By Jason Bukala
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft has now concluded, and the newly drafted players are beginning to head to their respective teams` development camps. This marks the crucial initial phase of their journey towards potentially playing in the National Hockey League.
While this year`s draft class may not have possessed the same top-tier depth as some recent drafts, it certainly was rich in character and will contribute valuable layers to future NHL rosters. Many of these selections will become vital role players, providing the essential “glue” that helps teams succeed, especially during the intensity of playoff competition.
Here is a look at my personal favorite selection from each round of the 2025 NHL Draft:
ROUND 1
Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders, first overall
Having scouted hockey for over 25 years and interviewed hundreds of players, I can honestly say I`ve never encountered a top prospect who has navigated through significant personal adversity with the same resilience and positive attitude as Matthew Schaefer. Despite losing his mother to cancer last year and missing a large portion of the season due to injury, he maintained remarkable positivity throughout the draft process and was a genuine pleasure to interact with.
Schaefer, a defenseman from the Erie Otters (OHL), is an elite talent projected to be a complete player at the NHL level. He is expected to be used in all situations and log considerable ice time for the Islanders. He generates offense effectively while maintaining strong defensive play. The Islanders have potentially drafted a future captain and a core player to build their team around for years ahead.
NHL Projection: Top pairing defenseman. Utilized in all situations.
ROUND 2
Alexander Zharovsky, Montreal Canadiens, 34th overall
Zharovsky was a significant riser on my list this year and proved to be one of the most fascinating offensive prospects to observe. He is exceptionally skilled and is seen as a future top-six forward. His impressive ability to beat defenders one-on-one in tight spaces and capitalize on scoring chances in high-danger areas is particularly exciting. With time, adding more physical strength will further enhance his performance in open ice and create more opportunities to impact the game with his elite puck handling. Zharovsky currently has two years remaining on his contract with UFA Tolpar in Russia.
NHL Projection: Top-six forward. Playmaker.
ROUND 3
Cameron Schmidt, Dallas Stars, 94th overall
Schmidt was ranked in my first round, so I was genuinely surprised to see him slide all the way to the third. Teams were likely hesitant to draft a forward with his stature (5-foot-7, 157 pounds), but Dallas Stars Director of Scouting Joe McDonnell wisely took advantage of Schmidt`s availability at pick 94.
Despite being undersized, Schmidt plays a fast-paced game and accelerates explosively through the neutral zone to lead the attack. If he gains an advantage on an opponent, he`s capable of driving to the net, but he`s most dangerous unleashing quick shots while in motion or when he cycles from the half-wall to the middle of the ice. Schmidt leans more towards being a shooter than a setup man. He posted an impressive 40 goals and 38 assists in 61 games for the Vancouver Giants last season.
NHL Projection: Middle-six forward. Shooter. Goal scorer.
ROUND 4
LJ Mooney, Montreal Canadiens, 113th overall
Mooney, similar to Schmidt, is undersized (5-foot-7, 157 pounds) but consistently proves to be a difficult opponent to play against despite his frame. The Canadiens selected Mooney after watching him contribute 10 goals and 41 assists playing for the U.S. National U18 Team this past year.
Mooney`s game is more centered around distributing the puck than shooting. He is very agile in confined areas and excels at slipping away from checks. He is dependable defensively and doesn`t back down from physical engagement. Mooney`s elite trait is his offensive potential, but he is actively involved in all three zones and shows a real chance of becoming an NHL player due to his consistent competitive approach on every shift.
NHL Projection: Third line center/winger. Play driver.
ROUND 5
Viktor Klingsell, Winnipeg Jets, 156th overall
Klingsell is projected to be a winger capable of playing in the middle of an NHL lineup, providing secondary offense during even strength play and possessing the skills necessary for power play deployment. The sturdy forward registered 17 goals and 22 assists playing for Skelleftea`s J20 team in Sweden and added 2 goals and 6 assists representing Team Sweden at the U18 World Championship. He is a highly competitive player who consistently stood out when I evaluated him throughout the past season.
NHL Projection: Potential third line winger. Power play shooter.
ROUND 6
Burke Hood, New York Islanders, 170th overall
The Islanders had a strong showing over the draft weekend, particularly with their three first-round picks, and added Hood to their prospect pool with the 170th selection in the sixth round.
Hood is an intriguing goaltending prospect who is both athletic and possesses good size in the net. He moves powerfully from side to side tracking the play and demonstrates better-than-average coverage low in the net and with his glove. Hood will require time and coaching to refine his technique. Like many athletic goaltenders, there are instances where he becomes overly aggressive challenging plays and loses his crease position. However, I admire his competitive drive and believe he has a solid fundamental base to work with for future development. Hood recorded a 3.13 Goals Against Average and a .910 save percentage playing for the Vancouver Giants (WHL) this past season.
NHL Projection: No. 2B/NHL backup.
ROUND 7
Filip Ekberg, Carolina Hurricanes, 221st overall
I was quite surprised to see Ekberg available this late in the draft. He was ultimately chosen by the Hurricanes as the fourth-to-last pick overall.
Ekberg battled some inconsistency during the regular season but left a strong impression at the U18 World Championships at the end of the year. He scored 16 goals and 29 assists for the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) before leading the scoring at the U18s with an outstanding 10 goals and 8 assists in just seven games. Ekberg will need to demonstrate further development in his overall game and a greater willingness to consistently compete hard in tough areas. However, he was certainly a worthwhile low-risk selection at this stage of the draft and, in my opinion, should have been picked earlier.
NHL Projection: Fourth line. Minor league recall forward.