With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching on June 27th and 28th, it`s an opportune time to assess the primary needs within each team`s prospect system.
It`s crucial to preface this by stating the widely accepted principle that teams should prioritize selecting the best available player regardless of position, especially in the early rounds. While some organizations have more immediate positional gaps than others, drafting based purely on position or physical size can often lead to missed opportunities and future regrets.
Franchises that have recently been Stanley Cup contenders (such as the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights) often have shallower prospect pools, needing talent across the board due to trading away picks and prospects for current success. Conversely, teams that have retained their draft picks but haven`t selected high in the draft lottery may lack elite, high-end skill (examples include the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers). Then there are teams strong at one position within their pipeline but lacking top-tier talent elsewhere.
Only one prospect pool truly stands out as balanced, largely because their drafting strategy over the last five years has consistently focused on taking the top player available, irrespective of their position.
So, what does each NHL team`s prospect system need most, and which players in the upcoming draft could potentially address these needs?
- Anaheim Ducks
- Boston Bruins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Calgary Flames
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Dallas Stars
- Detroit Red Wings
- Edmonton Oilers
- Florida Panthers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Minnesota Wild
- Montreal Canadiens
- Nashville Predators
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Ottawa Senators
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- San Jose Sharks
- Seattle Kraken
- St. Louis Blues
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Utah Mammoth
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Washington Capitals
- Winnipeg Jets
Anaheim Ducks
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th
For over a decade, the Ducks have been recognized as the league`s best at developing defensemen, producing a long list of players who became top-four NHL blueliners including Cam Fowler, Shea Theodore, and Hampus Lindholm. More recently, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zelweger have shown significant promise in the NHL. However, Anaheim currently lacks a large, mobile defenseman who can effectively complement the offensive strengths of their young defensive prospects. Stian Solberg brings competitiveness and mobility, but his puck-handling skills require further development for the NHL level. Potential fits from this draft class who could match this profile include Radim Mrtka, Blake Fiddler, and Carter Amico.
Boston Bruins
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th
Across their prospect pool, the Bruins are in significant need of high-end skill. Currently, there isn`t a single player in their pipeline projected to be a game-changing impact player at the NHL level, which will pose challenges as Boston attempts to retool and return to being a top contender. Specifically, the Bruins require a versatile center who can drive offense through both playmaking and shooting. They also need defensemen with strong puck-moving capabilities and excellent mobility. Given their sustained success over the past two decades, it`s understandable that their prospect pool lacks top-tier talent. However, they have a history of finding success with picks outside the top 10, such as David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. Players who could inject much-needed skill into their system, potentially available around their #7 pick, include forwards Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers, and Anton Frondell, and defensemen Sascha Boumedienne and Luka Radivojevic.
Buffalo Sabres
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)
The Sabres boast a deep prospect pool rich in skill. What they are primarily missing is a large, skilled forward capable of developing into a power forward. Their pipeline features many players with soft skills and smaller frames, like Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund, complementing existing smaller NHL players like Zach Benson and JJ Peterka. While some possess two-way capabilities and hard-skill attributes, none are known for being physically imposing. Buffalo needs a power forward who can blend soft and hard skills to win puck battles, provide a net-front presence, and exert physical influence. Potential fits from this draft class include Brady Martin, Porter Martone, and Bill Zonnon. If they prioritize hard skill over size, Carter Bear and Viktor Eklund would also align well with their needs.
Calgary Flames
2025 draft picks: 1st (FLA), 1st (NJ), 2nd (COL), 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th
Calgary holds two first-round selections, presenting an excellent opportunity to add a skilled play-driving forward to their prospect pool. 2024 first-rounder Zayne Parekh is considered one of the most skilled offensive defensemen outside the NHL, and the Flames have other solid prospects like Matvei Gridin. However, they need a skilled, dual-threat forward who can independently generate offense, as many of their current forward prospects project as complementary players alongside play drivers, like Samuel Honzek. The aging of their current centers suggests a future need at that position, but finding a play-driving winger is arguably more pressing. The draft should offer numerous options for the Flames, including Benjamin Kindel, Carter Bear, Cullen Potter, and Cole Reschny.
