2025 NHL draft grades: Best, worst, most surprising picks

By Rachel Doerrie

The 2025 NHL draft, which felt like it dragged on endlessly, has finally concluded. To the 26 teams that supported a decentralized draft format, you`ve earned a “Z” grade, not even an “F.” Let`s hope this format is never repeated; a return to centralization is strongly preferred.

Every team receives a draft grade, regardless of the number of players they selected. These grades are determined by the value each team acquired with their picks. Consequently, a team with three first-round picks might receive a lower grade than a team with only three total picks, if the former reached for players and missed opportunities to add more talent, while the latter consistently added value and talent with each selection.

The grading is weighted against what could reasonably have been achieved with each selection, based on my analysis and team needs. Reaching for a player to fill a specific team need when a higher-value player is still available will negatively affect the grade. Teams drafting in the top 16 generally need significant talent across the board, having missed the playoffs. The same applies to teams with multiple first-round picks, which are typically acquired by trading away valuable players during a rebuild or retooling phase.

Trade scenarios are factored in, as accumulating value by trading down or acquiring players that fit the team`s timeline can be effective strategies. A team that trades back, gains multiple selections, and finds value in those picks will likely be graded higher than one that traded up for a specific player. For example, the Montreal Canadiens traded multiple picks to acquire and extend a top-4 defenseman in Noah Dobson; this move, utilizing draft assets, is considered in their overall grade as it aligns with their organizational goals.

Here is a breakdown of each team`s grade for the 2025 draft:

`A` grades

New York Islanders Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	1	Matthew Schaefer	D	CAN	6-2	186	Erie (OHL)
1	16	Victor Eklund	RW	SWE	5-11	169	Djurgarden (Sweden-2)
1	17	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	CAN	6-2	199	Barrie (OHL)
2	42	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	RUS	6-6	219	Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)
3	74	Luca Romano	C	CAN	6-0	177	Kitchener (OHL)
4	106	Tomas Poletin	LW	CZE	6-2	206	Pelicans (Finland)
5	138	Sam Laurila	D	USA	6-1	191	Fargo (USHL)
6	170	Burke Hood	G	CAN	6-4	202	Vancouver (WHL)
7	202	Jacob Kvasnicka	RW	USA	6-0	170	USNTDP (USHL)

Based on Day 1 alone, the Islanders deserve an A+. If a higher grade existed, they`d receive it. Adding a potential franchise defenseman like Matthew Schaefer, who promises positive organizational impact both on the ice and potentially as a future captain, is a massive win. Furthermore, the strategic trading of Noah Dobson, who wasn`t expected to re-sign, and using those assets to select the falling Victor Eklund and promising middle-pairing defender Kashawn Aitcheson significantly boosted their grade.

The Islanders avoided overthinking their selections. Success hinges on hitting your first-round picks, and they consistently chose quality players with high potential to become impactful NHLers. There`s a strong possibility the Islanders acquired a cornerstone player, a skilled top-six forward with both toughness and finesse, and a solid, hard-to-play-against defender with untapped offensive upside.

On Day 2, GM Mathieu Darche continued to build with players possessing projectable NHL traits. Daniil Prokhorov has the potential to develop into a high-end power forward, while Luca Romano is likely to play NHL games in a middle-six capacity. Tomas Poletin represents a reasonable bet on offensive upside, and Burke Hood in the later rounds offers excellent value in net. This draft could be a turning point for the Islanders franchise.

Boston Bruins Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	7	James Hagens	C	USA	5-11	186	Boston College (H-East)
2	51	William Moore	C	CAN	6-3	180	USNTDP (USHL)
2	61	Liam Pettersson	D	SWE	6-2	170	Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
3	79	Cooper Simpson	LW	USA	6-1	180	Shakopee (HIGH-MN)
4	100	Vashek Blanar	D	CZE	6-4	183	Troja Ljungby U18 (Sweden Jr. U18)
5	133	Cole Chandler	C	CAN	6-2	176	Shawinigan (QMJHL)
6	165	Kirill Yemelyanov	C	RUS	6-1	170	Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia Jr.)

