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Live 2025 NHL Draft grades for every pick, trade
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The post Live 2025 NHL Draft grades for every pick, trade appeared first on ClutchPoints .
It's time to put down the NHL Mock Drafts and prepare for the real thing. The 2025 NHL Draft is underway from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Draft day has already seen a ton of movement, with the New York Islanders trading Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens dominating the headlines.
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Trade rumors are always in high gear this time of year. Oftentimes, the buzz never truly lives up to the hype. In fact, we're only two years removed from an NHL Draft that featured no first-round trades. However, this year could be different, as nearly every team in the league is trying to make something happen. The decentralized nature of this year's event could also play a role in any movement.
There's no more time left to waste. The 2025 NHL Draft is officially underway. Stick with ClutchPoints as we track all the activity and instantly grade the picks and trades as they come down the pike. The entire first round order will be displayed below. Please refresh your browser to ensure you get the latest information.
ClutchPoints' final 2025 NHL Mock Draft
1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL)
The Islanders had a few different choices they could have made here. Notably, they could have taken hometown product James Hagens with this selection. However, after trading Dobson to the Canadiens, they needed defensive help. Matthew Schaefer is the best player in the 2025 NHL Draft. And he should be a top-pairing defenseman for a long time in this league.
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Grade: A
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
There was a lot of buzz around the Sharks in recent days. In the end, they select Michael Misa , who is the best forward in this class. There are very few flaws in his game. Misa can score in bunches, as he scored 134 points for the Spirit this past season. He is good in the defensive zone, and his playmaking can break games open. The Sharks continue to build one of the NHL's most impressive forward cores. This is a home run.
Grade: A
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Anton Frondell is a rather intriguing prospect at the top of this class. He is a natural center, but played on the wing in HockeyAllsvenskan a ton this year. He had a knee injury in September that impacted his draft stock. Still, is a very impressive scorer who can find the back of the net in multiple ways. Frondell may move to the wing in the NHL to succeed. He could hit as a top-six forward, though there is a decent chance the upside is a tad lower than this. Overall, it's a fine selection for Chicago.
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Grade: B+
4. Utah Mammoth – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Caleb Desnoyers is generally considered one of the safest players in this draft. Especially among the center prospects. He is very good at creating plays in the open ice while also possessing a nose for the net. Desnoyers is also one defensively responsible, allowing him to make an impact in all areas of the game. The Mammoth add more depth down the middle after adding on the wings with the JJ Peterka trade .
Grade: A
5. Nashville Predators – Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Brady Martin received a ton of buzz in the top five in recent weeks. He is one of the hardest-working players in the 2025 NHL Draft class. In fact, he didn't attend the draft, opting to work on his family's farm instead. The Predators needed a center, so the logic makes sense. There are questions over Martin's ceiling, though. Leaving other centers with more potential on the board knocks Nashville's grade down, but this is a good player.
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Grade: B+
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Porter Martone is the best natural winger in this class. He brings an impressive combination of size and skill that can see him succeed at the NHL level. The Flyers traded for Trevor Zegras prior to the 2025 NHL Draft, so maybe they felt they didn't need a center. If Zegras doesn't work out, though, they now have two wingers and a glaring need down the middle. Martone is a fantastic selection, but the grade gets a slight knock based on organizational need.
Grade: A-
7. Boston Bruins – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
The Boston Bruins love their bang-and-crash forwards. James Hagens is not this, but he could become their franchise center in short order. Hagens opened the season as the potential first overall pick . He saw his stock slip, but not for anything he did wrong. The Boston College star is an exceptional two-way playdriver down the middle who can take over games at both ends of the ice. He is more skill than snarl, but this is a new era of Bruins hockey.
