perfectly. His professional approach suggests he could reach the NHL sooner than expected, projecting as a key play-driving, two-way second-line center. Mammoth fans should be excited by his competitive style and potential impact.

5. Nashville Predators: Brady Martin, C

Scouting notes: A “Swiss Army knife” player, Martin is expected to be most effective on the wing due to his strong board play. He projects as a middle-six forward capable of 20+ goals with upside as a second-liner. Known as a relentless worker, he brings value in all three zones with a blend of physicality and skill. His strong performance at the IIHF U18s boosted his stock. He`s difficult to contain due to his strength, speed, and willingness to make winning plays. His hard-nosed style and competitive personality are highly valued by scouts.

How he fits: Nashville selected Martin, a raw player with functional strength who projects as a middle-six forward. He thrives in tight, physical games and can shift momentum with his forecheck or hitting. Inspired by players like Sam Bennett, his hard-nosed approach was attractive. Martin needs a season or two to develop his offensive game further. While skilled players were available, the Predators clearly prioritized Martin`s impactful, competitive style for their future lineup.

6. Philadelphia Flyers: Porter Martone, RW

Scouting notes: A big, intelligent forward, Martone is a dual offensive threat who can both score and facilitate. He`s projected as a second-line scoring winger who will likely contribute on the top power-play unit. His competitive nature, combined with his size and skill, makes him a desired prospect. While he needs to refine his physicality, this combination of offensive talent and competitive fire is rare. Improving his skating could elevate his projection to a top-line winger.

How he fits: The Flyers became bigger and better with the selection of Porter Martone. Known as one of the smartest players in the draft, Martone is a dual-threat offensive force with excellent shooting and playmaking. His competitiveness and physicality are expected to develop, making him a potential fan favorite in Philadelphia. He projects as a scoring winger who will become difficult to handle as he grows into a power forward role. While his skating needs improvement, his size, talent, and ability to create special plays make him a high-upside pick for the Flyers` young core.

7. Boston Bruins: James Hagens, C

Scouting notes: Hagens is projected as a potential top-line or high-end second-line center. He relies on a cerebral and efficient playstyle rather than dynamic flash. He possesses a strong work rate, excellent speed, and passing ability, which should translate to driving play in the NHL. Scouts are impressed with his professional habits like puck support and defensive play, which should ease his transition. Another year at Boston College is expected to help him further develop his offensive dynamism. Despite being smaller, his understanding of spacing and anticipation stands out, with comparisons drawn to Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in transition and creativity.

How he fits: The Bruins, needing centers, were fortunate to have Hagens fall to them at No. 7. He is a highly intelligent player with a relentless motor, excellent speed, and exceptional playmaking. His professional details are already top-notch, suggesting he`ll be a play driver in the NHL. Another year at Boston College will be beneficial. When ready, Hagens is expected to step into the Bruins` lineup as their first-line center, a role David Pastrnak would welcome. He has one of the draft`s highest ceilings, particularly if his offense continues to grow, making him a potential steal for Boston.

8. Seattle Kraken: Jake O`Brien, C

Scouting notes: O`Brien is a smooth and deceptive player projected as a point-producing top-six center with potential for a first-line role. He is regarded as one of the draft`s best playmakers, consistently creating high-danger chances and manipulating defenders with fakes. He needs to simplify plays at times to reduce turnovers from holding the puck too long. His shot needs development to complement his elite passing. Although slight, he has room to add strength. Adding speed and improving his shot will make his elite playmaking even more effective in the NHL.

How he fits: The Kraken, already strong down the middle, couldn`t pass on O`Brien`s high ceiling. He has elite vision and playmaking, adding significant offensive facilitation. Alongside Matty Beniers and Shane Wright (two-way centers) and Berkly Catton (offensive), O`Brien provides another dynamic offensive center option. Seattle has the depth to move players to the wing. O`Brien requires physical maturity and shot improvement, but his elite playmaking allows him to quarterback a power play and drive offense. Given time, he could develop into a point-per-game first-line forward.

9. Buffalo Sabres: Radim Mrtka, D

Scouting notes: Mrtka is a large, right-handed defenseman with good mobility who plays in all situations. His size and mobility make him difficult to bypass, effectively shutting down attackers and ending plays. He`s projected as a top-four shutdown defender thanks to his excellent stick work, transition defense, and ability to make quality passes. While an efficient puck mover and reliable penalty killer, his offense is a noted area for development. His size and physicality, combined with progressing mobility, give him the tools to become a minute-eating shutdown player. A late birthday provides ample time for refining his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality.

