2025 NHL Entry Draft Thread

[LGR4GM]

2 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

I have a feeling Schaefer will be seen as the top prospect by the time the draft rolls around. So young by draft standards and such an elite skater that control the game all over the ice from the backend. Bob McKenzie said he feels Schaefer has passed Hagens but we have half a season left to go and Schaefer had a nasty injury that will keep him out. I think Liger is right that there is a top 4 right now with some combination of Schaefer, Misa, Hagens and Martone.’

I was impressed by Eklund of Sweden. Right shot RW with great wheels and tremendous tenacity. He is ranked top 10 too.

Victor Eklund has an older brother in the NHL, former 7th overall pick and San Jose Shark William Eklund. William is on pace for 59pts in 77games in what is his sophomore NHL season. 

[Crusader1969]

19 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Think Jack Hughes but with a better attention in the defensive end while giving up some of the flash offensively.  Only saw bits and pieces of the gold game and some other highlights but Hagens is still a solid player who can transition the puck, use his hands to buy time, and has a solid shot. He's very smart too. 

That said, from what I've read and seen, I don't think he pulled away from the other 3 top guys, he more or less just maintained his lead on them. I'm very annoyed Misa wasn't at the tournament but Canada is dumb.

That all said, we'll get mid season aka January rankings and analysis in the next week or so and it's really the first rankings we can take any stock in. I'd expect some combo of Hagens, Misa, Schaefer, and Martone for most of everyone's top 4.

Thanks   Not that I want the wheels to completely fall off the Sabres but if they do, being able to get a potential #1 centre (10 years after drafting Eichel) would be a good consolation prize 

[French Collection]

7 hours ago, Crusader1969 said:

Thanks   Not that I want the wheels to completely fall off the Sabres but if they do, being able to get a potential #1 centre (10 years after drafting Eichel) would be a good consolation prize 

I am so disappointed in this season that I don’t want to even think about the draft too much, but it is an annual ritual for this team to have a good lottery pick.

I love Schaefer but I kind of hope he is gone when the Sabres pick because he is a LHD. If he is BPA at their pick then there needs to be a trade in place for Power/Byram to get immediate help at another position.

[LGR4GM]

29 minutes ago, French Collection said:

I am so disappointed in this season that I don’t want to even think about the draft too much, but it is an annual ritual for this team to have a good lottery pick.

I love Schaefer but I kind of hope he is gone when the Sabres pick because he is a LHD. If he is BPA at their pick then there needs to be a trade in place for Power/Byram to get immediate help at another position.

If we get Schaefer, he's best suited going back to Jr's. He won't be 18 until September. 

[LGR4GM]

Sabres currently have a 9.5% change to win the first overall pick. If the lottery goes chalk, that's okay for Buffalo if we stay in 4th overall. I would be scared if we finished 4th and someone below jumped up because I think there is a clear demarcation between the top 4 and the next 5ish players. That said, if we win and aren't in 4th, that's fine. 

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2025-nhl-draft-lottery-odds-which-teams-have-the-best-chance-to-select-matthew-schaefer-james-hagens-michael-misa-porter-martone

Instincts right now for the top 5 if the order held would be the following:

1. Chicago - James Hagens, 5'10" C (Chicago has taken multiple defenders in the first round the last few years including 2nd overall Levshunov and 7th overall Korchinski, so I think they will add at forward as Hagens represents a great 2nd center and PP friend to Bedard)
2. San Jose - Matthew Schaefer 6'2" LHD (While SJ did take Dickinson at #11 last year, they have also drafted Celebrini, Smith, Musty, Bystedt, and Eklund at forward recently so I think they will look at Dickinson as the solid #2 defender he can be and say "let's grab someone really dynamic for our PP" which is Schaefer, The other option for them here IMPO is probably Martone as I think they would like his size and shot)
3. Nashville - Michael Misa 6'1" C/LW (Nashville is the poster child of UFA buyer beware and they desperately need some centers in the pipe, they have a bunch of options at c/w and I think they want more even though Wood, Svechkov, Surin are all in that mold. Surin actually reminds me a bit of Misa so I see a similar pull)
4. Buffalo - Porter Martone 6'3" RW (I could see Martone going to SJ or Nash as well with Nashville perhaps being likely. That said, Martone has the ability to drive play from the wing. His on ice vision is good, he sees and can execute really good passing plays. His shot is good but is not dynamic in the way I feel Misa's is. Instead Martone uses his positioning and size to get into shooting lanes and rip accurate shots. There has been some questions about Martone's pace but frankly, I don't see that as an issue. He is willing to use his body and drive the net or get position, at 6'3" he has size and weight to do this. His hands are quite good if not excellent, he uses them to problem solve and he can disconnect his lower body from his upper giving him a lot of range from a stable base that's hard to predict. he does play with Michael's brother Luke Misa who was a 5th round pick last year and with Carson Rehkopf a 2nd rounder from 2023. I mention this because he has very good linemates but Martone drives that line, these guys support him and finish what he creates. I feel like most of what I have watched is Martone creates and those 2 finish. Luke and Carson will be AHL eligible next year. Martone should go back to jrs 1 more year but then I would bring him in as a the play driving RW he can be. A guy like Benson or Peterka would do really well with him.)
5. Seattle - Roger McQueen 6'5" C/W (Seattle probably wants a defender based on their prospect pool but I think they will have a hard time passing up the 6'5" center. McQueen is a wild card as with his size and skill he could jump into this top 4 but has been injured since October with a lower body injury but is supposed to be back soon.) 