Carolina Hurricanes
2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (TB), 4th, 6th, 6th (TB), 7th
The Hurricanes have a strong track record of drafting well, with a philosophy centered on acquiring skill regardless of position. They are frequently praised by analytics-focused draft analysts for their ability to find value throughout the draft. That said, if there`s one position where the Hurricanes could use depth in their pipeline, it`s center. Many of their highly-regarded prospects project as defensemen (Dominik Badinka, Alexander Nikishin, Scott Morrow) or wingers (Bradly Nadeau, Nikita Artamonov). While these players are expected to be middle- or top-line contributors, Carolina lacks a center prospect projected to reach a similar level. Given their drafting position and philosophy, players who might interest them include Jack Murtagh, William Moore, Ivan Ryabkin, Jack Nesbitt, and Milton Gastrin (Cameron Schmidt is a winger but could also fit their skilled profile).
Chicago Blackhawks
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th
It`s well known that the Blackhawks possess significant talent in their pipeline, though much of it is concentrated on the defensive side following recent drafts that added players like Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, and Sam Rinzel. This provides blue-line depth for the foreseeable future. However, the team lacks a star-caliber forward to complement their franchise cornerstone, Connor Bedard. It`s critical for the Blackhawks to add a forward with legitimate top-line projection capable of both producing and facilitating offense. Ideally, this player could drive a line independently, allowing Chicago to distribute scoring talent across the top six. A significant injection of talent at the top forward positions is needed to accelerate their rebuild. With substantial draft capital, including the #3 overall pick, they should strongly target Michael Misa, Porter Martone, or James Hagens with their first selection, and look at players like Shane Vansaghi, Benjamin Kindel, Nathan Behm, and Ryker Lee with their other high picks.
Colorado Avalanche
2025 draft picks: 4th (VAN), 7th
After trading Calum Ritchie at the trade deadline, the Avalanche`s prospect pool significantly lacks high-end upside. Outside of defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev, there`s a notable absence of players with a realistic chance of playing impactful roles in the NHL, and specifically, zero forward prospects with top-six projections. Given their championship window and aggressive `all-in` approach, it`s not surprising that the Avalanche`s pipeline lacks elite skill. However, they will eventually need cost-controlled players who can contribute significant minutes to support the top-tier talent already on their roster. With only two total selections in the upcoming draft and none in the first three rounds, the Avalanche face a significant challenge in adding the kind of upside their prospect pool desperately needs without actively acquiring more draft capital.
Columbus Blue Jackets
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (MIN), 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (VGK)
The Blue Jackets made significant progress this past season, with young players contributing key developments. They appear well-positioned at center if Cayden Lindstrom matures into a second-line player, and they possess excellent young talent on the wings and offensive skill on the blue line. However, following the trade of David Jiricek, the Blue Jackets` pipeline lacks a prospect projected to be a minute-eating, top-four defender capable of matching up against opponent`s best lines. Charlie Elick has a long-shot chance at a #4 role but is more likely a depth/penalty kill defender. With two first-round selections in the upcoming draft, Columbus could potentially address this need by targeting players like Logan Hensler, Kashawn Aitcheson, Cameron Reid, Blake Fiddler, or Sascha Boumedienne.
Dallas Stars
2025 draft picks: 3rd, 5th, 5th (NJ), 6th, 7th
Given the Stars` current status as contenders and their knack for successfully drafting and developing players selected later in rounds, the lack of a high-end center prospect isn`t an immediate major concern, especially with Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz established as their top two centers for the foreseeable future. However, the Stars` prospect pipeline has minimal depth at the center position and would significantly benefit from bolstering it. Mavrik Bourque and Emil Hemming, their best remaining forward prospects, are wingers (and Bourque will soon exceed prospect age). Lian Bischel and Christian Kyrou represent legitimate defensive upside, making the need for a center more apparent. With limited draft capital, acquiring the type of player needed will be challenging without trading to acquire more picks.
Detroit Red Wings
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)
The Red Wings possess a large number of young prospects, but the majority of their most promising ones are defensemen. Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper are no longer considered prospects, leaving the Red Wings without a single player in their pipeline projected for a top-line role. Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are expected to be middle-six forwards, while Axel Sandin-Pelikka and Andrew Gibson are anticipated to join their strong young defensive group. Trey Augustine is projected as an NHL starting goaltender. This leaves the Red Wings with potential players at every position except at the very top of their forward depth chart. Detroit needs players who can generate offense and drive play. Welcome additions to their pipeline would include Carter Bear, Jake O`Brien, Lynden Lakovic, and Cole Reschny. If players like Viktor Eklund or Roger McQueen were to drop outside the top 10, the Red Wings would be delighted to select either.