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Grade: A
8. Seattle Kraken – Jake O'Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The Seattle Kraken add to its forward depth with this selection. O'Brien is a selfless player on the ice. He loves to make the key pass and allow his teammates to take their chances. His offensive skill is very impressive at this point in his development. He needs to add a bit of strength to his game, and he can improve his defense. This is a fine pick, even if Seattle's defensive pipeline remains a bit barren at the top.
Grade: B+
9. Buffalo Sabres – Radim Mrtka, RD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Radim Mrtka came over from his native Czechia midseason, and it was a fantastic move. Mrtka was a conductor for the Thunderbirds as everything ran through him. He is a towering defender with exceptional offensive ability and shutdown potential on the backend. Scouts want to see him be more physical, especially given his frame. But the Sabres need right-shot defensemen even after acquiring Michael Kesselring from the Mammoth. Ironically, it's Buffalo making a Mammoth pick here.
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Grade: A
10. Anaheim Ducks – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Roger McQueen could have gone higher than this in the 2025 NHL Draft. However, a back injury prevented him from skating for most of the year. Still, when healthy, the potential is undeniable. He has the potential to be a first-line pivot at the NHL level for years to come. He joins Leo Carlsson to form one of the best young 1-2 punches down the middle in the league. A fantastic selection for the Ducks.
Grade: A
11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Here is the first true curveball of the night. Benjamin Kindel brings playdriving and exceptional offensive ability to the ice. He plays with a ton of pace, which he combines with his skill to beat defenders and create scoring chances. In saying all of this, Kindel projects best as a middle-six forward. There are true flaws with his game that could hold him back at the NHL level. Pittsburgh needs center depth though, and Kindel can stick down the middle at the next level.
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Grade: C+
12. *TRADE* Philadelphia Flyers (via PIT/VAN/NYR) – Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the 12th selection to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for picks 22 and 31 in the 2025 NHL Draft
The Philadelphia Flyers certainly love what Jack Nesbitt brings to the table. And it makes a lot of sense. He has the potential to become a defensive specialist at the NHL level. He is a relentless forechecker who can create offense from that. The defense is the main calling card. Nesbitt could become a top-six potential option if the offense comes around. However, it feels more likely that he becomes a shutdown third-line center. That's a valuable player, but a top-15 pick is a bit rich, especially when you trade up for him.
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Grade: C+
13. Detroit Red Wings – Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Carter Bear could have gone in the top 10 had he not suffered an Achilles injury. The Silvertips star is a fantastic offensive presence and can goal goals in bunches. Detroit loves players who compete, and Bear has an excellent motor. His potential is quite high, and his skill is something the Red Wings need. His Achilles injury is something to keep an eye on, but if he stays healthy, this might be a home run pick for the Winged Wheel.
Grade: A-
14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Jackson Smith is a jack-of-all-trades on the back end. If you need offense, he can provide that. If you need someone to shutdown the opposing offense, he can do that. He is an excellent skater and handles the puck very responsibly. Smith is a very promising two-way defender who could play top-four minutes at the NHL level. The Blue Jackets need defensive depth, so this is an excellent pick for Columbus.
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Grade: A-
15. Vancouver Canucks – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Braeden Cootes is another fast-rising prospect in this 2025 NHL Draft Class. The Thunderbirds star is a relentless worker on the ice who never takes a play off and always finds a way to be involved. He has the ability to emerge as an exceptional playmaker, given his impressive chance creation ability. Vancouver needed center depth, and while they would have preferred immediate help, this is a fine pick for the Canucks.
Grade: A-
16. New York Islanders (via MTL/CGY) – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Many believed Victor Eklund had the potential to be a top-10 pick in this draft. He certainly has the talent and skill to match up with any player in this class. He is extremely competitive who will never quit, especially on the forecheck. Eklund's shot is also quite impressive. The Islanders come out of the Noah Dobson trade with a potential top-six forward. They had a need there, especially on the wings. This is a fantastic pick.
