North Carolina coach Bill Belichick discussed his new college team, what he has learned the most in his transition from the NFL, and yes, his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, during a sit-down interview with “Good Morning America” on Friday.

Appearing on the show to promote his new book, “The Art of Winning,” the six-time Super Bowl champion said he has learned “every day” since becoming North Carolina head coach last December — his first collegiate head coaching job.

“I’ve learned so much being back in the college environment whether it be recruiting, the college game, the rules, the hashmarks, some strategy and putting a team together,” Belichick said. “I learn every day.”

He added he has not had to change his coaching style, saying his players are “so eager. They’re hungry. They have dreams. They want to be good. I want to help make them good, and I want to help make them good on a good team. They’ve been very enthusiastic, and we’ve made a lot of progress. We’ve got a long way to go, of course.”

Belichick was also asked about all the public attention that has been given to his relationship with Hudson, who was not on set for the interview. Last week, reports emerged that Hudson was banned from the UNC football facilities, which the school emphatically denied. UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham told ESPN earlier this week there was never a push to keep Hudson away from North Carolina.

“She’s been terrific through the whole process, and she’s been very helpful to me,” Belichick said. “She does the business things that don’t relate to North Carolina that come up in my life, so I can concentrate on football, and that’s really what I want to do. I acknowledged her in the book. She was very helpful on that with the tribute pages and also giving a perspective of the book from kind of a business side. Sometimes I get a little football technical, and she did a good job of keeping me on balance there.”

When asked what Hudson means to him, Belichick said, “We have a good personal relationship, and I’m not talking about personal relationships.”

As a follow-up, Belichick was asked whether he was happy. He gave a one-word answer: “Yeah.”

The relationship between the 73-year-old Belichick and the 24-year-old Hudson has drawn widespread attention. But her involvement in helping him with his outside business interests has also drawn scrutiny. She interrupted an interview Belichick did with CBS last month, forcing both the coach and the network to respond.

North Carolina recently hired veteran Chicago Bears public relations director Brandon Faber to help Belichick. He was with Belichick at the ACC spring meetings earlier this week in Amelia Island, Florida, and also accompanied him to New York for his interview with GMA.

The IIHF under-18 world championships are done, and the draft lottery is also in the rearview mirror, so it is time for the next big board for the 2025 NHL draft in June.

Unlike the earlier iteration, these rankings are not based solely on model outputs. They more heavily include viewings, insight from scouts and an evaluation of how the play styles and skills will translate to the NHL level.

Quite a few players shot up the draft board because of elevated projections, rarity of package and upside. Some fell down the draft board related to concerns of translatable skills, discrepancy in projections and concerns about having a “B” game.

There is such variance this year, with a consensus top two, along with two more players below them … and then all bets are off. There are a few pathways for teams in the top 10 to choose from: a high-floor, lower-upside player or a unicorn-upside, high-risk player. Each of those is weighted in the rankings, and by no means is this a mock draft.

With all that considered, these are the top 32 players, along with some honorable mentions, for the 2025 NHL draft.

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1. Matthew Schaefer
D, Erie Otters (OHL)

The Erie Otters defender is projected to become a true No. 1 cornerstone for years to come. A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, the 6-2 blueliner skates with ease and uses his agility to shut down opponents in one-on-one situations, while creating offense with excellent rush capabilities.

Across the league, executives and scouts view him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a foundational piece for a championship-caliber roster. With the ability to control play from the blue line, play tough matchups and run a power play, Schaefer has the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league.

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2. Michael Misa
C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Misa, granted exceptional status in the OHL, delivered one of the most remarkable goal-scoring seasons in recent memory, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He confidently projects to be a top-line forward with the potential to consistently exceed a point-per-game pace at the NHL level.

Misa’s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes at high speed. He’s NHL ready, and has the potential to become an elite top-line center if his development continues on its current path.

His two-way game took a major step this season and, when paired with his explosive speed and offensive firepower, Misa profiles as a foundational piece around which to build a Stanley Cup contender.

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3. James Hagens
C, Boston College Eagles (NCAA)

A skilled center, Hagens 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 two-way ability that should see him effectively drive play at the NHL level. The professional details of his game, such as supporting the puck, winning battles and defensive anticipation, will ease the transition to the NHL while he finds his offensive gear.

Hagens likely needs another season at Boston College to further develop his decision-making and add a more dynamic offensive gear to become a top-line NHL center. His understanding of spacing and his anticipation ability stand out among his peers. There’s a mix of Clayton Keller and Matty Beniers in him in terms of playmaking skill and two-way ability.

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4. Porter Martone
RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

The 6-3 right winger projects as a high-end second-line player with a competitive streak reminiscent of Corey Perry and Tom Wilson. A big, physical forward, Martone is a dual-threat offensive player with ability to score on his own and facilitate. His competitive nature will make him an effective agitator, and he will physically impose himself on opponents. He needs to hone his competitiveness and physicality to increase his effectiveness, and adjust his skating posture to become a more efficient skater.

His unique combination of scoring ability, size and hard skill make him a very attractive prospect. While his most confident projection is a top-six forward, Martone has a legitimate chance to become a top-line winger if his skating improves.

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5. Roger McQueen
C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

One of the most hotly debated prospects because of injury concerns — he played only 17 games this season — and also his incredible natural abilities.

McQueen is described as “a unicorn” because he’s a 6-5 center who skates with the speed and mobility you’d expect from a smaller player, despite some odd mechanics, which may be a function of adjusting to his size. His projection as an elite top-line center lacks confidence due to lack of playing time. Elite right-handed centers are rare in the NHL, and McQueen’s size and willingness to physically dictate play add significant value. He has professional defensive habits that are translatable to the NHL, as well as unique offensive upside.

He is a textbook case of high risk, high reward. McQueen needs to play against tougher competition, where he will be forced to develop his ability to protect himself and the puck, and create offense against bigger bodies. If developed properly, he could become a two-way force in the NHL.

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6. Anton Frondell
C/RW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Frondell is a versatile two-way forward who plays both center and right wing. His flexibility is attractive to teams, although many believe he is most likely to reach his potential as a winger in the NHL. Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward.

He’s a cerebral player who picks apart defenders in one-on-one situations — and defensive coverage in offensive zone play. The details of Frondell’s game are translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, willingness to attack the middle of the ice and high-end anticipation on both sides of the puck.

