Vast Talent Pool Offers Diverse Choices for NHL Draft Teams

Teams have an abundance of options for enhancing their rosters at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles.

Searching for a playmaking center to integrate into a top-six position in the future? Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers stand out as prime candidates.

Looking for a two-way defenseman capable of securing a top-four role in the coming years? Matthew Schaefer, Radim Mrtka, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Jackson Smith possess the potential to fill that need.

In need of a physical winger who makes an impact on both ends of the rink? Porter Martone, Victor Eklund, and Lynden Lakovic showcase these qualities.

All mentioned 17- and 18-year-olds are anticipated to be first-round picks, starting at 7 p.m. ET on Friday. Rounds 2 through 7 are scheduled for Saturday.

“In the first round, we won’t draft centers just for the sake of it,” said Brent Flahr, Philadelphia Flyers’ assistant general manager, whose team holds the sixth pick. “We’ll select the player highest on our list.”

A few potential rehabilitation projects might catch the interest of general managers.

Roger McQueen played only 17 games with Brandon in the Western Hockey League last season due to a persistent back fracture, but the skilled 6-foot-5, 197-pound center claims full recovery.

“From everyone we’ve consulted, it’s no longer an issue,” assured McQueen, who recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 17 games. “It’s similar to breaking an arm— a healed bone.”

James Hagens, free from injuries last season, saw a dip in ranking after transferring from the U.S. National Development Team to Boston College.

Once pegged as the definite No. 1 pick, Hagens was overshadowed at Boston College alongside former first-round picks Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault.

Nevertheless, he might be the first Boston College player drafted in the top five since Noah Hanifin went fifth overall in 2015 to the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I always find a way to come out on top,” Hagens remarked. “I’m someone who competes to the last second.”

There might also be a chance for goalies to go in the first round, a feat unseen since 2021 when Sebastian Cossa was selected 15th overall by Detroit Red Wings and Jesper Wallstedt five picks later by Minnesota Wild.

Goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen shot into prominence with Prince George over the past two seasons after going undrafted in the WHL Bantam draft two years ago.

“That experience motivated me,” Ravensbergen shared. “It opened my eyes to the required summer dedication.”

Jack Ivankovic excelled as Brampton’s goalie in the Ontario Hockey League last season yet, unlike the towering 6-foot-5 Ravensbergen, Ivankovic stands a bit shy of 6 feet.

“Regardless of size, stopping the puck is what counts,” Ivankovic stated. “If I can see it, I can stop it.”

Ivankovic isn’t alone among potential first-rounders needing just a growth spurt for NHL dominance.

Jake O’Brien, a slender center with Brantford in the OHL, aims to bulk up from his current 177-pound weight before next season.

In the WHL last season, Cole Reschny from Victoria and Benjamin Kindel from Calgary both stood around 5-10 but averaged 1.5 points per game as centers.

Cameron Reid, a defenseman for Kitchener in the OHL, is also expected to build on his 6-foot, 174-pound physique over the next few years.

“Height often misguides evaluations, but if he continues playing like this, more will rally behind him,” stated Kitchener general manager Mike McKenzie during the NHL Scouting Combine in early June. “He’s proven many critics wrong.”

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