The excitement is building for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, set to take place on June 27th and 28th at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. With teams looking to bolster their rosters, the focus is on the top prospects, particularly the New York Islanders, who will pick first overall after winning the draft lottery. TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button has projected that the Islanders will select Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who has made a name for himself despite a challenging season.
Schaefer, the top-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings, had a stellar start to the season, recording seven goals and 22 points in just 17 games in the OHL. However, his season was cut short when he suffered a broken collarbone while representing Canada at the World Junior Championship in December. Button describes Schaefer as a player who can control the game much like former Islanders great Denis Potvin did. “A player that can make the game change in his team’s advantage,” Button noted, emphasizing Schaefer’s potential to elevate the franchise significantly.
Following the Islanders, the San Jose Sharks, who finished last in the NHL standings this season, are set to select second. Button forecasts them taking Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone, who impressed this season with 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games as captain of the Steelheads. Martone also represented Canada at the World Juniors, where he scored one goal in three games. Button likens Martone to Brady Tkachuk, suggesting he would bring a unique blend of skill and tenacity to the Sharks’ lineup.
Button has the Chicago Blackhawks selecting Saginaw Spirit centre Michael Misa with the third overall pick. Misa, who was granted exceptional status to enter the OHL as a 15-year-old, had a remarkable draft year, scoring 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games. He played a pivotal role in helping Saginaw capture their first-ever Memorial Cup the previous year. The Blackhawks, having previously selected Connor Bedard first overall in 2023, continue to build a strong core.
In the fourth spot, Button predicts the Utah Hockey Club will choose Boston College centre James Hagens, who had 11 goals and 37 points in 37 games during his rookie NCAA season. Hagens also contributed significantly to the U.S. National Team, helping them secure gold at the World Juniors with seven points. Rounding out the top five, the Nashville Predators are expected to select Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien, who had an impressive season with 32 goals and 98 points in 66 games. O’Brien was also recognized as the OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year in 2023-24.
As the draft approaches, the back half of the top ten features centre Brady Martin going sixth to the Philadelphia Flyers, while the Boston Bruins are projected to take forward Caleb Desnoyers at seventh. The Seattle Kraken are expected to select centre Anton Frondell at eighth, followed by defenceman Radim Mrtka to the Buffalo Sabres at ninth, and winger Lynden Lakovic to the Anaheim Ducks at tenth.
In the 15th position, Button has the Vancouver Canucks selecting Victoria Royals forward Cole Reschny, who had a standout season with 26 goals and 92 points in 62 games. Reschny’s recent performance at the U18 Championships, where he scored five goals and three assists, has only bolstered his draft stock. Button emphasizes that Reschny is the type of player who can make everyone around him better, a trait the Canucks are keen to add as they look to rebuild.
Finally, Button has the Montreal Canadiens selecting Blainville-Boisbriand Armada winger Justin Carbonneau at 16th overall. Carbonneau, 18, had a breakout season, tallying 46 goals and 89 points in 62 games, making him one of the top prospects in the draft. He also scored three goals in five playoff games, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Button believes Carbonneau brings a hard-driving style that the Canadiens currently lack, stating, “He’s hard driving, he’s a skater, he’s really developed.”
The 2025 NHL Draft promises to be an exciting event as teams look to secure the next generation of hockey stars. With top prospects like Schaefer, Martone, Misa, Hagens, O’Brien, and Carbonneau in the spotlight, fans are eager to see how the selections unfold and which players will make an immediate impact in the league.