Edmonton Oilers
2025 draft picks: 3rd (STL), 6th, 7th
The Oilers hold only three total picks in the entire draft, and none in the top 64. It`s expected for a team in their championship window to lack high-end skill in their prospect system, as it typically means they`ve drafted late, traded picks, or traded high-end prospects. Edmonton has done all three, resulting in a lack of elite skill outside of Matthew Savoie. Sam O`Reilly and Beau Akey represent their best chances at becoming middle-of-the-lineup players. The Oilers desperately need a skilled winger to potentially play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Given their limited draft capital, they will likely need to trade up or take significant risks with players available later in the draft, such as LJ Mooney, Shamar Moses, Filip Ekberg, and Gustav Hillstrom.
Florida Panthers
2025 draft picks: 4th, 4th (CGY), 5th, 5th (SJ), 6th, 7th
When a team has recently claimed the Stanley Cup and made multiple deep playoff runs, it`s common for their prospect pipeline to be significantly depleted. This is the situation for the Florida Panthers, who are in need of talent across the board. There is no position of strength within their pipeline, nor is there a single prospect currently projected to be an impactful player at the NHL level. Justin Sourdif, Jack Devine, and Gracyn Sawchyn have the best chances to become NHL forwards, while Marek Alscher and Tobias Bjornfot might become depth NHL defensemen. Goaltender Spencer Knight is no longer in their system, and the Panthers currently have no netminders projected to play NHL games. With no selections in the first three rounds, they must prioritize swinging for skill and upside with their later picks, without being particular about position.
Los Angeles Kings
2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (PHI)
Following Brandt Clarke`s graduation to the NHL, the Kings currently lack a single defensive prospect projected to become an NHL player. However, forwards Liam Greentree, Koehn Ziemmer, and Kenny Connors hold varying degrees of NHL projection, with Greentree most likely to be a middle-six forward and the other two projecting as depth players. In goal, the Kings are exceptionally strong, with Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky, and Erik Portillo in their system, arguably constituting the best goaltending pipeline in the league. The Kings` clear need is for defensemen in their pipeline, and they are well-positioned with their draft picks to add several in the upcoming draft. Potential targets within the top 90 selections include Blake Fiddler, Sascha Boumedienne, Carter Amico, Kurban Limatov, and Alex Huang.
Minnesota Wild
2025 draft picks: 2nd, 4th (TOR), 5th (CBJ), 6th
It`s unusual to examine a playoff team`s prospect system and find seemingly no significant weaknesses, but that`s the case for the Wild, who have had the best ratio of drafted players signed to NHL contracts over the last five years. Minnesota is well-stocked with high-end prospects at every position, from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and defensemen David Jiricek and Zeev Buium, to forwards Danila Yurov, Ryder Ritchie, and Charlie Stramel. Their pipeline has no shortage of talent and is set up to provide excellent organizational depth for years. Their drafting philosophy, prioritizing the best player available regardless of position, avoiding concerns about size or `high-floor, low-ceiling` profiles, has been highly effective. Although they have only one pick in the first three rounds this year, expect them to continue finding value in the later rounds.
Montreal Canadiens
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (CGY), 2nd, 2nd (PIT), 3rd, 3rd (NJ), 3rd (VAN), 4th, 4th (BOS), 5th, 6th, 7th
The Canadiens` draft-centric rebuild has been impressive, highlighted by successful selections of smaller, highly skilled players like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. Adding Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage further strengthens their pool of talented skaters. Jacob Fowler is a top goaltending prospect projected to be an NHL starter, possibly in a platoon role. On defense, the hope is that David Reinbacher remains healthy and develops into the top-four minute-eater they envisioned when drafting him high in 2023. To round out their future roster, the Canadiens need more hard skill – players who can complement their soft-skilled scorers, win puck battles, perform at the net front, and provide a physical presence. While Kaiden Guhle provides this on the blue line, and Owen Beck and Joshua Roy could become solid bottom-six forwards, Montreal could use a physical presence in the top six who can also produce 65-70 points. Juraj Slafkovsky exhibits some of these traits, but players like Brady Martin or Caleb Desnoyers would be ideal fits. If Roger McQueen were to slide in the draft, he would also perfectly align with this need.