Frondell has shown play-driving capabilities against senior-level players in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL in the past. He’s projected to produce between 75 and 85 points per season. His play style translates well, and has executives excited about his ability to step in the league in the next 18 months. His two-way ability combined with great anticipation and incredible puck skill make him one of the more captivating prospects in the draft.

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7. Jackson Smith
D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Smith is a big, physical defenseman who is the consensus second best defender in the draft class. As a pure defender, Smith possesses all the qualities of a top-four matchup guy. He defends the rush very well, closes gaps and steers the play in transition. His offense started to develop more toward the end of the season, and he had a strong showing at the IIHF under-18 tournament. Given the importance of transition defense in the matchup role, Smith has a real chance to reach his ceiling projection of a No. 3 matchup defender.

Smith possesses a blend of skating, size and poise. Smith’s development will be about using his excellent mobility to prevent rush offense, becoming a more consistent offensive threat and continuing to develop his decision-making. If Smith can drive play on both sides of the puck in transition, he has a chance to become a No. 2 defender.

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8. Victor Eklund
LW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Eklund projects as a top-six forward with a fair chance of becoming a top-line contributor. Despite concerns about his size, Eklund’s play style is very translatable to the NHL. He plays a lot bigger than his measurements suggest, with a high-end motor and excellent forechecking ability. Should he grow, which has happened to other prospects in the past, Eklund’s projection becomes more confident as a 70-point producer.

Eklund excels in transition and attacks defenders with speed and fearlessness, darting to the inside and positioning his body to win or protect pucks. His smaller size has forced him to learn how to protect the puck with excellent body positioning. His off-puck play is very mature and should quickly translate to earned trust from NHL coaches. He has the potential to be a difference-maker in the NHL, and there is every reason to believe his blend of hard-nosed play with soft skill will translate seamlessly to the NHL.

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9. Caleb Desnoyers
C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Desnoyers may go higher than ninth overall because he is one of the best two-way players in the draft. He has been described as a coach’s dream in that he can take an offensive or checking assignment and execute consistently. Desnoyers projects to be a quality second-line center, with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player.

He’s a cerebral player with excellent playmaking ability. It isn’t that he’s flashy and will get you out of your seat, it is that he’s consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck. In other words, he’s reliable. As one scouting director described: “He’s the type of player you win with.” Some have quietly compared him to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews.

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10. Jake O’Brien
C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

O’Brien projects to be a point-producing top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. The right-hander is one of the best playmakers in the draft, creating high-danger chances with regularity. O’Brien’s elite playmaking skills will be that much more valuable if he can add speed.

O’Brien’s two-way ability has consistently improved this season, through puck support, good defensive tracking and quality stick positioning. He lacks dynamic skating but plays a projectable two-way game. There is risk because he’s slighter than other players available at the center position, but O’Brien should comfortably be a top-six point producer in the NHL.

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11. Carter Bear
C/LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Bear is the type of player that a team looking for high-end skill and playmaking covets. He’s versatile and projects as a 65- to 75-point second-line player, with most believing he’ll be a full-time winger. He’s an excellent playmaker with good hands in tight spaces, making him a threat around the net, and one of the best offensive facilitators in the draft.

In addition to his offensive gifts, Bear has professional defensive habits that will translate well. His skating posture needs to be more upright to allow him to develop a more explosive stride to take advantage of his skills. Bear is a good mix of soft and hard skill with reliable defensive traits, and is the perfect second-line player who should thrive in a matchup role.

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12. Brady Martin
C/W, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Martin has scouts raving about him after an excellent performance at the IIHF under-18 tournament, tallying 11 points in seven games. He’s a workhorse without an off switch, who brings a blend of physicality and hard skill. Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals, with upside as a second-line forward. He’s a Swiss Army Knife-type player who will be most effective on the wing because of his strong wall play.

Most top prospects are invisible if their A game isn’t there, but Martin finds ways to get involved physically, and those traits are translatable. If Martin’s scoring doesn’t translate, he’ll be a valuable member of a third line. The hard-nosed style is rare in today’s NHL, and Martin’s play style is attractive to many scouts who believe he’s the type of complementary player teams need to win in the playoffs.

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13. Justin Carbonneau
RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Carbonneau possesses a toolbox of attributes that teams covet, including powerful skating and dynamic attacking presence. He projects as a top-six forward with significant variance, and is likely end up as a complementary middle-six player. Carbonneau can drive offense with his playmaking and skating ability, and though he lacks a standout special talent, he plays a well-rounded offensive game that includes playing through contact, good puck skills and a decent shot.

Carbonneau is a player with high upside, and there is inherent risk with his projection. He thrives when given time and space, and his development will come from learning to simplify his offensive attacks, drive to middle ice and play off his teammates. He has tools to become an effective power forward in the NHL with a few years of development.

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14. Radim Mrtka
D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

A 6-6, right-handed defenseman with good mobility who plays in all situations has scouts very excited. Mrtka confidently projects as a top-four shutdown defenseman because of his excellent stick work, mobility and transition defense. Mrtka should develop into a strong transition defender, a reliable penalty killer and be a steady shorthanded presence.

He lacks the offensive prowess scouts would like to see in a top-pair defenseman, but his skating, size and intelligence give him the tools to develop into a reliable, minute-munching, shutdown defender. His late birthday gives him lots of development runway to refine his offensive playmaking, first passes and general understanding of how to best use his physical gifts.

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15. Logan Hensler
D, Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

The 6-2 defender projects as a second-pairing defenseman with relative confidence. Hensler is very difficult to beat because he moves well and maintains good gap control. He lacks a dynamic offensive trait, but he has looked good when he activates in the rush. There are offensive flashes of head fakes and using his mobility to beat players that, if developed, would be critical to solidifying him as a two-way defenseman.

Hensler is a longer-term project who likely needs three years before he’s ready to make an impact in the NHL. His decision-making under pressure and ability to execute quality plays with consistency will make or break him as a high-end prospect. There is lots to like about his game, with the mobility and transition defense expected to translate well, but he lacks the high-end upside of other defenders in the draft class.

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16. Lynden Lakovic
LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The 6-4 left winger has translatable scoring ability and excellent speed for his size. He attacks using his big frame to protect the puck and makes plays using good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger if he can develop his playmaking and decision-making. Lakovic projects to be a middle-six winger with fair confidence because of his scoring ability, speed and size.

Lakovic’s development will come on the physical side and in decision-making. He needs to lean on defenders and force his way to middle ice to take advantage of his quick hands and shot. Lakovic has quality offensive upside that projects confidently as an NHL player, with potential to be a 60-point player.

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17. Braeden Cootes
C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

A right-handed center, Cootes was a standout performer at the under-18 world championships. He projects to be a middle-six player with value on both sides of the puck. His floor is likely a third-line checking center, similar to Yanni Gourde. Cootes possesses excellent speed that allows him to push the pace and drive play. He anticipates the game at a high level, allowing him to take advantage of his speed at even strength and on the penalty kill.

Cootes has a longer development path and needs to get a little stronger to truly become a quality NHL center. His relentlessness on the puck and strong playmaking qualities make him a desirable asset in this year’s draft. There is a lot to like about his toolbox and, if developed with patience, he could be a solid second-line contributor.

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18. Kashawn Aitcheson
D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

There’s a very real chance that Aitcheson goes in the top 10 given the type of game he plays, but his projection as a No. 4/5 defender sees him below other players with higher upside. Aitcheson plays with all kinds of truculence and aggression, while possessing an aura of confidence on and off the puck. He has all the makings of being a complete menace who plays tough minutes and projects as a No. 4 defender.

Scouts see him as a hard-nosed two-way defender with significant bite who can be a momentum shifter with his physical presence.

He needs development time, as his skating and playmaking are very raw, but the competitive attributes and his development curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson’s involvement on offense developed as the season progressed, but he’s likely two or three years away from being ready to step in. When he does, he’s exactly the type of defender every coach and GM would want on their team.

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19. Cameron Schmidt
RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

While size is not the be-all, end-all, it is exceedingly rare for a player smaller than 5-9 to make the NHL. I fully expect Schmidt to go lower than 19th in the draft, because he is 5-7.

However, every other model input has Schmidt as a top-15 player, with boom-or-bust potential as a second-line winger. He’s got breakneck speed and excellent puck-handling capabilities, making him a dangerous offensive threat.

Scoring 40 goals in the WHL is no easy task. Only three players under 19 eclipsed the mark this season (Schmidt, along with Gavin McKenna and Carter Bear). Schmidt has great offensive instincts and needs to be more efficient with his play selection to translate to the NHL level. He can be a bit of a pest and engage physically, but if he’s going to reach his ceiling, he needs to round out his off-puck play and be more consistently impactful shift to shift.

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20. Benjamin Kindel
RW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Kindel had excellent numbers in the WHL, putting up 99 points in 65 games. The right-winger has skill to burn, and terrific hockey sense. Kindel projects as a middle-six player with the most likely outcome being a third-line winger. He doesn’t have blistering speed in top flight, but he is agile and is difficult to pin down because of his water bug style. He needs to refine how he utilizes his skill, because it lacks a dynamic trait. Adding strength will go a long way to improving puck protection and ability to drive to middle ice to create scoring chances.

Defensively, Kindel provides tremendous value. He forechecks and backchecks effectively, plugs lanes and wins his fair share of puck battles. There is real value as a checker and penalty killer that will translate to the NHL level. He consistently competes on pucks and makes life difficult with his pace of play. If his scoring translates, he will likely be a 50-point, two-way player. If it doesn’t, a 40-point, two-way checker that is a plus penalty killer will be a good complementary piece at the NHL level.

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21. Cameron Reid
D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

A slight defender, Reid is a fast and agile skater, consistently activating in the rush. Reid has upside as a top-four defender if he can develop his offensive traits, specifically his playmaking. His skating allows him to create time and space, evade forecheckers and put defenders in precarious positions. The next step is to use the space and lanes he creates to facilitate offense more effectively.

Defensively, Reid is an excellent rush defender because of his excellent skating ability and good stick work. He guides players to the outside with his stick, and uses his skating to disrupt the rush. In the defensive zone, his stick is timed perfectly to lift opponents’ sticks as the puck arrives, deflect shots out of play and plug passing lanes. The upside is there because of his skating, and the development requires patience to allow him to reach top-four level.

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22. Cole Reschny
LW, Victoria Royals (WHL)

Reschny may find himself higher on the board when all is said and done after a standout performance at the under-18 world championships. No player has risen the way Reschny has in the second half of the season, due in large part to his offensive production in the WHL playoffs. Reschny’s projection elevated from a third-line player with a less confident projection to a relatively confident middle-six player.

He’s not as dynamic as his point totals suggest, but his anticipation and reads are among the best in the draft class. He’s not big, but he’s effective when he physically engages and understands how to play through contact. His development will be about adding speed and strength to complement his two-way ability, and to be a Swiss Army Knife-type player in the NHL who can score 50 points.

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23. Cullen Potter
LW, Arizona State Sun Devils (NCAA)

Potter had a strong freshman season in the NCAA, particularly when you consider he didn’t turn 18 until halfway through the campaign. He showed consistent growth that culminated in a standout performance at the under-18 world championships. His speed is NHL level, and he’s one of the best skaters in the draft class. He understands how to effectively use his skating ability to pressure players, drive pace of play and create offense. He looks to drive to the middle of the ice, makes plays at top speed and understands when to delay on the rush to allow the play to develop.

Potter is a dynamic skater with flashes of dynamic skill. His off-puck play, both offensively and defensively, improved dramatically this season, which resulted in him becoming a play driver. He has boom-bust potential, but if he hits his ceiling, there is a top-six player there. The projection confidence has steadily improved this season, and with two more NCAA seasons, Potter should be one of the best players at the collegiate level by the time he signs his entry-level NHL contract.

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24. Malcolm Spence
LW, Erie Otters (OHL)

Spence falls out of the top half of the first round in large part because other players passed him, but his lack of dynamism combined with non-elite production affected his projection. His relentless work ethic, tenacity and two-way ability give him a high floor as an NHL regular. His lack of play-driving ability and playmaking see his upside as a third-line forward.

He’s not flashy in any sense of the word, but he’s very effective. He’s one of the most defensively sound forwards in the draft, and understands how to forecheck to cause turnovers. His tenacity will translate, and his shot is good enough to be a threat from close range. Coaches love this type of player on their third lines in the playoffs, and Spence should develop into a solid complementary piece in the NHL.

