2025 NHL DRAFT: DRAFT STRATEGY & TEAM NEEDS

In this blog, i will be talking about NHL teams’ draft strategy and needs that they might use at the 2025 NHL Draft, and how it could change the fortunes of some franchises. I will not be going over teams that don’t have many picks this draf,t and therefore won’t be that much a factor in it.

Related: 2025 NHL Mock Draft Round 1

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the 10th overall pick and a deep, well-balanced prospect pool, and with eight total selections in 2025, —but they’re still hunting for that final piece to elevate their rebuild.

Draft Strategy
Anaheim isn’t drafting for need—they’re drafting for fit and upside. With young stars like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish already in the fold, plus a strong defensive pipeline (Mintyukov, Zellweger, LaCombe), the Ducks can afford to swing for the fences.

-Right-shot defenseman: Their left side is stacked, but they lack elite depth on the right.

-Physical wingers: While they have skill, they could use more grit and edge in their top-six.

-Goal scoring: No player topped 22 goals last season. They need a finisher.

Mock Draft

10- Kashawn Aicheson (D)
60- Peyton Kettles (D)
72-Zachary Morin (LW)

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are entering a pivotal offseason with a clear dual mandate: retool quickly to stay competitive while also laying the groundwork for a longer-term rebuild.

Draft Strategy

Center Depth is Priority #1: With Patrice Bergeron retired and no clear heir, Boston is expected to target a top-six center.
No Rush, But No Time to Waste: With Pastrnak and McAvoy in their primes, the Bruins want a prospect who can contribute within 2–3 years.
Open to Trading Down or Up: GM Don Sweeney has hinted at flexibility, but most signs point to keeping the pick.
Top-Six Center: The Bruins still haven’t replaced Patrice Bergeron’s two-way dominance. They’re eyeing centers that can replicate his two way dominance.
Offensive Depth: Outside of Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, scoring was inconsistent. A long-term deal for Geekie is a priority.

Mock Draft

7- Jake O’Brien (C)
51- Viktor Klingsell (LW)
61- Matthew Ward (F)
69- Sean Harnhill (D)

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres enter the 2025 NHL Draft with the 9th overall pick and a growing sense of urgency. After missing the playoffs for the 13th straight season, the pressure is on to turn their elite prospect pool into a winning NHL roster.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available: With a deep pipeline already in place, Buffalo isn’t drafting for need—they’re targeting upside.
Physicality & Edge: Their current core leans heavily on skill. They’re looking to add grit, especially on defense and the wings.
Trade Flexibility: The No. 9 pick could be in play if the right NHL-ready player becomes available.
Right-Side Defense: With Bowen Byram likely on the move and Mattias Samuelsson’s future uncertain, the right side of the blue line is thin.
Gritty Forwards: Their forward group is skilled but lacks snarl. A power winger or two-way center would balance the top six.
Goaltending Depth: Not an immediate need, but the pipeline lacks a clear future No. 1.

Mock Draft

9- Radim Mrtka (D)
39- Shane Vansaghi (RW)
71- Hayden Paupanekis (F)

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames head into the 2025 NHL Draft with two first-round picks—18th and 32nd overall—and a clear mission: rebuild the center depth while staying true to their “best player available” mantra.

Center Ice Crisis: With Nazem Kadri (34) and Mikael Backlund (36) aging out, and no clear heir apparent, the Flames are prioritizing centers—but only if the value aligns.
Best Player Available: GM Craig Conroy and scouting director Tod Button have emphasized they won’t reach for a center if a higher-ceiling player is available at another position.
Trade Leverage: Rasmus Andersson is a potential trade chip. If moved, he could help Calgary climb into the top 10 or acquire another high pick. Primary Needs
Top-Six Centers: With Nazem Kadri (34) and Mikael Backlund (36) aging, Calgary lacks young, NHL-ready centers. Connor Zary is promising but has mostly played wing, and Morgan Frost hasn’t filled the void.
Right-Shot Defensemen: If Rasmus Andersson is traded, the Flames will need to replenish their right side on the blue line.
High-Upside Forwards: They’re also eyeing dynamic wingers or versatile forwards who can drive offense and bring energy

Mock Draft

18- Lynden Lakovic (F)
31- Jack Murtagh (C/LW)
54- Ryder Lee (F)
80- Quinn Beauchesne (D)

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes head into the 2025 NHL Draft with six total picks, including the 29th overall selection, and a familiar approach: maximize value, stay flexible, and target skill.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available: Carolina isn’t drafting for need—they’re looking for upside and long-term value at every position.
Trade-Down Potential: The Canes have a history of moving down to collect more picks. With only six this year (their fewest since 2018), they may look to trade down again.
Center Depth a Quiet Priority: Their NHL and prospect pipelines are thin at center. Many drafted centers (e.g., Jarvis, Nadeau) have shifted to wing.
Center Depth: Especially middle-six pivots with two-way ability.
Right-Shot Defensemen: With Brent Burns aging and Rasmus Rissanen unsigned, the right side could use reinforcements.
Goaltending Depth: Not urgent, but the pipeline lacks a clear future No. 1.

