Following the conclusion of the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, we can now assess the fantasy hockey potential of several key prospects. Although this draft may not feature as many widely recognized names as in previous years, experts believe it emphasizes quality over sheer quantity. Many of the top selections, particularly after the first overall pick, are centers known for their versatility, making them valuable assets for fantasy hockey managers in future seasons.
Additional analysis provided by Rachel Doerrie.
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Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders, Erie (OHL) Selected: 1, Rank: 1
Rachel Doerrie: “A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, the 6-foot-2 blueliner skates with ease and elite mobility to shut down opponents in all situations, while creating offense with quality transition play. … “
This young defenseman is poised to become a star; the question is simply when. With Noah Dobson moving to Montreal, the Islanders appear to be counting on Schaefer to step into a key role on the blue line and potentially quarterback the top power play. Prospect analyst Shane Malloy compares the Erie Otter defenseman to Ottawa`s Jake Sanderson, highlighting Schaefer`s superior skating, hockey IQ, and physical style.
From a fantasy perspective, Schaefer is projected to become a top-15 defenseman capable of contributing across multiple categories. While likely not immediately next season, even if he makes the Islanders` roster, his long-term outlook is highly promising, particularly in dynasty leagues. It`s worth noting he won`t turn 18 until September. By comparison, Jake Sanderson, in his third NHL season at age 22, averaged 2.4 fantasy points per game in standard leagues.
Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks, Saginaw (OHL) Selected: 2, Rank: 2
Rachel Doerrie: “Misa`s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center. … “
Expected to become an NHL star, Misa provides the Sharks with an exciting one-two punch down the middle alongside Macklin Celebrini. Having led the CHL with an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games last season, the Saginaw standout is projected to score consistently at even strength and on the power play. He is an immediate high-value asset in dynasty leagues and is also anticipated to become a very attractive target in re-draft formats eventually. Playing with other young San Jose talents like Celebrini and Will Smith, Misa possesses the potential to reach 90-100 points in the NHL.
Keep an eye on…
Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan) Selected: 3, Rank: 5
Rachel Doerrie: “He has shown play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He`s projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play translates well and has executives excited about his ability to step in the league in the next 18 months. … “
Capable of playing both center and wing, Frondell is praised for his strong two-way game, physical play, and excellent shot. The recently turned 18-year-old should eventually slot into the Blackhawks` top-six forward group – his versatility offering significant lineup flexibility – and join a power play unit featuring Connor Bedard. Beyond a projected initial output of around 60 points in 2026-27, Frondell is also expected to contribute solid numbers in shots on goal and hits.
Caleb Desnoyers, F, Utah Mammoth, Moncton (QMJHL) Selected: 4, Rank: 7
Rachel Doerrie: “He projects to be a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player. He`s cerebral, with quick hands and playmaking ability. He`s not flashy, but he`s consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck. … “
Likely destined to play behind Logan Cooley as Utah`s second-line center and potentially on a top power play unit, the Quebec native shows potential for 70-point seasons with a developing Mammoth team. Drawing quiet comparisons to players like Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, as noted by Doerrie, the quick, tall playmaker recorded 35 goals and 49 assists in 56 games with the Wildcats last season.
Brady Martin, F, Nashville Predators, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Selected: 5, Rank: 13
Rachel Doerrie: “A Swiss Army knife type of player who will be most effective on the wing because of his strong wall play, Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals routinely, with upside as a second-line forward. … “
Compared to Florida`s Sam Bennett, the forward from Elmira, Ontario, is not expected to be a high-point producer like some others in this draft class. However, much like Bennett, Martin should still provide fantasy value, especially in deeper leagues that reward contributions across various categories, including hits.
Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers, Brampton (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 4
Rachel Doerrie: “A big, cerebral forward, Martone is a dual-threat offensive player with ability to score on his own and facilitate. He projects to be a second-line scoring winger who should see top power-play minutes. … “
Martone is a large, creative, and highly competitive player. If his skating, currently a weaker area, shows improvement, he could challenge for a spot on the Flyers` top line relatively soon. Fantasy managers should certainly monitor his progress in this specific skill in the coming months. If Martone`s skating improves, his offensive potential could reach the 70-point range, with a strong emphasis on assists.
James Hagens, F, Boston College, Boston Bruins (NCAA) Selected: 7, Rank: 3
Rachel Doerrie: “Hagens is projected to be a top-line center, or one of the NHL`s best second-line centers. He brings a good work rate with excellent speed and passing ability that should see him effectively drive play at the NHL level. …He`s smaller and slighter than other prospects, which worries some teams, but there`s a mix of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in him in terms of transition play and creativity. … “
The Bruins are certainly in need of depth down the middle. After one more season in college, Hagens is expected to move into a top-six forward spot in Boston. He could potentially even play alongside one of the game`s premier scorers in the future, given David Pastrnak is signed with the team through 2031. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should definitely watch for this potential line combination in future seasons.
Jake O`Brien, F, Seattle Kraken, Brantford (OHL) Selected: 8, Rank: 9
Rachel Doerrie: “Deceptive and incredibly smooth, O`Brien projects to be a point-producing, top-six center with a chance to become a top-line center. … He`s two or three years away from playing an impactful role in the NHL, and patience could be the key to O`Brien reaching his top-line ceiling. If he does, he`s going to be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver. … “
As a top-six center for Seattle, O`Brien is expected to produce points in significant quantities, potentially even more than any other player on the Kraken roster at some point. He warrants immediate consideration in deep dynasty leagues and should climb fantasy draft rankings later on. If everything goes well, the current Bulldog has the potential to reach a 90-point ceiling.
Wild cards
Roger McQueen, F, Anaheim Ducks, Brandon (WHL) Selected: 10, Rank: 6
Rachel Doerrie: “His projection as an elite top-line center lacks confidence, due to lack of playing time from his back injury. Without the injury, we might be discussing McQueen near the top of this draft class because his package of skating, skill and physical gifts are rare, and the type of toolbox of which executives dream. … “
Further described as a classic “high-risk, high-reward player,” McQueen could turn out to be an absolute steal if he has truly recovered from his significant back injury. Regardless of whether he eventually replaces Leo Carlsson, or another player, as the top center in Anaheim, or moves to the wing, the tall skater possesses the potential to be a point-per-game player. Fantasy managers will gain a clearer understanding of his back`s status throughout the upcoming season.
Joshua Ravensbergen, G, San Jose Sharks, Prince George (WHL) Selected: 30, Rank: 24
Rachel Doerrie: “Ravensbergen is the clear-cut top goaltender prospect in this draft. He projects a composed, confident demeanor, with a confident projection as a starting NHL goaltender who can handle a significant workload. … “
Labeled a “wild card” simply because predicting the trajectory of young goalies is inherently uncertain, Ravensbergen is likely to see significant playing time for a San Jose Sharks team that should be considerably better by the time he`s ready for the NHL, likely in about three years.
Other first-round selections with projected fantasy upside:
- Carter Bear, F, Detroit Red Wings
- Viktor Eklund, F, New York Islanders
Benedict Kingsley