The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is now over and done with. Fans saw a ton of movement, especially on trade deadline day. This 12 months’s deadline shuffled the deck a bit relating to the 2025 NHL Draft. And now that the dust has settled on the deadline, it is time for ClutchPoints to present its fourth 2025 NHL Mock Draft.
The NHL Draft Lottery portion of this mock draft is decided by a lottery simulation done on Tankathon. This simulation was run on late Thursday night. The rest of the primary round order is decided by the order shown on Tankathon. Without further ado, listed here are our latest predictions for the way the 2025 NHL Draft could end up.
Previous mocks: 2025 NHL Mock Draft 1.0, 2025 NHL Mock Draft 2.0, 2025 NHL Mock Draft 3.0
1. Nashville Predators – Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL)
The Nashville Predators won our 2025 NHL Mock Draft Lottery and pick first overall in consequence. The Predators definitely need to enhance their center depth this offseason. Nevertheless, Matthew Schaefer has proven himself to be the most effective player in the category. He’s a future first-pairing defenseman and will develop into a star briefly order.
2. Philadelphia Flyers – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The true debate on this class is the second overall pick. There are three players with a transparent case to go behind Schaefer on this draft. Here, the Philadelphia Flyers take Saginaw Spirit star Michael Misa. Misa is having the best individual season in Spirit history. And he has a Memorial Cup to his name. The Flyers traded Morgan Frost to the Calgary Flames earlier this season. They replace him with a potentially elite top-line center with this pick.
3. San Jose Sharks – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks have seen some progress from their star rookies this season. Nevertheless, they continue to be just a few seasons away from truly contending for a postseason spot. The Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith with top-three selections in each of the last two seasons. Here, they add the most effective winger within the 2025 NHL Draft class. Having a top six of Celebrini, Smith, and Porter Martone will give opposing defenses nightmares for years to return.
4. Chicago Blackhawks – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
The Chicago Blackhawks are up now on this 2025 NHL Mock Draft. Chicago has Connor Bedard to construct around as its primary constructing block. Nevertheless, they may definitely use one other high-potential forward in its system. The Blackhawks drafted Artyom Levshunov over a forward comparable to Ivan Demidov within the draft last 12 months. Here, Chicago takes the player many expected to be the primary overall pick on this draft heading into the season. Hagens is a game-breaking forward who could form top-of-the-line 1-2 punches within the league with Bedard.
5. Buffalo Sabres – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
The Buffalo Sabres have had a massively disappointing season. Because of this, they may likely pick inside the top seven on this draft. With this pick, Buffalo nabs a possible top-six center. Anton Frondell is a high-end puck handler who plays with strength and power. He’s engaged through all three zones and might play down the center or on the wing. He projects best as a middle, which may very well be of use after the Sabres traded Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators on the NHL Trade Deadline.
6. Seattle Kraken – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
The Seattle Kraken haven’t drafted a defenseman in the primary round since their entry into the league. Nevertheless, a prospect the caliber of Caleb Desnoyers is difficult for them to pass on. The Wildcats star has firmly established himself as a possible top-five talent on this class. He’s a competitive center with incredible defensive commitment. He has enough playmaking skills to make him dangerous, even when he is not the most effective individual facilitator. Nevertheless, the upside here is incredible, and he may very well be a fundamental constructing block for Seattle moving forward.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins – Radim Mrtka, RD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
There are at all times high-rising prospects in each class, and the 2025 NHL Draft is definitely no different. Nevertheless, no prospect has enjoyed the kind of rise Radim Mrtka has. The Czechian defender made a midseason move from his native country to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Mrtka has been nothing short of outstanding within the WHL. He’s an lively defender who can lead the team in transition, join the frenzy, and quarterback an influence play. His skating can also be impressive for his size. Mrtka has incredible upside, which lands him with the Pittsburgh Penguins on this 2025 NHL Mock Draft.
8. Anaheim Geese – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
At one point, Roger McQueen was a candidate to go No. 1 within the 2025 NHL Draft. Nevertheless, a back injury kept the Wheat Kings star out for multiple months. He has returned recently and has shown the offensive ability many saw before the injury. On talent and pedigree alone, McQueen is a top-five player in the category. Nevertheless, the back injury goes to sink his stock a bit. The Anaheim Geese take him on this NHL Mock Draft due to his promising play in his return this season.
