How the first round of the 2025 NHL draft went down
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A glance at how the first round of the 2025 National Hockey League draft unfolded on Friday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles:
1. New York Islanders — Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
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Full-package defenceman will make an impact in all areas. First OHL player to go first since Connor McDavid in 2015.
2. San Jose Sharks — Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)
Canadian Hockey League scoring leader (134 points, including 62 goals) will fit in nicely with Macklin Celebrini in San Jose.
3. Chicago Blackhawks — Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden IF (Sweden 2)
Will bring a solid mix of competitiveness, skill and defensive awareness to the Blackhawks and their continued rebuild.
4. Utah Mammoth — Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
QMJHL playoffs MVP is above-average on both sides of the puck and will be a strong building block in Salt Lake City.
5. Nashville Predators — Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
One of the hardest workers in the draft, not coincidentally, stayed home to do farm chores in Elmira, Ont., rather than attend draft.
6. Philadelphia Flyers — Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)
Power forward has good playmaking skills as well as leadership element, in serving as Brampton’s captain.
7. Boston Bruins — James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
Bruins’ first top-10 pick since 2011 eventually will provide scoring punch and desire among Boston’s forwards.
8. Seattle Kraken — Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)
Among the smartest forwards available, he’s offensively gifted and was eighth in OHL scoring with 98 points in 66 games.
9. Buffalo Sabres — Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
Good mobility for someone who is 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, also has skill and competitive approach.
10. Anaheim Ducks — Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL)
Hard-nosed and talented skater not discouraged after missing nearly five months with a back injury.
11. Pittsburgh Penguins — Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary (WHL)
Slick playmaker had a 23-game point streak during the 2024-25 season, parents both played international soccer for Canada.
12. Philadelphia Flyers — Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)
Flyers traded up to get the big skater, an offensive-zone presence who took significant steps in his second OHL season.
13. Detroit Red Wings — Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL)
A deft touch around the net and intense nature make him a pain to play against on every shift.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets — Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL)
Well-rounded skater moves the puck well up the ice and doesn’t give up an inch in the defensive zone.
15. Vancouver Canucks — Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)
Captain of Thunderbirds and Canada’s under-18 team has energy to burn each time he goes over the boards.
More to come…
X: @koshtorontosun
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