The NHL's annual draft lottery was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at NHL Network Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. For the first time, the draw was held live in-studio, allowing viewers to see the results at the same time as the 16 lottery participants. The lottery balls bounced in favor of the New York Islanders in the first draw, who moved up from 10th to first overall. They will have several options to choose from among this year's prospects. They include defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa, Anton Frondell and James Hagens.
This year's draft lottery marked a significant moment for the Islanders, as they secured the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2009. Fans erupted in jubilation as the team’s fortunes shifted dramatically, with many feeling a sense of destiny surrounding the selection. The Islanders' good fortune has ignited a fervent debate among fans about who should be the top selection. Some are advocating for hometown hero James Hagens, while others are leaning towards the consensus top prospect, Mathew Schaefer.
After the Islanders, the San Jose Sharks, who finished last overall, moved into the second-overall spot on the draft board, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks in third and the Utah Hockey Club in fourth, moving up from 14th. The final order for the 16 teams that weren't part of the lottery will be determined by the end of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The last four picks will belong to the final four playoff clubs regardless of their finish in the regular-season standings, with the 32nd pick going to the Stanley Cup champion and the 31st to the other finalist.
Matthew Schaefer, a 17-year-old defenseman from the Erie Otters, is projected to be picked first overall by the Islanders. Despite missing the second half of the season with a broken collarbone, Schaefer is the consensus top prospect among most evaluators. NHL Central Scouting praised the 6'2”, 183-pounder's size, speed, and skills. The Islanders could use a right-shot defenseman, but Schaefer could be too tempting to pass up.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are expected to select Michael Misa, a center from the Saginaw Spirit, who had an outstanding season, leading the OHL in scoring with 132 points. Misa, standing at 6'1” and weighing 185 pounds, displayed game-breaking ability, scoring 62 goals and 72 assists. His high-end talent makes him a top-tier choice for the Sharks.
The Chicago Blackhawks are likely to choose Porter Martone, a right winger from the Brampton Steelheads. Martone, who is 6'3” and 207 pounds, led the Steelheads with 98 points. His combination of size, strength, and game-changing talent fits well with the Blackhawks' needs.
As for the Utah Mammoth, they are projected to select James Hagens, a center from Boston College. Hagens, who was born and raised on Long Island, is a sentimental favorite among Islanders fans. His connection to the team and community makes him a compelling choice, and many believe his elite playmaking and hockey IQ could make him the future face of the franchise. Hagens scored 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games during his freshman season at Boston College.
The Nashville Predators, picking fifth, are expected to select Jake O'Brien, a center from the Brantford Bulldogs. O'Brien finished third among the Bulldogs with 98 points in 66 games and is considered among the best playmakers in this draft class.
The Philadelphia Flyers, who experienced disappointment in the lottery, will be selecting sixth overall after dropping two spots. Despite having a strong season, they will now look to address their center needs, with prospects like Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers being potential targets. Frondell, ranked as the top international skater by NHL Central Scouting, is a skillful two-way forward who could make an immediate impact.
The draft order continues with the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, and the Montreal Canadiens, who have a pick via the Calgary Flames.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 NHL Draft, which will take place on June 27th from Los Angeles, teams are finalizing their strategies based on the results of the lottery. The stakes are high, and the choices made will shape the future of these franchises.
In summary, the Islanders have a golden opportunity to reshape their franchise with the first overall pick. Whether they choose the local favorite Hagens or the top-ranked Schaefer, the decision will likely resonate with fans for years to come. The upcoming draft promises to be a pivotal moment for multiple teams as they look to bolster their rosters with top-tier talent.
