The 2025 NHL Draft is officially complete, and while this year’s class wasn’t the deepest we’ve seen, it still delivered players with character, grit, and long-term potential. From future franchise defensemen to late-round sleepers with real upside, the draft showcased the type of players who may not immediately turn heads but will become indispensable on NHL rosters.
Below is a breakdown of standout selections from each round, highlighting Jason Bukala’s favorite pick per round and offering insight into their skillsets and potential trajectory in the NHL.
Matthew Schaefer – A Franchise Cornerstone at No. 1
Drafted first overall by the New York Islanders, Matthew Schaefer is a player whose on-ice skill is only matched by his resilience off it. Despite enduring unimaginable personal losses and a serious injury that sidelined much of his season, Schaefer remained a top prospect from start to finish. A product of the Erie Otters, the 6-foot-2 blueliner excels in all areas, including transition play, defensive structure, and offensive contribution.
Schaefer tallied 22 points in just 17 OHL games and dominated in metrics like plus-minus and possession. His mature game and emotional leadership make him not only a potential All-Star but a future captain.
He’ll slot into the Islanders’ top pair, taking over minutes vacated by Noah Dobson’s departure. His complete toolkit, including smooth skating, elite hockey IQ, and unwavering mental toughness, set the tone for a franchise reset, reflected in rising confidence and even improved odds by FanDuel sportsbook.
Alexander Zharovsky – The Playmaking Dynamo from Round 2
Montreal secured exceptional value at 34th overall by selecting Alexander Zharovsky, a highly skilled forward from Russia. What sets him apart is his ability to make elite-level plays in tight quarters and under pressure. He’s evasive, creative, and possesses the finesse needed to dissect NHL defenses.
Zharovsky isn’t NHL-ready just yet; he remains under contract in the KHL for two more seasons, but the Canadiens can afford to be patient. Once he adds muscle to his frame, expect Zharovsky to slot into a top-six role.
Cameron Schmidt – Undersized but Unmissable
Selected 94th overall by the Dallas Stars, Cameron Schmidt is the kind of high-reward pick that could pay massive dividends in the medium to long term. His drop to the third round likely came down to size, just 5-foot-7 and 157 pounds. However, his numbers with the Vancouver Giants (40 goals and 38 assists in 61 games) are ample evidence that his diminutive size is no obstacle to top-flight play.
Schmidt brings speed, aggressiveness, and a shoot-first mentality that gives him a scoring edge. His burst through the neutral zone makes him a transition threat, while his snap shot in motion is NHL-caliber. Though his size may limit him to a middle-six role, his offensive instincts and tenacity give him a legitimate shot at sticking.
LJ Mooney – A Smart Bet on Skill in Round 4
The Canadiens doubled down on high-skill, undersized forwards by drafting LJ Mooney 113th overall. Like Schmidt, Mooney’s 5-foot-7 frame didn’t deter Montreal from betting on his playmaking ability. With 41 assists in Team USA’s U18 campaign, Mooney proved himself a reliable setup man, and he also contributes defensively.
He moves through high-traffic areas with ease, using his quickness to sidestep pressure and stay effective on both ends of the ice. His commitment to backchecking and contributing in all three zones strengthens his case as a well-rounded prospect.
Mooney is emerging as a potential third-line play driver with the ability to swing momentum in key moments. Given his deep skillset, fans (and bettors) can expect to see his name appear more often in NHL player news on FanDuel as his potential is revealed
He navigates high-traffic areas effortlessly and uses his quickness to avoid checks. His willingness to backcheck and play in all three zones boosts his NHL credentials. Pundits are focusing on his potential as a dependable third-line play driver capable of shifting game momentum.
Viktor Klingsell – A Power Play Weapon
Winnipeg took a savvy approach by grabbing Viktor Klingsell at 156th overall in the fifth round. The Swedish winger combines a powerful frame with finesse, contributing significantly to both Skelleftea’s junior squad and Team Sweden at the U18s.
Klingsell’s 39 total points across both levels may not leap off the page, but his situational impact (especially on the power play) is where he shines. He’s physically mature and plays with a competitive edge, traits that could land him a third-line role in the NHL. His shot is dangerous, and he has the touch to contribute immediately in man-advantage scenarios.
Burke Hood – A Goalie with Raw Tools and Huge Potential
Goaltenders taken late in the draft often represent long-term investments, and the Islanders may have struck gold with Burke Hood at 170th overall. The 6-foot-plus netminder had a .910 save percentage with the Vancouver Giants and combines size with outstanding athleticism.
Hood’s side-to-side movement is impressive, and his low-net coverage is above average. Still, he’s raw, sometimes overcommitting and vacating his crease, but the foundation is solid. With strong coaching and developmental structure, Hood could blossom into a reliable NHL backup or even challenge for a 1B role in a few years.
Filip Ekberg – A Late-Round Steal with Offensive Flair
Carolina scooped up one of the biggest value picks of the draft by taking Filip Ekberg 221st overall. Ekberg’s regular season was inconsistent, but his dominance at the U18 Worlds (10 goals and 8 assists) was impossible to ignore. Leading the tournament in scoring, he showed the upside of a top-six forward in a late-round body.
His offensive awareness and finishing ability are elite, but his all-around game needs refining. If he puts in the work, he could evolve into a dangerous recall option with the potential to fill in as an NHL fourth-liner, or better if his defensive game matures.
A Class Built on Depth, Character, and Surprise
The 2025 NHL Draft might not go down as the flashiest, but it promises a strong future for several franchises. From Matthew Schaefer’s emotionally charged ascent to the top of the draft to Filip Ekberg’s last-round explosion, this class is defined by players who’ve overcome adversity, played above their size, or shown flashes of brilliance that can’t be ignored.
These picks, from round one to seven, represent more than just potential. They symbolize the evolving nature of NHL scouting, where heart, adaptability, and high hockey IQ are valued as much as raw stats. The next phase, development camps, will test these young athletes’ mental fortitude and readiness, but the foundation shows promise.