Complete 2025 NHL Mock Draft After Stanley Cup Final

With the completion of the Stanley Cup Final, the full order for the 2025 NHL draft (June 27-28) has been determined.

The first 16 spots were decided by the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, with the New York Islanders winning the first overall selection. The remainder of the order was determined by the outcomes of each successive round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the Cup champion holding the final pick.

Unlike previous drafts, this year's will be decentralized. The top 50 prospects can be present at the draft in Los Angeles. However, team executives, coaches and scouts will be in their home markets or a location of their choice.

This year's draft class features no clear-cut top prospect, but several promising young players could be chosen first overall by the Islanders. They include defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens.

The Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks have at least two first-rounders as a result of trades with other clubs. Some of them could use their extra picks as trade bait to address more immediate roster needs.

Follow along as we stage our updated, complete mock draft. Prospect info via Elite Prospects, with each team's roster needs based on The Athletic's 2025 NHL prospect pool rankings.

Player rankings are based on analysis by NHL Central Scouting, NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale and Adam Kimelman, TSN's Craig Button, The Athletic's Corey Pronman, ESPN.com's Rachel Doerrie, The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy and Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis.

The New York Islanders could surprise us by selecting local boy James Hagens or a scoring winger like Michael Misa. However, they will likely opt for the best prospect available, and most scouts and analysts regard Matthew Schaefer as that player.

A defenseman with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Schaefer suffered a season-ending collarbone injury playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. He played in only 17 games with the Otters, finishing with 22 points.

Nevertheless, the 6'2”, 185-pound defenseman remains highly regarded. Rachel Doerrie projects he'll become a top-pair NHL blueliner. Corey Pronman singled out his skating, intelligence and offensive skills. Ryan Kennedy praised his character and Steven Ellis considers him a special talent.

The Islanders could use a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects, but they're unlikely to quibble about Schaefer's left-hand shot. Ranked as the top skater among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting, he could become the future anchor of their defense corps.

With 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in 65 games, Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit was this season's leading scorer in the OHL. Those stats make the 6'1”, 183-pound center the top offensive player in this year's draft. NHL Central Scouting has him second among North American skaters.

Misa could prove irresistible for the San Jose Sharks. They're already well-set at center with young stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, but the latter can also play right wing, giving them the flexibility to play Misa at center when he cracks their lineup. He can also play left wing.

Steven Ellis expects Misa to play as a winger in the NHL, saying he has the best offensive instincts of any player in this draft. Ryan Kennedy singled out his powerful shot and improved 200-foot game. Corey Pronman noted his ability to improvise, creativity and vision.

The presence of rising stars like Celebrini and Smith means the Sharks won't have to rush Misa into their lineup for next season. If he proves to be NHL-ready this fall, he could help this rebuilding team move another step closer to a brighter future.

Ranked at No. 6 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Porter Martone of the OHL's Brampton Steelheads is considered the top right wing in this year's draft class by Michael G. Morreale. That could make him enticing to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 6'3”, 205-pound Martone led the Steelheads this season with 61 assists and 98 points. Morreale cited his big frame, skill and compete level as reasons he's among this year's top prospects.

Corey Pronman and Ryan Kennedy each have Martone sitting third among their lists of this year's top prospects. Pronman was impressed with the level of skill and creativity a player of his size possesses, while Kennedy called him a power forward in the mold of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk.

Chicago could use a right wing of Martone's skill set and potential among its top prospects. If he develops as hoped, he could fit in well skating alongside franchise center Connor Bedard.

The Utah Mammoth lack a natural center among their top five prospects. James Hagens of Boston College could be the solution they need. NHL Central Scouting ranked him third among North American skaters.

At one point last year, Hagens was considered to be the likely top prospect in this year's draft. While several others found ways to surpass the 5'11”, 185-pounder, Steven Ellis believes he's been overlooked too much, noting he had a point-per-game freshman performance of 37 points this season.

Hagens finished third among Boston College scorers. He also had nine points in seven games in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping the United States win the gold medal.

Ellis cited Hagens' strong two-way game and hockey smarts. Rachel Doerrie projects he could become a first-line NHL center, singling out his transition play, speed and puck-handling ability.

