Early mock drafts present two exciting talents that the Red Wings are expected to select with their first-round pick.
The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, set to begin in just over two weeks at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The first round will take place on June 27, with rounds two through seven scheduled for the following day, June 28.
Holding the 13th overall selection, the Detroit Red Wings are once again in position to add a key piece to their rebuild. Speculation around their potential pick is already heating up, with draft analysts offering early projections. NHL.com’s deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman and senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale have each made their predictions, listing off two highly sought-after prospects as likely targets for Detroit. Both players are considered top-tier talent and would bring significant upside to a Red Wings team still building toward long-term contention.
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Victor Eklund - Djurgårdens IF
Eklund, 18, is a Swedish winger, who is coming off a great season for Djurgårdens IF in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier professional hockey league. He managed 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points over 42 regular-season games in one of the most competitive leagues in all of Europe. He added to his success with another seven points in 16 playoff games.
In early prospect rankings, he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class with some experts like The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, who has Eklund listed as the fourth-best player available.
His development has been closely followed due to his consistent performance at Sweden's national teams, including runs where he proved he can be a difference maker like when he recorded four goals and two assists in seven games, helping Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship. He followed up the performance with a strong showing the following year with a pair of goals and four assists across 7 games.
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NHL Central Scouting ranks him first among European skaters, and The Hockey Writers and TSN analyst Bob McKenzie have both placed him in the top 10 overall, between sixth and ninth picks. Hockey runs in Eklund’s blood as his father, Christian Eklund, played professionally for Djurgårdens IF, and his older brother William Eklund is a highly regarded prospect who was drafted in the seventh overall back in 2021 by the San Jose Sharks.
Carter Bear - Everett Silvertips
Bear, 18, showed a lot of promise with the Silvertips this past season, recording 40 goals and 42 assists for an astonishing 82 points in just 56 games. The Winnipeg native's season was derailed however, as he suffered a brutal Achilles injury in early March that ended his season. Insiders have noted Bear is ahead of schedule in his recovery and expects to be fully healthy for NHL training camps.
In early prospect rankings, he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class with some experts like The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, who have Bear listed as the seventh-best player available.
Bear hasn't yet had the chance to represent his country on the international stage like Eklund, but he's found success everywhere he's played, racking up 139 points in 123 games with Everett over the past two seasons.
The young forward has been elevated to an 'A' rating by NHL Central Scouting, alluding to the fact that Bear should be a first-round round. Analysts like Steven Ellis have highlighted Bear as the biggest riser in recent rankings, noting his high compete level and well-rounded game.
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