Mock Draft

29- Ivan Ryabkin (C)
87- Maxim Afafonov (D)

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the 2025 NHL Draft with the 3rd overall pick and a clear mission: build around Connor Bedard without rushing the process.

Draft Strategy
Best Player Available: Despite having Bedard and Frank Nazar down the middle, Chicago is still leaning toward selecting a center if he’s the top talent on the board. They’re not drafting for position—they’re drafting for impact.
No Trade Expected: While they explored moving up or down, all signs point to keeping the No. 3 pick and selecting a franchise-caliber forward.
Size & Scoring: The Hawks’ prospect pool is deep in skill but light on size and finishing ability. They’re targeting players who can complement Bedard’s playmaking. Top-Line Winger or Center: Someone who can grow alongside Bedard and potentially shift between wing and center.
Scoring Depth: Outside of Bedard, the Hawks lack natural goal scorers. They’re eyeing players with a shoot-first mentality.
Size Up Front: Many of their top prospects are under 6 feet. They’re looking for power forwards or big-bodied playmakers.

Mock Draft

3- Anton Frondell
25- Joshua Ravensbergen (G)
34- Jakob Ihs Wozniak (RW)
62- Vojtech Cihar (LW)
65- Alexei Medvedev (G)

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are entering the 2025 NHL Draft and offseason with a mix of cautious optimism and strategic urgency.

Draft Strategy

Two First-Round Picks: No. 14 (own) and No. 20 (via Minnesota from the David Jiricek trade).
Open to Trading Picks: GM Don Waddell has stated both picks are “100%” available if they can bring in NHL-ready talent.
Weaker Draft Class: With a perceived drop-off in talent after the top six, Columbus may look to move up—or out—of the first round entirely.
Goaltending: Elvis Merzlikins remains inconsistent, and there’s no clear future No. 1 in the pipeline.
Right-Side Defense: With Jiricek gone and Damon Severson aging, the right side of the blue line needs reinforcement.
Top-Six Scoring: Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan are solid, but the team lacks elite finishing talent beyond Kirill Marchenko.

Mock Draft

14- Cameron Reid (D)
20- Benjamin Kinden (RW)
77- Alex Huang (D)

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the 13th overall pick and a deep, well-rounded prospect pool—but they still have some key gaps to address if they want to transition from rebuild to contender.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available with Offensive Upside: GM Steve Yzerman is expected to target high-ceiling forwards, especially those who can drive play and add scoring punch.
Toughness with Skill: Inspired by teams like the Panthers, Detroit wants players who are “hard to play against”—think Matthew Tkachuk types who combine grit with production.
No Rush, But No Time to Waste: With a strong young core (Raymond, Seider, Edvinsson, Kasper), the Wings want prospects who can contribute within 2–3 years. Key Needs
Top-Six Wingers: Especially physical, play-driving types. Carter Bear and Brady Martin are names to watch.
Middle-Six Centers: Cole McKinney (USNTDP) is a high-IQ, two-way option who could be available in Round 2.
Right-Side Defense: Peyton Kettles (WHL) is a big, physical RHD who could add edge to the blue line.

Mock Draft

13- Victor Eklund (LW)
44- Eddie Genborg (LW)
75- Owen Conrad (D)
76- Gustav Hillstrom (C)

LA Kings

The Los Angeles Kings head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the 24th overall pick and a clear goal: replenish a thinning prospect pool while staying competitive in the short term.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available: With needs across the board (except goaltending), the Kings are expected to take the most talented player on the board rather than drafting for position.
High-Ceiling Forwards: New GM Ken Holland is reportedly eyeing creative, offensively gifted players who can eventually slot into the top six.
NHL-Ready vs. Long-Term Projects: There’s internal debate about whether to draft a player who can contribute soon or one with a higher ceiling who needs more development.
Top-Six Scoring Winger: With aging veterans and inconsistent production, the Kings need more offensive punch.
Right-Side Defense: Depth is thin behind Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence, especially if trades or injuries hit.
Center Depth: Long-term insurance behind Quinton Byfield and Phillip Danault is a quiet priority.

