As the Stanley Cup playoffs intensify, attention is also turning towards the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in June. This year`s draft class, particularly in the top half of the first round, presents an exciting mix of skill and potential risk. Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely considered top prospects with the potential to become foundational players for their respective franchises.
Beyond the very top picks, there`s considerable debate among teams regarding player rankings. A significant factor will be each team`s willingness to embrace risk for players possessing immense upside, often coupled with development challenges or injury histories. Other prospects, though potentially ranked lower overall, might be highly valued by specific teams due to their desirable play style. This mock draft offers predictions for the first round based on potential team fits, historical drafting tendencies, and player projections, analyzed before the draft lottery takes place.
1. San Jose Sharks
Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks are projected to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, adding a player expected to anchor their blue line as a legitimate top defender for many years. Schaefer is a dynamic force at both ends of the rink. The 6-foot-2 defenseman moves across the ice effortlessly, and his agility makes him incredibly difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His season was unfortunately cut short by an injury suffered at the World Juniors, where he was anticipated to play a key role as an underage participant. However, in the 26 games he did play, he consistently logged over 25 minutes per game and significantly tilted play in his team`s favor.
NHL executives and scouts widely believe he will evolve into one of the league`s elite defenders and a cornerstone for a future Cup-contending defense corps. With Macklin Celebrini already part of their future upfront, adding Schaefer to the defense is a major boost. Schaefer is poised to be an influential transition player, excel in shutdown matchups, and potentially quarterback a power play. Possessing all the necessary talent and skill, Schaefer has the potential to become a top-10 defenseman in the NHL, and Sharks fans could realistically see him in the lineup next season.
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)
Holding the second pick, the Chicago Blackhawks, who drafted defenseman Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov last year, are fortunate to have Michael Misa available. An exceptional status player in the OHL, Misa delivered one of the league`s best goal-scoring seasons, netting an astonishing 62 goals in 65 games. This isn`t a statistical anomaly; Misa is projected to be a top-line forward, potentially forming a formidable offensive pairing with Connor Bedard.
Misa`s offensive talent is exceptional. He processes the game at an elite level and plays with blistering speed. He appears ready to step into Chicago`s lineup and possesses the talent to become an elite center if his development trajectory continues. Even without the puck, Misa demonstrates a knack for finding open space and scoring in crucial moments. His abilities as both a playmaker and a scorer make him a dual offensive threat. Misa`s competitiveness has steadily improved, showing better backchecking, defensive coverage for teammates, and a more complete game. Combining this with his dynamic speed and offensive skill, the Blackhawks are set to add another foundational piece to their roster.
3. Nashville Predators
James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
The Nashville Predators have a need for both skill and centers, and James Hagens fits both criteria. While perhaps not as inherently dynamic as players like Misa or Victor Eklund, he is exceptionally effective. Hagens is a two-way player expected to contribute significantly on both sides of the puck at the NHL level. He brings a high-energy motor and speed, along with the ability to drive play. He supports the puck effectively, wins battles, and displays excellent spatial awareness. The professional details in his game should translate well to the NHL.
His playmaking skills were evident during his time at the U.S. National Team Development Program, but his dynamic playmaking at Boston College was less consistent. Hagens will likely benefit from another season at BC to further develop his offensive traits and regain some of that dynamic edge needed to be a true difference-maker in the NHL. Without playing alongside teammates like Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, Hagens will need to take on a larger role in driving his line`s offense while maintaining defensive responsibility. Hagens has the potential to develop into a complete NHL player if he can enhance his offensive game. His ceiling is very high, and given Nashville`s history of taking calculated risks, he makes a lot of sense for the Predators.
4. Philadelphia Flyers
Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)
Porter Martone projects as a high-end second-line forward known for his physical edge. He offers a dual threat offensively, capable of both scoring himself and setting up teammates. Despite his size, he isn`t a typical power forward but possesses qualities reminiscent of players like Tom Wilson – an agitator who uses physicality effectively. As his game matures, he will likely learn to deploy his physical game more strategically. Martone`s combination of scoring and facilitating abilities will make him a difficult player for NHL defenses to handle.