9. Boston Bruins – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The Boston Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers in addition to Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the NHL Trade Deadline. It’s a brand new era in Boston, and having a top-10 pick definitely signifies that. The Bruins address their biggest need by drafting a middle with this selection. Jake O’Brien is analogous to Radim Mrtka within the sense that his stock has risen exponentially as of late. The Bulldogs star plays with finesse and possesses high-end passing ability. Though he lacks a physical element, he’s a competitive player who could slot in well within the Bruins system.
10. Detroit Red Wings – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
There is no such thing as a team within the NHL who loves European players — specifically Swedish players — greater than the Detroit Red Wings. Lucas Raymond is currently top-of-the-line young players within the league. And he may very well be joined by Victor Eklund soon. Eklund — who’s younger brother William plays for the San Jose Sharks — is one in every of the more competitive players in the category. Despite lacking size, he isn’t afraid to achieve inside leverage and uses his skill to make plays within the offensive zone. He may very well be a really effective middle-six winger for Detroit down the road.
11. Recent York Rangers – Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
The Recent York Rangers traded their first-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks back in January. That pick has since been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, Recent York retains the pick on this NHL Mock Draft since it falls inside the top 13. With this selection, the Rangers draft perhaps the most effective left-shot defensemen on this class. He is robust and powerful as a skater who flashes some impressive offensive ability. There are some questions on his ability to quarterback an influence play. But Smith has a ton of upside. The Rangers traded Ryan Lindgren, and K’Andre Miller’s future is up within the air, so adding a high-potential left-shot defender is sensible.
12. Utah Hockey Club – Kashawn Aitcheson, LD, Barrie Colts (OHL)
The Utah Hockey Club could go in various directions here. They may go along with one in every of the potential first-round goaltenders, as an example. Nevertheless, the board falls in a way that permits them so as to add a heart and soul player to their defense. Kashawn Aitcheson plays the sport with relentless confidence and aggression. He’s an lively communicator on the ice, as well. Aitcheson throws the body, blocks any shot that comes his way, and at all times looks to set the tone. He may very well be a useful top-four defenseman down the road.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets – Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are competing for a playoff spot right now. On this NHL Mock Draft, they proceed so as to add to their impressive collection of young talent with Carter Bear. Bear is a dynamic offensive force for top-of-the-line teams within the WHL. He can win with skill and pure work ethic, and he can contribute to each special teams units. The Blue Jackets could use some wing depth, and Bear brings middle-six upside at this spot.
14. Recent York Islanders – Ivan Ryabkin, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The Recent York Islanders must inject their prospect pipeline with talent in any respect positions. Here, they address the position in need of depth probably the most. Ivan Ryabkin made a midseason move to the Muskegon Lumberjacks and has played well despite a suspension for slew footing. He has a unbelievable combination of offensive skill and physicality. Nevertheless, he stands out as the most polarizing prospect on this class. Actually, some imagine Ryabkin is a second-round talent. This feels a bit harsh, and a mid-first-round spot is place for him to go on this NHL Mock Draft.
15. St. Louis Blues – Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
The St. Louis Blues could definitely use defensive depth, especially on the left side. Nevertheless, they may also go for the most effective player available. And the most effective player available right now is Cameron Schmidt. Schmidt has risen through the ranks within the 2025 NHL Draft as an offensive force for the Vancouver Giants. He’s a high-end skater with great puck handling skill and a lethal shot. His shot selection, playmaking, and body language aren’t the most effective, however the upside is there. And the Blues could use his natural goal-scoring ability.
16. Montreal Canadiens (via CGY) – Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
The Montreal Canadiens have the unique ability to manage the center of the primary round here with two consecutive picks. The Canadiens got this pick from the Flames within the Sean Monahan trade just a few years ago. They take Brady Martin, a middle whose stock has settled nicely within the mid-first round as of late. The Greyhounds star is a powerful, competitive player who has been trusted in all situations this season. He is not probably the most expert player, neither is his skating particularly strong. But he can develop into a flexible playmaker with crucial play driving skill on the NHL level.
