The 2025 NHL draft that took far too long has mercifully finished. Any of the 26 teams that voted to hold a decentralized draft, you get a Z grade for that. Not an F, a Z. Let’s never do that again. Back to centralization, please.
Every team is getting a draft grade, regardless of how many players they selected. The grades are based upon the value each team extracted with their picks. So, a team with three first-round picks might have a lower grade than a team with three total picks because they reached on players and could’ve added significantly more talent to their organization, while the team with three picks added value and talent with each selection.
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The grade is weighted against the expectation of what teams could reasonably have done with their selections based on my model and team need. Reaching on a player to address a team need while leaving a higher-value player on the board is going to lower the grade. When a team is drafting in the top 16, it is because that team wasn’t good enough for the playoffs and the organization needs talent. Ditto for teams with multiple first-round picks — those aren’t acquired unless valuable players are being traded away for purposes of rebuilding or retooling.
Trade scenarios will be considered, because it is a good strategy to accumulate value by moving down, or acquiring players that fit the organizational timeline. A team that trades back, acquiring multiple selections and extracts value with those selections will likely be graded higher than a team that traded up to select its “guy.” A team like the Montreal Canadiens, who traded multiple picks to acquire and extend a top-4 defenseman in Noah Dobson will have that factored into their grade because they entered the draft with those assets and used them to acquire an asset that aligns with their organizational goals.
Here is every team’s grade for the 2025 draft:
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‘A’ grades
New York Islanders
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM11Matthew SchaeferDCAN6-2186Erie (OHL)116Victor EklundRWSWE5-11169Djurgarden (Sweden-2)117Kashawn AitchesonDCAN6-2199Barrie (OHL)242Daniil ProkhorovRWRUS6-6219Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)374Luca RomanoCCAN6-0177Kitchener (OHL)4106Tomas PoletinLWCZE6-2206Pelicans (Finland)5138Sam LaurilaDUSA6-1191Fargo (USHL)6170Burke HoodGCAN6-4202Vancouver (WHL)7202Jacob KvasnickaRWUSA6-0170USNTDP (USHL)
For Day 1 alone, the Islanders are getting an A+. If there were a higher grade possible, they’d be getting it. It’s incredible to add a franchise defenseman in Matthew Schaefer who will not only impact the organization positively through his play but is likely to become a future captain. However, it was also the trading of Noah Dobson, who was not going to re-sign, and using those selections to nab the falling Victor Eklund and potential middle-pairing defender Kashawn Aitcheson that boosted the grade.
The Isles didn’t overthink anything. You have to hit on your first-round picks, and every time they made a selection, they took quality players who confidently project to be impactful. There’s a real chance the Isles added a franchise cornerstone, a top-six forward with a blend of hard and soft skill, and a tough-to-play-against defender with raw offensive potential.
On Day 2, GM Mathieu Darche continued stockpiling projectable NHL talent. Daniil Prokhorov has the potential to become a high-end power forward, and Luca Romano should play NHL games in a middle-six role. Tomas Poletin is a reasonable bet on upside and Burke Hood in the late rounds is excellent value. This could be a franchise-changing draft for the Islanders.
Boston Bruins
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM17James HagensCUSA5-11186Boston College (H-East)251William MooreCCAN6-3180USNTDP (USHL)261Liam PetterssonDSWE6-2170Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)379Cooper SimpsonLWUSA6-1180Shakopee (HIGH-MN)4100Vashek BlanarDCZE6-4183Troja Ljungby U18 (Sweden Jr. U18)5133Cole ChandlerCCAN6-2176Shawinigan (QMJHL)6165Kirill YemelyanovCRUS6-1170Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia Jr.)
The Bruins were the beneficiaries of some interesting decisions at the top of the draft, and managed to secure their top-line center for the future — and the third best player in the draft — in James Hagens. The Bruins have needed help up the middle for a few years, and Hagens is not far off from becoming an NHL star. He was one of the most valuable picks in the draft, simply because players with his talent and skill aren’t available at No. 7 very often.
Following that up by drafting Will Moore and Cooper Simpson were value picks in their range, and both have legitimate NHL upside. They will take longer to get to the NHL, but I like Boston’s accumulation of talent in the draft with those two as well as Liam Pettersson on the back end. There’s a fair chance Boston gets four NHL players from this draft, including one potential star on their top line.
1:48
Adam Sandler announces Bruins pick at NHL draft
Adam Sandler gives a nod to his famous “Happy Gilmore” character to announce the Bruins picking Boston College’s James Hagens with the seventh pick.
Carolina Hurricanes
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM241Semyon FrolovGRUS6-3203Spartak Jr. (Russia Jr.)249Charlie CerratoCUSA6-0190Penn State (BIG10)262Ivan RyabkinCRUS5-11210Muskegon (USHL)367Kurban LimatovDRUS6-4190Dynamo Moscow Jr. (Russia Jr.)387Roman BausovDRUS6-5179Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)6183Viggo NordlundLWSWE5-9168Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7221Filip EkbergRWSWE5-10170Ottawa (OHL)
I feel like we say this every year, but my goodness the Carolina Hurricanes did it, again. They got tremendous value in their trade back with the Canadiens, using those picks to draft two projectable NHL talents in Semyon Frolov and Charlie Cerrato. Frolov’s stock grew as the season progressed, and he has a real chance at becoming a 1B goaltender in a tandem. Both Ivan Ryabkin and Kurban Limatov provided a ton of value at their spots, and both have legitimate paths to becoming NHL players. Ryabkin in particular could become a real gem if he improves his consistency.
In the late rounds, I loved the Filip Ekberg and Viggo Nordlund selections as both are smaller, but highly skilled wingers with scoring potential in the NHL. There’s a boom-or-bust quality to both of them, but if they hit, there’s top-six scoring upside and those are exactly the types of players you should be swinging for in the late rounds. It’s likely the Canes have to wait a few years for these players to have an impact, but they should get at least two or three from this draft class.
San Jose Sharks
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM12Michael MisaCCAN6-1182Saginaw (OHL)130Joshua RavensbergenGCAN6-6191Prince George (WHL)233Simon (Haoxi) WangDCHN6-6222Oshawa (OHL)253Cole McKinneyCUSA6-0200USNTDP (USHL)395Teddy MutrynCUSA6-1210Chicago (USHL)4115Ilyas MagomedsultanovDRUS6-2176Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia Jr.)4124Zachary SharpDUSA6-1180Western Michigan (NCHC)5150Max HeiseCCAN6-3169Penticton (BCHL)7210Richard GallantLWUSA5-8166USNTDP (USHL)
Any time you add the best forward (Michael Misa) and best goalie (Joshua Ravensbergen) in the draft, you’re going to be happy. There’s a real chance the Sharks come away with a starting goalie and an elite forward who scores over a point per game. That alone, would find them graded with at least a B+. Add in Simon Wang, the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history, with elite skating ability and a 6-foot-6 frame, and the Sharks bolstered every area of their prospect pool.
I thought Blake Fiddler would have been a more sound selection at No. 33, but the Sharks like Wang’s raw ability and upside which is a decision I can get behind. If Wang hits, he’s going to be an impactful defender in the NHL that many teams wish they’d drafted.
Getting Cole McKinney at No. 53 was great value as well. McKinney’s got more offense to give and at a minimum, he’ll be a bottom-six player who is reliable defensively and on the penalty kill. When all is said and done, there’s a real chance the Sharks get four players from this draft, including a dual-threat, two-way center who is going to make the Sharks a matchup nightmare for teams over the next decade.
Anaheim Ducks
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM110Roger McQueenCCAN6-6198Brandon (WHL)245Eric NilsonCCAN6-0166Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)260Lasse BoeliusDFIN6-1190Assat Jr. (Finland Jr.)372Noah ReadCCAN6-0170London (OHL)4101Drew SchockDUSA6-0178USNTDP (USHL)4104Elijah NeuenschwanderGCHE6-5199Fribourg Jr. (Swiss Jr.)5136Alexis MathieuDCAN6-4197Baie Comeau (QMJHL)5159Emile GuiteLWCAN6-2176Chicoutimi (QMJHL)6168Anthony Allain SamakeDCAN6-2183Sioux City (USHL)7200Brady TurkoRWCAN6-0167Brandon (WHL)
Getting Roger McQueen, a player with top-five talent, at No. 10 is tremendous value for the Ducks. They add another big, powerful forward to their stable of young players, and McQueen’s skill set is elite. If McQueen hits his ceiling, the Ducks have a unicorn, and someone who could dominate on both sides of the puck.
Eric Nilson in the second was another valuable selection. He’s a reasonable bet to become a bottom-six contributor whom the Ducks rely on to play secondary matchups and responsible defensive hockey. Elijah Neuenschwander is a more than reasonable bet in goal, and getting him in the late rounds adds to his value.
The Ducks likely added at least two quality NHL players to their organization and got good value all over the board, while finally trading John Gibson — the rumors can end.
Note: If there were bonus points for synergy, the Ducks would be getting an A+ for drafting McQueen, sending him to Disneyland and doing a photo op with Lightning McQueen. Here’s hoping he wears No. 95 because the fun marketing opportunities would be plentiful.
Calgary Flames
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM118Cole ReschnyCCAN5-11180Victoria (WHL)132Cullen PotterCUSA5-10172Arizona State (NCHC)254Theo StockseliusCSWE6-3196Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)380Maceo PhillipsDUSA6-6233USNTDP (USHL)5144Ethan WyttenbachLWUSA5-10180Sioux Falls (USHL)6176Aiden LaneRWCAN6-1193St. Andrews College (HIGH-ON)7208Jakob LeanderDSWE6-4196HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7211Yan MatveikoLWRUS6-1150CSKA Jr. (Russia Jr.)
Not only did the Flames address organizational needs with this draft class, they got significant value with the Cullen Potter and Aiden Lane picks, while getting Cole Reschny and Theo Stockselius in the right range. All of those players are going to need development time, but are reasonable bets to play NHL games.
Reschny and Potter are high-end upside picks with NHL attributes who could see them make an impact in the middle six. The Flames needed centers, and there’s a decent chance that at least two of these players provide value at center for them. If Potter moves to the wing, he may flourish as a speedster with an excellent shot.
I liked the swing on Aiden Lane late in the draft, as he’s a late bloomer who has some bottom-six upside. The Flames extracted a ton of value with their selections this weekend and should be pleased with their new group of young talent.
Detroit Red Wings
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM113Carter BearLWCAN6-0179Everett (WHL)244Eddie GenborgRWSWE6-2205Linkoping (Sweden)375Michal PradelGSVK6-5199Tri-City (USHL)4109Brent SolomonRWUSA6-0173Champlin Park (HIGH-MN)4119Michal SvrcekLWSVK5-11189Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)5140Nikita TyurinDRUS6-0174Spartak Jr. (Russia Jr.)6172Will MurphyDCAN6-4209Cape Breton (QMJHL)7204Grayden Robertson-PalmerCCAN5-11197Phillips Andover Academy (HIGH-MA)
There’s a lot to like about what the Red Wings did this weekend, and they likely nabbed at least two long-term NHL players in Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg. Bear was good value in the teens, and brings a projectable two-way game with high-end playmaking skills. As an added bonus, he has some of the coveted hard skill teams were looking for because he plays in the dirty areas, wins puck battles and creates space for his teammates. He’s two or three years away but should be a quality top-six forward when he’s ready.
I liked the Genborg selection as a good middle-six player who thrives with skill. He’ll be a good complementary player when he’s ready.
Once the top goalies were gone, I really liked the swing on Michal Pradel. The Red Wings aren’t short on goaltending prospects, and he’s another guy who has a chance to be an NHL goaltender. Count me as a fan of the Michal Svrcek pick in the fourth round because of his upside as a speedster with competitive bite. Add in the John Gibson trade — which gives the Red Wings immediate help — and they had a pretty good weekend.
Nashville Predators
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM15Brady MartinCCAN6-0186Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)121Cameron ReidDCAN6-0183Kitchener (OHL)126Ryker LeeRWUSA6-1185Madison (USHL)235Jacob RombachDUSA6-7209Lincoln (USHL)258Jack IvankovicGCAN6-0173Brampton (OHL)4122Alex HuangDCAN6-0170Chicoutimi (QMJHL)6163Daniel NieminenDFIN6-0187Pelicans (Finland)
The Predators were a mixed bag for me in this draft. Did they get some high-end talent? Absolutely. Did they leave some high-end talent on the board? Unequivocally.
I understand betting on Brady Martin and why so many teams liked him, but Nashville is starved for elite talent and left James Hagens and Porter Martone on the board. If Martin hits, he’s a valuable playoff player, but there are not many scenarios where he’s more valuable than Hagens or Martone.
I loved their swing on Ryker Lee, who could be an elite top-six forward if his skating improves. His offensive tool kit is one of the draft’s best. Cameron Reid in the 20s was solid value, and he’ll be a quality middle-pairing defender for years. I really liked the Jacob Rombach and Jack Ivankovic selections, too. The Preds needed a goaltender and if Ivankovic grows, he has the foundation of talent to be the best goalie of the crop.
Philadelphia Flyers
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM16Porter MartoneRWCAN6-3204Brampton (OHL)112Jack NesbittCCAN6-5186Windsor (OHL)238Carter AmicoDUSA6-6232USNTDP (USHL)240Jack MurtaghLWUSA6-1198USNTDP (USHL)248Shane VansaghiRWUSA6-3212Michigan State (BIG10)257Matthew GardCCAN6-5195Red Deer (WHL)5132Max WestergardLWFIN5-11161Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)5157Luke VlooswykDCAN6-5200Red Deer (WHL)6164Nathan QuinnCCAN5-11173Quebec (QMJHL)
Strap in because this one was a ride!
The Flyers needed a center, passed on Hagens, but got Porter Martone. I love Martone’s game and think he has a ton of potential, but it feels like they went with size. Having said that, I’m not going to dock them grading points because Martone at No. 6 was excellent value. If his skating improves, he’s going to be a star.
The decision to trade up to No. 13 and select Jack Nesbitt not only left a ton of value on the board from a player perspective, but the Flyers lost the pick value trade to their state rival. Nesbitt will be a solid third-line center, but I have some serious concerns about the Flyers drafting for size with a lower ceiling.
Outside of that, I loved the Carter Amico, Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi and Matthew Gard picks. The Flyers clearly had a mission to get bigger and meaner, because every pick was spent on a player with some level of size and competitive meanness that Rick Tocchet is going to love. The Flyers certainly got a lot better this weekend, but there is little doubt that some talent was left on the board.
Seattle Kraken
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM18Jake O’BrienCCAN6-2177Brantford (OHL)236Blake FiddlerDUSA6-5220Edmonton (WHL)368Will ReynoldsDCAN6-3188Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)5134Maxim AgafonovDRUS6-2198Ufa Jr. (Russia Jr.)7205Karl AnnbornDSWE6-1188HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7218Loke KrantzRWSWE6-2192Linkoping Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Kraken got a lot better this weekend, particularly with their first two picks. Jake O’Brien projects as an offensively gifted top-six playmaking center. Seattle has a ton of quality young centers and whether they move one or two to the wing or trade one to address another need, the Kraken are well positioned because they constantly draft the best available players.
Blake Fiddler is another example of that, with the Kraken grabbing a first-round talent in the second round. He’s very likely to be a middle-pair defender who plays shutdown minutes. Not only does Seattle address an organizational need, it gets excellent value.
I liked the Will Reynolds and Maxim Agafonov picks as well. Both have some NHL-caliber traits and are worthy swings where the Kraken took them. Overall, another good draft for Seattle.
Winnipeg Jets
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM128Sascha BoumedienneDFIN6-2184Boston University (H-East)392Owen MartinCCAN6-0185Spokane (WHL)5156Viktor KlingsellRWSWE5-10188Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)6188Edison EngleDUSA6-2175Dubuque (USHL)7220Jacob CloutierRWCAN5-10171Saginaw (OHL)
I loved what the Jets did with their draft capital. Adding Sascha Boumedienne to a prospect pool that is razor thin on defense was tidy work. He’s mobile, saw significant development in his defensive play and should become a quality middle-pairing defender and PP2 guy if his decision-making improves.
Viktor Klingsell was a high-value addition when the Jets grabbed him. He was one of the best skilled players taken in the late rounds, and that’s exactly the type of player you take in the fifth. If he fills out, there’s a middle-six player in there.
I also really liked the Owen Martin and Jacob Cloutier picks. Martin plays a pro-style game that should see him develop into a depth player, while Cloutier is a home run hack at a smaller player who is highly competitive and could be a nice addition if his skating improves. The Jets got good value with all their picks, swung on talent and improved their prospect pool.
‘B’ grades
Chicago Blackhawks
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM13Anton FrondellCSWE6-2204Djurgarden (Sweden-2)125Vaclav NestrasilRWCZE6-6185Muskegon (USHL)129Mason WestCUSA6-7218Edina (HIGH-MN)366Nathan BehmRWCAN6-2202Kamloops (WHL)498Julius SumpfCDEU6-2190Moncton (QMJHL)4107Parker HolmesLWCAN6-4222Brantford (OHL)6162Ashton CumbyDCAN6-5216Seattle (WHL)7194Ilya KanarskyGRUS6-3180AKM Tula Jr. (Russia Jr.)
The Blackhawks clearly had a modus operandi here, and it was “big dudes who can skate.”
I liked Anton Frondell at No. 3, but they definitely left talent on the board with Hagens to opt for Frondell’s size. He’s likely going to be a top-line forward, so you can’t be too upset with that organizational decision.
Both Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West were a little high for my liking, but both of them are very raw, long-runway type projects with sky-high upside. Given the prospect cupboards, Chicago can afford to take those kinds of swings because both of them could end up as middle-six complementary players who are incredibly difficult to play against. At a minimum, they bet on big guys with skill, and I can get behind that.
Nathan Behm and Julius Sumpf provided good value at their respective slots, and I think there’s a chance that one of them plays NHL games. Certainly, the Blackhawks should get two or three NHL players from this crop of picks, but their development staff is going to be tested.
Montreal Canadiens
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM234Alexander ZharovskyRWRUS6-1163Ufa Jr. (Russia Jr.)369Hayden PaupanekisCCAN6-5202Kelowna (WHL)381Bryce PickfordDCAN6-1183Medicine Hat (WHL)382Arseni RadkovGBLR6-4194Tyumen Jr. (Russia Jr.)4113L.J. MooneyCUSA5-8160USNTDP (USHL)5145Alexis CournoyerGCAN6-3195Cape Breton (QMJHL)6177Carlos HandelDDEU6-1174Halifax (QMJHL)6189Andrew MacNielDCAN6-3196Kitchener (OHL)7209Maxon VigDUSA6-2212Cedar Rapids (USHL)
The Canadiens had themselves a weekend. Trading away the selections that amounted to Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson to acquire Noah Dobson fit their timeline, but that may turn out to be a hefty price.
They love Alexander Zharovsky and it is easy to see why, but gave up quite a bit of pick value to get him. Nevertheless, I like Zharovsky’s game, and he should be a quality complementary player in the middle six.
In the middle rounds, I absolutely loved the selections of Hayden Paupanekis, Bryce Pickford and personal favorite — L.J. Mooney. All of those players have legitimate NHL upside to varying degrees. Mooney is small, but his compete level and offensive abilities provided outstanding value. Paupanekis should become a bottom-6 player and Pickford is a great bet on an overage defenseman with scoring ability.
All in all, it’s hard not to be happy with the weekend, even if they parted with some very valuable assets to get their guys.
Ottawa Senators
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM123Logan HenslerDUSA6-3198Wisconsin (BIG10)393Blake VanekRWUSA6-3205Stillwater (HIGH-MN)497Lucas BeckmanGCAN6-2182Baie Comeau (QMJHL)5149Dmitri IsayevLWRUS5-9148Yekaterinburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)6181Bruno IdzanLWCRO6-0195Lincoln (USHL)7213Andrei TrofimovGRUS6-2187Magnitogorsk Jr. (Russia Jr.)
Friday night was a banner night for the Senators. Trading back two spots and acquiring the pick that allowed them to trade for Jordan Spence while extracting tremendous value with Logan Hensler at No. 23 is high-end asset management. I really like Hensler’s game and believe he has the tools to become a solid second or third defender who would complement Jake Sanderson very well. The fact that he’s right-handed and very mobile with an NHL frame makes him very valuable.
The Senators are thin in goal, and taking a swing on Lucas Beckman was a decision that made a lot of sense. Bruno Idzan is a high-upside bet, and a worthwhile one based on his USHL production. He has the potential to be a late bloomer who contributes in a depth role.
Washington Capitals
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM127Lynden LakovicLWCAN6-4200Moose Jaw (WHL)237Milton GastrinCSWE6-1194Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)396Maxim SchaferLWDEU6-4182Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)5155Jackson CrowderCUSA6-3184Chicago (USHL)6180Aron DahlqvistDSWE6-3205Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Capitals extracted excellent value with their first two picks in the draft, and both players are solid bets to become middle-six contributors at the NHL level.
Lynden Lakovic has the potential to be a big, dual-threat producer and would be even more exciting if he learns to use his 6-4 frame to physically impose himself on opponents. The ceiling is high for Lakovic, and getting a top-15 player at No. 27 is good work.
Milton Gastrin is one of the more complete players in the draft and shouldn’t be far off from the NHL. He’s got third-line center written all over him and could provide more offense than most think.
Outside of that, I liked the selection of Maxim Schaefer, who has more skill than most of the players taken in the fourth round. Given what they had, the Caps got good value and came away with at least two players who should play impactful roles in their lineup.
Los Angeles Kings
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM131Henry BrzustewiczDUSA6-2203London (OHL)259Vojtech CiharLWCZE6-1180Karlovy Vary (Czechia)388Kristian EppersonLWUSA6-0180Saginaw (OHL)4120Caeden HerringtonDUSA6-2204Lincoln (USHL)4125Jimmy LombardiCCAN6-0175Flint (OHL)5152Petteri RimpinenGFIN6-0176K-Espoo (Finland)6184Jan ChovanCSVK6-3190Tappara Jr. (Finland Jr.)7196Brendan McMorrowCUSA6-0173Waterloo (USHL)7216William SharpeDCAN6-0195Kelowna (WHL)
The Kings had a fine draft — nothing to be overly excited about and nothing to be disappointed with, either.
They got some value with Jimmy Lombardi, who has projectable NHL play-driving ability and skill. If his speed improves, he could really pop. Petteri Rimpinen was another value-added pick in the late rounds, and worth the swing based on his development curve. Kristian Epperson provided value in the third round as an overager, and should fit nicely in a third-line role when he’s ready.
Henry Brzustewicz was a fine pick, but the Kings took him a little early considering some of the other valuable defensemen on the board at No. 31. They’re betting that his development skyrockets in London, which they’ll need if he’s going to provide value in a second-pair role. Vojtech Cihar was a bit rich for me in the second round because he lacks upside, but I don’t doubt he’ll be an NHL contributor in the bottom six.
Minnesota Wild
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM252Theodor HallquisthDSWE6-2186Orebro Jr. (Sweden Jr.)4102Adam BenakCCZE5-8164Youngstown (USHL)4121Lirim AmidovskiRWCAN6-1180North Bay (OHL)4123Carter KlippensteinCCAN6-3180Brandon (WHL)5141Justin KipkieDCAN6-4208Victoria (WHL)
The Wild didn’t give Judd Brackett a lot to work worth, but there was value to be had with their selections.
There’s more offense to give with Theodor Hallquisth, and next season in the SHL will go a long way to determining what his NHL projection is likely to be. At minimum, he’s a reliable puck mover who has the tools to be a depth defender if his skating improves.
The real value came from selecting Adam Benak, who is one of the best skaters and smartest players in the draft class. But he’s small, so of course he fell. He was by far the most skilled player available in the fourth round, and if he grows a couple inches, he has the special talent to be a top-six player. I liked the Justin Kipkie selection; he was one of the best overage defensemen available in the draft and a worthwhile bet.
New Jersey Devils
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM250Conrad FondrkCUSA6-0202USNTDP (USHL)263Ben KevanRWUSA6-1179Des Moines (USHL)390Mason MoeCUSA6-2192Madison (USHL)499Trenten BennettGCAN6-8205Kemptville (CCHL)4114Gustav HillstromCSWE6-2174Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)6161David RozsivalRWCZE6-1188Liberec Jr. (Czechia Jr.)6178Sigge HolmgrenDSWE6-1186Brynas U18 (Sweden Jr. U18)
The Devils were a mixed bag, drafting guys with good value and a few head-scratchers — including a player who didn’t play a single game this season (Sigge Holmgren).
I loved the Ben Kevan selection at the end of the second round. He’s a great skater with good offensive qualities. Conrad Fondrk was another good upside bet with good passing and shooting skill. Both could become valuable members of a third line that contributes offensively.
I liked the Mason Moe and Gustav Hillstrom selections as well. They have a longer path to becoming NHL players, but both are good bets and decent value for the draft slot. The Devils did well for what they had.
Pittsburgh Penguins
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM111Benjamin KindelCCAN5-11180Calgary (WHL)122Bill ZonnonRWCAN6-2185Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)124William HorcoffCCAN6-5203Michigan (BIG10)239Peyton KettlesDCAN6-6195Swift Current (WHL)373Charlton TretheweyDUSA6-1200USNTDP (USHL)384Gabriel D’AigleGCAN6-4211Victoriaville (QMJHL)391Brady PeddleDCAN6-3202Waterloo (USHL)4105Travis HayesRWUSA5-11175Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)5130Ryan MillerCCAN6-0177Portland (WHL)5148Quinn BeauchesneDCAN6-0184Guelph (OHL)5154Jordan CharronRWCAN6-1188Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)6169Carter SandersonLWUSA6-1196Muskegon (USHL)7201Kale DachCCAN5-10165Sherwood Park (BCHL)
Wes Clark loves to take big swings and he did it again. I absolutely love Benjamin Kindel as a player; he has real upside as a top-six forward, but I’m not convinced he’s going to be better than some of the players they left on the board. Trading down to acquire a third first-round pick was great, but again, value was left on the board.
There is little doubt Bill Zonnon is going to be an NHL player. He was in the right range and should be a valuable middle-six asset. I thought the Penguins could’ve traded back with the Will Horcoff pick, but I understand why they like him. If he hits his ceiling, he’s going to be a solid complementary player in the middle six. Failing that, he’s likely to top out in a depth role.
On Day 2, the Pens got excellent value in Charlie Trethewey, who could blossom into a fourth or fifth defender with excellent puck movement. Peyton Kettles and Quinn Beauchesne were two other selections I liked, and both have legitimate NHL upside.
Utah Mammoth
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM14Caleb DesnoyersCCAN6-2182Moncton (QMJHL)246Max PsenickaDCZE6-5185Portland (WHL)378Stepan HochLWCZE6-4192C. Budejovice Jr. (Czechia Jr.)4110Yegor BorikovRWBLR6-1180Minsk (Russia)5142Ivan Tkach-TkachenkoGRUS6-3185Ufa Jr. (Russia Jr.)6174Ludvig JohnsonDCHE6-0181Zug (Swiss)6182Reko AlankoDFIN6-5201Jokerit Jr. (Finland Jr.)
Given the Mammoth’s stated goal of adding size and tenacity up front, it was not surprising to see them draft Caleb Desnoyers. I would’ve elected for Martone if size was their goal, because he’s got higher offensive upside, but Desnoyers is a solid bet to become a second-line, two-way center. He’ll shoulder all the matchup pressure and free up the likes of Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton to play offensively. It’s a very understandable pick for the Mammoth.
I loved the selection of Max Psenicka in the second round. I think he’s got a higher offensive upside than he’s given credit for, with potential to become a quality shutdown defender on the second pair. Their other selections don’t project to be NHL players, but the first two selections should be stalwarts in their lineup for years to come.
Vegas Golden Knights
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM255Jakob Ihs WozniakRWAUS6-3190Lulea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)385Mateo NobertCCAN6-0166Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)6186Alexander WeiermairCUSA6-1190Portland (WHL)6187Gustav SjoqvistDSWE6-3207AIK (Sweden-2)
They didn’t have a lot to play with, but I loved the Jakob Ihs Wozniak and Mateo Nobert selections. Ihs Wozniak has one of the best shots in the draft and should score 20-25 goals per season in the NHL. Trading up to get a prospect who will have value around the league (before they inevitably trade him) is smart business. Getting a player with high-30s talent in the late stages of the second round is quality value.
Nobert is another offensive talent and could become a quality complementary player down the line. He was a more than reasonable bet in the third round. For what they had to work with, the Golden Knights should be happy with how they fared.
Columbus Blue Jackets
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM114Jackson SmithDCAN6-4199Tri-City (WHL)120Pyotr AndreyanovGRUS6-0207CSKA Jr. (Russia Jr.)376Malte VassDSWE6-3195Farjestad Jr. (Sweden Jr.)5160Owen GriffinCCAN5-10160Oshawa (OHL)6173Victor RaftheimDSWE6-4181Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7198Jeremy LorangerCCAN5-9161Sherwood Park (BCHL)
The Blue Jackets addressed a need and got great value by adding Jackson Smith in the middle of the first round. If Smith’s offense continues to develop, there’s a real chance the Blue Jackets drafted the second-best defender of the class much later than he should have gone.
The Pyotr Andreyanov pick was a head scratcher — not because I don’t believe in his potential, but because he wasn’t the top goalie on the board, and the Blue Jackets could have traded back to get him. Trading back would’ve been best if they wanted a goalie. They had an opportunity to grab the likes of Lakovic and Hensler, who would’ve been great organizational fits. Andreyanov is five or six years from playing in North America, which is a long time to wait for a first-round pick, but upside as a 1B starter is attractive.
I also think the Malte Vass selection provided value.
Dallas Stars
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM394Cameron SchmidtRWCAN5-8160Vancouver (WHL)4126Brandon GorzynskiCUSA6-2185Calgary (WHL)5146Atte JokiCFIN6-2200Lukko Jr. (Finland Jr.)5158Mans GoosGSWE6-6199Farjestad Jr. (Sweden Jr.)6190Dawson SharkeyRWCAN6-1188Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)7222Charlie PaquetteRWCAN6-2207Guelph (OHL)
The Dallas Stars’ ability to get a top-40 player despite not selecting until pick No. 94 is very Dallas Stars of them.
Cameron Schmidt, who had more than 40 goals in the WHL, is one of the best goal scorers in the draft. But he’s short, so teams decided to draft players with lower upside and projectable talent. He’s a quality skater, and players with two separating skills are almost never available at that spot. If Schmidt hits, we’re going to be talking about how the Stars “did it again” just like they did with Logan Stankoven.
Outside of that, the Stars had nothing to write home about. The selection of Schmidt alone provided the highest value in the draft from ranking and projection to selection, something the Stars are all too familiar with. At some point, the skill and upside need to outweigh the height, because too many taken before him are far less likely to become NHLers.
St. Louis Blues
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM119Justin CarbonneauRWCAN6-2205Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)5147Mikhail FyodorovRWRUS5-11152Magnitogorsk Jr. (Russia Jr.)6179Love HarenstamGSWE6-2196Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
For what the Blues had to work with, they got some good value. I loved the selection of Justin Carbonneau at No. 19. If he puts it all together, he could be a premier power forward in the NHL with his size, skill and ability to create scoring opportunities. He has some of the best upside in the draft and could be a quality top-six forward for the Blues.
They didn’t select until much later on Day 2, but I liked the Mikhail Fyordorov selection as a reasonable bet given his production in the MHL. He’s got a long way to go, but his offensive creativity is exactly what the Blues should be swinging for.
Vancouver Canucks
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM115Braeden CootesCCAN6-0186Seattle (WHL)247Aleksei MedvedevGRUS6-3180London (OHL)365Kieren DervinCCAN6-1184St. Andrews College (HIGH-ON)5143Wilson BjorckCSWE6-0165Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)6175Gabriel ChiarotRWCAN5-11191Brampton (OHL)7207Matthew LansingCUSA6-1186Fargo (USHL)
The Canucks’ draft was fine. They left value on the board to take Braeden Cootes, but he’s going to be a solid middle-six contributor and addresses the organization’s pressing need for centers. They tried to trade that pick for immediate help, but in the end, Cootes was right in that range.
I loved the selection of Alexei Medvedev, a pick that has Ian Clark’s fingerprints all over it. He’s big and moldable and has the mental makeup to be a tandem goalie in the NHL.
In a departure from previous years, the Canucks used most of their picks on players with scoring profiles and skill, something their prospect pipeline needs. They made reasonable bets on upside picks in the middle rounds who will test their development staff. They left value on the board with Kieren Dervin and could’ve swung on Schmidt or Mooney, but overall, it was a reasonable draft.
‘C’ grades
Buffalo Sabres
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM19Radim MrtkaDCZE6-6218Seattle (WHL)371David BedkowskiDCAN6-5221Owen Sound (OHL)4103Matous Jan KucharcikCITA6-4180Slavia Jr. (Czechia Jr.)4116Samuel MelocheGCAN6-2190Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)5135Noah LabergeDCAN6-1187Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)6167Ashton SchultzCUSA5-11180Chicago (USHL)7195Melvin NovotnyLWSWE6-2185Leksand Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7199Yevgeni ProkhorovGBLR6-3179Dinamo-Shinnik Jr. (Russia Jr.)7219Ryan RucinskiCUSA5-10176Youngstown (USHL)
Buffalo had a modus operandi that was quite a bit different from previous drafts, and it showed.
Radim Mrtka is a reasonable bet to play top-four minutes in the NHL and fits the profile of big and hard to play against. That was a bit high for him and left significant talent on the board, but the Sabres clearly identified Mrtka as an organizational need.
David Bedkowski was a good selection as one of the most violent, physical defenders in the draft, and if he makes it, he will fill a depth role and be a nightmare to play against. There’s a real chance that those are the only players who play NHL games for the Sabres in this draft class, as they departed from their previous MO of drafting high-end skill.
Edmonton Oilers
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM383Tommy LafreniereRWCAN6-0175Kamloops (WHL)4117David LewandowskiLWDEU6-2177Saskatoon (WHL)5131Asher BarnettDUSA6-1200USNTDP (USHL)6191Daniel SalonenGFIN6-3185Lukko Jr. (Finland Jr.)7223Aidan ParkCUSA6-1188Green Bay (USHL)
For a team that didn’t have any high picks (or many picks at all), I liked the swings the Oilers took, particularly on Tommy Lafreniere and David Lewandowski. They don’t have strong NHL projections by any means, but betting on their upside is a smart thing to do. I had those players going earlier than they did, giving the Oilers good value with their selections. If either Lafreniere or Lewandowski hit, they should provide complementary scoring in depth roles, something the Oilers will absolutely need while their contention window is open.
I debated docking the Oilers for not outbidding the Red Wings for John Gibson and addressing a significant organizational need, because the probability of Gibson helping the Oilers out in their contention window far exceeds the probability of any draft picks doing the same. With Joel Hofer re-signing with the Blues as well, the Oilers are going to have a tough time improving an area that desperately needs immediate help.
New York Rangers
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM243Malcolm SpenceLWCAN6-1190Erie (OHL)370Sean BarnhillDUSA6-6214Dubuque (USHL)389Artyom GoncharDRUS6-0156Magnitogorsk Jr. (Russia Jr.)4111Mikkel EriksenCNOR5-11187Farjestad Jr. (Sweden Jr.)5139Zeb LindgrenDSWE6-2198Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)6166Samuel JungRWCZE6-3172Karpat Jr. (Finland Jr.)6171Evan PassmoreDCAN6-5212Barrie (OHL)7203Felix FarhammarDSWE6-1185Orebro Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
This entire grade hinges on Malcolm Spence, who provided tremendous value for the Rangers in the second round. There is little doubt he will become a middle-six pest, and if the Rangers can sort out their development issues, he’s got the chance to be a second-line winger.
Sean Barnhill is a fine selection, but probably a little high. There’s NHL potential there with his skating, but he’ll need to improve his decision making to be a depth NHL defender. I liked the swing on Mikkel Eriksen. He could fill a depth role and at least become a quality AHL player. The Rangers left value on the board at every other selection.
Tampa Bay Lightning
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM256Ethan CzataCCAN6-2178Niagara (OHL)4108Benjamin RautiainenCFIN6-0174Tappara (Finland)4127Aiden FosterCCAN6-2182Prince George (WHL)5151Everett BaldwinDUSA6-0178St. George’s School (HIGH-RI)7193Caleb HeilGUSA6-2196Madison (USHL)7206Roman LuttsevCRUS6-0170Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia Jr.)7212Grant SpadaDCAN6-5185Guelph (OHL)7215Marco MignosaRWCAN6-0172Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
There’s not a ton to write home about when it comes to the Lightning’s draft class, but I really liked the Ethan Czata selection. Lightning fans love Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel, and Czata is built in that mold. He’s got good touch around the net, and if he adds speed, has all the tools to become a pesky middle-six contributor who is a nightmare to play against because of his physical nature.
I liked the swing on Benjamin Rautiainen because if he fills out, he’s a brilliant shooter with good puck skill. If he hits, he’s got the potential to be a complementary scorer in the NHL. Outside of that, he’s likely a high-end AHL player who can fill in when injuries occur.
‘D’ grades
Florida Panthers
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM4112Mads Kongsbak KlyvoLWDNK6-2194Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)4128Shea BuschLWCAN6-2208Everett (WHL)5129Shamar MosesRWCAN6-1200North Bay (OHL)6192Arvid DrottRWSWE6-0187Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7197Brendan DunphyDUSA6-5207Wenatchee (WHL)7224Yegor MidlakGRUS6-6176Spartak Jr. (Russia Jr.)
When you win back-to-back Stanley Cups, you’re probably not going to have an elite draft because you don’t have many picks.
I’m a fan of the Shamar Moses pick: I think he provides value at that spot with an outside chance to play NHL games. The Panthers are unlikely to get NHL players from this crop of prospects, but the Moses pick bumps their grade up because he has an NHL projection in a depth role, something the Panthers will need if they intend to keep their contention window open for the next few years.
Colorado Avalanche
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM377Francesco Dell’elceDCAN6-1180UMass (H-EAST)4118Linus FunckDSWE6-3183Lulea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)7214Nolan RoedCUSA5-11186Tri-City (USHL)
They didn’t have many picks, and I didn’t love what they did with any of them. I thought they left talent on the board with each of their selections and didn’t take any players with an NHL projection. Given their contention window and few draft picks, I would’ve liked to have seen them swing on higher upside, because contenders need to hit on those players to keep that window open longer.
Francesco Dell’Elce has a chance to be a depth defender, but as an overager, his development runway is shorter. It’s probable the Avs don’t get any NHL players from their draft, with Dell’Elce being the only one with an outside shot at bottom-pair minutes.
Toronto Maple Leafs
ROUNDOVERALLNAMEPOSCOUNTRYHTWTTEAM264Tinus Luc KoblarCSVN6-4189Leksand Jr. (Sweden Jr.)386Tyler HopkinsCCAN6-1184Kingston (OHL)5137William BelleRWCHN6-4225USNTDP (USHL)5153Harry NansiRWCAN6-3186Owen Sound (OHL)6185Rylan FellingerDCAN6-4196Flint (OHL)7217Matthew HlacarLWCAN6-3201Kitchener (OHL)
It seems like the Maple Leafs hired one of the best talent evaluators in hockey, but then gave him an edict instead of letting him cook. GM Brad Treliving has made it very clear that he wants size in this lineup, but the Leafs left far too much skill and upside on the board to accomplish that.
There is a very real possibility the Leafs got one depth NHL player (Tyler Hopkins) from this draft class, and that’s it. A lot of the players they selected are very raw, with size being their best attribute. When you leave players like Behm, Limatov, Thretheway, Mooney and Schmidt on the board who have legitimate NHL upside in valuable roles, it feels like a choice.