That distinct time of year has rolled around once more. After dedicated effort stretching back to last August, NHL scouts are finally seeing their extensive work culminate.
Though, it`s not quite business as usual. For the first time since the pandemic period, the draft is adopting a decentralized structure. Media, prospective players, and their families will convene at the Peacock Theatre, while team General Managers and their scouting staffs will operate from their home cities.
NHL teams reportedly voted for this format for two primary reasons: enabling personnel to be closer to home to better facilitate plans for impending free agency, and to achieve cost savings.
Conversations with several scouts indicate that their GMs now have a slightly different perspective compared to when they initially supported the decentralized draft. From a team standpoint, completing deals and engaging in discussions via phone and text is likely less efficient than the organic, in-person exchanges that typically happen in the various hotels and restaurants around the host city.
From the league`s vantage point (a sentiment the commissioner likely shares), the NHL Draft holds a unique and arguably superior position among the major sports drafts. Having all teams gathered in one place simultaneously generates an unmatched atmosphere and buzz. Witnessing the emotional moments, the walk to the podium, and the iconic photo of a player donning his new jersey surrounded by the entire scouting staff is truly invaluable.
The hope is that the centralized format will return in the future, and perhaps this period of conducting the draft differently will inspire fresh ideas and innovation to make the event even better.
My final rankings for the 2025 draft were released in May. Since then, I`ve been immersed in watching game footage, texting, and calling my extensive network of coaches, GMs, scouts, owners, and anyone else who can offer insight, all in an effort to assemble this mock draft. Accurately predicting the precise order of selections is notoriously difficult.
There`s a consensus group of maybe 10-12 players that most draft prognosticators will have positioned within their top 10, but the exact sequence will almost certainly vary significantly between lists. Beyond this initial cluster of prospects, the draft landscape becomes considerably more open and unpredictable.
This particular draft class has faced some criticism that might be overly harsh regarding a perceived lack of truly elite, top-end talent. While it`s true we may not see a prospect on the level of a Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon highlighting this year`s group, it is still expected to yield numerous players who will develop into significant contributors for their respective NHL organizations.
The class features decent depth at the center position early on, includes several interesting defensemen who bring diverse skill sets, and is populated with many diligent, hard-working players – attributes essential for building winning NHL rosters.
One of the most intriguing aspects of following the players from the 2025 NHL Draft will be tracking where and when they end up after draft weekend concludes. Who will receive an entry-level contract promptly? Who will choose the NCAA route, and who will play in the CHL? We are operating in a new environment, where the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement has some impact, but largely, players now possess more diverse and appealing choices than were available to them in the past.
With all that preamble, let`s get to the projections. Here is my take on how the first round of the NHL Draft might unfold, as presented on Sportsnet this Friday night:
No. 1 New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, 6-foot-2, 183 lbs, Erie Otters (OHL)
Schaefer is a defenseman with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone and a future captain. His skating and puck skills are considered elite. He is projected to handle significant minutes and possesses a personality that could make him a fan favorite, aligning with the ownership`s desire to foster a stronger connection with the community.
Tristan Blackwood