2025 NHL Draft Grades: Best, Worst, Most Surprising Picks

The 2025 NHL draft, which felt like it lasted an eternity, has finally concluded. To the 26 teams that voted for a decentralized draft format, you`ve earned a `Z` grade – not an `F`, but a `Z`. Let`s hope we never repeat that experience. A return to a centralized draft is highly recommended.

Every team receives a draft grade, irrespective of the number of players they selected. The grades are assigned based on the value each team managed to acquire with their picks. For example, a team holding three first-round selections might receive a lower grade than a team with only three total picks, if the former reached for players, missing opportunities to add significantly more talent, while the latter consistently added value and talent with each choice.

The grades are assessed relative to what teams could reasonably have achieved with their selections, considering my analytical model and team needs. Reaching for a player to address a specific need while overlooking a higher-value player available will negatively impact the grade. Teams drafting in the top 16 are typically there because they weren`t competitive enough for the playoffs and desperately need talent. The same applies to teams with multiple first-round picks – these assets are usually acquired by trading away valuable players during a rebuild or retooling process.

Trades are also factored into the evaluation. Strategic moves like trading down to accumulate more selections, or acquiring players who align with the organizational timeline, are considered beneficial. A team that successfully trades back, gains additional picks, and extracts value from those selections is likely to be graded higher than a team that traded up to secure their preferred player. For instance, a team like the Montreal Canadiens, which traded multiple picks to acquire and extend a top-4 defenseman in Noah Dobson, will have this move incorporated into their grade, as they used their draft assets to obtain a player fitting their long-term objectives.

Below are the grades for each team following the 2025 NHL draft:

`A` Grades

New York Islanders
Grade: A+

Based on Day 1 alone, the Islanders merit an A+. If a higher grade were possible, they`d receive it. Selecting Matthew Schaefer, a franchise defenseman who promises both on-ice impact and potential future captaincy, was significant. Furthermore, the strategic trade of Noah Dobson, who was not expected to re-sign, to acquire picks used for the falling Victor Eklund and prospective middle-pairing defender Kashawn Aitcheson significantly boosted their grade.

The Islanders avoided overthinking their strategy. Success in the first round is crucial, and with each pick, they chose high-quality players who are confidently projected to make an impact. There`s a strong possibility the Islanders added a foundational franchise player, a top-six forward combining skill and grit, and a defensively solid player with potential offensive upside.

On Day 2, GM Mathieu Darche continued to accumulate promising NHL talent. Daniil Prokhorov has the potential to develop into a high-end power forward, while Luca Romano is expected to play NHL games in a middle-six capacity. Tomas Poletin represents a sensible gamble on potential, and Burke Hood in the later rounds provides excellent value. This draft could genuinely be transformative for the Islanders organization.

Boston Bruins
Grade: A

The Boston Bruins benefited from some intriguing draft decisions higher up, successfully securing their future top-line center, James Hagens, who is considered the third-best player in the draft. The Bruins have needed strength down the middle for several years, and Hagens is poised to become an NHL star relatively soon. His selection at No. 7 represents exceptional value, as players with his level of talent and skill rarely fall that far.

Following up with the selections of Will Moore and Cooper Simpson were value picks within their respective ranges, both possessing genuine NHL potential. While they may require more development time before reaching the NHL, I appreciate Boston`s approach to talent accumulation with these two, as well as Liam Pettersson on the defensive end. There`s a good chance Boston could produce four NHL players from this draft class, including a potential star for their top line.

Carolina Hurricanes
Grade: A

It feels like a recurring theme, but the Carolina Hurricanes have done it again. They extracted tremendous value from their trade back with the Canadiens, utilizing those picks to select two promising NHL talents in Semyon Frolov and Charlie Cerrato. Frolov`s stock rose throughout the season, and he has a legitimate chance to become a solid 1B goaltender in a tandem. Both Ivan Ryabkin and Kurban Limatov offered significant value at their respective positions and possess credible paths to becoming NHL players. Ryabkin, in particular, could turn into a valuable asset if he improves his consistency.