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Grade: A
17. New York Islanders (via MTL) – Kashawn Aitcheson, LD, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Kashawn Aitcheson is an absolute bulldog on the ice. He is a throwback to the clutch-and-grab era of hockey who will hunt open ice hits any time he can. He backs up his physicality with impressive defensive ability. Aitcheson is a very responsible player, which makes his physicality all the more coveted. The Islanders walk away from the 2025 NHL Draft with three very impressive building blocks for the future.
Grade: A
18. Calgary Flames (via NJ) – Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Cole Reschny is an undersized center with some intriguing upside. Unlike other small players, though, his size is not the biggest knock. Reschny needs to improve his skating if he wants to breakout at the NHL level. He does play a detail-oriented game, though, which can certainly help. And he is a good playmaker, creating chances regularly in the offensive zone. Calgary needed some center depth, and this is a fine pick.
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Grade: B+
19. St. Louis Blues – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
There are a lot of people who believe Justin Carbonneau could become one of the best players to come out of this class. There is a lot of work that needs to happen before he reaches those sorts of heights. However, St. Louis is getting one of the best pure goal scorers in this class. He can work as a power-play specialist in the top-six. If the Blues can cut out his turnover issues, there may be a more complete player here.
Grade: B+
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via MIN) – Pyotr Andreyanov, G, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
Now here is a shocker. Pyotr Andreyanov had some buzz around him as the first goalie off the board in the days leading into the 2025 NHL Draft. He is an aggressive goaltender who makes very athletic plays. He does struggle mightily with this puck control, though, and Columbus will need to work with him on this. If he can figure this out, he can become a starting goaltender. There are some other goalies with more potential, though, so this is a bit of a shock.
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Grade: B-
21. *TRADE* Nashville Predators (via OTT) – Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The Ottawa Senators have traded this pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for picks 23 and 67 in the 2025 NHL Draft
There was buzz about Reid potentially going in the teens leading into this draft. Reid is an incredible offensive defenseman, though he never overcommits offensively. His size is something that knocked him down boards, though. And he is not the most complete defender. Still, the Predators are banking on the offense continuing to develop. On that alone, he could play top-four minutes in the NHL.
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Grade: B+
22. *TRADE* Pittsburgh Penguins (via PHI/COL) – Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded pick 12 (Jack Nesbitt) to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for this pick and pick 31 (
Bill Zonnon has a lot of fans around the hockey world. He rose through the draft process due to his offense and checking ability. The major concern for the newest Penguins draft pick is his skating. Zonnon is not a great skater, and this could certainly hold him back. Of course, there are players who succeeded without skating ability — hello, Jason Allison — but there is work to be done here.
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Grade: B
23. *TRADE* Ottawa Senators (via NSH/TB) – Logan Hensler, RD, Wisconsin (NCAA)
The Ottawa Senators traded pick 21 to the Nashville Predators in exchange for this pick and pick 67
The Ottawa Senators could have used a forward here, as they have not picked a first-round forward since 2021. In any event, Hensler has some very intriguing upside. He has shown flashes at both ends of the ice, but it's hard to project how he'll turn out. He could plateau as a third-pairing shutdown guy or a two-way top-pairing star. Ottawa can be patient with him, but his rawness as a prospect makes this a tricky projection.
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Grade: B
24. *TRADE* Pittsburgh Penguins (via LA) – William Horcoff, C, Michigan (NCAA)
The Los Angeles Kings have traded this pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for picks 31 and 59 in the 2025 NHL Draft
William Horcoff has his fans around the game. His offense is a major question mark when discussing his NHL projection. He has flashed playmaking skill, but he doesn't have the greatest scoring touch. Horcoff's calling card is his defense. He projects very comfortably as a shutdown third-line defensive center. The value is fine here late in the first round, as the playmaking could potentially carry him into top-six conversations if it continues to develop. But that is a bit of a longshot.