17. Montreal Canadiens – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
The Canadiens are back up, they usually do what they like to do most: draft high-upside French Canadian players. Justin Carbonneau is one other natural goal scorer who can generate shots all around the offensive zone. He isn’t exactly a star defensively, which has hurt his draft stock a bit. In saying this, he could go higher within the 2025 NHL Draft, due to his potential as an influence forward at the subsequent level. Carbonneau must be productive within the NHL irrespective of where he goes.
18. Vancouver Canucks – Logan Hensler, RD, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Logan Hensler entered the season as a possible top-10 pick. And to be fair, there remains to be a probability he finds his way up there. Nevertheless, Hensler is incredibly raw as a prospect. The upside is clearly there. He may be very athletic for his size and has smooth skating ability. The difficulty with the Wisconsin product is that he doesn’t fit one particular mold. His offensive skills is nice, but nothing special. His defensive ability is sound, but nothing that jumps out at you. In the long run, he flashes enough skill to me that he could develop into a solid two-way defender at the subsequent level. If every part comes together, that is an all-situations right-shot defenseman on the second pairing.
19. Ottawa Senators – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL)
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The Ottawa Senators haven’t drafted a forward in the primary round since 2021, once they picked Tyler Boucher. The Senators could definitely proceed that trend in the event that they wanted. Nevertheless, a player comparable to Malcolm Spence is difficult for them to pass on here. Spence is one in every of the hardest-working players on this class who can annoy opponents like few others. In saying that, he rarely crosses the road. The Otters star flashes offensive promise, as well, but there are questions over how his offense will transfer to the NHL. He could round out as an offensively productive middle-six winger when things are said and done.
20. Calgary Flames (via NJD) – Jack Murtagh, LW, USNTDP
The Flames received this pick within the Jacob Markstrom trade with the Recent Jersey Devils this past offseason. Here, Calgary adds to its wing depth with American winger Jack Murtagh. Murtagh has risen a bit through the NHL Draft process but is probably going a late first-round pick still. He has shown the power to drive player, as fans saw through the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge back in November. The American winger has a deceptive shot which will already be NHL caliber. His one-timer is particularly lethal. And he’s a powerful skater. The Flames could definitely use a player with Murtagh’s skill set.
21. Columbus Blue Jackets (via MIN) – Blake Fiddler, RD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded David Jiricek to the Minnesota Wild to amass this pick earlier this season. After trading Jiricek, adding a right-shot defenseman makes a ton of sense. Fiddler shined on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer and has develop into an enormous minutes eater with the Edmonton Oil Kings this season. His offense was especially promising on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, though there are questions over how much of his offensive skill is translatable. He truly shines within the defensive end when he defends the frenzy and prevents plays from progressing too far. If the offense is legit, he’s a second-pairing defenseman no doubt.
22. Los Angeles Kings – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
The Los Angeles Kings have a promising goalie prospect in Eric Portillo. Nevertheless, he’s 24 years old, which creates some questions on how much he’ll improve down the road. Joshua Ravensbergen has had a little bit of a disappointing season in 2024-25. However the Cougars puck-stopper reads the play well and might make difficult saves within the crease. He has the power to be a long-term starting goalie on the NHL level, and the Kings make lots of sense as a landing spot.
23. Philadelphia Flyers (via COL) – Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
It is a bit rare nowadays to see two goalies go in the primary round of the NHL Draft. Actually, it’s happened only once this decade (2021). Nevertheless, it could definitely occur should the board fall this manner. The Flyers shouldn’t have a young, high-potential goalie of their system. Jack Ivankovic may very well be that kind of prospect. He’s on the smaller side, however the Steelheads star is incredibly competitive, with strong puck-playing skills and the athletic ability to make difficult saves. The Flyers could land a future long-term starting netminder with this pick.
24. Philadelphia Flyers (via EDM) – Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Lynden Lakovic could definitely go higher than this within the 2025 NHL Draft. He showed lots of ability as an offensive talent on the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, and his stock hasn’t necessarily dropped. In saying this, it also hasn’t risen, which has caused him to slide down boards. Lakovic brings incredible size with a powerful shot and good stick handling. He may very well be a little bit of a steal if he lasts this long in the primary round.
25. Nashville Predators (via TBL) – Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
The Nashville Predators acquired this pick within the Tanner Jeannot trade back in 2023. They drafted the most effective player on this NHL Mock Draft with the primary overall pick. Here, they take an intriguing player on the position during which they need depth probably the most. Cole Reschny could find himself becoming a mid-first-round pick in June. He’s a high-skill, competitive player who can drive play and generate scoring possibilities. He lacks size, but Reschny plays more physically than his frame may suggest. There may be loads to love concerning the Royals star.
26. Chicago Blackhawks (via TOR) – Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)
The Blackhawks double up on the middle position with Cullen Potter. He’s the most effective skater in his age group. His speed is his best asset, as he can blaze by defenders and create opportunities within the offensive zone. Potter’s shot is reasonably underrated, and the Sun Devils forward has shown the power to complete plays against tough opponents. He may be very just like Frank Nazar, who the Blackhawks drafted thirteenth overall within the 2022 NHL Draft. Nazar has shown his ability on the NHL level, and Potter should do the identical down the road.
27. Carolina Hurricanes – Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Benjamin Kindel is a high-rising prospect and will thoroughly find himself going late first-round within the 2025 NHL Draft. He’s some of the productive players within the junior ranks this season. And he has found lots of success at even strength. He’s a hard-working player with impressive skill and hockey IQ. The Hitmen star is not exactly an influence forward, but he competes well enough. His best asset is a slick wrist shot that may catch goalies off guard if they don’t seem to be dialed in. He may very well be a really intriguing player on the NHL level if his development is handled accurately.
28. San Jose Sharks (via DAL) – Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks traded Cody Ceci and Mikael Granlund to the Dallas Stars for this pick. The Sharks take a probability on an undersized defenseman who can also be a bit underrated. Cameron Reid has impressive offensive ability, scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace within the OHL. He’s skater who uses his footwork to assist him at each ends of the ice. Some see a two-way defender here, but Reid is prone to be more offensively inclined at the subsequent level.
29. Calgary Flames (via FLA) – Milton Gastrin, C, Modo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)
The Flames received this pick within the Matthew Tkachuk trade with the Florida Panthers back in 2022. Milton Gastrin has proven to be a pacesetter on the international stage, serving as captain of his age group. He has shown incredible offensive ability — comparable to an eight-point game against Switzerland on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup — but he doesn’t project as an offensively inclined center at the subsequent level. Gastrin is probably going a third-line center in a shutdown role. Though if his offense does come around, he could play up the lineup as needed.
30. Nashville Predators (via SJ/VGK) – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
The Predators proceed adding center depth as we near the tip of this 2025 NHL Mock Draft. Braeden Cootes has seen his stock rise and drop a bit over the previous couple of months. Cootes could thoroughly sneak into the back end of the primary round in consequence. The Thunderbirds star has been trusted in all situations but has thrived offensively. He’s more of a playmaker than a scorer, but there’s something there. He could provide scoring punch to a third-line in need of a spark down the road.
31. Winnipeg Jets – Sascha Boumedienne, LD, Boston University (NCAA)
Sascha Boumedienne is one other prospect whose stock is rising right now. The Boston University product has shown some impressive skating ability, though he is not an elite skater by any means. He handles the puck well and plays with poise in all situations. He could stand to make higher decisions with the puck, but he has some higher potential than one may even see at first glance. The Jets could lose Neal Pionk this summer, so adding young talent to the blueline is something they need to start prioritizing.
32. Washington Capitals – Adam Benak, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
We’ve got now reached the tip of the 2025 NHL Mock Draft. The Washington Capitals could go in various directions. With this pick, they take an intriguing center to offer them further depth. Adam Benak is one in every of the smallest players within the draft, standing just barely over 5’7″ tall. Nevertheless, he can also be top-of-the-line skaters in the category. This, along along with his skill and hockey IQ, make him an efficient player on the ice. He plays with poise and confidence, as well. If the Capitals are willing to take a probability on an undersized player, they may get a little bit of a gem here with Benak.