Nashville Predators
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)
General Manager Barry Trotz has been clear in his assessment, and thankfully so, because the Predators desperately need skill. For years, they have lacked a true, top-line scoring center to play alongside Filip Forsberg. While they have scoring wingers and two-way centers in the pipeline, there are no prospects projected to be high-point-producing centers. Holding a top-five pick, the Predators are in a prime position to add an elite center. Any of Hagens, Misa, or Frondell would be an excellent selection. If they decide to take a home-run swing and Misa isn`t available, McQueen makes sense despite some injury history concerns. Regardless of their choice at No. 5, a center with top-six projection will be available. Misa, considered the draft`s best center, Hagens (a productive, two-way center), and Frondell (projected top-line center) should all receive significant consideration. After trading Yaroslav Askarov, the Predators lack a goaltender prospect and can use one of their other four high picks to select Joshua Ravensbergen or Jack Ivankovic.
New Jersey Devils
2025 draft picks: 2nd, 2nd (EDM), 3rd (VGK), 4th, 6th, 6th (SJ)
The Devils have their quality top-six centers secured, with Nico Hischier earning Selke Trophy consideration. However, both he and Jack Hughes are smaller players with accumulated injury histories. Their immense talent ensures they will lead the team, but the Devils` management seems to favor size and would benefit from adding a larger center to the mix. Without a first-round pick, acquiring an impact center will be challenging, though many successful middle-six centers are found in the second and third rounds. The Devils are well-stocked on defense, potentially using some prospects as trade assets to acquire immediate help. Tyler Brennan and Mikhail Yegorov offer NHL potential in goal. Targeting size among forwards wouldn`t be surprising, with players like William Horcoff, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Eddie Genborg, and Vaclav Nestrasil fitting that description.
New York Islanders
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Islanders had tremendous luck winning the draft lottery in a year where a defenseman is the widely expected top pick. The urgent need for a true #1 defenseman is evident, and Matthew Schaefer fits that profile. He is projected to be the first overall selection and would significantly improve the Islanders` blue line by shifting everyone into more suitable roles. The Islanders have quality forward talent in their pipeline, with Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman projected as top-six forwards, while Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley project as depth NHLers. Defensively, the pipeline is much thinner, with only Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen having NHL projections. The Islanders must reinforce their defensive pipeline, as it is a significant area of weakness.
New York Rangers
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th
The Rangers present a somewhat enigmatic situation regarding their team direction, featuring a mix of young and aging players, and a blue line that requires attention. Much of the team outside of goaltender Igor Shesterkin seems to be in transition. The Rangers should utilize their first-round pick this year and hope that the pick they owe Pittsburgh next year is much later due to playoff success. It`s not that the Rangers completely lack talent, but there`s a worrying pattern of difficulty developing prospects to their full potential (Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, etc.). Gabe Perreault, EJ Emery, and Drew Fortescue are among the few players in their system with confident NHL projections, and none play center. The Rangers could benefit from more mobile defensemen, with players like Radim Mrtka or Kashawn Aitcheson fitting their likely drafting style. If they aim for a center, they would need to hope either Jake O`Brien or Caleb Desnoyers falls to them around pick 12.
Ottawa Senators
2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd (FLA), 4th (SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th
The Senators took a notable step forward this season, largely due to excellent performance from their top-of-the-lineup players and solid goaltending. When Ottawa has drafted for skill, as with Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, they`ve hit home runs. Drafting for toughness hasn`t yielded similar results. The Senators` prospect pipeline features considerable size, grit, and tenacity but lacks high-end skill and players projected to be offensive producers above the 60-point mark. Holding the 21st overall pick, the Senators can use it to draft a forward with offensive creativity. Players matching this description include Kindel, Potter, Reschny, Cootes, Schmidt, Lakovic, and Carbonneau. If they opt for defensemen, Logan Hensler and Cameron Reid would be good fits.
Philadelphia Flyers
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th
The Flyers require high-end skill across their prospect pool, and holding three first-round picks gives them ample opportunity to select players with significant upside, even if they fall into the boom-or-bust category. There is a specific need for skill at the center position. Oliver Bonk brings skill to the blue line and should join the top four in the next couple of years. However, the Flyers lack a prospect with point-per-game potential up front, and finding a center to complement Matvei Michkov should be a priority. The Flyers have many potential targets with their first pick, including Martone, McQueen, Frondell, Eklund, and Desnoyers, all deserving strong consideration. With their other picks in the 20s, they can select players who unexpectedly drop or target Ryabkin, Potter, Kindel, Cootes, and Nesbitt. This draft presents a significant chance to infuse speed, skill, and elite offensive creativity into their pipeline, which the Flyers must capitalize on.