This was a memorable season for Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats. The 6'2”, 172-pound center carried his club to the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) championship, finishing second in postseason scoring with 30 points. He also led them to a berth in the 2025 Memorial Cup.

Desnoyer's solid regular season (84 points in 56 games) had him ranked seventh among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. However, his strong postseason performance bolstered his stock.

The Nashville Predators could use a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. However, they could find it difficult to pass up the chance to land a promising young center like Desnoyers.

Corey Pronman believes Desnoyers checks every box you want in an NHL center. Steven Ellis considers him a safe bet to become a top-six, two-way forward. Rachel Doerrie cited his confidence, quick hands and playmaking skills among his strengths.

Ranked No. 1 among NHL skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Anton Frondell of Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is considered among the top centers in this draft. The 6'1”, 205-pounder could address the Philadelphia Flyers' limited depth at center among their top 10 prospects.

Despite an early-season injury, Frondell rose through the ranks with Djurgårdens IF's HockeyAllsvenskan and J20 teams. Ryan Kennedy indicated he helped their pro team win the biggest series in Swedish history, earning promotion to the SHL over rival AIK.

Steven Ellis praised Frondell's shot release, ability to attack pucks and his versatility in playing center or wing. Corey Pronman cited his skating, strength and playmaking, while Rachel Doerrie projected he could become a potential second-line NHL center.

Frondell's characteristics and skills could prove attractive to the Flyers. Given their need for a center in their farm system and on their roster, he could become an important piece of their roster rebuilding.

With only one natural right wing among their top 15 prospects, the Boston Bruins could use this opportunity to address that particular need. They could turn to Victor Eklund of the SHL's Djurgårdens IF. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 2 among international skaters.

Eklund is the younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund. The 5'11”, 170-pound Swede had 31 points in 42 games this season for Djurgårdens' HockeyAllsvenskan squad, helping them earn promotion to the SHL alongside teammate and fellow NHL prospect Anton Frondell.

NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale considers him to be the second-best right wing in this year's draft. Corey Pronman praised Eklund's speed and creativity, while Steven Ellis cited his playmaking and excellent shot.

Eklund will likely spend next season with Djurgårdens IF, where he'll garner valuable experience against SHL talent. He has the potential to become a top-six right wing for the Bruins.

The Seattle Kraken have one right-shot defenseman among their top 10 prospects. They don't have to look far to find another, with Radim Mrtka playing this season for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). NHL Central Scouting ranked him fifth among North American skaters.

Mrtka began this season with HC Oceláři Třinec in Czechia, but he joined the Thunderbirds midway through the WHL season. The 6'6”, 218-pound defenseman had little difficulty adjusting to the North American game, finishing with 35 points in 43 games.

Craig Button praised Mrtka's hockey smarts, coolness under pressure and improvement throughout the season. Steven Ellis singled out his mobility, suggesting he could become a top-10 prospect because there are so many elements to his game.

Mike G. Morreale has Mrtka listed at No. 2 among defensemen in this draft class. His size, skill and potential as a top-four NHL blueliner could make him a worthwhile future addition to the Kraken's defense corps.

A back injury sidelined Roger McQueen of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings for most of this season, limiting the 6'5”, 192-pound center to 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games. However, Mike G. Morreale compared his game (when healthy) to that of Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings.

The Buffalo Sabres could use another right winger among their top 10 prospects. However, they could look past McQueen's injury and see him as a future top-six center. NHL Central Scouting ranked him at No. 8 among North American skaters.

Rachel Doerrie projected McQueen as a first-line NHL center, citing his size, speed, puck-handling and quick release. Ryan Kennedy called him a “titan-sized center” who drives the net and plays with a lot of skill.

McQueen could spend another season with the Wheat Kings to ensure his back has fully healed before moving on to the pro ranks. The Sabres are already well-stocked with prospects. They can afford to take the gamble, which could pan out well if McQueen reaches his full potential.

Carter Bear of the WHL's Everett Silvertips was ranked No. 10 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Adam Kimelman considers him the top left wing in this draft class, citing his skill, work ethic and maturity.

Those attributes could draw the interest of the Anaheim Ducks. The 6'0, 179-pounder could fill their need for more left-wing depth among their top 10 prospects.

A versatile forward who can also play center, Bear led the Silvertips with 40 goals and 82 points before his season ended with an Achilles' tendon injury. He could develop into a future second-line forward for the rebuilding Ducks.

