2025 NHL Draft Thread

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by FBI

If his model says Parekh is going to be a superstar, then I like his model

IIRC, before the draft Bader was saying his model cannot compute Parekhs potential. This is where the Bobby Orr references were gestated from. Because he used Orr as a direct comparable as he took his model all the way to Orr to get some frame of reference.

[Sandman]

I still take Misa #1, but man Schaefer is good. He could be like a 6’2” Quinn Hughes with a stifling defensive game, if he reaches his full potential. I don’t recall ever seeing a 17 yo D as smooth as he is in all areas of the ice.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I still take Misa #1, but man Schaefer is good. He could be like a 6’2” Quinn Hughes with a stifling defensive game, if he reaches his full potential. I don’t recall ever seeing a 17 yo D as smooth as he is in all areas of the ice.

It's probably why he's been locked in at 1 by most rankers, even though he hadn't played for most of the year, and Misa had a stand out season.

I recall Dahlin profiling similar to Schaefer in his draft year. He seemed defensively strong, but also could go end-to-end while playing in a men's league at 17.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I still take Misa #1, but man Schaefer is good. He could be like a 6’2” Quinn Hughes with a stifling defensive game, if he reaches his full potential. I don’t recall ever seeing a 17 yo D as smooth as he is in all areas of the ice.

This draft has taken some flack for depth which i agree with but the first round is actually really good particularly the top ten.

[Tbull8]

Running the lottery until the flames move up to 6

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Running the lottery until the flames move up to 6

I have tried over 200 times so far, I'll let you know if I get a win

[looooob]

haha and so I went back and tried 5 more, and success!


on the Tankathon NHL mock draft
1. Sharks Schaefer
2. Bruins +2 Misa
3. Hawks -1 Martone
4. Preds -1 Hagens
5. Flyers Frondell (so yes the C still goes just before us)
6. Flames +10 Eklund


in this automock the Flames take Cameron Reid at 18 and the Habs take Cullen Porter with the Panthers pick

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by looooob

haha and so I went back and tried 5 more, and success!


on the Tankathon NHL mock draft
1. Sharks Schaefer
2. Bruins +2 Misa
3. Hawks -1 Martone
4. Preds -1 Hagens
5. Flyers Frondell (so yes the C still goes just before us)
6. Flames +10 Eklund


in this automock the Flames take Cameron Reid at 18 and the Habs take Cullen Porter with the Panthers pick

In that case I think I'd go with Desnoyers or O'Brien

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

In that case I think I'd go with Desnoyers or O'Brien

yeah (to be clear- that draft was not picked by me) I don't think the Flames go into the first with the 6th and 18th pick and come out with zero Cs. this could land a Desnoyers/O'Brien, Cootes/Reschny (or other later tier C) scenario for the Flames which would be ...well...ideal given the circumstance

[Fan69]

So i just ran the lottery sim and in 14 tries we picked six. And they have us picking Eklund? Obrien,mqueen,desnoyer, martin still there. Not sure i get it but it seems to be a trend. Leaving possible top six centers to pick a high energy but not innately skilled average size winger?

Not sure why but almost every draft forecast has us picking wingers??

Just watched a you tuber and he had us taking kevan and ryabkin. An undersized winger and a total coin toss. Would rather have the middle six to borderline top six Center that Cootes projects or Murtagh. Or if your picking a winger someone like Zonnon who is top ten in scoring and a big hard working winger ( played center this year, still top ten in scoring) whos only deficiency seems to be some strength/skating issues ( i think the skating is over blown)

Just seems like no one is taking need into account or our draft prospects; we already have a lot of wingers, with none if them being undersized.

If Kevan is one of out picks while i welcome the player would be disappointed from an organizational standpoint if the likes of Zonnon, ryabkin, Fiddler or even a Gastrin who looks like a more solid better skating Backs were left in the board. Now i get best player available but structurally where do you rank a possible top six to middle six center to an undersized top six winger?

P.s.
Reid was the second pick.

[Jay Random]

I don't think those draft simulators take positional needs into account. They seem to pick off a set list that is the same for every team, with a certain amount of random variability.

(I once wrote a little draft simulator of my own, strictly for my own amusement. It was not very good, but it helped me notice patterns in output and what they implied about the criteria the simulator was using.)

[dammage79]

I think the Flames end up with Ryabkin and another center.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 29):

RW Jordan Charron (6'2",190lbs)
Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): 48gp/ 10g/ 11a/ 21pts, -19, 47 PIM

Big winger Jordan Charron (#138 NA Skaters) didn't sign on to play for the Soo until Nov.17th, after the rules disallowing CHL players from playing in the NCAA was changed, as he has committed to attending St. Lawrence University in 2026-27. Before that time, he played for the Ayr Centennials of the GOJHL (22 points in 18 games, good for 25th in ppg), and the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL (1 goal in 3 games). Charron was the sixth-round choice (108th-overall) in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft by a Greyhounds team that this season finished 14th out of 20 teams in the OHL, and were likewise 14th in goals-scored- they then punctuated the campaign by being ousted from the playoffs in 5 games by the Windsor Spitfires. He is rather young by draft standards, with a June 21st birthday, and is playing more of a complimentary role for the Soo as a left-handed RW with a north-south power-forward game.

Scouts look for traits in prospective draft-picks that are already NHL-caliber, or translatable to one day be at that level, and Charron has two- other than his man-sized frame. First of all, he's an excellent skater with a long, powerful stride that looks scalable, and will only get faster as he gets stronger; he can play with overwhelming pace, and wields an explosive short-burst to win races or beat defenders wide. Secondly, the mainstay of his game in the offensive-third is his already NHL-caliber shot that explodes off his blade with a well-developed release. I believe this talent will make him a much bigger scorer in the OHL next season. Hard-nosed and physical, as well as highly engaged and energetic, he works to get inside position on opponents, uses his size to win board battles, leans into attackers to push them off the puck, and battles hard in front of the net. As an OHL rookie, he is still learning how to play a complete 200-ft game, but keeps it simple with the puck while skating his routes hard; he chips and chases, dumps the puck in and out, and relies on quick touches with short passes. He is very inside-driven, and goes to the net hard- that's where he gets most of his chances, from in-tight. He shows soft mitts to beat goalies, and has no problem crashing the crease to clean up garbage.

While he seems to be able to read the ice well, Charron only flashes true playmaking ability, failing to connect on some of his more complex passes; he teases solid vision, and shows some high-end play-creation ideas at times, but perhaps lacks the skill and timing to follow through. Improving his puck-skill and passing ability will go a long way in this area, and hopefully he will get more ice-time with better linemates next season. There are instances where he loses control of the puck at high speed, and can cough up a turnover when pressured, making upgrades in this area even more urgent. Charron is a load to handle on the forecheck, making his presence felt physically and vexing opponents with his speed and tenacity. He exhibits good defensive awareness and engagement, identifying threats early and working aggressively to stop plays proactively with stick-lifts, and by setting little picks. Using his speed, size, and tenacity, he blocks lanes, forces turnovers, intercepts passes, and keeps off-puck threats in-check. He is physical, and will rub attackers out along the boards, and gets inside of his opponents' hands. He will step up in the neutral zone to snuff out rushes, and will deliver open-ice hits to separate man from puck. With Charron's defensive prowess, size to skating ratio, and his shot, it's easy to picture him in an NHL-team's bottom-six in the future. Look for him in the later rounds.

[Wastedyouth]

Sandy,

Did you do one on Ethan Czata yet? Seems to be flying under the radar in the second round.

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I think the Flames end up with Ryabkin and another center.

I'd be happy with that. Ryabkin is a lottery ticket, but if he reaches his potential...

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by Makarov

I'd be happy with that. Ryabkin is a lottery ticket, but if he reaches his potential...

Yeah with 2 1sts, and a huge need for a future #1 C, its a risk the Flames need to take if he's on the board with that NJ pick, IMO. Should be able to get a "safer" C prospect with the FLA pick as well

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Sandy,

Did you do one on Ethan Czata yet? Seems to be flying under the radar in the second round.

I'm glad you mentioned him. His production tailed off a bit late in the season, but he's one of my favorites for the second-round. He has good size (6'1"), he's a center, plays with jam and menacing physicality, and is a solid player in all zones.

Haven't done a write-up on him yet, but I'm dying to do one, lol.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 30):

RW Jacob Cloutier (5'10",170lbs)
Saginaw (OHL): 67gp/ 23g/ 24a/ 47pts, +15, 41 PIM

Winger Jacob Cloutier (ranked # 193 NA Skaters) has plenty of parallels to teammate (and often linemate) Carson Harmer- both are OHL rookies, both played in the GOJHL in 2023-24, both have remarkably similar stats, both are a bit on the diminutive side, and both play bigger than their size. In the regular season, Cloutier was 4th in rookie scoring- just 3 points behind Harmer- and was tied for 3rd in rookie scoring in the playoffs (3 points in 3 games) as Saginaw was dispatched by Erie in 5 games, despite missing the first 2 games of the post-season. JC is a high-energy forward who obviously isn't aware of his size deficiencies- he throws hits, pins opponents to the boards, and wins battles in the greasy areas. He specializes on the forecheck, never giving up on a play, and disrupts with physicality and advanced stickwork- he's blessed with a relentless motor, and outworks his opponents. Though he's in a bit of a complimentary role in Saginaw, he is a difference-maker who tries to make things happen every time he hits the ice, and makes an effort to create advantages for himself and his teammates.