Mock Draft

24- Cullen Porter (LW)
88- Aiden Lane (RW)

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens head into the 2025 NHL Draft with two first-round picks (projected around 16th and 17th overall) and a clear opportunity to solidify their rebuild with high-impact talent.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available with a Lean Toward Grit: GM Kent Hughes is prioritizing players who combine skill with character and compete level. Montreal’s recent playoff appearance has accelerated expectations, but they’re still focused on long-term development.
Cultural Fit Matters: Leadership, work ethic, and locker room chemistry are key. Nick Suzuki’s influence as captain has helped shape a team-first identity.
Possibility of Adding a Third 1st-Rounder: Rumors suggest the Habs are exploring ways to acquire another first-round pick to further bolster their pipeline.
Top-Six Wingers: Especially those with speed and finishing ability. The Habs are eyeing dynamic forwards who can complement Suzuki and Caufield.
Right-Shot Defensemen: Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle anchor the left side, but the right remains thin.
Center Depth: While Suzuki and Beck are solid, adding another two-way pivot would strengthen the spine of the roster.

Mock Draft

16- Roger McQueen (F)
17- Justin Carboneau (RW)
41- Mason West (F)
49- Daniil Prokhorov (RW)
79- Semyon Frolov (G)
81- Artyom Vilchinsky (D)
82- Emile Guite (LW)

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are entering the 2025 NHL Draft with serious momentum and a stockpile of picks—including three first-rounders, headlined by the No. 5 overall selection. GM Barry Trotz is steering this draft with a clear vision: build a fast, skilled, and competitive team for the next decade.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 5: Trotz has emphasized that positional need won’t override talent. That said, the Preds are leaning toward a high-end forward, ideally a center.
Character & Culture Fit: Assistant GM Jeff Kealty noted they’re targeting players who can become “leaders and culture drivers.”
Use of Extra Picks: With nine total selections, including two more in the first round, Nashville could package picks to move up or target specific prospects later in the draft.
Top-Six Center: With Ryan O’Reilly aging and no clear heir, the Preds are eyeing a dynamic pivot to anchor their future.
Offensive Skill: Nashville’s system is deep in two-way players but light on elite scoring talent.
Defensive Depth: Beyond Roman Josi, Brady Skjei, and Jeremy Lauzon, the Predators lack NHL Caliber defenseman.

Mock Draft

5- James Hagens (C)
23- Blake Fiddler (D)
26- Jack Nesbitt (C)
35- William Moore (C)
55- Michael Svrcek (C/LW)
67- Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (D)

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils head into the 2025 NHL Draft without a first-round pick—having traded it to Calgary for Jacob Markström—but they still hold six total selections, including two in the second round. Here’s how they’re approaching the draft:

Draft Strategy

Maximize Value in Round 2: The Devils have a strong track record in the second round, having selected Seamus Casey, Lenni Hämeenaho, and Mikhail Yegorov in recent years—all with NHL potential.
System Fit Under Sheldon Keefe: With a new coach emphasizing speed, puck possession, and structured defense, the Devils are targeting players who fit that identity.
No Need for Defensemen Early: With a logjam of young blueliners like Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey, and Anton Silayev, the focus is on forwards.
Top-Nine Forwards: Especially playmakers and tone-setters who can complement the Devils’ existing core.
Two-Way Centers: Depth down the middle is a priority, especially after the Erik Haula trade..
Grit and Compete Level: The Devils want players who can thrive in playoff-style hockey.

Mock Draft

50- Benjamin Kevan (C)
64- Theo Stockselius (F)
90- Filip Ekberg (LW)

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are entering the 2025 NHL Draft with the No. 1 overall pick—their first since selecting John Tavares in 2009—and a mandate to rebuild a shallow prospect pool while reshaping the franchise’s long-term identity.

Draft Strategy

Matthew Schaefer is the favorite: The dynamic left-shot defenseman from Erie (OHL) is the consensus top prospect. Despite a shortened season due to injury, scouts rave about his skating, poise, and two-way impact.
Best Player Available: With needs across the board, the Islanders are expected to take the top talent regardless of position.
Rebuild in Motion: New GM Mathieu Darche is steering the team toward a youth movement, and the No. 1 pick is the centerpiece.
Elite Defenseman: With Noah Dobson’s future uncertain and injuries plaguing the blue line, Schaefer could anchor the top pair for years.
Scoring Wingers: The Isles ranked 28th in goals last season. They need finishers to support Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat.
Prospect Depth: Years of trading picks under Lou Lamoriello left the pipeline thin. Outside of Calum Ritchie and Jesse Nurmi, there’s little elite talent in the system.