In the later rounds, I was particularly impressed with the Filip Ekberg and Viggo Nordlund selections. Both are smaller, but highly skilled wingers with potential scoring ability in the NHL. While they carry a boom-or-bust quality, if they succeed, they possess top-six scoring upside – precisely the type of players worth taking a chance on in the late stages of the draft. It`s probable that the Hurricanes will need to wait a few years for these players to make an impact, but they should reasonably expect at least two or three players from this draft class to reach the NHL.

San Jose Sharks
Grade: A

Any time you manage to add the draft`s top forward (Michael Misa) and top goalie (Joshua Ravensbergen), you`re going to feel good about your draft. There`s a genuine prospect that the Sharks emerged from this draft with a starting goaltender and an elite forward capable of scoring over a point per game. This alone would justify a grade of at least B+. Adding Simon Wang, the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history, who possesses elite skating ability and a 6-foot-6 frame, means the Sharks significantly strengthened every area of their prospect pool.

While I personally felt Blake Fiddler would have been a more prudent selection at No. 33, the Sharks` preference for Wang`s raw talent and potential is a decision I can understand. If Wang develops successfully, he could become an impactful defenseman in the NHL, someone many teams might regret passing on.

Selecting Cole McKinney at No. 53 was also excellent value. McKinney has untapped offensive potential, and at worst, he projects as a reliable bottom-six player effective defensively and on the penalty kill. When all is said and done, there`s a strong possibility the Sharks will see four players from this draft reach the NHL, including a versatile, two-way center who could make them a challenging matchup for opponents for the next decade.

Anaheim Ducks
Grade: A-

Securing Roger McQueen, a player with potential top-five talent, at No. 10 represents tremendous value for the Ducks. They`ve added another large, powerful forward to their pool of young players, and McQueen possesses an elite skill set. If McQueen reaches his full potential, the Ducks will have a unique player, capable of dominating on both ends of the ice.

Eric Nilson was another valuable selection in the second round. He`s a reasonable bet to become a bottom-six contributor, someone the Ducks can rely on for secondary matchups and responsible defensive play. Elijah Neuenschwander is a solid goaltending prospect, and getting him in the later rounds further increases his value.

The Ducks likely added at least two quality NHL players to their organization and found good value throughout the draft. Plus, they finally traded John Gibson, putting an end to those long-standing rumors.

Note: If bonus points were awarded for synergy, the Ducks would undoubtedly receive an A+ for drafting McQueen, sending him to Disneyland, and arranging a photo opportunity with Lightning McQueen. Let`s hope he chooses jersey number 95, as the marketing potential would be abundant.

Calgary Flames
Grade: A-

The Flames not only addressed organizational needs with this draft class but also secured significant value with the Cullen Potter and Aiden Lane picks, while selecting Cole Reschny and Theo Stockselius within appropriate ranges. All these players will require development time but represent reasonable bets to eventually play NHL games.

Reschny and Potter are high-potential picks with attributes that could see them impact the middle six. The Flames had a need for centers, and there`s a good chance at least two of these players will provide value in that position. If Potter transitions to wing, he could excel as a speedy player with an excellent shot.

I particularly liked the gamble on Aiden Lane late in the draft; he`s a late bloomer with some bottom-six potential. Overall, the Flames extracted a substantial amount of value with their selections this weekend and should be pleased with the new group of young talent they`ve added.

Detroit Red Wings
Grade: A-

There`s a lot to admire about the Red Wings` draft performance this weekend. They likely added at least two players with long-term NHL futures in Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg. Bear was a good value pick in the teens, bringing a well-rounded two-way game with high-end playmaking abilities. As an added benefit, he possesses the sought-after “hard skill,” excelling in contested areas, winning puck battles, and creating space for teammates. He`s likely two or three years away but should become a quality top-six forward when ready.