Cloutier is a high-IQ player with skill who makes a ton of plays off the wall, funnels pucks to the slot, and gets shots to the net to make plays; he skates with his head up to map out his surroundings, spots teammates on the other side of traffic, and displays a mastery of deception to facilitate his ideas. Though he's a skilled passer and shows the ability to drive play, he might not be a high-end creator, and must learn to play with more pace in possession for the next level. He's inside-driven, attacks up the middle off the rush, and can maneuver around defenders in open space in the slot to present his stick for a pass, or to be in the right spot to capitalize on rebounds, as well as tip opportunities. He's not afraid to park himself in front of the net to take abuse, and fight for positioning, but he also owns a bullet of a one-timer and a snappy catch-and-release wrister that can paralyze goalies and sneak through holes in their equipment, with a good knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage. When entering the zone off the rush, he creates space at the top of the zone for drop-passes by drawing defenders up the middle, delays to wait for the right play to develop, and will cut-back to wait for support rather than throwing the puck away on a dump-in. A skilled puckhandler, he can deke and dangle around defenders with the puck on a string, aided by his deception ability, and evades pressure with quick changes of direction, as well as cutbacks and hesitations.

JC is not a very dynamic skater, with a rather short and choppy stride, but he manages to generate surprising quickness with solid balance and good edgework to escape checks along the wall. Going forward, he will need more explosiveness and another gear to give him the ability to separate from pursuers. Cloutier hounds puck-carriers in all three zones, stripping pucks and picking pockets, and has some bite in his game. He's a diligent defensive performer, a trusted penalty-killer, and shows good engagement and awareness in his own-zone. He's a willing shot-blocker, and wields a well-timed stick for poke-checks and interceptions, as well as to tip pucks out of danger. With his smart stick-work, his tenacity, and his readiness to dish out hits, he pressures opponents into turnovers and uncontrolled play. In transition, he is a high-value contributor to his team, with the ability to skate dynamic routes in his carries for clean entries, or attack up the middle with speed. He can manipulate opposing defenses by working give-and-go sequences, but he can also slow the play down with skillful delays to find the right option. Just like Carson Harmer, I can see him being a more dominant OHLer on the Scoreboard over the next few years. If scouts aren't deterred by his skating, pace, size, or production, look for him in later rounds.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 31):

LHC Josh Avery (6'1",170lbs)
Brantford (OHL): 53gp/ 9g/ 12a/ 21pts, -1, 18 PIM

Center Josh Avery (ranked #141 NA Skaters) was a third-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the Hamilton Bulldogs, who are now the Brantford Bulldogs- a talent-laden team that finished 4th-overall in the OHL. He is a highly underrated two-way pivot with a mature, pro-style game, who struggled with injuries this season, and was relegated to a depth role on a deep roster. Despite having rather paltry stats, he was invited to compete in the OHL Top Prospects Game in January for Team East, but was unable to post any points. Right now, Avery is a checker and he specializes in sound defensive play, with a strong emphasis on his ability to make smart plays off of retrievals to kickstart the breakout, deftly escaping pressure and finding quick routes out of the zone. He shows good vision in his outlets, and skates with his head on a swivel to to read the ice and make quick decisions to choose the most prudent play; when all else fails, he simply clears the puck out of the zone, and out of danger. He is strong on the puck, possesses excellent speed, and plays with overwhelming pace.

Avery is a superb penalty-killer, and backchecks diligently- winning battles along the boards, dislodging possession with hits, and recovering pucks to turn defense into offense. He is highly engaged and disruptive with a well-timed stick and physicality to remove time and space from attackers, and is active all over the zone- from suppressing entries by engaging attackers at the line to force uncontrolled plays and dump-ins, to supporting his D down low. He displays high-end off-puck intelligence, and a robust activity level, working to cause enemy turnovers in all three zones, while supporting teammates in every situation. With solid awareness and anticipation, he sets picks and lifts sticks to prevent his teammates from being checked, and stays open and playable with his stick on the ice. Upon winning possession, he turns the play around into an advantageous situation for his team, and gets a high number of his offensive chances off of the turnovers he creates. In transition, he supports the breakout and participates in the rush with efficient give-and-go sequences, but doesn't hold on to the puck for long; he needs to work on his puck-skill, as he has some trouble controlling at high-speed.