The Bruins benefited from some unexpected decisions early in the draft, managing to secure their potential top-line center for the future, and arguably the third-best player in the draft, James Hagens, at pick No. 7. The Bruins have needed help down the middle for several seasons, and Hagens is on track to become an NHL star relatively soon. His selection was one of the draft`s most valuable, as players of his talent level are rarely available at that spot.

Following up with the selections of Will Moore and Cooper Simpson provided excellent value at their respective draft positions, and both possess genuine NHL upside. While they may require more time to reach the NHL, Boston`s strategy of accumulating talent with these two, alongside defenseman Liam Pettersson, is commendable. There`s a strong possibility that Boston could extract four NHL players from this draft class, including a potential star anchoring their top line.

Carolina Hurricanes Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
2	41	Semyon Frolov	G	RUS	6-3	203	Spartak Jr. (Russia Jr.)
2	49	Charlie Cerrato	C	USA	6-0	190	Penn State (BIG10)
2	62	Ivan Ryabkin	C	RUS	5-11	210	Muskegon (USHL)
3	67	Kurban Limatov	D	RUS	6-4	190	Dynamo Moscow Jr. (Russia Jr.)
3	87	Roman Bausov	D	RUS	6-5	179	Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)
6	183	Viggo Nordlund	LW	SWE	5-9	168	Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
7	221	Filip Ekberg	RW	SWE	5-10	170	Ottawa (OHL)

It feels like a familiar refrain, but the Carolina Hurricanes have done it again. They extracted significant value from their trade back with the Canadiens, utilizing the acquired picks to select two promising NHL talents in Semyon Frolov and Charlie Cerrato. Frolov`s standing improved throughout the season, and he has a legitimate chance to become a 1B goaltender in a tandem. Both Ivan Ryabkin and Kurban Limatov offered substantial value at their positions, and both have plausible paths to becoming NHL players, with Ryabkin potentially emerging as a real find if he can improve his consistency.

In the later rounds, the selections of Filip Ekberg and Viggo Nordlund were particularly noteworthy. Both are smaller, highly skilled wingers with potential NHL scoring ability. While they represent a boom-or-bust profile, if they succeed, they possess top-six scoring upside, making them precisely the kind of players worth taking a chance on in the late rounds. It`s likely the Hurricanes will need to be patient as these players develop, but they should realistically see at least two or three players from this draft class make it to the NHL.

San Jose Sharks Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	2	Michael Misa	C	CAN	6-1	182	Saginaw (OHL)
1	30	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	CAN	6-6	191	Prince George (WHL)
2	33	Simon (Haoxi) Wang	D	CHN	6-6	222	Oshawa (OHL)
2	53	Cole McKinney	C	USA	6-0	200	USNTDP (USHL)
3	95	Teddy Mutryn	C	USA	6-1	210	Chicago (USHL)
4	115	Ilyas Magomedsultanov	D	RUS	6-2	176	Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia Jr.)
4	124	Zachary Sharp	D	USA	6-1	180	Western Michigan (NCHC)
5	150	Max Heise	C	CAN	6-3	169	Penticton (BCHL)
7	210	Richard Gallant	LW	USA	5-8	166	USNTDP (USHL)

Any time you add the consensus best forward (Michael Misa) and best goalie (Joshua Ravensbergen) in the draft, it`s undoubtedly a successful outing. There`s a genuine chance the Sharks emerge from this draft with both a starting goaltender and an elite forward capable of scoring over a point per game. This alone would warrant at least a B+ grade. Add the selection of Simon Wang, the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history, who possesses elite skating and a 6-foot-6 frame, and the Sharks significantly strengthened every area of their prospect pool.

While I personally thought Blake Fiddler would have been a more secure choice at No. 33, I can appreciate the Sharks` decision to prioritize Wang`s raw talent and high upside. If Wang reaches his potential, he will be an impactful NHL defender that many teams will regret passing on.

Selecting Cole McKinney at No. 53 was also excellent value. McKinney has more offensive potential than shown and, at minimum, projects as a reliable defensive bottom-six forward and penalty killer. When all is said and done, there`s a strong possibility the Sharks will see four players from this draft class make the NHL, including a dynamic, two-way center who could make them a difficult matchup for opponents for the next decade.

Anaheim Ducks Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	10	Roger McQueen	C	CAN	6-6	198	Brandon (WHL)
2	45	Eric Nilson	C	CAN	6-0	166	Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
2	60	Lasse Boelius	D	FIN	6-1	190	Assat Jr. (Finland Jr.)
3	72	Noah Read	C	CAN	6-0	170	London (OHL)
4	101	Drew Schock	D	USA	6-0	178	USNTDP (USHL)
4	104	Elijah Neuenschwander	G	CHE	6-5	199	Fribourg Jr. (Swiss Jr.)
5	136	Alexis Mathieu	D	CAN	6-4	197	Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
5	159	Emile Guite	LW	CAN	6-2	176	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
6	168	Anthony Allain Samake	D	CAN	6-2	183	Sioux City (USHL)
7	200	Brady Turko	RW	CAN	6-0	167	Brandon (WHL)

Acquiring Roger McQueen, a player with top-five potential, at No. 10 represents tremendous value for the Ducks. They`ve added another large, powerful forward to their impressive collection of young talent, and McQueen possesses an elite skill set. If he reaches his ceiling, the Ducks will have a unique player capable of dominating both ends of the ice.

Eric Nilson in the second round was another valuable pick. He`s a likely candidate to become a reliable bottom-six contributor for the Ducks, relied upon for secondary matchups and solid defensive play. Elijah Neuenschwander is a promising bet in goal, and selecting him in the late rounds adds significant value to his pick.

Overall, the Ducks likely added at least two quality NHL players to their organization and found good value throughout the draft. Plus, they finally resolved the long-standing John Gibson trade rumors.

Note: If bonus points were awarded for synergy, the Ducks would receive an A+ for drafting McQueen and orchestrating the photo opportunity with Lightning McQueen at Disneyland. Here`s hoping he embraces jersey No. 95 for maximum marketing fun.

Calgary Flames Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	18	Cole Reschny	C	CAN	5-11	180	Victoria (WHL)
1	32	Cullen Potter	C	USA	5-10	172	Arizona State (NCHC)
2	54	Theo Stockselius	C	SWE	6-3	196	Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
3	80	Maceo Phillips	D	USA	6-6	233	USNTDP (USHL)
5	144	Ethan Wyttenbach	LW	USA	5-10	180	Sioux Falls (USHL)
6	176	Aiden Lane	RW	CAN	6-1	193	St. Andrews College (HIGH-ON)
7	208	Jakob Leander	D	SWE	6-4	196	HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
7	211	Yan Matveiko	LW	RUS	6-1	150	CSKA Jr. (Russia Jr.)

The Flames not only addressed their organizational needs with this draft class but also secured significant value with the Cullen Potter and Aiden Lane picks, while taking Cole Reschny and Theo Stockselius within their appropriate range. All these players will require development time but represent reasonable bets to play NHL games.

Reschny and Potter are high-upside selections with NHL-level attributes that could see them contribute in the middle six. The Flames needed centers, and there`s a good chance that at least two of these players will provide value at that position for the team. If Potter transitions to the wing, his speed and excellent shot could allow him to flourish.

I particularly liked the swing on Aiden Lane late in the draft; he`s a late-blooming player with potential bottom-six upside. The Flames did an excellent job extracting value with their selections over the weekend and should be pleased with the new group of young talent joining their system.

Detroit Red Wings Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	13	Carter Bear	LW	CAN	6-0	179	Everett (WHL)
2	44	Eddie Genborg	RW	SWE	6-2	205	Linkoping (Sweden)
3	75	Michal Pradel	G	SVK	6-5	199	Tri-City (USHL)
4	109	Brent Solomon	RW	USA	6-0	173	Champlin Park (HIGH-MN)
4	119	Michal Svrcek	LW	SVK	5-11	189	Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
5	140	Nikita Tyurin	D	RUS	6-0	174	Spartak Jr. (Russia Jr.)
6	172	Will Murphy	D	CAN	6-4	209	Cape Breton (QMJHL)
7	204	Grayden Robertson-Palmer	C	CAN	5-11	197	Phillips Andover Academy (HIGH-MA)

There`s much to admire about the Red Wings` performance this weekend, and they likely acquired at least two long-term NHL players in Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg. Bear represented good value in the teens, bringing a projectable two-way game with high-end playmaking ability. As an added bonus, he possesses the sought-after “hard skill,” excelling in contested areas, winning puck battles, and creating space for teammates. He`s a few years away from the NHL but should develop into a quality top-six forward.

I also favored the Genborg selection as a skilled middle-six player who thrives alongside offensive talent; he projects as a solid complementary player once ready for the NHL.

With the top goaltenders gone, I really liked the gamble on Michal Pradel. The Red Wings have a decent pool of goaltending prospects, and Pradel is another who has a realistic chance of becoming an NHL netminder. Count me as a fan of the Michal Svrcek pick in the fourth round due to his upside as a speedy player with competitive drive. Adding the John Gibson trade, which provides immediate help, caps off a very successful weekend for Detroit.

Nashville Predators Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	5	Brady Martin	C	CAN	6-0	186	Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
1	21	Cameron Reid	D	CAN	6-0	183	Kitchener (OHL)
1	26	Ryker Lee	RW	USA	6-1	185	Madison (USHL)
2	35	Jacob Rombach	D	USA	6-7	209	Lincoln (USHL)
2	58	Jack Ivankovic	G	CAN	6-0	173	Brampton (OHL)
4	122	Alex Huang	D	CAN	6-0	170	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
6	163	Daniel Nieminen	D	FIN	6-0	187	Pelicans (Finland)

My assessment of the Predators` draft is somewhat mixed. Did they acquire some high-end talent? Absolutely. Did they miss out on other high-end talent that was available? Without question.

I understand the rationale behind selecting Brady Martin and why many teams rated him highly, but Nashville`s system is lacking elite offensive players, and they passed on James Hagens and Porter Martone. While Martin could become a valuable playoff performer if he pans out, it`s difficult to envision scenarios where he provides more value than Hagens or Martone.

However, I was very impressed with their selection of Ryker Lee, who has the potential to become an elite top-six forward if he improves his skating; his offensive skill set is among the best in the draft class. Cameron Reid at pick 21 was solid value and projects as a quality middle-pairing defenseman for years. I also strongly approved of the Jacob Rombach and Jack Ivankovic selections. The Predators needed goaltending depth, and if Ivankovic physically matures, he possesses the fundamental talent to be the best goaltender from this draft crop.

Philadelphia Flyers Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	6	Porter Martone	RW	CAN	6-3	204	Brampton (OHL)
1	12	Jack Nesbitt	C	CAN	6-5	186	Windsor (OHL)
2	38	Carter Amico	D	USA	6-6	232	USNTDP (USHL)
2	40	Jack Murtagh	LW	USA	6-1	198	USNTDP (USHL)
2	48	Shane Vansaghi	RW	USA	6-3	212	Michigan State (BIG10)
2	57	Matthew Gard	C	CAN	6-5	195	Red Deer (WHL)
5	132	Max Westergard	LW	FIN	5-11	161	Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
5	157	Luke Vlooswyk	D	CAN	6-5	200	Red Deer (WHL)
6	164	Nathan Quinn	C	CAN	5-11	173	Quebec (QMJHL)

Get ready for a wild ride of an assessment! The Flyers were looking for a center and passed on Hagens but selected Porter Martone. I`m a fan of Martone`s game and see significant potential, but it appears they prioritized size in that decision. That being said, I won`t penalize them for grading purposes because taking Martone at No. 6 was excellent value; if his skating improves, he`s star potential.

However, the decision to trade up to No. 13 to draft Jack Nesbitt not only left significant talent on the board but also resulted in the Flyers losing the pick value exchange with their state rivals. Nesbitt will likely be a solid third-line center, but I have serious concerns about the Flyers` strategy of drafting for size when it comes with a lower overall ceiling.

Aside from that specific pick, I was very impressed with the selections of Carter Amico, Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, and Matthew Gard. The Flyers clearly aimed to get bigger and tougher, as every pick was used on a player with size and a competitive edge that Rick Tocchet will undoubtedly appreciate. The Flyers certainly emerged from the weekend as a better-stocked organization, but there`s little doubt they left some valuable talent available for other teams.

Seattle Kraken Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	8	Jake O`Brien	C	CAN	6-2	177	Brantford (OHL)
2	36	Blake Fiddler	D	USA	6-5	220	Edmonton (WHL)
3	68	Will Reynolds	D	CAN	6-3	188	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
5	134	Maxim Agafonov	D	RUS	6-2	198	Ufa Jr. (Russia Jr.)
7	205	Karl Annborn	D	SWE	6-1	188	HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
7	218	Loke Krantz	RW	SWE	6-2	192	Linkoping Jr. (Sweden Jr.)

