The 2025 NHL Draft is almost upon us. And this top ten is loaded with talent. While the draft’s top end talent isn’t as elite as previous years, the depth within the top ten makes up for it. This draft is particularly excited as two teams who were outside of the top ten won the draft lottery. This moved the New York Islanders all the way to the first overall pick and the Utah Mammoth moved fourteen spots to select fourth.
Because of the perceived lack of depth after the top ten, there are plenty of rumors about trades. Also with teams like the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres underperforming while teams like the Calgary Flames over performing, we could see lots of action with trades. So let’s take a look at the NHL Draft, what makes it unique and which players to look at within the top 10. This overview will be somewhat of a companion piece to upcoming articles which will highlight some of the best bets you can make for the NHL Draft.
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What Makes the 2025 NHL Draft Unique?
James Hagens is part of a deep top ten which includes many centers for the NHL draft
Centre Line Explosion
The 2024 NHL Draft was all about defensemen. While we saw top center Macklin Celebrini go 1st overall to the San Jose Sharks, it was the defensemen that made the class unique. This year we have the opposite. There are at least six centers who should crack the top ten. While none of them have the same upside as Celebrini, or 2023 centers like Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, these centers still could be difference makers for the teams who select them and will make impacts at the NHL level. Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit), James Hagens (Boston College), Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats), Brady Martin (Soo Sault Greyhounds) and Anton Frondell (Djurgården) are widly considered the top centers of this class. Expect up to six centers in the top 10 and possibly 8-9 in the top 15.
- Why it matters: Quality centers are always in demand—especially for teams rebuilding or aiming to solidify second/third lines. Plus, it makes for heated draft-day action around picks 2–10. So if you are looking at bets that involve centers, reach for them going in the top 10 and 15.
Strong Top-End, But Shallow Depth
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Top 5 prospects—a D‐center duo of Matthew Schaefer (defense, Erie Otters) and Michael Misa, plus Frondell—are widely regarded as safe bets to go in the top 5. But beyond them, the field spreads out fast.
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Sportsnet scouts described this class as lacking “star power from top to bottom,” but a solid source of middle-six forwards and second-pair defenders sportsnet.ca.
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Result? After the first two or three picks, chaos reigns—great for drama, trade talk, and wagering on surprises.
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Top Prospects to Watch (and Bet On)
Matthew Schaefer will become one of the leagues top defensemen
Let’s take a look at some of the top prospects and what make them unique. This will give you a feel of the type of player they are, which should help you determine which teams may be more inclined to draft them.
1. Matthew Schaefer (D, Erie Otters)
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Why he’s special: Sleek, modern defenseman with elite skating and puck-moving—“complete player used in all situations”
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Betting notes: A near-lock for #1. Consider props like “drafted first” and “first defenseman taken.” However, there is very little value on this pick so it may be best to skip.
2. Michael Misa (C, Saginaw Spirit)
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Profile: Offensively gifted pivot with two-way flair; compared to Brayden Point . Lots of discuss of him at #1/#2. However, there are rumors that he could drop due to the size and shot of Anton Frondell. Misa has similar atributes to Will Smith of the Sharks and Nazar of the Blackhawks, which means they may want to find a player with more size and grit.
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Betting angle: If he drops to #3 or #4, it’s a potential steal. Also good for props like “first center drafted” or “first player from OHL.”
3. James Hagens (C, Boston College)
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Speedy, slick playmaker—high hockey IQ and quickness. He was considered by many to be the top prospect or a top three pick until his rookie season in the NCAA. He struggled to put up eye popping numbers at Boston College this season. But his speed and playmaking is still top notch.
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Bet idea: You can get nice value on Hagens going in the top 5. He could be a target for some teams to move up to grab who are not deterred from his lackluster season.
4. Porter Martone (RW, Brampton OHL)
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Big-body goal threat—6’3″, gritty, 30-goal scorer. Martone’s size may be too tantalizing to pass on. However, as a winger he doesn’t play a premium position like some of the centers on this list. Still, he has unicorn traits and could be a great compliment to top prospects like Connor Bedard and Celebrini.
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Betting edge: Mid-first-round sleeper; while it may be risky to select him to go within the top 5 he feels like a lock to go in the top ten.
5. Caleb Desnoyers (C, QMJHL)
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Comparable to Jonathan Toews—smart offensively, leadership-driven. The type of player any NHL coach would love to have. He does all the little things right and has been the ultimate riser in the 2025 NHL draft.
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Long-shot alert: Great value if you believe he can go 3rd or 4th overall. Both Chicago and Utah would love a solid and responsible 2nd line center like Desnoyers.
6. Anton Frondell (C, Djurgården)
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European two-way center making waves in Sweden. He has a canon of a shot and has already played in a mens league.
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Bet angle: Props like “highest European forward” are juicy but he is another candidate to be a surprise pick in the top 3 if you don’t mind the risk. .
Other Notables
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Jake O’Brien (C, OHL) – 98-point season, elite vision but questions on defense. Could this big center go in the top 5?
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Victor Eklund (LW, Sweden) – fearless winger, high-energy sbnation.com.
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Radim Mrtka (D, WHL) – massive 6’6″ defender but puck skill uncertain sbnation.com.
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Jackson Smith (D, WHL) – offensive upside, under-the-radar player sbnation.com.
Final Word
The 2025 NHL Draft might lack depth beyond its few heavy hitters, but that’s its greatest asset. It’s a high-stakes, spirited arena for pick trades, prop markets, dramatic reveals—and big gambles. Whether you’re in it for draft-night adrenaline or smart futures planning, this class delivers center-stage spectacle with defense and winger curveballs. Lock in those props, grab your team colors, and enjoy the ride—because June 27 is going to pop!