[WhenWillItEnd66]

Only thing Sabres fans have to look forward too. Sad

[Crusader1969]

If They lose tonight.    Time to start up the engine on Team Tank once again.  
 

sad 

[LGR4GM]

I do think it is worth noting that Michael Misa does not have NHL drafted linemates. Joey Willis a 4th rounder is it and Zayne Parekh on defense. I only mention it because Misa basically has to generate and convert things roughly on his own-ish. Obviously he isn't alone but I just mean the talent around him is a bit lesser than Hagens or Martone. Misa has 66pts and the next closest player has 47. Martone has 56 with his linemates having 52 and 48. 

[LTS]

5 hours ago, Crusader1969 said:

If They lose tonight.    Time to start up the engine on Team Tank once again.  
 

sad 

That engine has been running longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Edited January 9 by LTS

[inkman]

On 1/9/2025 at 12:00 PM, LGR4GM said:

I do think it is worth noting that Michael Misa does not have NHL drafted linemates. Joey Willis a 4th rounder is it and Zayne Parekh on defense. I only mention it because Misa basically has to generate and convert things roughly on his own-ish. Obviously he isn't alone but I just mean the talent around him is a bit lesser than Hagens or Martone. Misa has 66pts and the next closest player has 47. Martone has 56 with his linemates having 52 and 48. 

In 

[LGR4GM]

2 hours ago, inkman said:

In 

That top 6 might be close. 

[Flashsabre]

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/craig-s-list-matthew-schaefer-ascends-to-no-1-for-2025-nhl-draft-1.2235722
 

Craig Button’s new list has Frondell number 2. Compares him to Barkov.

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/scouts-analysis-breaking-down-2025-ohl-top-prospects-game/

Edited January 16 by Flashsabre

[LGR4GM]

2 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/craig-s-list-matthew-schaefer-ascends-to-no-1-for-2025-nhl-draft-1.2235722
 

Craig Button’s new list has Frondell number 2. Compares him to Barkov.

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/scouts-analysis-breaking-down-2025-ohl-top-prospects-game/

What in the what is Button on about?

1. Matthew Schaeffer
2. Anton Frondell
3. Porter Martone
4. James Hagens
5. Michael Misa
6. Caleb Desnoyers
7. Cameron Schmidt
8. Roger McQueen
9. Victor Eklund
10. Cameron Reid

Yea... idk about that top 10 from Button. I certainly feel as if his top 5 is wrong and it isn't simply because of Frondell. Button is the poster boy of recency bias. Still, it is good that midterm ranks (aka january) are coming out. Things are finally start to fall into place.

[LGR4GM]

2 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

OHL Top Prospects Game

https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/scouts-analysis-breaking-down-2025-ohl-top-prospects-game/

Now this is good. There is a name here that I really like, Carson Cameron. He is a 6'2" RHD that plays on a really awful team, I mean they have literally 1 guy who was drafted into the NHL. Cameron still is near the top of his team in points even though there are not a ton of points on that team. All that said, he's got a June 27th bday so he is very young for this class. These are the types of players you take in the 2nd or 3rd. 