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Grade: B-
25. Chicago Blackhawks (via TOR) – Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The Blackhawks added Anton Frondell at the top of the 2025 NHL Draft. That gives them center/wing versatility. Vaclav Nestrasil gives them a natural winger with some unique potential. He is an incredibly hard worker on the ice who plays with reckless abandon. He is an absolute dog on the ice. The Lumberjacks star has flashed impressive offensive ability, as well. He does have potential to be a top-six winger, but he'll need time to get there. Chicago can afford to be patient, though.
Grade: B
26. Nashville Predators (via SJ/VGK) – Ryker Lee, LW, Madison Capitals (USHL)
Ryker Lee is another player with a ton of fans in the hockey world. He has flashed absolutely breathtaking skill at times, which makes one believe in his potential. His stickhandling is among the best in the class, and the Capitals star has a fantastic shot. However, his skating is not great, and it needs some work. If he can improve as a skater, this could be a steal for Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators.
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Grade: B+
27. Washington Capitals – Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Lynden Lakovic made a major impression at the CHL/USA Propsects Challenge back in November. He showed an incredible shot and excellent mobility, especially for his size. Teams want to see him play with more of an edge in part due to his imposing frame. Lakovic has potential as a top-six winger who probably should have gone in the teens. This is great value for the Capitals.
Grade: A-
28. Winnipeg Jets – Sascha Boumedienne, LD, Boston University (NCAA)
Sascha Boumedienne fills a glaring need in Winnipeg's system. They had no NHL projectable defensemen in their system. At least, none that projected to play more than a handful of games. Boumedienne flashes impressive puck-moving skill, though he doesn't have an elite trait. There is a lot of intrigue around this player. He could have gone higher than this, and the fit could not be more perfect.
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Grade: A-
29. *TRADE* Chicago Blackhawks (via CAR) – Mason West, C, Edina (Minn.) High School
The Carolina Hurricanes have traded this pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for picks 34 and 62 in the 2025 NHL Draft, as well as a fifth-round pick in 2027
Mason West is the best high school prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he has risen rapidly before this selection. There is a lot to like about West, including his size. He stands 6'6″ and brings a ton of skill to the center position. Part of his rise up the board is his commitment to hockey over football. One would have to believe the Blackhawks have further confirmation he is sticking with hockey. If not, trading three picks for him is quite the gamble. The potential is there, but this is another project for Chicago. This one could be much more costly, though.
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Grade: C+
30. San Jose Sharks (via DAL) – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
The San Jose Sharks have their goalie of the future in Yaroslav Askarov following a trade with the Nashville Predators last summer. However, you can never have too many star goalie prospects. This is the most volatile position in the NHL. Ravensbergen has the potential to become a franchise goaltender at the NHL level. He had an underwhelming season, though, and he is raw as a prospect. On upside, though, this is incredible value for the Sharks.
Grade: A
31. *TRADE* Los Angeles Kings (via PIT/PHI/EDM) – Henry Brzustewicz , RD, London Knights (OHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded pick 12 (Jack Nesbitt) to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for this pick and pick 22
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The Pittsburgh Penguins traded this pick and pick 59 to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for pick 24 (William Horcoff)
The Kings wanted to add a defenseman given some of the losses they may sustain on the back end. In Henry Brzustewicz, they are getting a potential two-way defender who plays a quiet game. Kings fans won't hear his name too often during games, and that's because he's shutting down the other team. Los Angeles needed some right-shot depth, and he could have gone higher than this. Good value for the 2025 NHL Draft hosting Kings.
Grade: B+
32. Calgary Flames (via FLA) – Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)
Cullen Potter is probably the fastest skater in the 2025 NHL Draft. He uses his speed to break the game open, creating space and generating scoring chances. Potter possesses an underrated shot, as well, even though he didn't find the back of the net too often this past season. He could have gone well before this, so the Flames are getting incredible value to close out the first round.
Grade: A-
Related: Meet James Hagens, Bruins' No. 7 in the 2025 NHL Draft
