2025 NHL Draft Thread

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Wolven

This feels like a reading comprehension issue. The argument I made is that his value hasn't dropped off as dramatically as people like yourself try to suggest multiple times per day and I provided some relevant points to support my argument.

You, on the other hand, are suggesting that you are making some kind of argument with no supporting information. At that point it is not really an argument, just a drive by opinion.

I have had this discussion with Jerry already and provided the numbers showing that his play is declining. That was before this season when he was tasked with a bigger role, and he is not delivering.

Remember when we slapped anyone with Tanev and he made them better playing with him. Doesn't seem to be the case with Andersson.

On the other hand, Weegar has been excellent playing with waiver pick ups and AHL players.

[The Fonz]

Starting to worry Reschny could play his way out of our range. This guy is no scout, mind you:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1906655212003299349

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I think Fan69 pretty much hit the nail on the head. Few thoughts (just my opinion):

-Carter Bear might fall to the twenties, but that might be because of his injury. Normally, I would jump at the chance to take this kid, but I would be worried now. He's been mostly playing LW this year too.

-If C Brady Martin is available, you take him and run. Like Fan69 said though, he'll probably be gone mid-teens. He might be only 6'0", but he's a physical force, and really picked up his production near the end of the season, finishing with 72 points in 57 games- after hovering around a ppg pace for most of the season.

-A lot of people have RW Justin Carbonneau a bit lower, but I think his situation is similar to that of Beckett Sennecke's last year (not that I think JC is as good at Sennecke) in that he will be picked higher than most believe he will. Carbs is 6'2", skates well, and has a bit of snarl- he also finished 2nd in points in the Q, with 89 points in 62 games. We don't need wingers, but it would hurt to pass this kid over if he fell to us, hypothetically.

-Bill Zonnon finished 7th in Q scoring, with 83 in 64 games, and played C all year. He's an uber-hard working player with a power game, but his skating needs work.

-I'm not as high on RW Ben Kindel as some are- he's small and a bit soft, and not the fastest skater, but his numbers are undeniable- 99 points in 65 games. I still don't ever see him being a top-line player, he's a second-rounder at best for me.

-If there's a Brayden Point clone in the draft, it might be C Cole Reschny. He's listed at 5'10", but according to some fellow posters, he's built like a fire-hydrant and is farm-boy strong. 92 points in 62 games, with an excellent defensive presence, and a solid all-around game.

-I still have reservations about C Ivan Ryabkin. He has tons of talent (needs work on his skating), but I still question his character.

-I really like C Jack Murtagh, and I think he's being undervalued- I guess we'll see on draft day. He was one of the few Americans that was was worth a damn at the two games at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. He's 6'1", fast and gritty, with a good shot.

-Ditto for Cole McKinney. He's a six-footer, but he has a slight Sam Bennett vibe (stylistically only) though he's nowhere near as tough. He's a bit mean and physical, and plays a good two-way game. Like Murtagh, he has been better in the production department in the second-half- both are now at a ppg or above, on a weak NTDP squad.

-C Will Moore has improved his production as well, but I haven't been impressed with his play this year. He looks pretty pedestrian, not fully engaged, and sticks a bit to the perimeter. When he's on, he's a beauty- mobile, physical, and attacking the middle with a solid power game. I hope he doesn't fall to the second-round, but you never know.

-C/LW Milton Gastrin outperformed his stats, IMO. He may not have the highest ceiling, and doesn't possess many elite qualities, but he does everything well and pays close attention to his defensive duties- perhaps to a fault. 18 goals and 42 points in 40 games in the J20, with 8 games in the SHL (no points).

-Again, we don't need wingers, but it would be hard to pass up LW Jakob Ihs-Wozniak. He's a 6'3" scoring winger, who put up 57 points in 40 J20 games this season, but he should've had more. He put up 50 points in just 36 games in the J20 in 2023-24, and had a slow first-half of the season in 2024-25.

-C Jack Nesbitt is a 6'4" power-forward with a solid all-around game, but I have to wonder how much he benefits from playing on the same team as Ilya Protas, and Liam Greentree. I really like Nesbitt, but like I told another poster earlier this year- I'm still suffering from Greg Niemisz PTSD. 64 points in 65 games, with 74 PIM for Windsor.

