The Anaheim Ducks own the tenth overall selection on night one of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens made noise hours before the draft when the Islanders sent defenseman Noah Dobson to the Habs in exchange for the 16th and 17th overall picks as well as forward Emil Heineman.
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Gavin Brindley, a 2025 third round pick, and a 2027 conditional second round pick.
There's a fair amount of uncertainty following the Islanders first overall selection, with rumors and speculation running rampant.
1st Overall: New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer-Erie Otters (OHL)
No surprise here. Schaefer is the surest bet in the draft to become a number one NHL defenseman. He possesses every tool teams are looking for in a cornerstone blueliner: tremendous skater, offensive instincts through the roof, and his defensive fundamentals are well beyond his years, despite missing the second half of the season with a broken clavicle.
2nd Overall: San Jose Sharks
Michael Misa-Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
After some speculation heading into tonight whether they were going to stick with the consensus and take Michael Misa or go against the grain and take Anton Frondell, the Sharks select Misa with the second overall pick. Misa produced an astounding 134 points (62-72=134) in 62 regular season games. He's got every tool in the toolbox necessary to become a number one center and the puck is drawn to his stick like a magnet. He's a playmaker, he's a scorer, he's a puck hound. A one-two punch of Celebrini-Misa will likely give the Ducks fits for over a decade.
3rd Overall: Chicago Blackhawks
Anton Frondell-Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Frondell gives the Blackhawks their own thunder and lightning one-two punch between him and Connor Bedard down the middle. Frondell is a detailed 200-foot forward who thrives in the hard areas of the ice and has the best release in the draft. The Ducks are going to have to deal with some deep and talented center cores in the Western Conference when it's time to contend.
4th Overall: Utah Mammoth
Caleb Desnoyers-Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Desnoyers is the center Utah needed behind Logan Cooley in the top six. He's another 200-foot, detailed, and creative center who can thrive next to newly acquired JJ Peterka. Utah is rumored to be one of the big noise-making teams this summer and they're already off to a great start. Desnoyers thrives in open ice and in small areas. He'll kill penalties and produce on the power play.
5th Overall: Nashville Predators
Brady Martin-Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
After a surprisingly poor season, the Preds earned a top five selection in this year's draft and took blue collar center Brady Martin. Martin was the Draft's biggest riser after his season finished and through the combine. Nashville has needed a number one center since their inception. I'm not so sure that center is Martin, but he'll win that fanbase over with his effort shift in and shift out. He's one of the most difficult players to play against in the draft and has a nose for the net.
6th Overall: Philadelphia Flyers
Porter Martone-Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Days after acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Ducks, the Flyers select Martone as a potential glove-like fit on Zegras' wing. Martone has terrific vision from all areas of the ice. He thrives on the cycle as well as the rush and he is disruptive defensively. He's a big, skilled wing and could be the team's future captain. There's an argument he's the most NHL-ready prospect in this draft, so it will be interesting to see how Philly handles his development.
7th Overall: Boston Bruins
James Hagens-Boston College (NCAA)
Like Nashville, Boston had a surprisingly poor season and earned the seventh overall pick. They selected James Hagens, who I consider a steal at seven. Hagens is the center Boston craves. He's incredibly polished, a terrific skater, and has fantastic vision. The Bruins could be looking to retool or build up their pipeline or both. Whichever way they go, Hagens will be a perfect fit there.
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