2025 NHL MOCK DRAFT - Who Goes First Overall? 

Ryan and Babs run through their mock draft following the NHL Draft Lottery this week on Cherry Picking.

1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer – D – OHL (Erie Otters) 

📌 Elite skater and dynamic two-way defender with No. 1 potential; injury at World Juniors didn’t affect his standing as the top prospect.

2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa – C – OHL (Saginaw Spirit) 

📌 Exceptional offensive producer with 134 points; combines elite vision, skating, and poise — often compared to John Tavares.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Porter Martone – LW – OHL (Brampton Steelheads)

📌 Power forward with leadership qualities and a scoring touch; plays a mature game and draws comparisons to Tkachuk/Perry.

4. Utah Hockey Club: Caleb Desnoyers – C – QMJHL (Moncton Wildcats) 

📌 High-IQ center with great skating and competitiveness; led the QMJHL playoffs with 24 points in 13 games.

5. Nashville Predators: Anton Frondell – C – SHL (Djurgårdens IF / HockeyAllsvenskan)

📌 Hard-driving forward with elite skating and a quick release; gained valuable pro experience in Sweden’s second division. They got promoted

6. Philadelphia Flyers: James Hagens – C – NCAA (Boston College) 

📌 Team-first center with dynamic skill; point-per-game freshman and World Juniors standout despite being undersized.

7. Boston Bruins: Jake O’Brien – C – OHL (Brantford Bulldogs) 

📌 OHL Rookie of the Year with top-tier playmaking; highly effective in all situations with strong vision and IQ. 98 points

8. Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka – D – WHL (Seattle Thunderbirds) 

 📌 Massive two-way defenseman (6'6") with growing offensive game; strong hockey sense and great mobility for his size. Played in czech 1 this year too

9. Buffalo Sabres: Victor Eklund – RW – SHL (Djurgårdens IF / HockeyAllsvenskan) 

📌 Small but fearless winger; top U20 scorer in Sweden’s second tier with standout World Junior performance.

10. Anaheim Ducks: Brady Martin – C – OHL (Soo Grey Hounds) 

📌 High-effort power center who thrives in clutch moments; 72 points in 57 games and known for his grit and intelligence.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Jackson Smith – D – WHL (Tri-City Americans)

📌 Big, mobile defenseman who can run breakouts and contribute in all zones; logged 54 points and plays with maturity.

12. New York Rangers: Roger McQueen – C – WHL (Brandon Wheat Kings) 

📌 6'5" center with a heavy shot and high-end motor; limited to 17 games due to injury but has major upside.

13. Detroit Red Wings: Kashawn Aitcheson – D – OHL (Barrie Colts) 

📌 Physical, snarly blueliner with 26 goals; pushes the pace offensively and brings edge and energy to the back end.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Sascha Boumedienne – D – NCAA (Boston University) 

📌 Offensive defenseman who impressed internationally; cerebral puck-mover with record-setting U18 Worlds numbers. 13 points in 7

15. Vancouver Canucks: Jack Nesbitt – C – OHL (Windsor Spitfires) 

📌 Big-bodied center with strong all-around game; compares himself to Jamie Benn and contributes in all situations. 5 points in 6 at the wjc

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Carter Bear – LW – WHL (Everett Silvertips) 

📌 Scored 40 goals before an Achilles injury; versatile and coachable winger with high effort and finishing ability.

Do you agree with our list?