Rachel Doerrie listed Bear's playmaking and two-way game among his strengths. Steven Ellis praised his athleticism, calling him a difficult player to play against. Corey Pronman noted that Bear plays a highly physical game and generates plenty of traffic.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' limited depth in prospect centers got thinner when Vasily Ponomarev headed to the KHL for next season. They will retain his NHL rights, but there's no certainty that he still fits within their plans.

With Sidney Crosby turning 38 in August and Evgeni Malkin likely to retire at the end of next season, the Penguins' long-term priority should be stocking up with promising centers. One option could be Jake O'Brien of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs.

An OHL sophomore, O'Brien sat third among the Bulldogs with 98 points in 66 regular-season games. The 6'2”, 170-pounder also has 11 points in as many postseason games.

NHL Central Scouting has O'Brien at No. 4 among North American skaters. Corey Pronman noted O'Brien's high-end patience, vision and puck-handling skills. Steven Ellis believes he has the skills and smarts to be an impressive NHL center.

The New York Rangers included this conditional pick in their trade package to the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller. It was flipped by the Canucks to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the return for Marcus Pettersson. The Rangers have until June 25 to decide if they'll retain it or send it to the Penguins.

As of June 18, the Rangers had yet to make their decision. Assuming they retain this pick, they could use it to add a center among their top five prospects by selecting Brady Martin of the OHL's Soo Greyhounds.

Martin finished second among the Greyhounds' scorers with 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points in 57 games. NHL Central Scouting ranked him at No. 11 among North American skaters.

Craig Button has Martin at No. 6 on his prospect ranking, citing his skating and determination, using those attributes to impact a game in different ways. Corey Pronman observed his puck-handling creativity and offensive IQ, while Ryan Kennedy believes he's just scratched the surface of his capabilities.

With 46 goals and 89 points in 62 games, Justin Carbonneau led the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in scoring, finishing second among QMJHL scorers. NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6'1”, 192-pound right winger at No. 16 among North American skaters.

The Detroit Red Wings have one right wing among their top 10 prospects. Ranked No. 3 among right wings in this draft class by Mike G. Morreale, Carbonneau could be a good fit here.

Morreale praised Carbonneau's natural goal-scoring ability, his agility and willingness to finish his checks. Steven Ellis believes his determination to do whatever it takes to score will translate well to the NHL. Rachel Doerrie projects him as a second-line NHL winger.

Carbonneau's scoring prowess could be enticing for the Red Wings. They could need a replacement for sniper Alex DeBrincat in a few years. It could save them money and assets if they could draft and develop one.

The Columbus Blue Jackets lack a natural left wing among their top prospects. Holding two picks in this round, they could use this one to select Lynden Lakovic of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors. NHL Central Scouting has him sitting at No. 14 among North American skaters.

Despite being limited to 47 games, the 6'4”, 190-pound Lakovic led the Warriors with 27 goals and 58 points. Corey Pronman praised his performance on a poor Moose Jaw team, citing his skating ability for a player of his size. Steven Ellis compared his play-driving ability to that of Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov.

Adam Kimelman has Lankovic at No. 2 among the left wingers in this draft class. Rachel Doerrie cited his speed and ability to finish players among his strengths.

Lankovic could use another season with the Warriors to further develop his skills. His explosive offensive abilities could one day make him a reliable second-line scorer for the Blue Jackets.

With 32 goals and 73 points in 65 games, Malcolm Spence finished third in scoring among the OHL's Erie Otters The 6'2”, 201-pound left wing also had nine goals in as many postseason contests. NHL Central Scouting ranked him at No. 17 among North American skaters.

The Vancouver Canucks enter this draft with no left wingers among their top 15 prospects. They could select Spence to fill that need, given that Adam Kimelman ranked him as the third-best at that position among this draft class.

Corey Pronman noted that Spence overcame a slow start as the season progressed, citing his work ethic and ability to use his size to his advantage. Steven Ellis believes he could become a versatile, middle-six NHL forward.

Spence is heading to the University of Michigan next season. Playing against NCAA talent could improve his skills and his stock as a future NHL forward.

The Montréal Canadiens got this pick as part of the return in their acquisition of Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames in August 2022. They could use it to select Kashawn Aitcheson of the OHL's Barrie Colts.

NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6'1”, 198-pound Aitcheson at No. 9 among North American skaters. Mike G. Morreale has him at No. 4 among defensemen in this year's draft class. He had 59 points in 64 regular-season games and 12 points in 16 postseason contests.

Aitcheson's physical style of play and ability to log big minutes drew praise from Corey Pronman and Steven Ellis. Morreale noted that he can quarterback a power play and be a shutdown, in-your-face performer.

During their first-round playoff series with the Washington Capitals, the rebuilding Canadiens learned the hard way that they could use another big, skilled defenseman who plays with a physical edge. Aitcheson could be that type of defender for them in a few years.

The Montréal Canadiens could use this pick in a trade package to acquire a second-line center or a scoring winger. If they keep it, they could use it to add a left wing among their top 10 prospects.

Cullen Potter of Arizona State University could be an option for the Canadiens. A versatile forward who can play left wing or center, the 5'10”, 172-pound freshman had 22 points in 35 games, sitting fourth among his teammates with 13 goals.

Potter is ranked 22nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Steven Ellis indicated scouts were impressed by the young forward's play-driving abilities. Rachel Doerrie cited his speed, agility and elite shot release among his strengths.

Another season with Arizona State skating among NCAA talent should improve Potter's skills. With time and proper development, he could become a top-six NHL forward.

The Calgary Flames acquired this pick from the New Jersey Devils as part of the return in last year's Jacob Markstrom trade. They could use this selection to add more center depth among their top 10 prospects.

One possibility is Braeden Cootes of the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds. The 6'0”, 183-pound center is ranked 20th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Cootes led the Thunderbirds with 63 points in 60 games this season. Craig Button was impressed by Cootes' strong two-way play, while Corey Pronman considers him a likeable all-around forward. Steven Ellis noted his solid playmaking ability.

On Apr. 24, Sportsnet's Eric Francis reported Flames general manager Craig Conroy sought a right-shot, two-way center, suggesting he might prefer homegrown talent over free-agent acquisitions. Cootes could fill that role for the Flames in a few years.

With no goaltenders among their top 15 prospects, the St. Louis Blues attempt to remedy that situation in this year's draft. The best option would be Joshua Ravensbergen of the WHL's Prince George Cougars.

Corey Pronman observed that this was an up-and-down season for Ravensbergen following his impressive WHL debut in 2023-24. Nevertheless, he believes the 6'5”, 192-pounder has the tools to become an NHL starting goalie. He was ranked the top North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting.

Ravensbergen had a 3.00 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage with the Cougars but finished third among WHL netminders with 33 wins. Steven Ellis cited that he won consistently on a team that would have been in trouble without him.

The Blues could use a future replacement for starting goalie Jordan Binnington, especially if they encounter any difficulty retaining Joel Hofer. Ravensbergen could help them fill that need.

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired this pick from the Minnesota Wild as part of the return in the David Jiříček trade last November. They could use this pick as trade bait to address other roster needs, or retain it to perhaps add a left wing to their prospect pool.

Pickings will be getting slim for left wingers among this year's top prospects by this stage of the first round. Nevertheless, the Jackets could land one with NHL potential by choosing Jack Murtagh, who will be playing for Boston University in 2025-26.

Ranked No. 30 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Murtagh finished fourth with 53 points in 56 games for the U.S. National U18 Team. A versatile forward who can also play center, the 6'1”, 198-pounder also had 18 points in 24 games with their Junior squad in the USHL.

Adam Kimelman ranked Murtagh fourth among left wingers in this year's draft class. Steven Ellis observed his puck-handling skill, hard shot and work ethic. Rachel Doerrie projects he could become a third-line power forward.

NHL Central Scouting ranked Jackson Smith of the WHL's Tri-City Americans at No. 13 among North American skaters. Mike G. Morreale listed the 6'3”, 190-pounder at No. 3 among defensemen in this year's draft class.

If Smith is still available at this stage, the Ottawa Senators could snap him up. They must replenish their depleted prospect pool and could use a skilled left-shot defenseman among their top five prospects.