Mock Draft

1- Matthew Schaefer (D)
42- Cole McKinney (C)
74-Shamar Moses (RW)
89- Ludbig Johnson (D)

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the 12th overall pick, and their strategy is shaped by a mix of roster aging, positional gaps, and long-term planning.

Draft Strategy

Center is the Priority: The Rangers haven’t drafted a true top-six center since 2017. With Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck both in their 30s, the team is eyeing a young pivot to eventually take the reins.
Best Player Available with a Lean Toward Forwards: GM Chris Drury is expected to target a forward unless a top defenseman unexpectedly falls.
No Goalie Needed: With Igor Shesterkin locked in and Dylan Garand developing well in the AHL, goaltending is not a focus.
Top-Six Center: The biggest hole in the pipeline. Names like Eric Nilson (a dynamic Swedish center committed to Michigan State) are on the radar.
Right-Side Defense: With Jacob Trouba’s decline and K’Andre Miller’s inconsistency, the blue line needs reinforcement.
Gritty, Two-Way Forwards: The Rangers want players who can thrive in playoff-style hockey—think Brady Martin, a hard-nosed winger with scoring touch.

Mock Draft

12-Brady Martin (C)
43- Charlie Thethway (D)
70-Arvid Drottt (RW)

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators head into the 2025 NHL Draft with six total picks, including the 21st overall selection, and a clear need to replenish depth across the board after years of roster churn and trades.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 21: GM Steve Staios is expected to prioritize talent over positional need, especially given the unpredictability of mid-to-late first-round picks.
Two-Pronged Approach: Ottawa is likely to blend BPA with targeted selections that address gaps in their development pipeline—particularly on defense and at center.
Virtual Draft Format: Like all teams this year, the Sens will make their picks remotely. Their selections will be announced from Los Angeles, with a special guest revealing the first-rounder.
Right-Shot Defensemen: With Jacob Bernard-Docker’s development stalling and Travis Hamonic aging, the right side of the blue line needs reinforcement.
Middle-Six Forwards: The Sens need more reliable two-way forwards to support their young core.
Goaltending Depth: With uncertainty behind Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg, a long-term goalie prospect could be in play in later rounds.

Mock Draft

21- Sascha Boumiedience (D)
95- Philippe Veilleux (LW/RW)

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are entering the 2025 NHL Draft with three first-round picks—Nos. 6, 22, and 31—and a clear mandate: build a fast, skilled, and competitive core around Matvei Michkov and their emerging youth movement.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 6: GM Danny Brière and AGM Brent Flahr have emphasized they won’t draft for need early—they’re targeting the highest ceiling.
Center and Defense Are Priorities: With Morgan Frost traded and Cam York’s future uncertain, the Flyers are eyeing a top-six center and a top-four defenseman.
Trade Flexibility: With 11 total picks, including eight in the top three rounds, Philly has the ammo to move up—or package picks for NHL-ready talent.
Top-Six Center: Sean Couturier is aging, and Noah Cates projects more as a middle-six option. The Flyers need a long-term pivot to complement Michkov.
Right-Shot Defenseman: Since Cam York is playing mostly on the left side and Jamie Drysdale hasn’t really panned out, the Flyers would be wise to get some right-handed defenseman in the pipeline.
Scoring Wingers with Grit: They’re looking for players who can thrive in playoff-style hockey—think Porter Martone or Carter Bear.

Mock Draft

6- Caleb Desnoyers (C)
22- Logan Hensler (D)
32- Cole Reschny (F)
36- Kurban Limatov (D)
40- Alexander Zharovsky (RW)
45- Will Horcoff (C)
48- Nathan Behm (LW/RW)
68- Eric Nilson (C)

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering the 2025 NHL Draft with a clear shift in direction: rebuild through youth while maximizing Sidney Crosby’s final years. With at least 10 picks, including the 11th overall selection, GM Kyle Dubas is focused on long-term upside and replenishing a thin prospect pool.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available: Dubas is prioritizing talent over positional need, especially in the first round. The goal is to stockpile assets, even if they take time to develop.
Youth Movement: With aging stars and a shallow farm system, the Penguins are targeting players who can become foundational pieces in 2–3 years.
Balanced Approach: Expect a mix of high-upside swings (e.g., Roger McQueen) and safe, two-way players to stabilize the pipeline.
Top-Six Forwards: Especially centers and wingers with size and scoring touch. The team lacks game-breaking offensive talent beyond Crosby.
Right-Shot Defensemen: With Erik Karlsson aging and little depth behind him, RHD is a quiet but pressing need.
Goaltending Depth: Tristan Jarry’s inconsistency has raised questions about the future in net.