Jake O'Brien is another name I think people should remember if Buffalo makes a miraculous run to 8th. The 6'2" center who also has a June bday just plays the game correctly IMPO. He's got good playmaking instincts, good size, and he's smart. I haven't decided on his skating yet, it looks fine though. Now, a late June guy at his size without dynamic skating isn't a major issue at all but I want to see his skating a bit more (which I probably wont). Shot looks good, positioning is really good. Just a really interesting player that will go in that 12-16 range. You know, he kinda reminds me a bit of Helenius but with more puck control. Helenius was a lot of give an go carry and pass without a ton of handles (he played against adults so makes sense) but O'Brien has a bit more of a handle to create space mentality. Either way, some of the playmaking and the ability to win pucks down low just reminded me of Helenius. 

 

Edited January 16 by LGR4GM

[LGR4GM]

19 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

What in the what is Button on about?

1. Matthew Schaeffer
2. Anton Frondell
3. Porter Martone
4. James Hagens
5. Michael Misa
6. Caleb Desnoyers
7. Cameron Schmidt
8. Roger McQueen
9. Victor Eklund
10. Cameron Reid

Yea... idk about that top 10 from Button. I certainly feel as if his top 5 is wrong and it isn't simply because of Frondell. Button is the poster boy of recency bias. Still, it is good that midterm ranks (aka january) are coming out. Things are finally start to fall into place.

I need to add something to this, Matthew Schaeffer being 1st overall isn't surprising at this stage. His broken collar bone will keep him out supposedly until the end of February or beginning of March. There is though some growing scouting movement towards him as the 1st overall. I personally do like him, but it would be a mistake IMPO, not because he isn't really good but because I think the forwards up there are just as good. Still, could make things interesting and get a forward to slide 1 extra spot. 

[Pimlach]

On 12/7/2024 at 2:59 PM, LGR4GM said:

Nah, they're thinking "okay, it will suck but in 5 years all be traded and win a cup"

And they can get the ELC asap in Buffalo, then move on to bigger money.  

[LGR4GM]

It is finally here, the EP January Ranking and boy oh boy is it fun. https://www.eliteprospects.com/news/2025-nhl-draft/the-elite-prospects-mid-january-top-64-2025-nhl-draft-ranking

1. Matthew Schaefer
2. James Hagens
3. Michael Misa
4. Porter Martone
5. Roger McQueen
6. Jackson Smith
7. Victor Eklund
8. Carter Bear
9. Lynden Lakovic
10. Cameron Schmidt

Quote

The 2025 class is shaping up to be top-heavy, with four prospects worthy of a first-overall selection

 

Edited 21 hours ago by LGR4GM

[LGR4GM]

On 1/16/2025 at 9:35 AM, LGR4GM said:

What in the what is Button on about?

1. Matthew Schaeffer
2. Anton Frondell
3. Porter Martone
4. James Hagens
5. Michael Misa
6. Caleb Desnoyers
7. Cameron Schmidt
8. Roger McQueen
9. Victor Eklund
10. Cameron Reid

Yea... idk about that top 10 from Button. I certainly feel as if his top 5 is wrong and it isn't simply because of Frondell. Button is the poster boy of recency bias. Still, it is good that midterm ranks (aka january) are coming out. Things are finally start to fall into place.

EP put Frondell 18th... 

so I fully expect Buffalo to reach on him in the top 5 and for me to have to argue about why it was a mistake for about 5 years while it pans out that he was a mistake that high. 

[Brawndo]

Bob McKenzie releases his mid season rankings tomorrow 

[Flashsabre]

15 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

EP put Frondell 18th... 

so I fully expect Buffalo to reach on him in the top 5 and for me to have to argue about why it was a mistake for about 5 years while it pans out that he was a mistake that high. 

I despise that we are here again talking about the top of the draft.

I think the top 4:Scaeffer, Hagens, Misa and Martone are all solid choices. I think I’m pulling for Misa the most if they end up bottom 4 but any of them would be solid picks.

[Crusader1969]

Is there #1 center potential between Hagens and Misa?

if so, I'm pulling for that 

they need a #1C badly.  don't think there is a way for the Sabres to obtain one except for the draft. 
 

No UFA is signing with them and only a clown franchise would trade one away 

 

[LGR4GM]

26 minutes ago, Crusader1969 said:

Is there #1 center potential between Hagens and Misa?

if so, I'm pulling for that 

they need a #1C badly.  don't think there is a way for the Sabres to obtain one except for the draft. 
 