Pittsburgh Penguins
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th
The Penguins still feature two likely first-ballot Hall of Fame centers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin performing at a high level. Nevertheless, there is a critical need for elite talent at the top of their lineup to drive play and generate offense for the future. Tanner Howe and Rutger McGroarty are projected as middle-six forwards with potential ceilings of 60-65 points. Melvin Fernstrom and Tristan Broz project as depth NHL players. On defense, Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke have potential to be top-four defensemen, and Joel Blomqvist could develop into a legitimate starting goaltender. The good news for the Penguins is that plenty of high-end talent is expected to be available in the early rounds. Eklund, McQueen, Lakovic, and O`Brien all make sense given their potential upside. Later in the draft, Luca Romano, Viktor Klingsell, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg could fit their drafting approach.
San Jose Sharks
2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)
Despite having many highly-regarded prospects, it`s remarkable that the Sharks still have a significant need for defensemen. Aside from Sam Dickinson and Mattias Havelid, the Sharks lack talent on the back end. Both Havelid and Dickinson primarily play an offensive style, creating a need for more well-rounded or defensive defenders in the pipeline. The Sharks are expected to select a forward with their top pick, though they must be hoping the Islanders pass on Matthew Schaefer at #1. Assuming that doesn`t happen, the Sharks have three more picks in the first two rounds after the second overall selection. They can target two-way or defensive defensemen such as Fiddler, Henry Brzustewicz, and Simon (Haoxi) Wang. Defensemen who can effectively complement Dickinson and Havelid, move the puck efficiently, and defend in transition are precisely what the Sharks need to advance their rebuild.
Seattle Kraken
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th
The Kraken have two young centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, and several developing forward prospects with top-six potential like Berkly Catton. In the middle six, players like Carson Rehkopf and Jagger Firkus should provide varying levels of offensive contribution. In goal, Niklas Kokko and Kim Saarinen offer modest NHL projections. With forward depth and talent in goal, the Kraken`s primary need is on defense. Outside of Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic, the Kraken lack defensive prospects with confident NHL projections. Jackson Smith makes sense as a target in the first round, projecting as a two-way top-four defender. In the second round, Charlie Tretheway and Brzustewicz are viable options as both have NHL potential.
St. Louis Blues
2025 draft picks: 1st, 5th, 6th
The Blues have effectively stocked their prospect pool, though the talent is generally projected to be less impactful at the elite level. They have a few forward prospects expected to reach middle-six roles, including Otto Stenberg and Dalibor Dvorsky. On defense, Adam Jiricek and Colin Ralph show decent NHL potential. However, the Blues lack truly elite talent in their pipeline. Dvorsky has the highest upside, but his path to becoming a first-line point producer isn`t as certain. The Blues need a difference-maker – either a top-line forward or an elite defender – in their system. They own their first-round pick but don`t select again until the fifth round. There are likely to be highly skilled players available around pick #19, including Kindel, Schmidt, Ryabkin, and Potter, whom the Blues could target.
Tampa Bay Lightning
2025 draft picks: 2nd (LA), 4th (EDM), 5th, 7th, 7th (MIN), 7th (SJ), 7th (UTA)
The Lightning have traded away a significant number of draft picks recently, and a notable setback is Isaac Howard, a former first-round selection, reportedly not planning to sign with the team. This is particularly challenging for an organization that hasn`t drafted often in the first round over the last five years. From top to bottom, the Lightning`s pipeline is in dire need of skill and players with realistic NHL projections. They currently lack both and must find late-round gems to complement their aging skilled core. At every position, the Lightning need to add players with legitimate NHL potential, meaning they cannot afford to be selective based on position. The acquisition of Conor Geekie helped, and he is clearly their best young player. Given the limited draft capital in the early rounds, the Lightning`s approach will need to be exceptionally strategic.