Mock Draft

11- Carter Bear (C/LW)
59- LJ Rooney (RW)
73-Jacob Rombach (D)
84- Luka Radiojevic (D)
85- Viggo Nordlund (F)

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks head into the 2025 NHL Draft with two first-round picks—including the No. 2 overall selection—and a golden opportunity to accelerate their rebuild.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 2: The Sharks are expected to select Michael Misa, the consensus top forward in the class. He’s a dynamic, high-skill center who led the OHL with 134 points and brings elite offensive instincts.
Right-Shot Defense Focus Later: With the 30th and 33rd picks, San Jose is eyeing Henry Brzustewicz, a mobile, puck-moving RHD from the London Knights. He fills a major organizational need and already has chemistry with Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson.
Cap Flexibility & Patience: With over $53 million in cap space and no pressure to contend immediately, the Sharks can afford to let prospects develop slowly.
Top-Line Center: Misa would give them a franchise-caliber pivot to build around.
Right-Side Defensemen: Most of their top D prospects are lefties—Brzustewicz or a similar RHD would balance the pipeline.
Goal Scoring Depth: Their Center depth is pretty good, but their are pretty thin on winger prospects.

Mock Draft

2- Michael Misa (C)
30- Bill Zonnon (LW)
33- Milton Gastron (C/LW)
53- Max Psenicka (D)

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken enter the 2025 NHL Draft with the 8th overall pick and a pivotal opportunity to reshape their roster after a disappointing season.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available: Seattle isn’t locked into a position—they’re focused on upside and long-term impact. This could be the year they finally draft a defenseman in the first round, something they’ve never done before.
Defensive Focus: With only one NHL defenseman under 25 (Ryker Evans), the Kraken are eyeing a future top-pairing blueliner.
Forward Depth Still in Play: Despite recent picks like Berkly Catton and Shane Wright, Seattle still lacks a projected superstar forward. If the right one is available, they won’t hesitate.
Top-Pair Defenseman: Jackson Smith a great candidate—mobile, physical, and offensively gifted.
Elite Scoring Forward: Cameron Schmidt is a high-upside forward who could complement Seattle’s young core.
Goaltending Depth: Even though Seattle already has Joey Daccord as their starter, they probably should start developing a successor for Philipp Grubauer.

Mock Draft

8- Jackson Smith (D)
38- Cameron Schmidt (RW)
57- Pyotr Andreyano (G)

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues head into the 2025 NHL Draft with three picks—Nos. 19, 147, and 179 overall—and a clear focus on retooling their depth and special teams while preparing for a leadership transition to Alexander Steen as GM.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 19: The Blues are expected to stay put unless a compelling trade-down offer emerges. Trading back could net them more picks in a shallow draft year.
Special Teams Focus: Their power play and penalty kill struggled in 2024–25, and they’re targeting forwards who can contribute on both units.
Rebuild the Center Pipeline: Outside of Dalibor Dvorský, the center depth is thin. Zach Dean and Aleksanteri Kaskimäki haven’t solidified NHL roles, and Adam Jecho remains a project.
Middle-Six Forwards with Special Teams Value: Players like Bill Zonnon, Braeden Cootes, and Malcolm Spence are on the radar. Zonnon, in particular, is a 6’2″ winger who could thrive on both the power play and penalty kill.
Shutdown Defenseman (Rounds 5–6): With limited picks, the Blues may target a stay-at-home blueliner late to balance their puck-moving prospects.
Trade Flexibility: Veterans like Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk could be moved to recoup picks or create cap space.