Avery doesn't often get a fair opportunity to show off what he can do in the offensive third, but he flashes strong instincts with decent vision in his passing game, and an ability to make plays when he has the chance- he could be a much bigger producer in the OHL as early as next season. He also has a hard, heavy shot with a deceptive release to surprise goalies, and can fire off the catch while in motion. A true power-forward, he can bully his way through traffic with well-honed puck-protection ability, and can drop a shoulder to lean into a defender to cut to the net; he attacks up the middle off the rush, gets inside on the cycle, and goes to the net with tenacity to clean up garbage and snag second-chance opportunities. With a faceoff percentage under 50% though, he will need to improve in this area going forward. Avery shows promise as a bottom-6 checker in the pros, but I fear he may not have shown the numbers to get picked this summer, and may have to find a different path to the pros a few years down the line. If he does get chosen, he will most likely have to wait until the late-rounds.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 32):

LHC Liam Kilfoil (5'11",176lbs)
Halifax (QMJHL): 62gp/ 21g/ 25a/ 46pts, -24, 14 PIM

Liam Kilfoil (ranked # 96 NA Skaters) may not have set the world on fire this season offensively, but his 46 points were enough to lead the 16th-place (out of 18 teams) Mooseheads in scoring. As a participant in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for Team Canada, he was tied for 9th on the team with 3 points in 5 games- ahead of names like Ben Kindel, Braeden Cootes, Tyler Hopkins, Jake O'Brien, and Ethan Czata. A 200-ft center who can play in any situation, Kilfoil is known to be a stalwart defensive player on a club that gave up the 13th-most goals-against in the Q, and is the leading goal-getter on one of the lowest-scoring teams in the CHL (17th in the Q for goals-for). His reputation is that of a leader (he wears an A), and a hard-worker on-and-off the ice, with outstanding character and compete; he plays at a high pace with unrelenting motor, providing his team with energy, and is always engaged, and perpetually in-motion.

Kilfoil skates very well on long, powerful strides, and is light and agile on his edges, but could use another gear to better separate in open-ice. He is a play-builder with a high IQ who relocates to areas of greater advantage in high-danger after passing off in give-and-go sequences, showing plus-level distribution skills and advanced awareness, skating with his head on a swivel to keep an inventory of his options. He can push back defenders off the rush to make room for drop-passes to the trailer, employs delays and cut-backs to open space, skates dangerous routes off-puck to cause havoc and manipulate opponents, and can pull off some dangerous cross-ice passes through traffic on occasion. His shot could use more power, but he utilizes a stunning release that can paralyze goalies, and he can fire off the catch with fair precision. Kilfoil times his attacks to the net judiciously to capitalize off of rebounds and loose pucks in the crease, and possesses sharp hand-eye coordination for redirecting pucks. He frequently cuts inside, and buzzes around the net, locating soft spots in the slot to weave in and out of, while waiting to strike. He will plant himself at the net-front to take abuse, set up the screen, and to battle for positioning to clean up garbage in the vicinity of the goaltender.

Though it's difficult to gauge his projectability as an offensive catalyst on a team as bad as the Mooseheads, his abilities on the other side of the puck aren't in doubt. Kilfoil is somewhat of a defensive specialist, with ideal positioning, elevated awareness and anticipation, and a well-timed stick for pokes, sweeps, and slashes to disrupt possession. A superb penalty-killer, he is details-oriented and exhibits good habits, taking away the middle effectively and working tirelessly to keep attacks to the outside by matching footwork to his opponents. He locks down attackers by pinning them to the boards, blocks shots willingly, gets into lanes, and intercepts passes. In the neutral zone, he hounds puck-carriers on the breakout to cause turnovers, uncontrolled plays, resets, and forced dump-ins. Kilfoil can struggle a bit with puck-control at top-speed, but he otherwise owns quick hands to deke past defenders, dangle around sticks on the fly, and stickhandle through layers of traffic. While he will battle tenaciously for loose pucks, push back on opponents to make room, and bump carriers off of the puck, he is not much of a hitter, and not an overly physical player- preferring instead to utilize his smart stick and exemplary positioning to do his dirty work. Kilfoil could be called a safe pick, but smaller players are losing popularity with scouts, and a lack of physicality might be seen as a big detriment. I still see him being picked in the middle rounds.