Some concerns exist regarding his foot speed, but skating is an area that can see significant improvement, and he has already progressed throughout the season. If Martone can add explosiveness to his skating, he has the potential to become a long-term first-line, point-producing player in the NHL. He embodies the type of player the Flyers appreciate: possessing both the “hard skill” of physicality and competitiveness, and the “soft skill” that excites fans. There is strong reason to believe Martone can develop into a quality top-six forward with a notable edge to his game, and the prospect of seeing him play alongside Matvei Michkov is intriguing.
5. Boston Bruins
Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
Boston Bruins fans might hear comparisons to Patrice Bergeron, and while those expectations are incredibly high, Caleb Desnoyers does possess special qualities. This large, two-way center from Quebec is a coach`s ideal player, capable of executing any assignment. In crucial moments, he makes smart, simple plays, forechecks aggressively, and makes things difficult for opponents. He leads by example with his play on both ends of the ice and is an effective player in all situations. Desnoyers is projected to be a quality second-line center with a solid possibility of reaching first-line status. He`s a cerebral player with excellent playmaking abilities. While typically not flashy, he is consistently effective and makes intelligent decisions with the puck, making him highly reliable. He excels under pressure in important games, finding ways to make the plays necessary for his team to win.
6. Seattle Kraken
Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
The Seattle Kraken add a big, physical defenseman in Jackson Smith, who is widely considered the second-best defender available in this draft class. As a pure defensive player, Smith possesses all the attributes needed for a top-four, matchup defenseman. He effectively defends against rushes, closes gaps quickly, and directs play in transition. While his offensive game showed some development later in the season, the lack of consistent offense throughout the year somewhat tempers expectations for him reaching a No. 4 or 5 defenseman role. Given the critical importance of transition defense in a matchup role, it`s likely Smith will develop into a reliable, minute-eating shutdown defender for the Kraken, possibly in a No. 3 role.
Smith addresses a need for Seattle, especially after using previous lottery picks on centers Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. Smith brings a good combination of skating, size, and composure to the Kraken`s prospect pool. The team already has promising skilled forward prospects like Berkly Catton, Eduard Sale, and Carson Rehkopf, but they needed a projectable top-four defenseman. While prospects like Caden Price or Lukas Dragicevic might become second-pairing defenders, Smith immediately becomes the top defensive prospect in the organization.
7. Buffalo Sabres
Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
The Buffalo Sabres, known for prioritizing skill and utilizing analytics in their drafting, find a player in Victor Eklund who fits their criteria perfectly. Eklund boasts impressive underlying statistics, including a productive season in the Allsvenskan league. His game possesses qualities that should translate well to the NHL, despite his smaller physical stature. He plays a much bigger game than his size suggests, demonstrating a high-energy motor and excellent forechecking ability. Eklund excels in transition, aggressively and fearlessly attacking defenders, driving to the inside, and positioning himself effectively to recover pucks.
His play without the puck is notably mature and should complement the skill already present on Buffalo`s roster. The Sabres need a player who can integrate with their existing skilled forwards, and Eklund`s “hard skill” game makes him an ideal fit. He exhibits all the characteristics of a potential top-line forward capable of being a significant offensive force in the coming years.
8. Anaheim Ducks
Anton Frondell, C/RW, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
The Anaheim Ducks are predicted to select Anton Frondell, adding another skilled forward to their prospect pool. Frondell is a versatile two-way player capable of playing both center and right wing, which is appealing to Anaheim given their abundance of young forwards. He is coming off one of the most productive seasons for an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, recovering strongly from an early-season injury. Frondell is a skilled shooter and makes intelligent decisions with and without the puck. He`s a tactical player who exhibits professional details in his game, forechecking effectively, attacking the middle of the ice, and showing strength in contested areas.
Frondell has demonstrated the ability to drive play against professional men in the Allsvenskan, which bodes well for his NHL projection. He is projected to become a second-line player in the NHL, potentially producing around 70 points per season. His style of play is highly translatable, and he might be ready for meaningful NHL minutes within just a year. The Ducks already boast significant skill, particularly down the middle, and Frondell`s two-way versatility will make him an easy player to deploy throughout their lineup.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins
Jake O`Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to acquire a right-handed center in Jake O`Brien, who projects as a high-end second-line center with potential to reach the first line. He stands out as one of the best playmakers in the draft, consistently generating high-danger scoring opportunities. He effectively manipulates defenders, distributes the puck with proficiency on both his forehand and backhand, and uses fakes to deceive defenders and goaltenders. While he sometimes exhibits junior-level habits like holding the puck too long searching for the perfect play, if O`Brien can simplify his game and improve his skating speed, he possesses genuine top-line potential.
The Penguins will face significant voids at the center position in the coming years as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin approach the end of their careers. Bringing in a player like O`Brien, or potentially Roger McQueen, to learn under these Hall of Fame centers could facilitate a smoother transition. O`Brien`s two-way game has improved significantly over the past season; he now fills lanes, deflects pucks, and provides support across the ice. His defensive tracking has gotten better, suggesting a projectable two-way game at the NHL level. His elite playmaking abilities offer significant upside, and despite being slightly slighter than some other available players, O`Brien represents a worthwhile risk for the Penguins.
10. New York Islanders
Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)
The New York Islanders need to continue adding elite talent after selecting Cole Eiserman in the 2024 draft. While Roger McQueen carries injury risk, his talent is something they shouldn`t pass up. McQueen is a unique prospect: a 6-foot-5 center who skates with the speed and agility usually seen in players closer to 5-foot-10. He embodies the modern power forward. Although his projection is somewhat less certain due to limited gameplay this season, he has the potential to be a superstar two-way center. His right-handed shot and size add significant value, as does his willingness to engage physically. He`s a strong two-way player with substantial offensive upside. Had it not been for injuries, McQueen might have been considered a top-five pick in this draft class, given his rare combination of skating, skill, physicality, and size. He dominates the cycle game, is an effective transition player, and possesses the skill to create offense off the rush. He`s the complete package.
McQueen is the epitome of a high-risk, high-reward pick, capable of becoming a dominant two-way force in the NHL for many years if he can stay healthy. This is especially true for a team like the Islanders, which can afford him the necessary time to develop properly. The Islanders require this type of player in their system and should take the chance on McQueen.
11. New York Rangers
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
Selecting a 6-foot-6, right-handed defenseman with good mobility makes a lot of sense for the New York Rangers. Radim Mrtka is exceptionally difficult to bypass, consistently stopping opposing forwards in their tracks. He projects as a shutdown defenseman thanks to his excellent stick work and positioning. Mrtka possesses the tools to develop into a second-pairing defender, most likely fitting into a No. 4 or 5 role. He utilizes his mobility to evade pressure and execute effective first passes without overcomplicating the play. The Rangers are unlikely to hold such a high draft position next season, and defenders of Mrtka`s type are uncommon. He should develop into a strong transition defender and a reliable penalty killer, capable of playing around 20 minutes per game. While he lacks significant offensive prowess, his combination of skating, size, and hockey sense provides him with the foundation to become a large, shutdown defenseman in the NHL.
12. Detroit Red Wings
Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett (WHL)
Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman is known for taking swings on skilled players, and Carter Bear fits that mold precisely. Before suffering a season-ending injury in March, Bear was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the CHL. He is a skilled playmaker, utilizing various pass types to deliver the puck to high-danger areas. He also possesses excellent hands around the net and is consistently involved in creating scoring chances. His versatility in playing both center and wing is valuable, and he projects as a point-producing, second-line player.