Mock Draft

19- Malcolm Spence (LW)

Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with six total picks, including the 4th overall selection, after a surprise jump in the lottery from 14th. This gives GM Bill Armstrong and head coach André Tourigny a golden opportunity to accelerate their rebuild while staying true to their long-term vision.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 4: Utah is expected to select the top talent on the board, regardless of position. While Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are projected to go 1–2, Utah will likely choose from elite options like James Hagens, Anton Frondell, or Porter Martone.
No Rush to Contend: Armstrong has emphasized patience—he won’t sacrifice the long-term build for short-term gains.
Trade Flexibility: The 4th pick could be in play if the right offer comes along, especially for a top-pair defenseman or NHL-ready forward.
Top-Six Center: Logan Cooley is the No. 1, but depth behind him is thin. A dynamic pivot like Hagens or Frondell would be ideal.
Right-Shot Defenseman: The pipeline is heavy on lefties. A Right Handed defenseman could help boulster the blueline.
Size & Physicality: Utah’s forward group is skilled but could use more edge. Martone, a 6’2″ power winger, fits that mold.

Mock Draft

4- Porter Martone (RW)
46- Carter Amico (D)
78- Tyler Hopkins (C)

Vancouver Cancuks

The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2025 NHL Draft with the 15th overall pick and a full slate of selections—one in each round—for the first time in years. After missing the playoffs and facing pressure to improve quickly, their strategy is a blend of win-now urgency and long-term roster building.

Draft Strategy

Keep or Trade the 15th Pick?
There’s internal debate about whether to use the pick or trade it for immediate help. If they stay put, they’re expected to target a center or defenseman with NHL readiness.
Physicality and Special Teams
Vancouver is prioritizing players who can contribute on the penalty kill and forecheck, especially gritty forwards and shutdown defensemen.
Depth Across the Board
With a relatively shallow prospect pool, the Canucks are looking to add size, compete level, and versatility at every position.
Top-Six Center: The Canucks lack a long-term solution behind Elias Pettersson. Names like Jack Nesbitt (6’4″, two-way C) and Braeden Cootes have been linked to them.
Right-Shot Defenseman: With Quinn Hughes anchoring the left side, the right remains thin. Kashawn Aitcheson, a hard-nosed OHL blueliner, is a potential fit at No. 15.
Gritty Wingers: Vancouver likes wingers like Dakota Joshua, Kiefer Sherwood, and Conor Garland

Mock Draft

15- Braeden Cootes (C)
47- Vaclav Nestrasil (RW)
65- Tomas Pobezal (C)

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals head into the 2025 NHL Draft with five total picks, including two in the top 40—Nos. 27 and 37 overall—and a clear focus on replenishing their blue line and goaltending pipeline.

Draft Strategy

Right-Shot Defensemen Are the Priority: With John Carlson aging and limited depth behind him, the Caps are targeting shutdown RHDs who can skate and move the puck.
Goaltending Reinforcement: Nicholas Kempf is their top goalie prospect, but they’re eyeing a higher-upside netminder early—possibly at No. 37.
Best Player Available at No. 27: While defense is a need, GM Chris Patrick won’t reach. If a high-ceiling forward falls, they’ll pounce. Key Needs
Right-Side Defense: Blake Fiddler (6’4″, WHL) and Henry Brzustewicz (6’2″, OHL) are top targets—both mobile, poised, and capable of logging big minutes.
Goaltending: Alexei Medvedev (London Knights) is a strong candidate at No. 37. He posted a .912 SV% and 2.79 GAA in the OHL and has starter potential.
Forward Depth: With five straight first-rounders used on forwards, the Caps may wait until Round 3 or later to add another, unless someone like Ivan Ryabkin slides.

Mock Draft

27- Henry Brzustewicz (D)
37-Jack Ivanovic (G)
93- Mace’o Phillips (D)

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets enter the 2025 NHL Draft with a “best player available” mindset, but their selections—especially at 28th overall—will be shaped by a few key organizational needs and recent draft history.

Draft Strategy

Best Player Available at No. 28: With a fairly balanced prospect pool, the Jets aren’t drafting for position. That said, they’re leaning toward defense or goaltending if the right player is available.
Trade-Down Possibility: Given the perceived weakness of this draft class and the Jets’ limited picks, they may trade down to gain more assets.
Win-Now Pressure: As Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Jets are also weighing whether to flip the 28th pick for immediate NHL help.
Right-Shot Defensemen: With Elias Salomonsson as the only notable RHD prospect, names like Blake Fiddler, Henry Brzustewicz, and Sascha Boumedienne are strong candidates.
Goaltending Depth: TSN’s Bob McKenzie has linked Winnipeg to Joshua Ravensbergen, a 6’5″ goalie with starter potential.
Middle-Six Forwards: Players like Bill Zonnon (two-way winger) and Cullen Potter (creative playmaker) could add scoring depth.

Mock Draft

28- Haoxi Wang (D)
92- Max Westerlund (LW)