That time of year is upon us again. Following tireless work since last August, NHL scouts are finally ready for their big day. Or, well, sort of.
For the first time since the pandemic, the draft will adopt a decentralized structure. While media, prospects, and their families will gather at the Peacock Theatre, general managers and their scouting teams will operate from their home bases. NHL franchises opted for this approach primarily for two reasons: convenience for free agency preparations and cost savings.
Based on conversations with several scouts, it appears some general managers now have reservations about the decentralized format they initially supported. From a team`s standpoint, conducting business via phone and text is likely more challenging than the spontaneous, face-to-face interactions that typically occur in hotels and restaurants surrounding the traditional draft location.
From the league`s perspective (and I believe the commissioner shares this view), the NHL Draft is a distinctive event, arguably unmatched among the four major sports. The convergence of all teams in a single location generates an unparalleled atmosphere. The raw emotion of draft day – the embraces, the walk to the stage, the iconic photo of a player holding his new jersey surrounded by the team`s scouting staff – is invaluable. It`s likely we`ll return to this format, and perhaps the break from a centralized draft will spark fresh ideas and innovation to enhance the experience even further.
Since releasing my final 2025 draft rankings in May, I`ve been immersed in video analysis, countless texts, and calls to a wide network of coaches, GMs, scouts, owners, and contacts, all in an effort to refine this mock draft. Accurately forecasting the draft order is exceedingly difficult. While there`s a consensus group of 10-12 players widely expected to be top-10 picks, their exact placement will differ significantly across predictions. Beyond this core group, the draft board becomes much less predictable.
This draft class has faced some unwarranted criticism regarding the absence of truly elite, generational talent. While it`s true we might not see a prospect on the level of Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon headlining this group, it is expected to produce numerous players who will become significant contributors to their NHL clubs.
The class offers solid depth down the middle in the early picks, features intriguing defensemen with diverse skill sets, and includes many diligent, hardworking players essential for building winning NHL rosters.
Tracking these 2025 draft prospects after the event concludes will be particularly fascinating, observing where and when they ultimately land. Who will sign professional contracts immediately? Who will head to the NCAA or return to the CHL? We are operating in a changing landscape; while the new CBA will play a role, for many prospects, new avenues and choices are available that didn`t exist previously.
With that context provided, let`s dive into the predictions. Here is my projection for how the first round of the NHL Draft will unfold on Sportsnet Friday evening:
No. 1 New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, 6-foot-2, 183 lbs, Erie Otters (OHL)
A potential franchise defenseman who is likely to eventually wear a letter (as a captain or alternate). His skating and puck handling abilities are top-tier. Schaefer is expected to handle significant ice time, and his character will resonate positively with fans, aligning with ownership`s goal of strengthening community ties.
