The 2025 Stanley Cup Final concluded Tuesday with the Florida Panthers beating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 to secure their second straight championship.
And now the offseason has officially begun.
The most notable event on the calendar is the 2025 NHL Draft, which starts in eight days. This year’s draft class is impressive, especially at the center position. That’s good news for the Boston Bruins, who will pick No. 7 overall after failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Check out our 2025 NHL mock draft below:
1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
The Islanders got lucky and jumped all the way up from No. 10 to No. 1 in the NHL Draft Lottery. It might be tempting to take Michael Misa here, but with veteran centers Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal signed long term, it would be hard to fault the Islanders for going with Matthew Schaefer. He could be a top-pairing defenseman for a decade.
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw (OHL)
The Sharks drafted center Macklin Celebrini at No. 1 in 2024 and center Will Smith at No. 4 overall in 2023. But with no defenseman worthy of the No. 2 pick in this class (assuming Schaefer goes No. 1 to the Islanders), taking another forward in Misa should be an easy choice.
Misa is the No. 1 ranked forward in this draft. He is the complete package offensively and led the CHL in scoring with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games.
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden (SWE-2)
Frondell and Connor Bedard as a 1-2 punch at center long-term is an exciting scenario for Blackhawks fans. Frondell is not only highly skilled, he plays a true power forward style of hockey.
4. Utah Mammoth: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
The Mammoth jumped 10 spots in the draft lottery, allowing them to select one of the best center prospects available. Caleb Desnoyers makes the most sense here. His offensive upside is tremendous. He also won the Guy LaFleur Trophy as QMJHL playoff MVP this past season.
5. Nashville Predators: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Martin’s draft stock has risen quite a bit in recent weeks. He plays a lot like 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett, and general managers love those kinds of players.
6. Philadelphia Flyers: James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
Hagens didn’t score as much as some expected for Boston College, but he is an elite playmaker and a great skater. He has top-six center potential for a…