With the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft now complete, we have another chance to look at what several notable prospects could offer in the realm of fantasy hockey. Although this draft might not have the immediate star power of some previous years in terms of widely recognized names, those who closely follow prospects suggest it emphasizes quality over sheer quantity. Beyond the very first selection, many of the top picks are centers, and a significant number are expected to be versatile players valuable to fantasy managers in the years ahead.
Additional commentary provided by Rachel Doerrie.
Players Ready to Contribute Soon
Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders, Erie (OHL) Selected: 1, Rank: 1
Rachel Doerrie: “A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, the 6-foot-2 blueliner skates with ease and elite mobility to shut down opponents in all situations, while creating offense with quality transition play. …”
This young defenseman is destined for stardom; the question is just *when*. With Noah Dobson reportedly moving to Montreal, the Islanders appear to be positioning Schaefer to step into a significant defensive role and potentially anchor the top power-play unit. Prospect analyst Shane Malloy has compared him to Ottawa`s Jake Sanderson, highlighting his superior skating, hockey IQ, and physical game.
Crucially for fantasy purposes, Schaefer is projected to become a top-15 defenseman who contributes across various categories. This likely won`t happen next season, even if he makes New York`s roster for dynasty leagues, but it`s the long-term outlook. Remember, he won`t turn 18 until September. For perspective, in his third NHL season at age 22, Sanderson averaged 2.4 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard leagues.
Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks, Saginaw (OHL) Selected: 2, Rank: 2
Doerrie: “Misa`s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center. …”
Widely expected to be an NHL star, Misa provides the Sharks with a formidable one-two punch down the middle alongside Macklin Celebrini. After leading the CHL with an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games last season, the Saginaw standout is set to be a consistent scorer at even strength and on the power play. He`s an immediate must-have in dynasty formats and is also anticipated to become a highly desirable asset in re-draft leagues eventually. Playing alongside other young San Jose talents like Celebrini and Will Smith, this player possesses the potential for 90-100 point seasons in the NHL.
Prospects to Monitor
Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) Selected: 3, Rank: 5
Doerrie: “He has shown play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He`s projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play translates well and has executives excited about his ability to step in the league in the next 18 months. …”
Capable of playing both center and wing, Frondell is appreciated for his solid two-way game, physical style, and excellent shot. The recently-turned 18-year-old should eventually find his place in the Blackhawks` top six – his versatility offering flexibility in positioning – and on a power-play unit with Connor Bedard. In addition to a projected initial scoring rate around 60 points in 2026-27, Frondell is also expected to provide good numbers in shots on goal and hits.
Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth, Moncton (QMJHL) Selected: 4, Rank: 7
Doerrie: “He projects to be a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player. He`s cerebral, with quick hands and playmaking ability. He`s not flashy, but he`s consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck. …”
Positioned to potentially slot in behind Logan Cooley as Utah`s second-line center and join a top power-play unit, the Quebec native has the potential for 70-point seasons with a promising Mammoth team. Drawing subtle comparisons to players like Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews – a point echoed by Doerrie – the quick, tall playmaker scored 35 goals and added 49 assists in 56 games for the Wildcats last season.
Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Selected: 5, Rank: 13
Doerrie: “A Swiss Army knife type of player who will be most effective on the wing because of his strong wall play, Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals routinely, with upside as a second-line forward. …”
Compared to Florida`s Sam Bennett, Martin isn`t expected to rack up points at the same rate as some others in this draft class. However, much like Bennett, Martin should still be a valuable fantasy asset in deeper leagues that reward contributions across various categories, including hits.
Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers, Brampton (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 4
Doerrie: “A big, cerebral forward, Martone is a dual-threat offensive player with ability to score on his own and facilitate. He projects to be a second-line scoring winger who should see top power-play minutes. …”
He`s big, creative, and fiercely competitive. Martone could potentially crack the Flyers` top line in the not-too-distant future if his skating, currently considered a weakness, improves. Fantasy managers should definitely observe his progress, or lack thereof, in this area in the coming months. If Martone enhances his stride, his potential ceiling is around the 70-point mark, with a leaning towards assists.
James Hagens, F, Boston College, Boston Bruins (NCAA) Selected: 7, Rank: 3
Doerrie: “Hagens is projected to be a top-line center, or one of the NHL`s best second-line centers. He brings a good work rate with excellent speed and passing ability that should see him effectively drive play at the NHL level. …He`s smaller and slighter than other prospects, which worries some teams, but there`s a mix of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in him in terms of transition play and creativity. …”
The Bruins could certainly benefit from a boost at center. After spending one more year in college, Hagens should likely move into a top-six forward role in Boston. Could he eventually play alongside one of the game`s premier scorers? David Pastrnak, for instance, is signed with the Bruins until 2031. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should certainly monitor the possibility of that potential line combination developing in future seasons.
Jake O`Brien, F, Seattle Kraken, Brantford (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 9
Doerrie: “Deceptive and incredibly smooth, O`Brien projects to be a point-producing, top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. … He`s two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, and patience could be the key to O`Brien reaching his top-line ceiling. If he does, he`s going to be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver. …”
As a top-six center for Seattle, O`Brien is expected to produce points in significant volume. At some point, potentially more than any other player currently in the Kraken organization. He warrants immediate consideration in deep dynasty leagues, and the recently-turned 18-year-old should rise on all fantasy rankings over time. If his development goes well, the current Bulldog has the potential for a 90-point ceiling.
Potential Wild Cards
Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks, Brandon (WHL) Selected: 10, Rank: 6
Doerrie: “His projection as an elite top-line center lacks confidence, due to lack of playing time from his back injury. Without the injury, we might be discussing McQueen near the top of this draft class because his package of skating, skill and physical gifts are rare, and the type of toolbox of which executives dream. …”
Described further as a classic “high-risk, high-reward” player, McQueen could prove to be a significant steal if he has fully recovered from his severe back injury. Regardless of whether he eventually surpasses Leo Carlsson or others for the top center spot in Anaheim, or moves to the wing, this tall skater possesses point-per-game potential. Fantasy managers will gain a clearer understanding of the status of his back during the next season.
Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks, Prince George (WHL) Selected: 30, Rank: 24
Doerrie: “Ravensbergen is the clear-cut top goaltender prospect in this draft. He projects a composed, confident demeanor, with a confident projection as a starting NHL goaltender who can handle a significant workload. …”
Designated a “wild card” simply because all young goaltenders are considered as such early in their careers, Ravensbergen is likely to get plenty of playing time for a Sharks team that should be considerably stronger by the time he`s ready to step into a starting role. Expect this to take about three years or so.
Other first-round selections noted for potential fantasy upside include: Carter Bear, F, Detroit Red Wings; Viktor Eklund, F, New York Islanders.
Duncan Priestley