LOS ANGELES, CA – The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was abuzz with anticipation last night as the hockey world convened for the highly-anticipated first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. While the air was thick with the usual hopes and dreams of young prospects, an undercurrent of raw emotion and strategic maneuvering defined a night that saw future stars find their new homes, led by the poignant selection of defenseman Matthew Schaefer by the New York Islanders at No. 1 overall.
Schaefer, the prodigious blueliner from the Erie Otters, has been the consensus top pick for months, despite a challenging season marred by illness and injury. His selection by the Islanders wasn’t just a nod to his undeniable two-way talent, fluid skating, and exceptional hockey IQ, but also a heartfelt tribute. Schaefer’s journey to the top pick has been marked by personal tragedy, making his moment on stage all the more powerful. The 17-year-old, the first OHL defenseman to go first overall since Owen Power in 2021, embodies resilience, and the Islanders are clearly banking on his character as much as his immense skill to anchor their future blue line.
The drama didn’t end with the first pick. The San Jose Sharks, holding the second overall selection, wasted no time in scooping up dynamic forward Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit. Misa, a scoring sensation who dominated the OHL, brings elite offensive instincts, dazzling hands, and a competitive fire that promises to ignite the Sharks’ rebuild alongside 2024’s top pick, Macklin Celebrini. This potent one-two punch could quickly transform San Jose’s fortunes.
Rounding out the top three, the Chicago Blackhawks made a significant statement by drafting Swedish forward Anton Frondell. Known for his powerful shot and tenacious two-way game, Frondell provides much-needed size and skill up the middle, aiming to be a formidable complement to superstar Connor Bedard. His selection underscores a growing trend of European talent making an early impact at the top of the draft board.
Perhaps one of the biggest stories of the night was the Utah Mammoth, who, after a remarkable leap in the Draft Lottery, secured the fourth overall pick and used it to select versatile center Caleb Desnoyers. Desnoyers’ exceptional ice vision and well-rounded game make him a strong foundational piece for the NHL’s newest franchise.
Further down the board, the Philadelphia Flyers made a splash, not just with their sixth overall pick of power forward Porter Martone, but by orchestrating an early trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins to move up to 12th overall and select center Jack Nesbitt. The Flyers clearly had their sights set on Nesbitt, signaling an aggressive approach to bolstering their prospect pool. The Penguins, meanwhile, showed their willingness to wheel and deal, acquiring multiple picks throughout the first round to grab promising forwards like Benjamin Kindel and Will Horcoff.
The Boston Bruins celebrated a potential steal at seventh overall with the selection of James Hagens, a highly-touted playmaker who brings elite vision and creativity. Adding to the memorable night, Hollywood legend Adam Sandler, in his iconic “Happy Gilmore” character, announced the Bruins’ pick, much to the delight of the crowd.
Beyond the top ten, teams strategically filled their pipelines. The New York Islanders continued their busy night, leveraging the assets gained from the Noah Dobson trade with Montreal to pick up two additional first-rounders, taking Swedish winger Victor Eklund and physical defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. This multi-pick strategy could significantly accelerate their retooling efforts.
The 2025 NHL Draft’s first round proved to be a compelling blend of expected top talent, shrewd maneuvering, and heartwarming narratives. As Rounds 2-7 unfold today, teams will continue to unearth the next generation of hockey stars, but the stage has been set with a truly impactful and unforgettable opening night. The future of the NHL has just gotten a whole lot brighter.