How he fits: Buffalo addressed a need for size and physicality on the blue line with Mrtka, despite him being two or three years away from the NHL. He brings a needed hard game to the Sabres` lineup. As a mobile, puck-moving defenseman, he projects to excel in a shutdown role, particularly defending transition and forcing opponents wide. Although his offense is raw, his defensive capabilities and potential make him a valuable complement to players like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. This pick, while perhaps surprising to some who expected a forward, signals the Sabres` commitment to adding a strong, physical presence on defense.

10. Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen, C

Scouting notes: Described as a “unicorn,” McQueen is a 6-5 center who skates with exceptional speed and mobility for his size. He fits the modern power forward mold, blending skill with physicality. Elite right-handed centers of his size are rare. He has translatable defensive habits and intriguing offensive upside despite a season impacted by a back injury. He dominates the cycle, creates on the rush, and uses his size to protect the puck. His lack of playing time impacts the confidence in his projection as an elite top-line center, but his combination of skating, skill, and physical attributes is highly appealing, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect whose combine performance showed he is healthy.

How he fits: Anaheim swung for the fences with McQueen at No. 10, hoping he becomes a home run. Without his injury, he might have been a top-five pick. McQueen moves like a much smaller player, dictates play physically, drives play at both ends, and has unique offensive potential. The Ducks have high-end forwards, and McQueen might have the highest upside among them. He can dominate in transition, the cycle, and around the net. His blend of physical gifts, skill, and skating makes him a clear power forward projection capable of changing games. Patience is key for his development, but if he stays healthy and gets stronger, he has the potential to be a dominant two-way force.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Benjamin Kindel, C

Scouting notes: Kindel is an offensive force, significantly improving on his rookie WHL season to finish seventh in scoring, strong at even strength. Despite being undersized, he combines pace, vision, and instincts, projecting as a middle-six winger with two-way ability. His relentless motor compensates for a lack of top-end speed, allowing him to navigate traffic and execute plays. He`s a dual-threat attacker with an accurate shot and dangerous passing. His elite hockey sense helps him outsmart opponents and create opportunities. Defensively, he leverages intelligence and effort to win battles despite size. He needs to improve skating posture and puck control to maximize his NHL potential, likely settling into a middle-six complementary role.

How he fits: Kindel is a facilitator and brilliant playmaker, a bit of a surprise at No. 11. He brings high-end hockey sense to create space and opportunities for teammates. Though undersized, his speed, playmaking, and motor should translate well. His ceiling is a second-line center who drives play and facilitates, or more likely, a middle-six secondary producer. The Penguins need cerebral, mobile, offensive drivers and are betting on Kindel`s upside. If he grows, a comparison to Brayden Point is plausible given similarities in skating, intelligence, and play driving despite size. He fits Pittsburgh`s need for offensive creativity.

12. Philadelphia Flyers: Jack Nesbitt, C

Scouting notes: Nesbitt is an intelligent, competitive, two-way center known for defensive reliability and off-puck IQ. He uses his size effectively defensively and makes smart stick plays. His hockey sense puts him in good positions in all zones to create turnovers and quick transition chances. His offensive potential is limited by his skating, which appears stiff. Despite flashes of skill, he struggles to beat defenders one-on-one, and inconsistent puck handling under pressure hampers playmaking. He improved throughout the season, leveraging his size offensively and being more physical. If his skating improves, he confidently projects as a dependable middle-six center, anchoring a defensive line and supporting skilled linemates.

How he fits: The Flyers acquired Nesbitt via trade. He`s a high-floor player likely topping out as a third-line center. At 6-4, he`s a “hard to play against” center with a throwback game that fits the Flyers` desired style. Rumors indicated he might go early due to his positional value and blend of size, skill, and hockey sense. He`s intelligent, makes quality passes, and plays reliably. His NHL ceiling depends heavily on improving his skating stride and mobility, which could unlock more offense. The focus for his development will be his checking ability. Needing two or three years to develop, Nesbitt offers a low-volatility projection as a solid third-line center for the Flyers.

13. Detroit Red Wings: Carter Bear, LW

Scouting notes: Bear is desired by teams seeking high-end instincts and playmaking. Before a season-ending injury, he was a dangerous offensive player and reliable defensive forward. Versatile at center and wing, he projects as a 65-75 point second-line player, likely on the wing. He`s a quality playmaker using various passes to create advantages and manipulates defenders well. He has good hands in tight spaces and is one of the draft`s best offensive facilitators. Defensively, his stick positioning disrupts passes, and he`s a tenacious forechecker and backchecker who finishes hits. His skating posture needs improvement for explosiveness, but his instincts and execution are already present. He`s a good blend of skill and compete, projected to thrive in a matchup role while contributing offensively.

