NHL Mock Draft 2025: The First Five Picks
The 2025 NHL Draft class offers a compelling mix of elite centres, mobile defencemen and powerful wingers. The first selection could shape a franchise for years, while the next four picks feature prospects capable of becoming top-line forwards or No. 1 defenders.
This projection weighs talent, positional value and organisational need rather than simply copying a consensus ranking. Draft boards can shift quickly after the scouting combine, prospect interviews and the final weeks of international competition.
For Australian fans, the timing adds another layer. A draft lottery or selection may land during the middle of the day in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, often competing with work, school runs or weekend sport. NHL followers watching through Foxtel or Kayo also tend to follow the event differently from North American audiences, relying on condensed coverage and social feeds when live broadcasts arrive at inconvenient hours.
The Case For Michael Misa At Number One
The New York Islanders are projected to select Michael Misa first overall. The Canadian centre combines acceleration, puck control and scoring instincts with the ability to create chances at full speed. He can attack through the middle, make a late cut toward the slot and finish plays rather than simply facilitating them.
Misa’s greatest attraction is his offensive ceiling. He has the hands to beat defenders one-on-one, the speed to turn a loose puck into a breakaway and enough size to remain effective when games become physical. His defensive game still requires refinement, but his overall package gives the Islanders a potential franchise centre.
New York has needed more dynamic offence for several seasons. Misa could eventually become the kind of player who drives a power play, carries the puck through the neutral zone and gives the club a reliable scoring option beyond its veteran core.
Matthew Schaefer Gives San Jose A Defensive Foundation
The San Jose Sharks selecting Matthew Schaefer at No. 2 would provide a high-end answer on the blue line. Schaefer is a composed, mobile defenceman who can move the puck under pressure and defend with strong positioning. His game is built around efficiency rather than unnecessary risk.
He projects as a player capable of playing heavy minutes in every situation. His first pass can start a rush, while his skating allows him to close gaps before opposing forwards generate speed. For a rebuilding team, that versatility matters because young defencemen are often asked to absorb difficult minutes early in their careers.
San Jose’s rebuild needs structure as much as star power. The same principle appears in this discussion of a swift rebuild: a team benefits when its biggest investment addresses a long-term weakness instead of chasing a short-term headline. Schaefer would complement the Sharks’ young forwards and give the roster a dependable defensive centrepiece.
Anton Frondell Fits Chicago’s Two-Way Identity
Anton Frondell is the projected third pick to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Swedish centre brings strength, anticipation and a mature understanding of space. He is effective below the tops of the circles, protects the puck well and can contribute in both special-teams roles.
Frondell may not produce the loudest highlight reel in the class, yet his details are difficult to ignore. He tracks back responsibly, supports his defence and makes quick decisions when pressure arrives. His release is dangerous from the slot, and his physical presence should translate as he becomes stronger.
Chicago already has an emerging star at centre, making Frondell’s versatility especially useful. He could play down the middle, shift to the wing or eventually give the Blackhawks a matchup line capable of facing elite opposition. That flexibility is valuable for a team still building its identity around younger talent.
James Hagens Offers Utah A High-End Playmaker
The Utah Mammoth selecting James Hagens fourth would add a creative centre with excellent skating and puck distribution. Hagens sees passing lanes early and can manipulate defenders with changes of pace. His game is based on movement, anticipation and quick support around the offensive zone.
His projection depends partly on how consistently he turns possession into direct scoring chances. Hagens can make a difficult pass look simple, but NHL defences close time and space far more aggressively than junior opponents. Improving his shot selection and adding more strength will be important steps.
Utah would be a logical landing spot because the club needs a recognisable young core in a new market. A creative centre can help establish an attacking style and generate excitement beyond the traditional hockey audience. For Australian viewers accustomed to following teams from distant time zones, Utah’s developing identity may also make the franchise easier to follow as its roster matures.
Porter Martone Brings Power To Nashville
Porter Martone is the projected fifth selection for the Nashville Predators. The winger plays with size, confidence and a direct approach around the crease. He can protect the puck along the boards, create contact without losing possession and arrive in scoring areas with purpose.
Martone’s offensive game is more than net-front work. He has the vision to find teammates from the half-wall and enough shooting ability to punish defenders who give him space. His effectiveness will depend on maintaining pace, especially when opponents prevent him from setting up physically.
Nashville has traditionally valued competitive, responsible players who can handle demanding matchups. Martone fits that profile while offering greater offensive upside than a typical checking-line winger. His size could also give the Predators a stronger presence against teams that win games through pressure and forechecking.
How The Order Could Change
The first five selections are not locked in by talent alone. Teams may prioritise positional need, trade opportunities or the readiness of a prospect. A club with an established centre could prefer Schaefer, while a roster lacking a top-six winger might move Martone higher than expected.
The modern draft also rewards organisations that understand how prospects will develop within their systems. A player’s eventual role may depend on coaching, strength programs, junior deployment and patience. The Oilers’ special-teams model shows how structure can elevate skill; this breakdown of the Oilers power play illustrates how spacing and movement turn elite talent into repeatable production.
Australian readers may also notice a difference in how draft coverage is consumed. The NHL is competing with the AFL, NRL, cricket and football for attention, so a prospect’s name often reaches casual fans through short clips rather than full game broadcasts. That makes clear scouting markers—skating, role, position and projected ceiling—especially useful.
Draft Signals Worth Tracking
Several factors could reshape the order before draft night:
- International tournament performance: Strong showings against older or elite competition can change how scouts view a prospect’s readiness.
- Centre versus defenceman value: Teams increasingly prioritise players who can drive possession and contribute in transition.
- Medical and physical evaluations: Durability concerns can affect a prospect’s position even when the skill level remains high.
- Interview results: Clubs want to understand competitiveness, preparation habits and the ability to handle pressure.
- Organisational timelines: A rebuilding team may choose the highest ceiling, while a playoff contender could favour a faster path to the NHL.
| Projected Pick | Team | Player | Primary Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Islanders | Michael Misa | Explosive centre with franchise scoring potential |
| 2 | San Jose Sharks | Matthew Schaefer | Mobile, reliable defenceman for heavy minutes |
| 3 | Chicago Blackhawks | Anton Frondell | Strong two-way centre with offensive upside |
| 4 | Utah Mammoth | James Hagens | Creative playmaker and transition driver |
| 5 | Nashville Predators | Porter Martone | Powerful winger with scoring and net-front presence |