-C Braeden Cootes is a beauty- he plays an air-tight two-way game with speed and physicality, but his offense suffered because of the team he played for (Seattle Thunderbirds). I wouldn't be surprised if he was taken in the teens. 26 goals and 63 points in 60 games.

-We don't need D either, but man do I like Henry Brzustewicz. He put up 42 points in 67 games, but his numbers would've been a lot better if he wasn't playing behind Sam Dickinson, Oliver Bonk, Jared Woolley, and Cam Allen (for a while). In the 9 games that Dickinson, Bonk, and C Easton Cowan were away at the WJC, he put up 8 points (Cam Allen had just arrived via trade). This kid can do everything, plays both special teams, good defensively, and has plenty of snarl (77 PIM). He's 6'2" as well.

-Watch out for big LW Eddie Genborg out of Sweden. He's a 6'2" power-forward who reminds me of a poor-mans Micheal Ferland- he plays a rambunctious two-way physical game, and has an excellent shot, putting up 19 goals and 34 points in 28 games (26 PIM). He actually played 28 games in the SHL (2 points), and not many kids his age get that many games in the men's league.

-I wouldn't be upset if we used a pick on D Cameron Reid. 54 points in 67 games for Kitchener, he's a 6'0" puck-moving rearguard with excellent 4-directional speed and is a steadying presence on the blueline with his stifling defensive game, and high panic threshold with the puck.

-Like Brzustewicz, I love D Kashawn Aitcheson. 59 points in 64 games, with 88 PIM (he had 126 PIM in 2023-24). Some men just want to watch the world burn. Aitcheson is tough-as-nails, unrelentingly physical, mean and snarly, and plays a pro-style two-way game with a 6'1",200lb frame. We don't need D, and Aitch will be gone before we pick most likely, but he's not one to pass up. He's like Dion Phaneuf if Dion Phaneuf knew how to hockey.

-He plays for the <barf> Edmonton Oil Kings, and he's American, but with just 33 points in 64 games, D Blake Fiddler led the team's defense in scoring. I think there's a lot more here than meets the eye. At worst, he's a 6'4" righty, who plays a physical shutdown game, skates well, and helps out in all areas of the game.

-LW Lynden Lakovic might be available. He's 6'4", with oodles of skill, a balanced offensive game (he can score and make plays), and he's mobile. The advanced stats crowd likes him, as he shows the ability to tilt the ice in his team's favor. He's another kid whose numbers (27 goals and 58 points in 47 games) are being hurt by the team he plays for- the Moose Jaw Warriors, who finished dead-last in the WHL. If he had played for a better team this year, he might be top-10 in the draft.

This is great. I wish I could sticky posts for future reading.

I am hoping we can come away with 2 of Martin, Reschny, or Cootes. Most likely, we will only be able to snag 1.

[D as in David]

I project we're going to be excited about the two centres we select with our first round picks.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems, Vol. 21):

RHC Ashton Schultz (6'0",181lbs)
Chicago (USHL): 51gp/ 14g/ 20a/ 34pts, -6, 4 PIM

Right-handed pivot Ashton Schultz (ranked # 59 NA Skaters) doesn't have the most head-turning numbers for a draft-aged prospect, and with an Oct.3rd, 2006 birthday, those stats have even less luster. Schultz passed up attending the University of North Dakota for his freshman year, in favor of going back to the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers for the season- but after just one game with that club, he was moved to the Chicago Steel. Schultz plays mostly on the second line in Chicago, who are in 14th place out of 16 teams in the USHL, and are 11th in goals-scored. Scouts seem to really love this kid, and it's not because of his stats per se, but because he employs a detailed game with pro-style habits, most notably in the defensive zone. He displays exemplary positioning and awareness in all three zones, with top-notch intelligence and IQ; he's highly tactical, always supporting the play and pre-scanning with his head on a swivel, and always seemingly in the right place, at the right time. Schultz is a cerebral two-way center who plays with intensity, and acts as a swiss-army knife for his team- he is impactful in all areas of the ice, can play in any situation, excels on special teams, and can play center or wing with equal effectiveness.