How he fits: There`s much to like about Bear`s game, with potential for more offense. He has elite hockey sense impacting both ends of the ice. Projecting as a second-line, two-way player scoring around 75 points should excite Red Wings fans. His playmaking compensates for a lack of top speed and fits nicely with Detroit`s forwards. He`s a reliable blend of soft and hard skill, capable in all situations, winning battles, agitating opponents, and making a difference everywhere. He needs two or three years to improve skating and physical strength, but when ready, he should slide into Detroit`s middle six as an impactful player.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Jackson Smith, D

Scouting notes: Smith is a large, physical defenseman with undeveloped offensive potential, possessing qualities of a top-four matchup player. He excels at defending the rush and is one of the class`s best neutral-zone transition defenders, capable of playing heavy minutes against top players. His blend of skating, size, poise, and offensive progression during the season suggests upside. Executives appreciate his game`s simplicity, his ability to disrupt plays, and make effective breakout passes. While lacking explosive skating and consistent offensive creativity, his reads make him a plus transition player and capable support on the rush. Development will focus on leveraging mobility for offense and consistent puck management. If he can drive play in transition and become a power-play threat, he has a real chance to become a No. 2 defenseman.

How he fits: Columbus selected Smith, a Penn State commit, who offers untapped offensive potential alongside physicality, size, and skating. He`s poised with the puck, makes quality breakouts, and influences play. Defensively, he`s excellent in transition. The Blue Jackets needed a defenseman, and getting Smith outside the top 12 is considered good value. He should reliably play a second-pair matchup role with potential for a No. 2 spot. His development hinges on using his mobility to improve his offensive game and become a more consistent threat. This pick addresses a key organizational need with a player who has significant upside.

15. Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C

Scouting notes: Cootes lacks explosive high-end offense currently, but with shot development, he could become a 60-point, two-way center. Scouts admire his constant foot movement, drive to play through the middle, and ability to create advantages with skating and compete. His ability to create space and move the puck effectively is highly translatable. He`s proactive physically, reliable on both sides of the puck, and a strong skater and leader. His floor is likely a third-line checking center, but there`s potential to develop into a two-way, second-line center.

How he fits: Addressing an organizational need for centers, the Canucks selected Cootes. He`s an all-situations player comfortable in a middle-six role with a floor as a high-energy third-line center. He`s a quality two-way player with a non-stop motor and tenacious game. Vancouver values his compete level, willingness to drive the net, and defensive reliability. Cootes can create space, outskate opponents, and is reliable defensively. There`s belief he can develop more offensively, potentially becoming a play-driving second-line center.

16. New York Islanders: Victor Eklund, RW

Scouting notes: Eklund projects as a top-six forward with a good chance of becoming a top-line contributor. Despite size concerns, his style is highly translatable. He plays bigger than his measurements, and has room to add strength. If he grows, his projection as a 70-point player with a high motor and excellent forecheck becomes more confident. He`s excellent in transition, attacking defenders with speed and fearlessness, using body positioning to protect the puck. His mature off-puck play will quickly earn NHL coaches` trust. His blend of hard-nosed play and soft skill should translate smoothly, making him a potential difference-maker in a second-line role.

How he fits: The Islanders got tremendous value with their second first-round pick by selecting Eklund. He plays bigger than his frame, featuring excellent forechecking, hard skill, and puck protection. His speed allows him to attack the middle and create offense below the circles. Eklund has a non-stop motor and competitive fire. This combination of hard-nosed play and skill should translate seamlessly. He is expected to fill out physically and has a real chance to become a top-six winger and difference-maker. Eklund`s ceiling is higher than most players available at this pick, and he might be ready sooner than expected, which should excite Islanders fans.

17. New York Islanders: Kashawn Aitcheson, D

Scouting notes: Aitcheson`s projection as a No. 4/5 defender places him below those with higher offensive upside, but he plays with significant aggression and confidence. He has the makings of a physical defenseman who can handle tough minutes. Regardless of the situation, he plays the same rough style and isn`t afraid to deliver hits, though he needs to pick his spots better to avoid penalties. He`s the type of player who requires opponents` constant awareness. Scouts see him as a hard-nosed, two-way defender with bite, capable of shifting momentum physically. His skating and playmaking are raw, but his competitive attributes and development trajectory are promising. His offensive involvement grew, rotating into dangerous areas. He`s likely two or three years away but represents the kind of defender every coach and GM desires.

How he fits: With their third first-round pick, the Islanders added significant nastiness in Aitcheson. He`s one of the draft`s most aggressive defensemen and will be a nightmare for opponents. While raw, he has untapped offensive potential. His competitive attributes offer a throwback playstyle that fans on the island should love. He can change a game with a big hit and showed offensive growth. His skating and playmaking are key development areas, but even without high offense, Aitcheson is the type of defenseman essential for winning games. He makes life difficult for opponents and defends his teammates effectively.