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25. Ivan Ryabkin
C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Ryabkin is a hotly debated prospect and is up and down on draft boards. Depending on who you talk to, feedback ranges from a potential second-line guy to might not make it at all. That explains his variance in model projection. He’s most likely to become a depth NHL player, but there is a fair chance of becoming a middle-six, physical presence who can score 15 to 20 goals.

When he’s on, it is easy to see the upside. He is crafty, identifying passing lanes and firing accurate passes to set up scoring chances. When Ryabkin moves his feet to drive to middle ice and create passing lanes, he is a very effective player. His physicality on both sides of the puck should translate to becoming a good checking-line player, with some creative scoring ability if he can develop puck protection and inside ice-battle skills.

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26. Joshua Ravensbergen
G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

It is rare that a goaltender is a consensus first-rounder, but Ravensbergen is that guy. Teams love his 6-5 frame with long limbs and good flexibility. He’s able to cover significant portions of the net, and his puck tracking allows him to proactively move and aggressively angle. His lateral movement is explosive while maintaining control, preventing over-sliding and overactivity. He is sharp in his crease play, calmly directing pucks and communicating with his defensemen on coverage.

Ravensbergen has issues with layered screens, a common trait for young goaltenders and NHLers. His elite puck tracking allows him to stay one step ahead of the play, preventing erratic movements. This gives him the aura of calmness that scouts discuss, and is something that will serve him well as he strives to become an NHL starter.

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27. Blake Fiddler
D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

There is a chance that Fiddler goes higher because he’s a right-handed defender with NHL bloodlines — father Vernon played 877 NHL games — and has an NHL-sized frame at 6-4, 210 pounds. As scouts and executives say, “Those guys don’t grow on trees,” and Fiddler fits the mold.

He’s a strong defender, taking away time and space from opponents and making life difficult in physical battles. He strongly projects as an NHL player with a chance of becoming a No. 4 D-man. Among scouting circles, there is belief he can become a second-pairing defender because he has a long development runway, and his physical play style will translate well.

Fiddler’s decision-making leaves something to be desired, but he’s always activating and can be taught how to be more effective with his reads. His desire to be a difference-maker and his package of plus skating, physical play and size are attractive to teams. He’s a project, and will need three to four years of development to simplify his game and become an effective NHL defender.

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28. Jack Murtagh
C/LW, U.S. National Team Development Program

The 6-1, versatile forward is going to provide some value toward the end of the first round. Murtagh projects confidently to be an NHL player, and scouts like his non-flashy, high-motor game. He never cheats for effort, plays a high-pace game and is physically involved. He is most likely to be a third-line forward, which fits his game style of being strong on the puck, winning puck battles and wreaking havoc around the net.

Heading to Boston University will be good for his overall development, offensively in particular. Murtagh has good playmaking ability that lacks creativity or dynamism. He’s a hard-skill player, gritting his way to scoring chances in the hard areas and out-battling opponents. That won’t always work against NHL defenders, meaning developing some creativity and the ability to manipulate defenders will be critical to translating offense and being a well-rounded, two-way forward in the NHL.

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29. Sascha Boumedienne
D, Boston University Terriers (NCAA)

Boumedienne played more than half of his freshman NCAA season as a 17-year-old, and was the youngest player in the NCAA this season. His total of 13 points in 40 games is not the type of offense you expect from a potential first-round pick, but against his peers at the under-18s, Boumedienne set a scoring record for most points by a defenseman and was named the tournament’s best defender.

His skating mechanics have improved, leading to more explosive maneuvers and the chance to develop more agile movements for transition play. He’s an offensive horse, facilitating scoring chances by manipulating defenders, moving his feet and creating passing lanes. When he gets his chance, his slap shot packs significant power and should be a weapon in the NHL.

Boumedienne’s defensive transition will need to improve to hit his ceiling of a second-pairing defender. As of now, he can run an effective power play, break pucks out with clean passes and create offense. His agility and ability to defend middle ice will need to develop to match his perimeter defensive ability. He’s got a good stick, and is most disruptive when he engages physically. Improving his anticipation and reads will be critical to reaching his potential.

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30. Jack Nesbitt
C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Nesbitt has risen on draft boards in the back half of the season — and with good reason. The 6-4 center brings a physical, defensive force and he confidently projects to be an NHL player. His upside continues to improve with flashes of one-on-one skill and the speed to drive and create in middle ice. There is a top-nine projection with less confidence; Nesbitt could become a checking center with 40-point potential.

His defensive play excites scouts because the scanning, shot-blocking, lane-filling and tracking to force turnovers under pressure will translate to the NHL. Scouts are confident Nesbitt is going to be an effective player in the NHL, and agree he’ll need to show more offensive playmaking ability to provide value on both sides of the puck.

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31. William Moore
C, U.S. National Team Development Program

Moore is all over draft boards — from the mid-20s to the third round — because he’s a long-term project, exactly the type of player that teams drafting in the late first like to target. Moore is a cross between a hard-skill and soft-skill player who needs to pick which play style he wants to be. He projects as an NHL player with an outside shot of becoming a middle-six player if he can add to his offensive toolbox.

He has creativity and the skill to execute, manipulating defenders and playing with pace, and picks pucks off the wall with ease. But, he lacks consistency. His compete level and willingness to engage physically show potential as a power forward. He has reliable two-way abilities that will translate well, and will further develop as he stops on pucks, engages physically defensively and adds strength to improve in puck battles and playing through contact.

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32. Bill Zonnon
LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

Zonnon is a raw prospect that some team in the late first round is going to be thrilled to get. He checks all the boxes, with a high-end motor, elite work ethic and playmaking abilities. The big forward is confidently projected to be an NHL player, and has a fair chance of becoming a third-liner. Scouts view him as a high-floor player because of his translatable “intangibles” and long runway to develop the raw skill. He’s already a reliable, 200-foot player and scouts love his no-quit, relentless effort.

If his skating improves, he will become a very effective two-way player, relying on his awareness, playmaking and competitiveness to bring value on both sides of the puck. He’s most likely to be a winger, with excellent wall play and battle skills. He can be a prototypical hard-skill player that teams play on the third line to shut down opponents and rely upon in all situations. He’s likely three years away, and would benefit from NCAA time to develop his skating and offensive abilities.

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Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order)

Nathan Behm, LW/RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Henry Brzustewicz, D, London Knights (OHL)
Milton Gastrin, C/LW, MoDo Hockey (J20 Nationell)
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, RW, Lulea HF (J20 Nationell)
Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Ryker Lee, F, Madison Capitols (USHL)
Cole McKinney, C, U.S. National Team Development Program
Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)

With the 2025 NHL draft coming up on June 27 and 28, it is time to evaluate what each team needs.

This is the part where we mention the caveat that teams should never draft for position, and instead should always take the best player available, especially in the first three rounds. Some teams have more pressing positional needs than others but drafting by position or size can lead to significant regret.

Some teams that have been contenders for years (think the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights) have thinner prospect pools and need everything; they’ve generally been trading away picks and prospects to stay on top. Others who have kept their picks but have not drafted in the top 10 lack high-end skill (Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers to name three). Then there are teams that have an abundance of skill at one position but lack elite talent at another.

Only one prospect pool is truly balanced in large part because their scouting mantra over the past five years has been to take the best player available, regardless of position.

What does each team need and who could fill those needs in the upcoming draft?

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th

The Ducks have been the league’s best developer of defenders for more than a decade. There is a long list of defensemen drafted by Anaheim that have become top-four defenders, including Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Shea Theodore, Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Montour.

More recently, the Ducks have brought along the likes of Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zelweger, who have shown legitimate promise in the NHL. However, Anaheim is currently missing a big defenseman with mobility to complement the offensive gifts of their top young defenders. Stian Solberg brings a competitive mean streak and is mobile, but his puck-moving abilities need to develop to NHL level.

Players in the current draft class that fit the mold include Radim Mrtka, Blake Fiddler and Carter Amico.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th

Up and down the prospect pool, the Bruins need high-end skill. There isn’t a player in the pipeline with the level of skill that projects to be a difference-maker at the NHL level. This will hinder the Bruins as they retool back into being a top contender.

More specifically, the Bruins need a dual-threat center who can create offense through playmaking and be a shooting threat. They need defenders with good puck-moving ability and excellent mobility.

Given the Bruins’ run of success over the last 20 years, it is no surprise that their prospect pool lacks high-end talent. However, they’ve had success with selections outside the top 10, including with David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk. Players who would inject skill into the prospect pool include Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers and Anton Frondell up front, and Sascha Boumedienne and Luka Radivojevic on defense, all of whom could be available for them to select in the upcoming draft at No. 7 overall.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)

The Sabres have a deep prospect pool filled with skill. What they are missing — and it isn’t much — is a big forward with skill who can develop into a power forward.

This pipeline has many soft-skill, smaller players like Konsta Helenius, Brody Ziemer, Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen to add to smaller NHL players like Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn. Some of those players are two-way forwards who have hard-skill attributes, but none of them are capable of physically imposing themselves.

Buffalo needs a power forward who blends soft and hard skill to win puck battles, and can be a net-front presence and a physical presence in general. Players in the draft class that fit the description include Brady Martin, Porter Martone and Bill Zonnon. If the Sabres favor hard skill over the size, Carter Bear and Viktor Eklund would fit nicely as well.

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2025 draft picks: 1st (FLA), 1st (NJ), 2nd (COL), 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

Calgary picks twice in the first round, with a fantastic opportunity to add a skilled play driver to the prospect pool.

2024 first-rounder Zayne Parekh is the most skilled offensive defenseman outside the NHL, and the Flames have a few other solid prospects like Matvei Gridin and Andrew Basha. They need a skilled, dual-threat forward who can drive offense, as many of their forward prospects are complementary players. Samuel Honzek and Aydar Suniev are excellent examples of skilled forwards who should play complementary roles alongside play drivers.

The aging of their current center group should have the Flames looking forward to adding players at the position, but it isn’t a pressing issue that would force passing on a play-driving winger. There should be plenty of options for the Flames in the draft, including Benjamin Kindel, Carter Bear, Cullen Potter and Cole Reschny.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (TB), 4th, 6th, 6th (TB), 7th

The Hurricanes have drafted well, and their modus operandi has been adding skill, regardless of position. You will often see the Canes in the “winners” column of any draft analyst who uses analytics as a key component of player evaluation, because they are excellent at extracting value throughout the draft.

Having said that, if the Canes are short on a specific position, they could use some centers in the pipeline. Many of their high-end projected players are defenders (Dominik Badinka, Alexander Nikishin, Scott Morrow) or wingers (Bradly Nadeau, Nikita Artamonov, Felix Unger Sorum). All of those players are projected to be middle- or top-of-the-lineup contributors in the next few years. However, the Canes lack a center prospect who projects in the same category.

Given where they are selecting and their draft philosophy, some players who may intrigue them are Jack Murtagh, William Moore, Cameron Schmidt (though he’s a winger), Ivan Ryabkin, Jack Nesbitt and Milton Gastrin.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th

It is no secret the Blackhawks have some serious talent in the pipeline, but the majority of it is on defense. After opting for Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov, and drafting Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel and Ethan Del Mastro, Chicago has depth on the blue line for the foreseeable future.

However, they lack a star-caliber forward to complement the franchise’s most important piece, Connor Bedard. It is imperative the Blackhawks add a forward with a top-line projection who can produce and facilitate offense. Ideally, this player can drive play on their own, potentially allowing Chicago to spread the riches in the top six. There needs to be a serious injection of talent at the top of the lineup to get the rebuild moving more quickly.

Given the draft capital and position — their first pick is No. 3 overall — they should absolutely be targeting Michael Misa, Porter Martone or James Hagens with their first pick, and look at players like Shane Vansaghi, Benjamin Kindel, Nathan Behm and Ryker Lee with their other selections in the top 64.

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2025 draft picks: 4th (VAN), 7th

After trading Calum Ritchie at the deadline, the Avalanche lack upside in their prospect pool. Outside of Mikhail Gulyayev, there is a real lack of players who have a chance to play impactful roles, and zero forward prospects with top-six projections.

Given the contention window and the all-in mentality, it is no surprise the Avalanche lack high-end skill in their prospect pipeline. However, the Avalanche are going to need players who can play impactful minutes to complement the supreme talent at the top of their roster.

The Avalanche have two total selections in the upcoming draft, and without maneuvering to add draft capital in the first three rounds, will be hard-pressed to find the type of upside they need in their prospect pool.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (MIN), 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (VGK)

The Blue Jackets took a major step forward this season, and some of their younger players had a key role in that development. The Blue Jackets are set up the middle, provided Cayden Lindstrom remains healthy and develops into a second-line player. They have tremendous young talent on the wings, and offensive firepower on the blue line.