The Kraken significantly improved their organizational depth this weekend, particularly with their initial two selections. Jake O`Brien projects as an offensively skilled top-six playmaking center. Seattle already boasts a strong group of young centers; whether they convert some to wing or trade one to address another organizational need, the Kraken are in an excellent position because they consistently prioritize drafting the best player available.

Blake Fiddler is another example of this philosophy, with the Kraken securing a player considered first-round talent in the second round. He is highly likely to become a reliable middle-pairing defenseman capable of playing shutdown minutes. This selection not only addresses an organizational need but also provides excellent value.

I also approved of the Will Reynolds and Maxim Agafonov picks. Both possess traits suitable for the NHL and were worthwhile gambles at their draft positions. Overall, it was another solid draft performance for Seattle.

Winnipeg Jets Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	28	Sascha Boumedienne	D	FIN	6-2	184	Boston University (H-East)
3	92	Owen Martin	C	CAN	6-0	185	Spokane (WHL)
5	156	Viktor Klingsell	RW	SWE	5-10	188	Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
6	188	Edison Engle	D	USA	6-2	175	Dubuque (USHL)
7	220	Jacob Cloutier	RW	CAN	5-10	171	Saginaw (OHL)

I was highly impressed with how the Jets utilized their draft capital. Adding Sascha Boumedienne to a prospect pool that is notably thin on defense was a smart move. He`s mobile, demonstrated significant defensive improvement, and should develop into a reliable middle-pairing defenseman and PP2 quarterback if his decision-making refines.

Viktor Klingsell was a high-value addition when the Jets selected him. He was one of the most skilled players available in the later rounds, representing exactly the type of player you should target in the fifth round. If he physically develops, there`s a middle-six player there.

I also particularly liked the Owen Martin and Jacob Cloutier picks. Martin plays a professional-style game that should see him develop into a depth player, while Cloutier is a valuable late-round gamble on a smaller player who is highly competitive and could be a nice addition if his skating improves. The Jets consistently found good value with all their picks, took intelligent swings on skilled players, and successfully improved their prospect pool.

`B` grades

Chicago Blackhawks Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	3	Anton Frondell	C	SWE	6-2	204	Djurgarden (Sweden-2)
1	25	Vaclav Nestrasil	RW	CZE	6-6	185	Muskegon (USHL)
1	29	Mason West	C	USA	6-7	218	Edina (HIGH-MN)
3	66	Nathan Behm	RW	CAN	6-2	202	Kamloops (WHL)
4	98	Julius Sumpf	C	DEU	6-2	190	Moncton (QMJHL)
4	107	Parker Holmes	LW	CAN	6-4	222	Brantford (OHL)
6	162	Ashton Cumby	D	CAN	6-5	216	Seattle (WHL)
7	194	Ilya Kanarsky	G	RUS	6-3	180	AKM Tula Jr. (Russia Jr.)

The Blackhawks clearly operated with a defined strategy: target big players who can skate. I approved of the Anton Frondell selection at No. 3, though they certainly passed on James Hagens` talent to prioritize Frondell`s size. He`s likely destined to be a top-line forward, so the organizational decision isn`t entirely regrettable.

Both Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West were slightly higher picks than I anticipated, but both are very raw, long-term projects with significant upside. Given the state of their prospect depth, Chicago can afford to take these kinds of chances, as both players could develop into impactful middle-six complementary players who are incredibly difficult for opponents to handle. At a minimum, they bet on big guys with inherent skill, which is a strategy I can support.

Nathan Behm and Julius Sumpf offered good value at their respective slots, and there`s a possibility that one of them makes it to the NHL. The Blackhawks should realistically expect two or three NHL players from this draft class, but their development staff will certainly be put to the test.

Montreal Canadiens Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
2	34	Alexander Zharovsky	RW	RUS	6-1	163	Ufa Jr. (Russia Jr.)
3	69	Hayden Paupanekis	C	CAN	6-5	202	Kelowna (WHL)
3	81	Bryce Pickford	D	CAN	6-1	183	Medicine Hat (WHL)
3	82	Arseni Radkov	G	BLR	6-4	194	Tyumen Jr. (Russia Jr.)
4	113	L.J. Mooney	C	USA	5-8	160	USNTDP (USHL)
5	145	Alexis Cournoyer	G	CAN	6-3	195	Cape Breton (QMJHL)
6	177	Carlos Handel	D	DEU	6-1	174	Halifax (QMJHL)
6	189	Andrew MacNiel	D	CAN	6-3	196	Kitchener (OHL)
7	209	Maxon Vig	D	USA	6-2	212	Cedar Rapids (USHL)

The Canadiens certainly had an eventful weekend. Trading away the picks that ultimately became Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson to acquire Noah Dobson fits their current timeline, but it could prove to be a steep price in the long run.

They clearly value Alexander Zharovsky highly, and it`s easy to understand why, but they did surrender considerable pick value to move up and get him. Nonetheless, I appreciate Zharovsky`s game, and he should develop into a reliable complementary player in the middle six.

In the middle rounds, I was particularly impressed by the selections of Hayden Paupanekis, Bryce Pickford, and my personal favorite, L.J. Mooney. All these players possess legitimate NHL upside to varying degrees. Mooney, despite his smaller stature, offers outstanding value due to his high compete level and offensive skills. Paupanekis should become a bottom-six forward, and Pickford is a solid gamble on an overage defenseman with scoring potential.

Overall, it`s difficult not to be satisfied with the Canadiens` draft weekend, even acknowledging the significant assets they parted with to acquire their targeted players.

Ottawa Senators Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	23	Logan Hensler	D	USA	6-3	198	Wisconsin (BIG10)
3	93	Blake Vanek	RW	USA	6-3	205	Stillwater (HIGH-MN)
4	97	Lucas Beckman	G	CAN	6-2	182	Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
5	149	Dmitri Isayev	LW	RUS	5-9	148	Yekaterinburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)
6	181	Bruno Idzan	LW	CRO	6-0	195	Lincoln (USHL)
7	213	Andrei Trofimov	G	RUS	6-2	187	Magnitogorsk Jr. (Russia Jr.)

Friday night was a standout moment for the Senators. Trading back two spots and acquiring the pick used to trade for Jordan Spence while simultaneously securing tremendous value with Logan Hensler at No. 23 demonstrates high-level asset management. I`m a strong believer in Hensler`s game and feel he possesses the qualities to become a reliable second or third-pairing defenseman who would complement Jake Sanderson effectively. The fact that he is right-handed and highly mobile with an NHL-ready frame makes him particularly valuable.

The Senators` goaltending depth is relatively thin, making the selection of Lucas Beckman a logical gamble. Bruno Idzan is a high-upside pick, and his USHL production makes him a worthwhile selection; he has the potential to be a late bloomer contributing in a depth role.

Washington Capitals Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	27	Lynden Lakovic	LW	CAN	6-4	200	Moose Jaw (WHL)
2	37	Milton Gastrin	C	SWE	6-1	194	Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
3	96	Maxim Schafer	LW	DEU	6-4	182	Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
5	155	Jackson Crowder	C	USA	6-3	184	Chicago (USHL)
6	180	Aron Dahlqvist	D	SWE	6-3	205	Brynas Jr. (Sweden Jr.)

The Capitals extracted excellent value with their first two selections in the draft, and both players represent solid prospects to become middle-six contributors at the NHL level. Lynden Lakovic possesses the potential to be a large, dynamic offensive producer and would be even more exciting if he learns to leverage his 6-4 frame physically against opponents. Lakovic has a high ceiling, and selecting a player with potential top-15 talent at No. 27 is a positive move.

Milton Gastrin is one of the more well-rounded players in the draft and shouldn`t be too far away from reaching the NHL. He projects clearly as a third-line center and could potentially provide more offense than many anticipate. Outside of these two, I liked the selection of Maxim Schaefer, who exhibits more skill than most players taken in the fourth round. Given their draft position, the Capitals acquired good value and came away with at least two players who should play impactful roles in their lineup in the future.

Los Angeles Kings Draft Picks

ROUND	OVERALL	NAME	POS	COUNTRY	HT	WT	TEAM
1	31	Henry Brzustewicz	D	USA	6-2	203	London (OHL)