In addition to his offensive talents, Bear demonstrates strong defensive habits. He effectively uses his stick to break up plays, forechecks relentlessly, tracks back well on the backcheck, and finishes hits. The Red Wings adding a player with “hard skill” who is also defensively reliable is an excellent fit for their middle six forward group, and Bear could be ready for NHL action relatively soon.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets
Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
With Brady Martin, the Columbus Blue Jackets gain a hardworking, “blue-collar” player who combines physicality with effective skill. His brute strength and relentless drive to win pucks make him a difficult opponent to contain. Martin is projected as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals. He plays like a wrecking ball, setting the tone and drawing opponents into physical confrontations. While the Blue Jackets have numerous young talents, Martin`s versatile “Swiss army knife” capability is unique. Most top prospects can become invisible if their primary strengths aren`t clicking, but Martin consistently finds ways to impact the game physically, a trait that translates well to the NHL. There`s a real possibility Martin could become a second-line player, but even if his goal-scoring doesn`t reach that level, he would be a valuable third-liner capable of contributing offensively. His hard-nosed style is becoming rarer in today`s NHL, and Martin`s presence will help create space and make it easier for skilled teammates like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Kent Johnson to operate effectively.
14. Utah Hockey Club
Lynden Lakovic, C/LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Utah Hockey Club is predicted to select Lynden Lakovic, a 6-foot-4 left winger with goal-scoring ability and good skating for his size. He attacks using linear crossovers, leveraging his large frame to shield the puck and making plays with good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger, adding another scoring option to Utah`s prospect pool. Lakovic is projected with fair confidence to become a middle-six winger, primarily due to his tools and size. For a player of his stature, his development will heavily involve the physical side of the game. He needs to become more physically engaged, learn to effectively use his body to protect pucks, lean on defenders, and drive towards the center of the ice. With his existing offensive tools, becoming more physically assertive would make him a significantly more dangerous scoring threat and harder for opponents to defend. This is certainly a skill that can be developed and worked on. Given the quality of their existing pipeline, Utah can afford to take a swing on prospects with high offensive upside, and Lakovic fits that description.
15. Vancouver Canucks
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
There`s a strong possibility that Kashawn Aitcheson could be selected before the Vancouver Canucks pick, largely due to the type of game he plays. Aitcheson possesses all the necessary tools to be a physically imposing presence on an NHL blue line. Regardless of whether it`s a preseason game or the playoffs, Aitcheson maintains the same rugged style and is not hesitant to deliver significant hits on opponents. He is the type of player who demands opponents` awareness whenever he is on the ice because of his ability to deliver open-ice hits and his willingness to finish checks with authority. It is believed that the Vancouver management and scouting staff are keen on adding these specific qualities to their defensive corps, making Aitcheson a perfect fit. He will require development time, as his skating and playmaking are still quite raw, but his competitive attributes and the progress he demonstrated this season are very encouraging. Aitcheson`s offensive involvement increased as the season went on, showing improved rotation with teammates, driving towards the high-danger areas, and becoming more dangerous with open ice. Based on his current statistics, he projects as a bottom-pairing defender, but a player like him is more likely to earn significant minutes on a second pairing, where he can physically dictate the game.
16. Montreal Canadiens (from CGY)
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Justin Carbonneau, a French-Canadian born player, checks many boxes for the Montreal Canadiens, including his regional ties. Carbonneau possesses numerous attributes sought after by NHL teams, such as powerful skating and dynamic attacking capabilities. He drives offense through his playmaking and skating, and he has the potential to develop into a well-rounded offensive threat at the NHL level. While the projection isn`t as certain as some others, the potential for him to become a top-six forward exists. Montreal has shown a willingness to take chances on players with high upside, a strategy that has yielded positive results with selections like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. They have an excellent development staff that has been crucial in helping young players reach their potential. Carbonneau has a physically mature frame, but he will need some time to adapt to the speed of the professional game and learn to make plays in tighter spaces. Regardless, the Canadiens should be pleased to select him with the pick acquired from Calgary.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell