I personally am huge on Matthew Schaefer and would pick him #1 if I was the GM with the first pick. However my mock drafts usually suck and am going to try to go for one that is more accurate this year. Or at least appear to be although it will still probably be way off🤣
1. San Jose Sharks – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
Reason: The Sharks, likely finishing near the bottom again, need a franchise cornerstone. Hagens is widely regarded as the top prospect, a dynamic center with elite playmaking and skating. He complements their young core (Celebrini, Smith) with skill and upside.
2.Chicago Blackhawks – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Reason: Chicago continues rebuilding around Connor Bedard. Martone, a big, physical power forward with scoring touch, fills a need for size and edge on the wing, creating a potent future top line.
3.Washington Capitals – Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)
Reason: Assuming a poor season post-Ovechkin injury, the Caps grab Schaefer, the best defenseman in the draft. His skating, offensive dynamism, and two-way potential bolster a thin blueline pipeline.
4.Anaheim Ducks – Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Reason: Anaheim’s prospect pool is deep, but Misa’s speed and scoring ability add another high-end forward. He fits their trend of drafting skilled CHL players (e.g., Mintyukov, Zellweger).
5.Columbus Blue Jackets – Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)
Reason: Columbus has young forwards but needs defensive depth. Hensler, a strong, smart right-shot defenseman, pairs well with their emerging blueline (Jiricek, Mateychuk).
6.Calgary Flames – Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Reason: Calgary seeks a top-six center for the future. McQueen’s size (6-5) and skill make him a fit, though his recent injury might slide him slightly.
7.New Jersey Devils – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL)
Reason: The Devils love speed and skill. Spence’s quick release and playmaking complement their young core (Hughes, Hischier), adding offensive punch.
8.Montreal Canadiens – Ivan Ryabkin, C, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Reason: Montreal targets a playmaking center with vision. Ryabkin’s mature game and puckhandling fit their preference for skilled, cerebral players (e.g., Slafkovsky).
9.Philadelphia Flyers – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Reason: Philly builds around Michkov with a two-way center. Desnoyers’ work ethic and versatility align with their gritty, competitive identity.
10.St. Louis Blues – William Moore, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
Reason: The Blues need scoring depth. Moore’s high skill and shot make him a potential top-six winger to pair with their young forwards (e.g., Dvorsky).
11.Ottawa Senators – Radim Mrtka, D, Trinec (Czech Extraliga)
Reason: Ottawa has drafted defensemen recently (Yakemchuk), but Mrtka’s size and skating add depth. His transition game suits their up-tempo style.
12.Buffalo Sabres – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Reason: Buffalo seeks a power forward. Carbonneau’s grit and improving 200-foot game fit their need for physicality up front.
13.Minnesota Wild – Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Reason: Minnesota thrives with smaller, skilled players. Reschny’s all-around game and hockey IQ bolster their center depth post-Kaprizov era.
14. Pittsburgh Penguins – Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Reason: Aging blueliners (Letang) prompt a pick like Aitcheson, a hard-nosed, two-way defenseman with agility and defensive reliability.
15.Utah Hockey Club – Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Reason: Utah builds a balanced roster. Lakovic’s size and scoring touch add a versatile winger to their growing prospect pool.
16.Detroit Red Wings – Viktor Eklund, LW, DjurgĂĄrdens IF (Allsvenskan)
Reason: Detroit loves Swedish talent. Eklund’s speed and compete level make him a high-upside pick for their skilled forward group.
17.New York Islanders – Jack Murtagh, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
Reason: The Isles need youth up front. Murtagh’s skill and tenacity fit their physical, structured system under Lamoriello.
18.Montreal Canadiens (via CGY) – Conrad Fondrk, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Reason: With a second first-rounder, Montreal adds a scoring winger. Fondrk’s offensive instincts enhance their forward depth.
19.Chicago Blackhawks (via TOR) – Artyom Vilchinsky, D, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
Reason: Chicago’s second pick targets defense. Vilchinsky’s size and puck-moving ability strengthen their blueline prospects.
20.Vancouver Canucks – Emile Guite, LW, Chicoutimi SaguenĂ©ens (QMJHL)
Reason: Vancouver needs size and skill. Guite’s 6-2 frame and scoring touch fit their aggressive, fast-paced style.
21.Philadelphia Flyers (via COL) – Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Reason: Philly’s second pick adds a skilled power forward. Zonnon’s shot and agility boost their offensive pipeline.
22.Nashville Predators – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, RW, LuleĂĄ HF (SHL)
Reason: Nashville loves big, physical players. Ihs-Wozniak’s size and scoring potential fit their rugged identity.
23.Nashville Predators (via TBL) – Alex Huang, D, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Reason: A second pick allows Nashville to bolster defense. Huang’s right-shot skating and poise add depth.
24.Calgary Flames (via FLA) – Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)
Reason: Calgary grabs a skilled center. Potter’s transition from the USNTDP to NCAA showcases his adaptability and offensive flair.
25.Philadelphia Flyers (via EDM) – Dakoda RhĂ©aume-Mullen, D, USNTDP (USHL)
Reason: Philly’s third pick targets a mobile defenseman. Rhéaume-Mullen’s skating fits their aggressive rebuild.
26.San Jose Sharks (via VGK) – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Reason: San Jose lacks a top goalie prospect. Ravensbergen’s stellar WHL stats (2.46 GAA, .907 SV%) make him a rare first-round netminder.
27.Colorado Avalanche – Reese Hamilton, D, Regina Pats (WHL)
Reason: Colorado reloads their blueline. Hamilton’s two-way game complements their fast, skilled roster although his stock is dropping.
28.Toronto Maple Leafs – Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)
Reason: Toronto needs young defensemen. Boumedienne’s offensive instincts fit their puck-moving style.
29.Boston Bruins – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Reason: Boston replaces aging centers. O’Brien’s two-way play aligns with their hard-nosed identity.
30.Los Angeles Kings – Ivan Yunin, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Reason: LA seeks scoring depth. Yunin’s skill and creativity add flair to their forward prospects.
31.Winnipeg Jets – Charlie Trethewey, D, USNTDP (USHL)
Reason: Winnipeg builds for the future. Trethewey’s right-shot potential strengthens their defensive pipeline.
32.Carolina Hurricanes – Topias Hynninen, C, Ă„ssät (Liiga) Reason: Carolina loves versatile forwards. Hynninen’s smarts and work ethic fit their system perfectly.