No UFA is signing with them and only a clown franchise would trade one away 

 

Hagens is probably on that Jack Hughes trajectory. He's a playmaker with some jam and a really good 2-way game. 

Misa is probably more along the lines of well, I am not 100% sure. I think he is less dyanmic of a playmaker, more dynamic of a skater, motor revs a touch higher, and he's more physical than Hagens. His 2-way game is not as developed but his rush game is amazing (which is part of the issue, rush games don't always translate to the NHL smoothly). His shot is really good. 

After that Roger McQueen is a big 2-way center with some jam to his game. Sadly he's been injured and that's my biggest concern with him. He's missed about 12 games in the previous 2 years as well and will have missed about 30 games in this one. That said, he is this years Cayden Lindstrom. 

After that, there isn't another center in the top 6ish depending on how you feel about Carter Bear (I think he's probably a winger). There are a bunch of centers in the 10-20 range, Caleb Desnoyers (could go 6-10), Braeden Cootes, Anton Frondell, Jake O'Brien, Brady Martin. 

If we look at the 30-40 range, Ivan Ryabkin stands out at center along with Cole Reschny and a guy I would think about targeting, Milton Gästrin. I should add that Gastrin reminds me of Helenius in that he is solid all over the ice but doesn't have a specific skill that wows you. Still a 6'1" middle 6 center that is a 2-way 50pt player would be a very nice 2nd round selection. 

[Flashsabre]

35 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Hagens is probably on that Jack Hughes trajectory. He's a playmaker with some jam and a really good 2-way game. 

Misa is probably more along the lines of well, I am not 100% sure. I think he is less dyanmic of a playmaker, more dynamic of a skater, motor revs a touch higher, and he's more physical than Hagens. His 2-way game is not as developed but his rush game is amazing (which is part of the issue, rush games don't always translate to the NHL smoothly). His shot is really good. 

After that Roger McQueen is a big 2-way center with some jam to his game. Sadly he's been injured and that's my biggest concern with him. He's missed about 12 games in the previous 2 years as well and will have missed about 30 games in this one. That said, he is this years Cayden Lindstrom. 

After that, there isn't another center in the top 6ish depending on how you feel about Carter Bear (I think he's probably a winger). There are a bunch of centers in the 10-20 range, Caleb Desnoyers (could go 6-10), Braeden Cootes, Anton Frondell, Jake O'Brien, Brady Martin. 

If we look at the 30-40 range, Ivan Ryabkin stands out at center along with Cole Reschny and a guy I would think about targeting, Milton Gästrin. I should add that Gastrin reminds me of Helenius in that he is solid all over the ice but doesn't have a specific skill that wows you. Still a 6'1" middle 6 center that is a 2-way 50pt player would be a very nice 2nd round selection. 

Misa has some Joe Sakic in his game. 

[LGR4GM]

11 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

Misa has some Joe Sakic in his game. 

This will sound nuts but I mean stylistically not talent level, I see flashes of McDavid in some of Misa's transition game. I AM NOT SAYING MISA IS MCDAVID

[Thorner]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Hagens is probably on that Jack Hughes trajectory. He's a playmaker with some jam and a really good 2-way game. 

Misa is probably more along the lines of well, I am not 100% sure. I think he is less dyanmic of a playmaker, more dynamic of a skater, motor revs a touch higher, and he's more physical than Hagens. His 2-way game is not as developed but his rush game is amazing (which is part of the issue, rush games don't always translate to the NHL smoothly). His shot is really good. 

After that Roger McQueen is a big 2-way center with some jam to his game. Sadly he's been injured and that's my biggest concern with him. He's missed about 12 games in the previous 2 years as well and will have missed about 30 games in this one. That said, he is this years Cayden Lindstrom. 

After that, there isn't another center in the top 6ish depending on how you feel about Carter Bear (I think he's probably a winger). There are a bunch of centers in the 10-20 range, Caleb Desnoyers (could go 6-10), Braeden Cootes, Anton Frondell, Jake O'Brien, Brady Martin. 

If we look at the 30-40 range, Ivan Ryabkin stands out at center along with Cole Reschny and a guy I would think about targeting, Milton Gästrin. I should add that Gastrin reminds me of Helenius in that he is solid all over the ice but doesn't have a specific skill that wows you. Still a 6'1" middle 6 center that is a 2-way 50pt player would be a very nice 2nd round selection. 

Hope if we draft a C it’s a playmaker