In the defensive zone, Schultz looks like a driven player with pride in his shutdown ability- he is highly disruptive, forces attackers to the perimeter and out of danger areas, applies supreme pressure on puck-carriers, and cuts off the middle. He is instrumental in turning possession around from defense to offense for his team. At the other end of the ice, he is engaged and aggressive on the forecheck, with a dog-on-a-bone mentality to target puck-carriers, and is actually a fairly balanced offensive performer between playmaking and finishing, with a more workmanlike approach than a dynamic, flashy one. Schultz, who put up an assist in the All-American Game (a 3-2 loss), can make plays in traffic under pressure while taking contact, skating with his head up to survey his options, and processing quickly. He doesn't take many risks though in his rather meat-and-potatoes game, and only flashes true creativity and high-end offensive awareness. He locates soft spots in the slot to dip in-and-out of, and arrives at the net-front with impeccable timing, at just the right time for close-in chances, and exhibits soft hands in-tight. He can score from a bit further out though, getting a good whip on his wrister, with a quick and deceptive release to freeze goalies. Mobility-wise, he is an excellent skater with above-average speed, and is slippery and elusive on his edges to spin off of hits, and dodge checks. He keeps his feet in constant motion, and his quickness is amplified by his high-end workrate, and his tireless motor- he supplies his team with energy, and stays active in all situations.

Though he is mostly a quick-touch player, he exerts quick hands and smooth stickhandling in his carries, and superb protection skills to deny poke-checks and handle with the puck out of reach of attackers. He owns some slick one-on-one moves, shifty footwork, and an array of deceptive maneuvers to work his way through traffic, and he can handle around sticks in-flight. Using these skills, he presents himself as an option on the breakout, and supports the action through transition by connecting plays expertly, showing a pace-pushing tempo in the process, and play-driving capabilities. Schultz isn't huge in stature, but he doesn't at all shy away from the rough stuff- he battles hard for loose pucks along the boards, fights for position in front of the net, and pins opponents to the wall in the defensive zone, but he's not overly physical in terms of throwing hits. His off-puck game is one of his greatest strengths- he skates intelligent routes to stay a playable option and to support the play in all three zones, and acts to disrupt his opponents all over the ice. There's good reason why Central Scouting has put him in the lofty position of #59 (NA Skaters), and why his name seems to showing up more and more in various mocks- he could be a highly impactful bottom-six, two-way contributor in the NHL one day. Schultz is committed to the University of North Dakota for 2025-26, which is good news for the team that drafts him, as he will have a longer runway to develop, while playing against men. Look for him in the middle rounds.

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

I have had this discussion with Jerry already and provided the numbers showing that his play is declining. That was before this season when he was tasked with a bigger role, and he is not delivering.

Remember when we slapped anyone with Tanev and he made them better playing with him. Doesn't seem to be the case with Andersson.

On the other hand, Weegar has been excellent playing with waiver pick ups and AHL players.

I would agree that Andersson doesn't do so much to make his partner better. Andersson is more the kind of player that rises to the level of his partner as opposed to lifting his partner up. But I guess we would find out the answer to that when we see what Bahl looks like without Andersson.

Either way, I think Andersson would be a very successful addition to a team with a stronger D corp where he can be paired with a legitimate top 4 LD and not need to play 24+ minutes per night.

However, nothing you have said really changes my other points. Especially the lack of other D options in the 2026 UFA group. The 2025 UFA group has more options but Andersson's contract could have a pretty good advantage over the UFAs.

The lack of other RD options would keep Andersson's trade value up, especially when you can combine the value with retention and extension options. If you want to knock him down to a 1B or second pair defender, fine, but that is still usually worth more than just a late round 1st.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Starting to worry Reschny could play his way out of our range. This guy is no scout, mind you:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1906655212003299349

Reschny just needed a skilled forward to compliment his never quit, high IQ game. He's put up 51 points in the last 29 games of the season since the Royals traded for Isogai, who has some skill and can finish. If he scored at that pace the whole season, he'd have 109 points. That's how many points Berkly Catton scored (Catton played five fewer games) to finish 3rd in the WHL in scoring this year.

I'm a Royals fan so want them to FINALLY do well in the playoffs, but I agree that if they make a run, he's going to get a ton of attention.

I'm still holding out hope for the Flames, as he's on the smaller size and hopefully that'll keep him in the back half of the first round.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

Yep, I am jealous of what they are doing in San Jose. Obviously had some luck in winning the draft lottery, but they have so many good young players. And lots of 1st round picks in the next few drafts.

I wish the Flames would have tanked like the Sharks, instead of taking half measures. I think they will be a contender in the near future once their players develop.

So when the Sharks essentially gave up Tim Stutzle to add Erik Karlsson you were over the moon with excitement?

Have some patience FFS. The Flames just started moving out veterans last year. San Jose did not amass this current embarrassment of riches in 1 season. This is like year 6 of them being terrible. Rebuilds are an 8 year project in a lot of cases.

Take away Celebrini or have Celebrini put up 38 points next year and you'd change your tune.

[Canada 02]

Jason Bukala's latest rankings
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...025-nhl-draft/

Sam Cosentino's latest rankings
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...march-edition/

[GullFoss]

Malcolm Spence seems like a player the organization would really like

[Groot]

Michael Misa, fairly consensus top 3 draft selection has 3P in 3GP with Saginaw. Parekh has 5P in 3GP including a goal and primary assist tonight with in a 2-2 OT game. I hope that Misa is having his draft stock raised because he's playing with such an elite Defensemen in Parekh and Parekh will be able to do the same with whomever we draft at C, giving us at least 1 elite C, D, G for the next decade.

[The Fonz]

Starting to think I'd rather have Reschny than McQueen. So maybe it's a good thing we're losing our 1st rounder (wouldn't be shocked to see McQueen slip into the teens).

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Malcolm Spence seems like a player the organization would really like

Fine player, but it would be absolutely outrageous to pick a winger this year.

[Groot]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Fine player, but it would be absolutely outrageous to pick a winger this year.

Unless there happened to be some crystal clear BPA that has fallen far, I hope they draft 7 Centres. And even a falling BPA could have red flags, in which case 7 Centres it is.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

So when the Sharks essentially gave up Tim Stutzle to add Erik Karlsson you were over the moon with excitement?

Have some patience FFS. The Flames just started moving out veterans last year. San Jose did not amass this current embarrassment of riches in 1 season. This is like year 6 of them being terrible. Rebuilds are an 8 year project in a lot of cases.

Take away Celebrini or have Celebrini put up 38 points next year and you'd change your tune.

Sharks get a lot of love from the rebuild crowd even though they tried to hold on even more than the Flames did.

[konradical]

What about Ryabkin? He seemed like a top 5/10 player in the draft until this year?

He is a Centre could be worth the try with the Florida pick

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Groot

Unless there happened to be some crystal clear BPA that has fallen far, I hope they draft 7 Centres. And even a falling BPA could have red flags, in which case 7 Centres it is.

Yeah, if Porter Martone drops to our pick, i am totally ok taking him. Otherwise...

Originally Posted by konradical

What about Ryabkin? He seemed like a top 5/10 player in the draft until this year?

He is a Centre could be worth the try with the Florida pick

Seems like there are some questions about his future as a centre in the league, and some are down on his USHL Production. For me though, I would definitely take a swing at him if he's available. I think moving and starting in a new league when you're 18 is hard, especially when your home country is in absolutely and utter turmoil.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Sharks get a lot of love from the rebuild crowd even though they tried to hold on even more than the Flames did.

I think they tried to keep the band together for too long. However, since they finally decided to rebuild (or more likely, pushed into it), they have done a really fantastic job thus far. Proof will be in the pudding in the seasons to come, but it is difficult to not be high on them. Chicago also seemed to avoid the inevitable rebuild for too long, but also have a lot more question marks about their projection. They still have some time to turn things around, but it is difficult not to put San Jose as the much more likely franchise from the two to achieve a higher degree of success in the seasons to come.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think they tried to keep the band together for too long. However, since they finally decided to rebuild (or more likely, pushed into it), they have done a really fantastic job thus far. Proof will be in the pudding in the seasons to come, but it is difficult to not be high on them. Chicago also seemed to avoid the inevitable rebuild for too long, but also have a lot more question marks about their projection. They still have some time to turn things around, but it is difficult not to put San Jose as the much more likely franchise from the two to achieve a higher degree of success in the seasons to come.

Sure, but the Flames arguably set themselves up better than San Jose for a rebuild going into this season. The big difference is Wolf and the defense playing better as a unit than could have ever been expected.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Sure, but the Flames arguably set themselves up better than San Jose for a rebuild going into this season. The big difference is Wolf and the defense playing better as a unit than could have ever been expected.

Not really. The Sharks went into a rebuild, and stuck to it. The Flames hung on to vets and sold them on a quick retool.