But after trading David Jiricek this past season, the Blue Jackets are without a prospect in the pipeline that projects to be a top-four defender that eats minutes against the opposition’s best players. Charlie Elick has a longshot projection to be a No. 4, but is most likely to be a depth defender who plays on the penalty kill.

Columbus could fill this need in the form of Logan Hensler, Kashawn Aitcheson, Cameron Reid, Blake Fiddler and/or Sascha Boumedienne given their two first-round selections in the upcoming draft.

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2025 draft picks: 3rd, 5th, 5th (NJ), 6th, 7th

Given where the Stars are — and their knack for drafting and developing players outside of the top 20 — it isn’t terribly concerning that their prospect pool lacks a high-end center. Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz should be their top two centers for the foreseeable future. However, the Stars lack any center depth in the prospect pipeline and would benefit from bolstering that position.

Mavrik Bourque and Emil Hemming are their best remaining prospects at forward. Both are wingers, and Bourque ages out of the prospect pool after this season. Lian Bischel, Christian Kyrou and Aram Minnetian represent legitimate upside on defense, making the need for a center more pronounced.

Given their lack of draft capital, it will be difficult to acquire the type of player their prospect pool needs without draft pick acquisition.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)

The Red Wings have a ton of young prospects, but the majority of their high-end prospects are defenders. Both Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper can no longer be considered prospects, and the Red Wings lack a single player in their pipeline with a top-line projection.

Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are projected to become middle-six forwards while Axel Sandin-Pelikka and Andrew Gibson are expected to join an excellent young blue line. Trey Augustine projects to be a starting goaltender in the NHL, leaving the Red Wings with projectable players everywhere except the top of their forward lineup.

The Red Wings need players who can produce offense and drive play. Players that would be a welcome addition to the pipeline include Carter Bear, Jake O’Brien, Lynden Lakovic, and Cole Reschny. If the likes of Viktor Eklund or Roger McQueen were to fall out of the top 10, the Red Wings should be thrilled to get either of them.

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2025 draft picks: 3rd (STL), 6th, 7th

The Oilers have three picks in the entire draft and none in the top 64.

It is no surprise that a team in their contention window lacks skill in their prospect pool because it means they’ve drafted late, traded their picks away or traded their high-end prospects. The Oilers have done all three, and lack high-end skill outside of Matthew Savoie.

Sam O’Reilly and Beau Akey represent the best chance to become middle-of-the-lineup players for Edmonton, who desperately need a skilled winger to flank Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. They’re going to have to trade up or swing for the fences with the likes of LJ Mooney, Shamar Moses, Filip Ekberg and Gustav Hillstrom.

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2025 draft picks: 4th, 4th (CGY), 5th, 5th (SJ), 6th, 7th

When a team has recently won the Stanley Cup and made multiple deep playoff runs over the past few years, it’s likely to have a barren prospect cupboard.

That is the case with the Florida Panthers who need … well, everything. There isn’t a single position of strength in the pipeline, nor is there a single player projected to be an impact player at any position.

Justin Sourdif, Jack Devine and Gracyn Sawchyn have the best chance to become NHL forwards, while Marek Alscher and Tobias Bjornfot have a chance to become depth NHL defenders.

Gone is goaltender Spencer Knight, and the Panthers have no goaltenders projected to play NHL games in their system. There is no need to be picky, and given they are without a draft selection in the first three rounds, the Panthers need to swing on skill and upside with their late-round picks.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (PHI)

The Kings are without a single prospect on defense that is projected to become an NHL player, after graduating Brandt Clarke. However, forwards Liam Greentree, Koehn Ziemmer, and Kenny Connors have NHL projections to varying degrees. Greentree is most likely to be a middle-six forward, with the other two projected to become depth NHL players.

In goal, the Kings are overflowing with talent between Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky and Erik Portillo. In fact, there is a strong argument that the Kings have the best goaltending pipeline in the NHL.

The Kings need defensemen in the pipeline, and are well equipped to add a few in the upcoming draft. Top-90 targets include Blake Fiddler, Sascha Boumedienne, Carter Amico, Kurban Limatov and Alex Huang.

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2025 draft picks: 2nd, 4th (TOR), 5th (CBJ), 6th

It is very weird to look at a prospect pool and get the initial impression that a playoff team doesn’t have any holes. But that’s what happens when you’ve got the best drafted-to-signed NHL contract ratio over the past five years.

The Wild are stocked with high-end prospects at every position, from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to defensemen David Jiricek and Zeev Buium to forwards Danila Yurov, Ryder Ritchie, Charlie Stramel and Hunter Haight. There is no shortage of talent in the Wild prospect pool, and they are set up to have excellent depth for years.

Their drafting mantra is one that many fanbases wishes their team had: take the best player available. There is no “high-floor, low-ceiling” nonsense, or worries about a smaller, skilled player. The Wild have one pick in the first three rounds this year but expect them to continue to extract value in the later rounds.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (CGY), 2nd, 2nd (PIT), 3rd, 3rd (NJ), 3rd (VAN), 4th, 4th (BOS), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Canadiens’ rebuild process through the draft has been no joke. Taking chances on smaller players like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson has been nothing short of brilliant. Add Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage and Filip Mesar to the mix, and the Habs have a lot of quality skaters in the pipeline.

Jacob Fowler is one of the top goalie prospects in the sport, and projects to be an NHL starter, perhaps best suited for a platoon role. On defense, the club is hoping David Reinbacher remains healthy and develops into a top-four minutes-eater they saw when they selected him early in 2023.

To round out the Canadiens’ roster, they need some hard skill. A player who can complement their soft-skilled scorers and win puck battles, score at the net front and be a physical presence on the wall. They have that with Kaiden Guhle on the back end, and if Owen Beck and Joshua Roy can make the jump, they will be solid, bottom-six players.

Having someone in the top-six who can bring the physicality and produce 65-70 points per season would add a dimension. Juraj Slafkovsky has some of those traits in his game, but a player like Brady Martin or Caleb Desnoyers would be the perfect fit. If Roger McQueen happens to slide the way Lane Hutson did, he would fit this mold nicely.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)

Barry Trotz has pulled no punches in his assessment of the draft, and thank goodness, because the Predators need skill. They have lacked a true, top-line scoring center to play with Filip Forsberg for years. There are scoring wingers and two-way centers in the pipeline, but there are no point-producing centers.