Smith finished fourth among the Americans with 54 points in 68 games and will play for Penn State University in 2025-26. Ryan Kennedy praised his skating and defensive skills. Steven Ellis cited his physical game and mobility, while Corey Pronman believes he can become a top-four NHL defenseman.

The Senators have Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot as their left-shot, left-side defensemen, but Smith could become a potential replacement for Chabot if he doesn't re-sign with them when his contract expires in 2028.

This is the second of three first-rounders that the Philadelphia Flyers hold in his draft. It was acquired as part of the return when they traded Sean Walker to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2024.

We had the Flyers choosing center Anton Frondell with their first-rounder. With this selection, they could add another left-shot defenseman among their top 10 prospects.

Cameron Reid of the OHL's Kitchener Rangers could be a tempting option. The 6'0”, 174-pound defenseman finished fourth among the Rangers' scorers with 54 points in 67 games. NHL Central Scouting ranked him at No. 23 among North American skaters.

Corey Pronman indicated Reid was a dynamic, powerful skater who logged big minutes for Kitchener. Steven Ellis praised his three-zone play, intelligence and ability to shut opponents down. Rachel Doerrie believes he has the potential to become a top-four transition defenseman.

We had the Nashville Predators choosing center Caleb Desnoyers with the first of their three picks in this round. They acquired this pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the return for Tanner Jeannot in February 2023.

The Predators could use their second pick to add a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. Logan Hensler of the University of Wisconsin could be a tempting target. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 12 among North American skaters.

Hensler had 12 points in 32 games for Wisconsin and played for Team USA's gold-medal winner in the 2025 World Junior Championship. Mike G. Morreale ranked him fifth among defensemen in this draft class.

Steven Ellis praised the 6'2”, 196-pound Hensler's size, reach, mobility and physical style. Rachel Doerrie projects him as a second-pair transitional defenseman. He'll continue to develop his skills next season in the NCAA.

The Los Angeles Kings have only two defensemen among their top prospects. Boston University's Sascha Boumedienne is among the options potentially available at this stage of the first round.

NHL Central Scouting has Boumedienne at No. 18 among its ranking of North American skaters. The 6'2”, 183-pound defenseman had 13 points in 40 games as a freshman this season.

Mike G. Morreale ranked Boumedienne at No. 6 among the defensemen in this year's draft class. Corey Pronman noted his improvement as this season progressed, praising his skating ability. Rachel Doerrie cited his stick play and transition game among his strengths, projecting he'll be a second-pair two-way blueliner.

Another season with Boston University with NCAA teammates and opponents will improve Boumedienne's skills. Given his play during the second half of this season, he could make significant strides in his development.

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired this pick as part of a multiplayer trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in February 2023. If they don't use it in a trade package to acquire more immediate roster help, they could use it to select a versatile forward like Bill Zonnon of the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

We have Chicago choosing right winger Porter Martone with the No. 3 pick. Zonnon can play left or right wing, providing some versatility among its forward prospects. He sits at No. 31 among NHL Central Scouting's ranking of the top North American skaters.

Zonnon was acquired from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, where he spent the past two seasons. The 6'2”, 190-pound winger finished second among the Huskies in 2024-25 with 28 goals and 83 points.

Steven Ellis called Zonnon a tremendous, energetic playmaker who is growing more comfortable as a shooter, praising his hockey smarts and physical play. Rachel Doerrie listed his competitiveness and puck battles among his strengths.

The Nashville Predators acquired this pick from the San Jose Sharks as part of the return in last August's Yaroslav Askarov trade. This pick originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights, who sent it to the Sharks as part of the return for Tomáš Hertl at the March 2024 trade deadline.

This is the third pick for the Predators in this round. We have them choosing center Caleb Desnoyers and defenseman Logan Hensler with their previous two picks. With this one, they could add another right wing among their top 10 prospects.

Benjamin Kindell of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen could be an option for the Predators at this stage of the first round. NHL Central Scouting has the 5'10”, 181-pounder sitting at No. 21 among North American skaters. He finished second among the Hitmen with 99 points.

A versatile forward who can also play center, Kindell earned praise from Steven Ellis for his shot and his playmaking. Rachel Doerrie singled out his hockey sense, transition and two-way play.

Jack Nesbitt made significant strides in his OHL sophomore season with the Windsor Spitfires. The 6'4”, 183-pound center finished fifth among his teammates with 64 points in 65 regular-season games and 10 points in 12 postseason contests.

