Mock Drafts

This is a library of mock drafts that gets updated regularly.

Upside's 2025 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Post-Lottery Edition

To be clear, this is not our rankings. For the NHL Draft Lottery Edition of our exclusive 2025 NHL Draft Rankings head to our 2025 NHL Draft Headquarters. Though often an exercise in futility, it is nonetheless a fun exercise to work through to project where prospects may land. Here’s our take; your thoughts are welcomed.

1. New York Islanders: James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)

Islanders opt for the hometown kid and hope they land a future franchise centreman.

They might be able to haggle for another asset from the Sharks to let Schaefer slip (or trade draft slots) but we’ve kept trades out of this edition of our mock draft.

2. San Jose Sharks: Matthew Schaefer, LHD (Erie Otters, OHL)

With a game reminiscent of Cale Makar, at this point a no-brainer at #2 for the Sharks.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Michael Misa, C/LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

Blackhawks staff ecstatic the exceptional forward falls to their number three slot.

4. Utah Hockey Club: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

Undeniable package of (dare I say Mammoth) size, power, and skill.

5. Nashville Predators: Anton Frondell, C/RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Holy Frondell, a key piece in the Preds retool. His formidable shot release will be an offensive weapon they crave.

6. Philadelphia Flyers: Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

Stock rising on this all-around centreman.

7. Boston Bruins: Caleb Desnoyers, C (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)

Smart playmaking centreman. Bruins hope they have landed a Patrice Bergeron-esque player out of the QMJHL.

8. Seattle Kraken: Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Size (6’6”!), skating, and skill makes this right-handed defenseman from Czechia super enticing to the Kraken.

9. Buffalo Sabres: Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyounds, OHL)

“A one-man wrecking crew, and a responsible two-way centreman.”

10. Anaheim Ducks: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Cerebral two-way speedy winger.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)

Size. Hockey sense. Skating. He’s a contender for second best defensemen in this draft class.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins* (via New York Rangers): Carter Bear, C/LW (Everett Silvertips)

The Penguins bring a talented Bear into their midst.

*To clarify, the Rangers may very well elect to keep this pick; at Upside we'd sacrifice this pick and have NYR keeping their 2026 1st round pick.

As per Athletic: "So, what precisely will the New York Rangers do? Here are the details: The Rangers have been awarded the 12th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. If they’d like, they may keep that selection. Doing so guarantees that the Penguins own the Rangers’ 2026 first-round pick. The Rangers also have the option to give the Penguins the 12th pick this June, which will allow the Rangers to keep their 2026 pick."

13. Detroit Red Wings: Kawshawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)

Silky smooth skating physical blueliner.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

“Hensler owns top-tier hockey sense, reads the play and processes quickly, then makes sound decisions. His positioning is infallible in all 3 zones, with keen anticipation; he forces turnovers aplenty and intercepts passes with his long stick, timing, and reach.”

15. Vancouver Canucks: Lynden Lakovic, LW (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)

“Lakovic possesses solid IQ and awareness in all areas, and is able to find soft spots in coverage, often finding himself in the slot at the exact right moment to strike. He is inside-driven, attacking the middle while exhibiting high-end off-puck instincts. Mobility-wise, he's not a burner, but he's well above average in the speed department, on skating that is smooth and powerful with long, fluid strides.”

16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

“He's a 6'2" speedster with soft hands, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder.”

17. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

“Ryabkin is a smooth and fluid skater, but his straight-ahead speed is average- he needs plenty of work on his explosiveness, acceleration, and top speed. Though he can lose races, and can't easily separate in open ice, he is freakishly strong on the puck, and has uncommon balance, making it very hard to knock him over; he stays on his feet through contact, and is slippery and elusive on his edges. His lack of high-end speed doesn't hurt him as much as his inconsistent pace though. Ryabkin's best traits are his elite IQ and his advanced anticipation in the offensive zone, giving him a creative playmaking game that is augmented by his high-end passing skills. He understands how to create space for teammates by drawing pressure with delays, cut-backs, and button-hooks, and reads the ice as well as anyone in this year's draft class, with the ability to pull off feeds that few others could; he can connect with teammates through traffic, or across the ice, with crisp, accurate passing. Since he came to North America though, it looks as though he's been flexing his goal-scoring skills, with his laser of a shot on a quick, deceptive release, and superb precision to pick corners with. He also displays soft hands in-tight, and times his attacks to the slot so that he arrives at the right time to strike.”

18. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

The Flames don’t let the injury-plague season scare them off from McQueen’s tantalizing combination of size, hockey sense, and skill.

19. St. Louis Blues: Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)

“Fiddler is an above-average skater for a player his size, exploiting long and powerful strides, with smooth agility and edgework to pivot or change direction quickly. His lateral mobility lets him surf across wide tracts of ice to intercept attackers along the boards. Even still, he has room to improve his top speed and explosiveness. There's some surprising puck-skill in his repertoire to go with his unyielding puck-protection; his handling looks good, and he can dangle around defenders on occasion in the offensive zone, or when exiting the defensive zone.”

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

“He's 6'4" power forward with a physical style.”

21. Ottawa Senators: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, LW (Luleå HF, SHL)

“Playmaking is his best weapon, and he displays creativity as well as spatial awareness- which is a very important quality here; together with his high-level vision and hockey sense, he can locate spot spots in coverage to present himself as a passing option, draw pressure to create open space, and manipulate defenders to open seams. His shot is fairly hard and heavy, but could perhaps use a touch more power.”

22. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)

“He's sub-6’0, but weighs 190lbs, and plays a very pro-style game, with suffocating defense. If you want another Brayden Point, this may be it.”

23. Carolina Hurricanes: Benjamin Kindel, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)

“Kindel is rather diminutive (5'10", 175lbs), and isn't exactly a speedster, but he's obviously a highly intelligent scorer with a sound two-way game.”

24. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

“Cootes is an intense two-way center.”

25. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Sascha Boumediene, D (Boston Univ., NCAA)

Intriguing combination of size, effortless skating, and offensive upside could have scouts jumping on this bluelinger with significant upside.

26. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning): Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

Intelligent all-around defender.

27. Los Angeles Kings: Bill Zonnon, C/LW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

Zonnon is an excellent playmaker and plays an ultra tireless hard-working power game.

28. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Jack Murtagh, C/LW (USNTDP)

“Murtagh is a high-IQ player who processes quickly, solves problems on the fly, and can drive play. Even with an added playmaking dimension in his repertoire, Murtagh's best asset is still his shot; he can release in full flight, and score from a distance with a wicked wrister, or a laser of a one-timer.”

29. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)

“Physical winger with a pro-style, two-way game.”

30. Nashville Predators (via Vegas Golden Knights): Joshua Ravensbergen, G (Prince George Cougars, WHL)

If a goalie goes in the first round the big right-catching Ravensberger who possesses confidence, perseverance, and quickness, to the Preds who have three first-round selections makes a lot of sense after they dealt stud goalie prospect Askarov to the Sharks last year.

31. Washington Capitals: Milton Gästrin, C (MoDo Hockey, SHL)

“He is a playmaking center who plays a responsible two-way game with physicality, but even more than that, he's a leader who oozes intensity, consistency, and high-motor- he doesn't cheat the game, and sets an example. Gastrin plays in all situations, and is very well-rounded, with a highly-translatable style; there aren't many true flaws in his game.”

32. Winnipeg Jets: Cullen Potter, LW (Arizona State Univ., NCAA)

“Potter may be small, but he's not afraid to cut inside or drive through traffic, and he has several tricks up his sleeve to get to the net- including dekes, fakes, and dazzling footwork. He displays soft hands around the net, and also has an above-average shot with some power, including a slick catch-and-release wrister that can catch goalies off guard.”

Note: quotes denoted "" are from our lead prospect profiler Trevor Curtis.

Photo courtesy of OHL images.

Upside's 2025 NHL Mock Draft 1.0

1. San Jose Sharks: Matthew Schaefer, LHD (Erie Otters, OHL)

With a game reminiscent of Cale Makar, at this point a no-brainer at #1.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C/RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Blackhawks go ever so slightly off the board here, but, Holy Frondell!, will they ever be getting a key piece in the rebuild. His formidable shot release will be another weapon to go with Bedard et al.

3. Nashville Predators: James Hagens, C (Boston College, NCAA)

Preds hope they land a future franchise centreman.

4. Buffalo Sabres: Porter Martone, RW (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)

Undeniable package of size, power, and skill.

5. Seattle Kraken: Michael Misa, C/LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

GM Ron Francis and staff ecstatic the exceptional forward falls to their number five slot.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins: Roger McQueen, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

The Pens don’t let the injury-plague season scare them off from McQueen’s tantalizing combination of size, hockey sense, and skill.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Caleb Desnoyers, C (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)

Smart playmaking centreman.

8. Anaheim Ducks: Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)

Stock rising on this all-around centreman.

9. Boston Bruins: Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

Size (6’6”!), skating, and skill makes this right-handed defenseman from Czechia super enticing to the Bruins.

10. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)

Cerebral two-way speedy winger.

11. New York Islanders: Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyounds, OHL)

“A one-man wrecking crew, and a responsible two-way centreman.”

12. Utah Hockey Club: Jackson Smith, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)

Size. Hockey sense. Skating. He;s a contender for second best defensemen in this draft class.

13. Montreal Canadiens: Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

“He's a 6'2" speedster with soft hands, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder.”

14. St. Louis Blues: Blake Fiddler, RHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)

“Fiddler is an above-average skater for a player his size, exploiting long and powerful strides, with smooth agility and edgework to pivot or change direction quickly. His lateral mobility lets him surf across wide tracts of ice to intercept attackers along the boards. Even still, he has room to improve his top speed and explosiveness. There's some surprising puck-skill in his repertoire to go with his unyielding puck-protection; his handling looks good, and he can dangle around defenders on occasion in the offensive zone, or when exiting the defensive zone.”

15. Pittsburgh Penguins (via New York Rangers): Jack Nesbitt, C (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

“He's 6'4" power forward with a physical style.”

16. Vancouver Canucks: Lynden Lakovic, LW (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)

“Lakovic possesses solid IQ and awareness in all areas, and is able to find soft spots in coverage, often finding himself in the slot at the exact right moment to strike. He is inside-driven, attacking the middle while exhibiting high-end off-puck instincts. Mobility-wise, he's not a burner, but he's well above average in the speed department, on skating that is smooth and powerful with long, fluid strides.”

17. Columbus Blue Jackets: Malcolm Spence, LW (Erie Otters, OHL)

“Physical winger with a pro-style, two-way game.”

18. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames): Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

“Ryabkin is a smooth and fluid skater, but his straight-ahead speed is average- he needs plenty of work on his explosiveness, acceleration, and top speed. Though he can lose races, and can't easily separate in open ice, he is freakishly strong on the puck, and has uncommon balance, making it very hard to knock him over; he stays on his feet through contact, and is slippery and elusive on his edges. His lack of high-end speed doesn't hurt him as much as his inconsistent pace though. Ryabkin's best traits are his elite IQ and his advanced anticipation in the offensive zone, giving him a creative playmaking game that is augmented by his high-end passing skills. He understands how to create space for teammates by drawing pressure with delays, cut-backs, and button-hooks, and reads the ice as well as anyone in this year's draft class, with the ability to pull off feeds that few others could; he can connect with teammates through traffic, or across the ice, with crisp, accurate passing. Since he came to North America though, it looks as though he's been flexing his goal-scoring skills, with his laser of a shot on a quick, deceptive release, and superb precision to pick corners with. He also displays soft hands in-tight, and times his attacks to the slot so that he arrives at the right time to strike.”

19. Ottawa Senators: Kawshawn Aitcheson, LHD (Barrie Colts, OHL)

Silky smooth skating physical blueliner.

20. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Carter Bear, C/LW (Everett Silvertips)

Will the Bear drop this far to the Flames to join their Wolf?

21. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota Wild): Cullen Potter, LW (Arizona State Univ., NCAA)

“Potter may be small, but he's not afraid to cut inside or drive through traffic, and he has several tricks up his sleeve to get to the net- including dekes, fakes, and dazzling footwork. He displays soft hands around the net, and also has an above-average shot with some power, including a slick catch-and-release wrister that can catch goalies off guard.”

22. Los Angeles Kings: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, LW (Luleå HF, SHL)

“Playmaking is his best weapon, and he displays creativity as well as spatial awareness- which is a very important quality here; together with his high-level vision and hockey sense, he can locate spot spots in coverage to present himself as a passing option, draw pressure to create open space, and manipulate defenders to open seams. His shot is fairly hard and heavy, but could perhaps use a touch more power.”

23. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

“Hensler owns top-tier hockey sense, reads the play and processes quickly, then makes sound decisions. His positioning is infallible in all 3 zones, with keen anticipation; he forces turnovers aplenty and intercepts passes with his long stick, timing, and reach.”

24. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Braeden Cootes, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

“Cootes is an intense two-way center.”

25. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning): Cameron Reid, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)

Intelligent all-around defender.

26. Carolina Hurricanes: Sascha Boumediene, D (Boston Univ., NCAA)

Intriguing combination of size, effortless skating, and offensive upside could have scouts jumping on this bluelinger with significant upside.

27. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Bill Zonnon, C/LW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)

Zonnon is an excellent playmaker and plays an ultra tireless hard-working power game.

28. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas Stars): Jack Murtagh, C/LW (USNTDP)

“Murtagh is a high-IQ player who processes quickly, solves problems on the fly, and can drive play. Even with an added playmaking dimension in his repertoire, Murtagh's best asset is still his shot; he can release in full flight, and score from a distance with a wicked wrister, or a laser of a one-timer.”

29. Calgary Flames (via Florida Panthers): Cole Reschny, C (Victoria Royals, WHL)

“He's only 5'10", but weighs 190lbs, and plays a very pro-style game, with suffocating defense. If you want another Brayden Point, this may be it.”

30. Nashville Predators (via Vegas Golden Knights): Benjamin Kindel, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)

“Kindel is rather diminutive (5'10",175lbs), and isn't exactly a speedster, but he's obviously a highly intelligent scorer with a sound two-way game.”

31. Winnipeg Jets: Milton Gästrin, C (MoDo Hockey, SHL)

“He is a playmaking center who plays a responsible two-way game with physicality, but even more than that, he's a leader who oozes intensity, consistency, and high-motor- he doesn't cheat the game, and sets an example. Gastrin plays in all situations, and is very well-rounded, with a highly-translatable style; there aren't many true flaws in his game.”

32. Washington Capitals: Carter Amico, RHD (USNTDP)

“Amico is positionally sound, and displays the ability to block shots, clog lanes, and intercept passes with his awareness and anticipation, as well as his well-timed stick. His reach is one of his biggest weapons, and he uses it to keep attackers to the outside, as well as to lift sticks and poke pucks away from danger. Amico uses his size effectively, and is a physical brand of defender who likes to initiate contact often and early- along the boards, in the corners, and in front of the net.”

Note: quotes denoted "" are from our lead prospect profiler Trevor Curtis.