Toronto Maple Leafs
2025 draft picks: 2nd (FLA), 3rd (EDM), 5th, 5th (PIT), 6th, 7th
When a team doesn`t draft frequently and trades away its best prospects, its pipeline will inevitably lack skill. After trading Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan is the only remaining forward prospect for Toronto with a top-six projection, and he is likely projected as a second-line player. The Leafs have an abundance of goaltending prospects and drafted Ben Danford in 2024, adding to a small group of defensive prospects with NHL potential. However, the most glaring need is for high-end skilled forwards. Filling this gap will be challenging given the limited draft capital, requiring the Leafs to take calculated risks. Players with reasonable upside who might be available include Adam Benak, Luca Romano, LJ Mooney, and Filip Ekberg. If they manage to trade into the top 40, Cameron Schmidt or Jakob Ihs-Wozniak could become options.
Utah Mammoth
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Utah Mammoth had a successful inaugural season, and thanks to lottery luck that eluded them previously, they jumped from outside the top 10 to the #4 overall pick. With numerous highly-drafted players already, the Mammoth`s prospect system and current roster are rich in talent. Young players like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther are already providing significant offensive impact. While the Mammoth have many smaller forwards, they lack a top-six forward with size and skill – the type of player who physically asserts themselves, wins pucks, is effective at the net front, and creates space for skilled linemates like Keller, Guenther, Cooley, and Tij Iginla. With the #4 pick, several options fit this description, including Desnoyers, Martone, and McQueen. Some have even mentioned Brady Martin, although selecting him at this spot might be considered a reach.
Vancouver Canucks
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th
Anyone following Vancouver hockey closely knows the organization`s most significant need, both in the current lineup and the prospect pipeline: a center. This is a frequently discussed topic. After not drafting a center in 2022, passing on Zach Benson in 2023, and not selecting until the third round in 2024, it`s no surprise their prospect pool contains a few quality defensemen but zero centers with top-six upside. Armed with their first and second-round selections this year, the Canucks are highly likely to target a center to address this critical area. Given the lack of organizational depth, they are more inclined to prioritize certainty (high-floor, low-risk) over high-upside swings. Players who fit this profile and could be available to them include O`Brien, Cootes, Nesbitt, Moore, McKinney, and Horcoff.
Vegas Golden Knights
2025 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd (WSH), 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (WSH)
It`s hardly surprising that Vegas needs talent in its prospect pool, given their strategy of trading away drafted prospects. Almost every first-round pick made by the Golden Knights has been traded, and this is expected to continue. A common joke in NHL circles is that if you`re drafted by Vegas in the first round, you`re probably not going to play for Vegas, so don`t get too comfortable. Vegas does not have a first-round selection this year but holds picks in rounds two through six. They have a pressing need for defensemen, but realistically, they need high-end talent at any position if they plan to continue using prospects as trade assets at the deadline. The Knights are likely to target players with value around the league. On defense, potential targets with such value include Tretheway, Brzustewicz, Radivojevic, Amico, and Limatov. If Schmidt were to fall out of the first round, he might also be a target for Vegas.
Washington Capitals
2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (BOS), 3rd (CAR), 4th, 5th
This is an excellent year to need a goaltender in the prospect pool, and that`s precisely what the Capitals require. The Caps hold a pick in each of the first five rounds, and given the talent available at the position in this draft, they could potentially secure a future starting netminder. With Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren signed for the next few seasons, there isn`t an immediate need for goaltending help. However, there`s no depth behind them, and no prospects with legitimate NHL projections currently. The Caps have good young talent at other positions, with Cole Hutson and Terik Parascak developing in junior, and Ryan Leonard and Hendrix Lapierre already playing professionally. Joshua Ravensbergen, Jack Ivankovic, and Alexei Medvedev all have legitimate NHL potential, with the first two projecting as potential NHL starters.
Winnipeg Jets
2025 draft picks: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Jets have a strong track record of retaining their top talent, successfully signing players like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor to long-term contracts. While Nikolaj Ehlers` future is uncertain, the Jets have reinforcements in their forward prospect pipeline with players like Brad Lambert and Brayden Yager. The defense is considerably thinner, with Elias Salomonsson and Alfons Freij being the only prospects with any NHL projection, and these are modest at best. The Jets need to add defensemen to their prospect pool and have their first-round pick available to do so. Defensemen like Boumedienne, Tretheway, and Fiddler could be available when the Jets select and would fit their current pipeline needs. These defensemen aren`t expected to have a meaningful NHL impact for two or three years, providing time for their development.