Sitting at No. 15 among NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American skaters, Nesbitt could draw the attention of the Washington Capitals in the first round. They have one center among their top 15 prospects.

Mike G. Morreale ranked Nesbitt at No. 8 among the centers in his draft class. The youngster compared his style of game to that of Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn, citing his physicality, playmaking and hockey sense. If he turns out to be half the player Benn has been, the Capitals will have a solid future center.

Corey Pronman noted Nesbitt's improvement during this season, pointing out his hockey smarts, offensive creativity and his 200-foot game. Rachel Doerrie also cited his size, strength and two-way play.

The son of former NHL center Vernon Fiddler, Blake Fiddler had a solid sophomore season with the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings. Recording 33 points in 64 games, the 6'4”, 209-pound defenseman is listed at No. 26 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Fiddler's size and NHL pedigree could prove enticing to the Winnipeg Jets. They have two defensemen among their top 13 prospects, but only one with a right-hand shot.

Michael G. Morreale ranked Fiddler at No. 9 among this draft class' top defensemen. Steven Ellis cited his physical play, mobility and ability to log big minutes per game. Corey Pronman singled out his flashes of offensive skill, using his size to win puck battles and make defensive plays.

Fiddler has the potential to become a solid defensive addition to the Jets' blue line. Rachel Doerrie projected he could become a second-pairing rearguard.

The Carolina Hurricanes have only one center among their top 15 prospects and none in their top 10. Milton Gästrin of MoDo Hockey in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan could be available to them at this stage of the first round.

Ranked No. 3 among International skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the 6'1”, 185-pound Gästrin sits at No. 10 among Mike G. Morreale's list of this year's top 10 center prospects. He finished second in scoring among MoDo's J20 team with 42 points in 40 games.

A versatile forward who can also play on the wing, Gästrin's skating and competitiveness drew praise from Corey Pronman. Steven Ellis cited his defensive game and ability to win faceoffs.

Gästrin projects as a third-line center at the NHL level. His style of play would be a good fit within the Hurricanes' two-way system in a few years.

The San Jose Sharks acquired this pick from the Dallas Stars as part of the return for Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci on Feb. 1. We have the San Jose Sharks selecting center Michael Misa with the second overall pick.

With this choice, they could consider adding a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. Henry Brzustewicz of the OHL's London Knights could be a good option for them. He sits at No. 19 among NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American skaters.

Brzustewicz made significant improvements in his sophomore campaign with the Knights. The 6'1”, 194-pound blueliner finished among their top 10 scorers with 42 points in 67 games.

Mike G. Morreale has Brzustewicz at No. 8 among the top defensemen in this draft class. Corey Pronman singled out his skating ability, creativity and defensive reliability.

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired this pick from the Edmonton Oilers in last year's draft. We have them selecting center Anton Frondell and defenseman Cameron Reid with their previous picks in this round.

If the Flyers don't trade this pick to address other roster needs, they could add another center to their prospect pool. Ivan Ryabkin of the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League (USHL) could be an intriguing option for them.

Ryabkin began the season in Russia but joined the Lumberjacks at midseason. The 5'11”, 209-pounder scored 19 goals and 30 points in 27 games, finishing second among their postseason scorers with 16 points in 14 games. NHL Central Scouting had him at No. 35 among North American skaters.

Craig Button praised Ryabkin's determination and offensive skills. Steven Ellis noted his improvement in the USHL, suggesting the move from Russia provided the youngster with a much-needed confidence boost.

The Calgary Flames received this pick from the Florida Panthers as part of the return in the Matthew Tkachuk trade in July 2022. With their previous selection in this round, we have them taking center Braeden Cootes.

With this pick, the Flames could consider adding another right wing among their top 10 prospects. If they wish to gamble a bit, they could choose Daniil Prokhorov of MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg in Russia.

Prokhorov is ranked at No. 18 among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting. However, Mike G. Morreale ranked him at No. 5 among the top right wings in this year's draft class. Corey Pronman praised the 6'6”, 218-pound winger's puck skills, competitiveness and physical play.

With 20 goals in 47 games, Prokhorov finished second among MHK Dynamo's scorers. Morreale indicated some scouts compare his game to that of Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin.