2025 NHL Draft Recap: Analyzing the Top 10 Picks

San Jose, CA. — With the 2025 NHL Draft officially coming to a close, hockey fans are excited for the season to start and see how these top prospects pan out. Round 1 brought interesting decisions and emotional stories. Let’s take a closer look at the draft board and see the top 10 overall picks. 

1. New York Islanders - Matthew Schaefer, D

At just 17 years old, Schaefer has gone number one in the draft with outstanding stats. With only two years in the Ontario Hockey League, he has played in 73 games, scoring 10 goals and adding 29 assists, for a total of 39 points. Schaefer is known for having a high hockey IQ and is great at puck handling. The Islanders paid a beautiful tribute to Schaefer’s mother, who passed away in February 2024 after battling cancer for two years. On Schaefer’s jersey, we can see a lavender ribbon, which pays tribute to his mother’s passing and serves as a symbol for cancer awareness. While Schaefer was out for the majority of the season with an injury, missing out on 55 games, numerous teams were still interested, and the Islanders struck gold. 

2. San Jose Sharks - Michael Misa, C

With the second overall pick, the San Jose Sharks chose Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit. Misa spent three years playing with the Spirit, where he accumulated 265 points after playing in 177 games, scoring 113 goals and assisting 152 goals. Misa is known for his great two-way offense and defense. With notable players such as Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini, Misa will fit perfectly with the Sharks' future. 

3. Chicago Blackhawks - Anton Frondell, C

The Blackhawks selected Anton Frondell with the third overall pick. Frondell has spent his time playing in Sweden, including the World Junior A Challenge, the World Selects Invitational, and TV-Pucken. This season, he played for Djurgårdens IF, where he played 29 games, scoring 11 goals and 14 assists. Frondell is known for his competitiveness and consistency. 

4. Utah Mammoth - Caleb Desnoyers, C 

The Utah Mammoth selected Caleb Desnoyers from the Moncton Wildcats. Desnoyers has had an incredible record with the Wildcats, as he has played in 116 games. In these 116 games, he accumulated 140 points with 55 goals and 85 assists. With the Mammoth making interesting trades prior to the draft, it will be interesting to see how Desnoyers fits into the squad. Desnoyers is known for being a two-way player, but most importantly, a productive scorer. 

5. Nashville Predators - Brady Martin, C

Brady Martin was chosen by the Nashville Predators, and his story was interesting, to say the least. Instead of going to Los Angeles for the draft, he decided to stay at home on the farm and be with his family and friends while watching the draft. Martin played with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he played in 109 games, scoring 43 goals and 57 assists. There is no doubt that Brady Martin will fit in with the Predators and find success. Martin is described as a physical player with a high hockey IQ. 

6. Philadelphia Flyers - Porter Martone, RW

From the Brampton Steelheads, the Philadelphia Flyers chose Porter Martone. This season, the Steelheads' captain played in 57 games, where he scored 37 goals and 61 assists, for a total of 98 points. Martone is known for his high-scoring goals, where he finishes rebounds and possesses incredible puck skills. Martone can be a light for the Flyers, and it will be a great opportunity to see him shine with them. 

7. Boston Bruins - James Hagens, C

With the seventh overall pick, the Boston Bruins selected James Hagens. Hagens started his career at Boston College playing with players such as Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Hagens played in 37 games, where he gained 37 points from 11 goals and 26 assists. Hagens has also played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where they have found success in recent years. Hagens is known for his creative play-making and puck control. 

8. Seattle Kraken - Jake O’Brien, C

The Seattle Kraken drafted Jake O’Brien from the Brantford Bulldogs. O’Brien has played with the Bulldogs for two years, where he has had an impressive career. He scored 162 points after playing 127 games with 45 goals and 117 assists. By choosing Jake O’Brien, the Kraken get an offensive, productive player with an elite playmaking vision. 

9. Buffalo Sabres - Radim Mrtka, D

The Sabres drafted Radim Mrtka, who has spent his hockey career in Czechia but recently played with the Seattle Thunderbirds. This season, Mrtka played in 43 games, where he accumulated 35 points from 3 goals and 32 assists. He even got 3 assists in the 6 games he played during the playoffs. The Sabres could use Mrtka for his size, as he stands at 6’6, but also for his fast skating and ability as a two-way defenseman.  

10. Anaheim Ducks - Roger McQueen, C

With the 10th pick, the Ducks chose Roger McQueen from the Brandon Wheat Kings. In four years with the Wheat Kings, he played in 127 games, where he totaled 86 points from 35 goals and 51 assists. McQueen is known for his game-breaking skills and his net presence, such as deflecting pucks. With the Ducks trading their star players, such as Trevor Zegras, it will be interesting to see where they will put McQueen. 

It’s great to see that these star players are getting the recognition they deserve. With the offseason, it will be exciting to see them participate in development camp and how they will fit in with their respective teams. What do you think? Do you think the players should’ve gone to another team, or the team should’ve gotten another player? Let me know what you think!