I also approved of the Genborg selection; he projects as a solid middle-six player who thrives alongside skilled linemates. He will be a useful complementary player upon his arrival.

After the top goaltenders were selected, I particularly liked the swing on Michal Pradel. The Red Wings are not lacking in goaltending prospects, and he represents another player with a chance to become an NHL netminder. Count me as a fan of the Michal Svrcek pick in the fourth round, given his upside as a fast player with competitive drive. Add in the John Gibson trade, which provides immediate help, and the Red Wings had a quite successful weekend.

Nashville Predators
Grade: A-

The Predators` draft performance presented a mixed bag for me. Did they acquire some high-end talent? Absolutely. Did they miss out on other high-end talent that was available? Unequivocally.

I understand the decision to select Brady Martin and why many teams valued him, but Nashville is in need of elite talent and chose him over James Hagens and Porter Martone, who were still on the board. If Martin develops as hoped, he`ll be a valuable playoff contributor, but it`s difficult to envision scenarios where he provides more value than Hagens or Martone.

I thoroughly approved of their pick of Ryker Lee; he could become an elite top-six forward if his skating improves, as his offensive skill set is among the best in the draft class. Cameron Reid at pick 21 was solid value and projects as a quality middle-pairing defenseman for years to come. I was also impressed with the selections of Jacob Rombach and Jack Ivankovic. The Predators needed a goaltender, and if Ivankovic grows and develops, he possesses the foundational talent to be the best goalie from this draft crop.

Philadelphia Flyers
Grade: A-

Get ready, because this draft was a rollercoaster!

The Flyers needed a center and passed on Hagens, but did select Porter Martone. I admire Martone`s game and believe he has significant potential, but it appears they prioritized size with that pick. That being said, I won`t penalize their grade because Martone at No. 6 offered excellent value. If his skating improves, he has the makings of a star.

The decision to trade up to No. 13 for Jack Nesbitt not only meant leaving considerable value on the board from a player perspective but also resulted in the Flyers losing the trade value exchange to their state rival. Nesbitt is likely to develop into a solid third-line center, but I have significant concerns about the Flyers consistently drafting for size with a seemingly lower ceiling.

Apart from that specific move, I was very positive about the selections of Carter Amico, Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, and Matthew Gard. The Flyers clearly had a mission to increase their size and physical presence, as every pick was spent on a player possessing size and a competitive edge that Rick Tocchet is bound to appreciate. The Flyers definitely improved their prospect pool this weekend, though there`s little doubt some talent opportunities were missed.

Seattle Kraken
Grade: A-

The Kraken significantly improved their prospect depth this weekend, particularly with their first two selections. Jake O`Brien is projected to be an offensively skilled top-six playmaking center. Seattle already boasts a strong group of young centers, and whether they transition one or two to the wing or trade one to address another roster need, the Kraken are in a favorable position due to their consistent strategy of drafting the best available players.

Blake Fiddler is another example of this approach, with the Kraken acquiring a player with first-round talent in the second round. He is highly likely to develop into a middle-pair defenseman capable of playing shutdown minutes. This pick not only addresses an organizational need for Seattle but also provides excellent value.

I also viewed the Will Reynolds and Maxim Agafonov selections positively. Both possess some NHL-level attributes and represent worthwhile gambles at the positions where the Kraken selected them. Overall, it was another successful draft for Seattle.

Winnipeg Jets
Grade: A-

I was very impressed with how the Jets utilized their draft capital. Adding Sascha Boumedienne to a prospect pool that is notably thin on defense was a smart move. He is mobile, showed significant improvement in his defensive game, and should develop into a solid middle-pairing defenseman and power play contributor if his decision-making continues to mature.