With a top-five pick, the Predators are primed to add an elite center. Any one of Hagens, Misa or Frondell would be a great selection for the Preds. Should they opt to swing for the home run if Misa is unavailable, McQueen makes sense, but there are understandable reservations with his injury history.

Regardless of who the Preds select at No. 5, there will be a center with top-six projection available to them. Misa, the best center in the draft, followed by Hagens, a 70-plus point, two-way center and Frondell, who projects to be a top-line center, should all get significant consideration.

After trading Yaroslav Askarov to San Jose, the Preds lack a goaltender in their pipeline, and can take one of Joshua Ravensbergen or Jack Ivankovic with one of their four other selections in the first two rounds.

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2025 draft picks: 2nd, 2nd (EDM), 3rd (VGK), 4th, 6th, 6th (SJ)

The Devils have quality top-six centers locked up, and Nico Hischier found himself in the Selke Trophy conversation this season. However, both he and Jack Hughes are on the smaller side, and have accrued a fair injury history. Given their immense talent, the former first overall picks will lead the Devils for foreseeable future.

The Devils’ brass seems to like size, and would do well to add a big center to the mix. Without a first-round pick, they will be hard-pressed to add an impact center, but many middle-six centers have come from the second and third rounds.

The Devils are loaded on defense to the point where some of those players may be used as trade chips to acquire pieces that can help the Devils contend. Tyler Brennan and Mikhail Yegorov both have NHL potential, and provide options at the goalie position.

Targeting size, regardless of forward position, wouldn’t be a surprise, and some players who fit that mold include William Horcoff, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Eddie Genborg and Vaclav Nestrasil.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Isles hit the jackpot in winning the draft lottery in the year that a defender is the consensus top pick. The need for a No. 1 defenseman is pressing, and Matthew Schaefer is that guy. He should be the first overall pick and will go a long way to slotting everyone on the Isles’ blue line into a better spot.

The Isles have quality forward talent, with Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman projected to be top-six forwards while Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley project to become depth NHLers.

On defense, it is a lot thinner with only Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen projected to play NHL games. The Isles need to bolster the defensive pipeline, as it is an area of weakness.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th

The Rangers are a bit of an enigma in terms of their direction. They have young players and aging players; they have a blue line that needs help and everything outside of their goaltender Igor Shesterkin seems to be in flux.

The Rangers should use their first-round pick this year, and hope that next year’s pick, owned by Pittsburgh, is a lot lower because they’ve made the playoffs. It isn’t that the Rangers lack talent, it is that there is a concerning pattern of inability to develop that talent to its full potential (Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, Llias Andersson, Nils Lundkvist, Zac Jones). Gabe Perreault, EJ Emery, and Drew Fortescue are the only players in the system with confident NHL projections, and none of them play center.

The Rangers could use more mobile defenders and someone like Radim Mrtka or Kashawn Aitcheson fits their drafting style. If they opt for a center, they’d need to hope one of Jake O’Brien or Caleb Desnoyers falls to them at 12.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (FLA), 4th (SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th

The Senators took a major step this season in large part because their top-of-the-lineup players were excellent and they got decent goaltending. When the Sens have drafted for skill, as with Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, they have hit home runs. When they’ve drafted for toughness, it has not gone nearly as well.

The Sens’ prospect pipeline has a lot of size, a lot of truculence and serious tenacity. It lacks high-end skill, and players projected to be offensive producers above the 60-point plateau. The Sens own the 21st overall pick in the draft, and can use that to draft a forward with some offensive creativity. Players that fit the description include Kindel, Potter, Reschny, Cootes and Schmidt, Lakovic and Carbonneau. Should they opt for defenders, Logan Hensler and Cameron Reid would fit nicely.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th

The Flyers need high-end skill in every area of their prospect pool and having three first-round picks allows them to swing for the fences on players. Philly should be targeting players with significant upside, even if they fall into the boom/bust category.

There is a need for skill at the center position. Oliver Bonk brings skill on the blue line, and should slide into the top four in the next couple of years. However, the Flyers lack a prospect with point-per-game potential up front, and finding Matvei Michkov a center should be a priority.

There are many players the Flyers can target with their first pick, and Martone, McQueen, Frondell, Eklund and Desnoyers should all get significant consideration. With their other picks in the 20s, the Flyers can take players who slide, or go after Ryabkin, Potter, Kindel, Cootes and Nesbitt. There is a significant opportunity to add speed, skill and elite offensive creativity to their prospect pipeline, and the Flyers need to make good on it.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th

The Penguins have two first-ballot Hall of Fame centers still playing at a high level in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. However, there is an extreme need for elite talent at the top of the lineup to drive play and produce offense.

Tanner Howe and Rutger McGroarty are projected to be middle-six forwards with 60- to 65-point ceilings. Melvin Fernstrom and Tristan Broz have depth NHL projections.

On defense, Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke have top-four projections, and Joel Blomqvist has potential to be a legitimate NHL starter in goal.

The good news for the Penguins is there is plenty of high-end talent available for them to select in the first few rounds. Eklund, McQueen, Lakovic and O’Brien all make sense for the Pens given their upside. Later in the draft, Luca Romano, Viktor Klingsell, LJ Mooney and Filip Ekberg would fit their draft style.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)

With so many highly touted prospects in the pipeline, it is somewhat incredible the Sharks need defenders. Outside of Sam Dickinson and Mattias Havelid, the Sharks lack talent on the back end. Both Havelid and Dickinson play an offensive playstyle rather than two-way, which creates a need in the pipeline.

The Sharks are expected to draft a forward with their top selection, although they must be hoping the Isles pass on Matthew Schaefer at No. 1. Barring that, which seems unlikely, the Sharks have three more picks in the first two rounds after second overall. Two-way or defensive defenders they can target include Fiddler, Henry Brzustewicz, and Simon (Haoxi) Wang. Defenders who can complement Dickinson and Havelid, move the puck effectively and defend in transition are exactly what the Sharks need to continue their rebuild.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th

The Kraken have two young centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, and a few budding forward prospects with top-six NHL projections in Berkly Catton and Eduard Sale. In the middle six, at least two of Carson Rehkopf, Jagger Firkus, Jani Nyman and Julius Miettinen should provide varying levels of offensive production.

In goal, the Kraken have Niklas Kokko and Kim Saarinen, who have modest NHL projections. With depth up front and talent in goal, the Kraken have a defensive need. Outside of Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic, the Kraken lack prospects with NHL projections.

