Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for the Nasty Mock Draft, when I have a temper tantrum and run off screaming. Most people think Schaefer will probably go number one, but some believe a team might choose to grab a forward, which means Mr. Mesa would land the top spot.
I’ve discussed this with many professionals and still can’t reach a consensus. Personally, I would go with the better player unless the positional need is so glaring that it forces your hand.
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, Defenseman
Matthew is the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft for most teams. When you get a chance to draft a defenseman like Matthew Schaefer, you take it. Players like this don’t grow on trees. His puck handling is elite, and his ability to deke out opposing forwards and create scoring chances is off the charts. With deadly accurate passing and elite skating, he’s a lethal weapon.
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Mesa, Centre
Michael has phenomenal offensive numbers and makes the players around him better. He has a high hockey IQ and is always looking for the best play. His deking skills draw in defensemen, opening up his linemates. He’s the best playmaker in the draft, with a deadly accurate shot and a lightning-fast release.
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Porter Martone, Right Wing
Porter is a true power forward. His ability to get in front of the net and battle for the puck makes him a scoring threat. He’s physical, gets into opponents’ heads, and has a great shot release with surprisingly underrated playmaking skills.
4. Utah Mammoth – James Hagens, Centre
Hagens is a complete center. His stats may not rival Mesa’s, but college hockey is more demanding. He has elite puck-handling and defensive skills. His tic-tac-toe passing makes scouts giddy. He’s a gem, and when choosing between Mammoth and Mesa, it all comes down to team preference.
5. Nashville Predators – Caleb Desnoyers, Centre
Pick five is where things get tricky. Between Anton and Caleb, it depends on who you ask. Caleb is a powerful, quick skater with soft hands and a quick release. His high hockey IQ, accuracy, and scary-good puck handling can really make the difference in a tough game.
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Anton Frondell, Centre
Anton is a smooth skater with great vision and hockey IQ. He has perhaps the best shot in the draft: heavy and laser-sharp. He’s physical and fearless in the corners, with top-notch puck control. His deception forces defenders to chase the puck instead of taking the body.
7. Boston Bruins – Brady Martin, Centre
If it were not for McQueen’s back issues, he would have taken this slot. Brady plays with a chip on his shoulder and impacts the game physically. He’s like the Energizer Bunny—always moving. He’s a great forechecker and defensive presence, the ultimate spark plug for the team.
8. Seattle Kraken – Radim Mtrka, Defense
Radim is a strong two-way player. Offensively, he shines with his passing and escapability. Defensively, he uses his size effectively in the corners. He’s arguably the second-best defenseman in the draft.
9. Buffalo Sabres – Jake O’Brien, Centre
Jake is a skilled offensive center and clever playmaker. He creates scoring chances from nothing. Defensively, he’s among the best in the draft. He’s a strong skater and distributor who plays a step ahead and knows his role without the puck.
10. Anaheim Ducks – Victor Eklund, Left/Right Wing
Think “Tasmanian Devil”—Victor is relentless! He goes everywhere for the puck, compensating for his size with grit and determination. He has a strong shot, excellent passing, and dangerous stickhandling in the offensive zone.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jackson Smith, Defense
Jackson is a terrific skater with strong puck-moving skills and elite zone exits. He battles hard, remains calm under pressure, and brings a steady presence. He has the potential to be a solid top-four defenseman.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins – Roger McQueen, Centre
The primary concern with Roger is his back. If healthy, he could go top eight. He has a terrific shot, especially his one-timer, and he knows how to find open space. Though Roger is not a fast skater, his natural offensive talent justifies the risk.
13. Detroit Red Wings – Justin Carbonneau, Right Wing
Justin is a sniper with a deadly wrister and smooth skating. His quick hands help him create turnovers. He was my original pick for the Islanders before they won the draft. Carbonneau is a threat every time he touches the puck.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Carter Bear, Left Wing
Carter has blazing speed that generates scoring chances. He’s a dangerous three-zone player with excellent passing, puck-handling skills, and hockey IQ. A constant threat around the net.
15. Vancouver Canucks – Kashawn Aitcheson, Defense
Keep your head up around Kashawn—he hits everything. He’s a steady shutdown defenseman and never shies away from a fight. A future rock on the blue line.
16. Montreal Canadiens– Lynden Lakovic, Left Wing
Lynden’s puck handling and passing are phenomenal. He has a great shot with a quick release and uses his size effectively. Lakovic is a potential first-line winger.
17. Montreal Canadiens – Jack Nesbitt, Centre
If Jack decides to go through you instead of around, expect pain. You might want to get out of the way. He loves the physical game and is good at it. He is great in front of the net and tough to take the puck from.
18. Calgary Flames – Braeden Cootes, Centre
Braeden is a coach’s dream and a locker-room leader. He’s tenacious, smart, and efficient. He has a solid shot and is suited for a second- or third-line role.
19. St. Louis Blues – Logan Hensler, Defense
Logan is a reliable, consistent defenseman with good mobility and offensive instincts. He doesn’t do anything flashy but does everything well.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets – Malcolm Spence, Left Wing
Spence gets into opponents’ heads. He’s a physical player with a solid shot, skating, and IQ. He’ll do whatever it takes to win.
21. Ottawa Senators – Cole Reschny, Centre/Left Wing
Cole is an explosive forward with excellent playmaking abilities and a high hockey IQ. Strong on the puck and hard to knock off, Reschny knows where to be in the offensive zone.
22. Philadelphia Flyers – Joshua Ravensbergen, Goalie
The first goalie taken since 2021, Joshua is a butterfly-style netminder with rare puck tracking skills and rebound control. Aggressive and confident, Ravensbergen is among the best goaltending prospects.
23. Nashville Predators – Benjamin Kindel, Right Wing/Centre
Kindel is known for his powerful one-timer and elite puck handling. He’s a smart player with great passing skills and excels on the powerplay.
24. Los Angeles Kings – Cameron Reid, Defense
Cameron is a fast, slick skater who doesn’t shy from contact. His defensive instincts are developing, and he’s a potential all-around blueliner with offensive upside.
25. Chicago Blackhawks – Cullen Porter, Left Wing
Cullen is a speedster and powerplay weapon with a great shot. He’s a solid two-way player who understands the defensive game—a complete prospect.
26. Nashville Predators – Jack Murtagh, Centre
Jack has one of the quickest releases in the draft. A speedy skater with NHL size, he creates space and takes advantage of it. An exciting offensive talent.
27. Washington Capitals – Blake Fiddler, Right Defense
Blake is a stay-at-home defenseman with a physical edge. He blocks shots, clears the crease, and uses his stick well. Ideal for teams needing penalty kill support.
28. Winnipeg Jets – Ivan Ryabkin, Centre
Ivan has a quick release and plays with intensity. He’s physical, a good passer, and makes smart plays. He’ll contribute more defensively than on the scoreboard.
29. Carolina Hurricanes – Cameron Schmidt, Left Wing
Cameron has blazing speed and top-notch puck skills. He’s a dangerous offensive player, though his defensive game needs work. Could become a dynamic scorer.
30. San Jose Sharks – Bill Zonnon, Left Wing/Centre
Bill’s greatest asset is his versatility. He plays both center and wing, has speed, and creates space. He’s a top-tier playmaker with excellent vision.
31. Philadelphia Flyers – Sascha Boumedienne, Defense
Sascha is a strong defensive defenseman with some offensive upside. He hits hard, plays smart, and shows potential. He is not overly physical but is very effective
32. Calgary Flames – Milton Gastrin, Centre
Milton is reliable and positionally sound. He has good speed and a quick-shot release. He is not flashy, but a solid second- or third-line center option