Viktor Klingsell was a high-value addition when the Jets selected him. He stood out as one of the most skilled players taken in the later rounds, which is precisely the type of player you target in the fifth round. If he fills out physically, there`s potential for a middle-six forward.

I also really liked the Owen Martin and Jacob Cloutier picks. Martin plays a mature, pro-style game that should see him develop into a reliable depth player, while Cloutier is a worthwhile home run swing on a smaller player who is highly competitive and could be a good addition if his skating improves. The Jets found good value with all their selections, took chances on talent, and successfully enhanced their prospect pool.

`B` Grades

Chicago Blackhawks
Grade: B+

The Blackhawks clearly had a specific strategy in mind: target “big players who can skate.”

I liked the selection of Anton Frondell at No. 3, but they undeniably opted for Frondell`s size over other talent available, such as Hagens. He`s likely to become a top-line forward, so the organizational decision isn`t entirely unreasonable.

Both Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West felt slightly high according to my projections, but both are very raw, long-term projects with extremely high upside. Given their current prospect depth, Chicago can afford to take these kinds of swings, as both players could potentially develop into difficult-to-play-against middle-six complementary players. At a minimum, they prioritized big players with skill, which is a philosophy I can support.

Nathan Behm and Julius Sumpf offered good value at their respective draft slots, and I believe there`s a chance at least one of them will reach the NHL. The Blackhawks should certainly expect two or three NHL players from this draft class, though their development staff will face a challenge.

Montreal Canadiens
Grade: B+

The Canadiens had quite a busy weekend. Trading the picks that ultimately resulted in Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson to acquire Noah Dobson aligns with their current timeline, but it could prove to be a steep price in the long run.

They highly value Alexander Zharovsky, and it`s easy to understand why, but they did surrender a considerable amount of pick value to select him. Nevertheless, I appreciate Zharovsky`s game, and he is expected to be a valuable complementary player in the middle six.

In the middle rounds, I was particularly fond of the selections of Hayden Paupanekis, Bryce Pickford, and my personal favorite, L.J. Mooney. All these players possess legitimate NHL upside to varying degrees. Mooney is undersized, but his compete level and offensive capabilities provided outstanding value. Paupanekis is likely to become a bottom-six player, and Pickford is a good gamble on an overage defenseman with scoring ability.

All things considered, it`s difficult not to be satisfied with the weekend, even if they did part with some highly valuable assets to get the players they targeted.

Ottawa Senators
Grade: B+

Friday night was a highlight for the Senators. Trading back two spots to acquire the pick that enabled them to trade for Jordan Spence while simultaneously extracting tremendous value with Logan Hensler at No. 23 demonstrates high-level asset management. I`m a strong proponent of Hensler`s game; he possesses the attributes to develop into a solid second or third pairing defenseman who would complement Jake Sanderson very well. His right-handed shot, excellent mobility, and NHL frame make him a highly valuable prospect.

The Senators` goaltending depth is currently thin, making the decision to take a chance on Lucas Beckman a logical one. Bruno Idzan is a high-upside gamble, and one that is justified based on his production in the USHL. He has the potential to be a late bloomer who contributes in a depth role.

Washington Capitals
Grade: B+

The Capitals secured excellent value with their initial two picks in the draft, and both players are solid candidates to become middle-six contributors at the NHL level.

Lynden Lakovic possesses the potential to be a large, versatile offensive producer and would be even more exciting if he learns to utilize his 6-4 frame to physically assert himself against opponents. Lakovic`s ceiling is high, and selecting a player with top-15 potential at No. 27 is commendable work.

Milton Gastrin is among the more complete players in this draft class and should be relatively close to reaching the NHL. He projects strongly as a third-line center and might provide more offense than anticipated.

Beyond those picks, I also favored the selection of Maxim Schaefer, who possesses more skill than many players taken in the fourth round. Considering their position, the Capitals achieved good value and emerged from the draft with at least two players expected to play impactful roles in their lineup.

Los Angeles Kings
Grade: B

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