Jackson Smith makes sense for them in the first round, as a two-way defender with a top-four projection. In the second round, Charlie Tretheway and Brzustewicz make sense as both have NHL projections.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 5th, 6th

The Blues have done a great job of stocking the cupboard with talent, albeit talent that is projected to be less impactful. They have a few forward prospects projected to be middle-six players, like Otto Stenberg, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Adam Jecho. On defense, Adam Jiricek, Colin Ralph, Theo Lindstein and Michael Buchinger all have decent NHL projections.

The Blues lack truly elite talent in their prospect pool. Dvorsky has the highest upside, but his path to becoming a first-line point producer is not as confident. The Blues need a top-line forward or an elite defender in their pipeline, someone who can be a difference-maker.

The Blues own their first-round pick, but don’t have another until the fifth round this year. There are likely to be some highly skilled players available at No. 19, including Kindel, Schmidt, Ryabkin and Potter for the Blues to select.

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2025 draft picks: 2nd (LA), 4th (EDM), 5th, 7th, 7th (MIN), 7th (SJ), 7th (UTA)

The Lightning have traded a lot of picks recently, and Isaac Howard, who was a first-round selection, does not intend to sign with them. That’s a tough bounce for a team that has not drafted in the first round very much over the past five years.

From top to bottom, the Lightning pipeline needs skill and players with NHL projections. They lack both and need to find diamonds in the rough to complement their aging skilled players. At every position, the Lightning need to add players with legitimate NHL potential — meaning there is no need to be picky on position.

The acquisition of Conor Geekie last offseason helped, and he is clearly the best young player in the organization. Given a lack of draft capital in the first few rounds, the Lightning will need to be judicious in their approach.

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2025 draft picks: 2nd (FLA), 3rd (EDM), 5th, 5th (PIT), 6th, 7th

When you don’t draft a lot, and you trade your best prospects away, you’re going to lack skill in the pipeline. After trading Fraser Minten, the only remaining forward prospect for Toronto with a top-six projection is Easton Cowan, and he projects to be a second-line player.

The Leafs have an abundance of goaltending prospects, and drafted Ben Danford in 2024. There are few defensive prospects that project to be NHL players, but the prospect pool lacks high-end skilled forwards.

It’s going to be tough to fill that gap, given the lack of draft capital, and will require the Leafs to take some swings. Players who may be available that have reasonable upside include Adam Benak, Luca Romano, LJ Mooney and Filip Ekberg; should they trade into the top 40, Cameron Schmidt, Jacob Ihs-Wozniak and Nathan Behm could be options.

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Utah Mammoth

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

The Utah Mammoth had quite a successful season, and now, with the luck of the lottery that evaded them in Arizona, moved from outside the top 10 to 4th overall.

With many highly drafted players, the Mammoth’s prospect pool and lineup is loaded with talent. Young players like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther are having a huge impact offensively at the NHL level. The Mammoth have many smaller forwards, but lack a top-six forward with size and skill. The type of player who physically imposes himself, wins pucks, is a nuisance at the net and will create open ice for the likes of Keller, Guenther, Logan Cooley and Tij Iginla (when ready).

With the No. 4 pick, there are a few options including Desnoyers, Martone and McQueen, and some have whispered Brady Martin’s name, though he would be considered a reach at that spot.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th

If you tune into Vancouver radio, or listen to their President of Hockey Operations speak, you know exactly what the organization lacks from the NHL lineup to the prospect pool: a center. Whether Jim Rutherford is talking about it or one of the 17 different radio shows/podcasts, it is no secret.

After not drafting a center in 2022, passing on Zach Benson in 2023, and not drafting until the third round of 2024, it is no surprise their prospect pool has a few quality defenders and zero centers with top-six upside.

Armed with their selections in the first two rounds this year, it is highly likely the Canucks target a center to address a significant area of need. They are more likely to target certainty (high-floor, low-risk) than swing for the fences, given the lack of depth in the organization. Players who fit that and could be available to them include O’Brien, Cootes, Nesbitt, Moore, McKinney and Horcoff.

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2025 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd (WSH), 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (WSH)

It should come as no surprise that Vegas needs something in their prospect pool given their modus operandi of trading their drafted prospects. Almost every first-round selection has been traded by the Golden Knights, and no one expects that to change. There is a joke in NHL circles that if you’re drafted by Vegas in the first round, you’re probably not going to play in Vegas, so don’t get too comfortable.

Vegas doesn’t have a first-round selection this year, but they do have picks in rounds two though six. They have a pressing need for a defender, but the reality is, they have a pressing need for high-end talent if they want to continue to use their players as trade chips at the deadline.

The Knights are likely to target players with value around the league, meaning Tretheway, Brzustewicz, Radivojevic, Amico and Limatov will have value on defense. If Schmidt were to fall out of the first round, he may be someone Vegas targets as well.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (BOS), 3rd (CAR), 4th, 5th

It’s one heck of a year to need a goaltender in your prospect pool — and that is exactly what the Capitals need. The Caps have a pick in each of the first five rounds, and given the goaltending talent available in this draft, they could come away with a potential future starter.

With Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren signed for the new few years, there isn’t a pressing need for immediate help. However, there is no depth behind them, and no prospects with legitimate NHL projections. With projected NHL players at other positions like Cole Hutson, Terik Parascak, and Andrew Cristall in junior hockey, and Ryan Leonard, Hendrix Lapierre, Ryan Chesley, and Ivan Miroshnichenko playing professionally, the Caps have excellent young talent.

Joshua Ravensbergen, Jack Ivankovic and Alexei Medvedev all have legitimate NHL projections, with the first two having NHL starting goalie projections.

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2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

The Jets have a habit of retaining their top talent, convincing the likes of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck to stay put via long-term deals. Nikolaj Ehlers is yet to decide his future, but the Jets have reinforcements in the prospect pipeline at forward, via Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Kevin He and Colby Barlow.

The defense is much thinner, with Elias Salomonsson and Alfons Freij as the only prospects with any NHL projection, and they are modest ones at best. The Jets need to add defenders to the prospect pipeline, and have their first-round pick to do so. Defenders like Boumedienne, Tretheway and Fiddler could be around when the Jets make their pick, and make sense for their current pipeline.

The Jets don’t need immediate help, and these defenders are two or three years from having meaningful impact in the NHL, buying them time to develop.