While it’s too early to crown winners and losers, Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft revealed clear
trends, surprise decisions, and excellent value picks that shaped the draft narrative. It
delivered the expected star power up top—but quickly veered into surprising territory,
showing how NHL front offices are thinking long-term and strategically.

Top 10: A Message From NHL GMs
After Matthew Schaefer went first overall as the top defenseman, the draft turned
sharply to the middle of the ice: seven of the next 10 picks were centers, including Michael
Misa, Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, Brady Martin, James Hagens, Jake O’Brien, and
Roger McQueen. That’s a decisive shift—and a clear message from NHL GMs about
positional priority.
We knew this was a forward-heavy draft, but typically teams can’t help themselves when it
comes to defensemen in the top 10. This time, only two: Schaefer and Radim Mrtka (9th to
Buffalo). The trend continued into the top 20, with only two more D taken: Jackson Smith
(14th to Columbus) and Kashawn Aitcheson (17th to the Islanders). Even in a thinner class
for defense, this level of restraint is rare.
Surprise Stretch: Kindell and Nesbitt
Picks 11 and 12 brought a burst of unpredictability. Benjamin Kindell went to Pittsburgh
nearly 10 spots ahead of his consensus ranking. Jack Nesbitt, selected by Philadelphia after
a trade-up, was a consensus 28th-ranked player, so the Flyers drafted for a specific
type. They likely could have selected Nesbitt with either their 22nd or 31st picks. That reach
might not look great in a few years.
That run opened the door for tremendous value picks immediately after: Jackson Smith to
Columbus at 14 (consensus #11, with several nods inside the top 10), and Victor Eklund and
Kashawn Aitcheson to the Islanders at 16 and 17. Eklund, in particular, was ranked as high
as seventh overall by several outlets. Some Swedish scouts even rated him ahead of
Djurgardens IF teammate Anton Frondell, who went third overall to the Chicago
Blackhawks.
Given Detroit and Vancouver’s history of favoring Swedish players, it was surprising neither
took Eklund when he was right there for the taking.
Goalie Market Flip: Not Ravensbergen First
Columbus made waves by selecting Pyotr Andreyanov 20th overall, the first goalie off the
board despite a consolidated ranking of 62. It’s a high-upside swing—athleticism and raw
tools over polish.

That made Joshua Ravensbergen’s fall to San Jose at 30 one of the night’s best value picks.
Still widely seen as the most NHL-ready goaltender in the class, he joins a Sharks team that
also landed Misa at number one. Even though the Sharks already have budding star
Yaroslav Askarov, it’s great positional security to get such a top goalie prospect.
 Late-Round Steals & Intrigue
Logan Hensler (#23 to Ottawa) – Legit top-4 potential with size, mobility, and poise. A
quietly excellent pick with high upside.
Henry Brzustewicz (#32) – Taller than older brother Hunter, Henry played a limited, but
important role for Memorial Cup Champion London. Their reputation for limiting ice time
for draft-eligible players may have masked his offensive potential. Watch for a breakout
next season.
Mason West (#26 to Chicago) – One of the most intriguing picks of the draft. A high school
quarterback who plans to join the USHL mid-season, then head to Michigan State in
2026–27. Big frame, soft hands, raw tools. Compared himself to Tage Thompson—if he even
comes close, it’s a home run.
❤️ Pick I Loved: Justin Carbonneau (#19 to St. Louis)
A powerful QMJHL winger with a high compete level and real finishing ability, Carbonneau
plays a direct, playoff-style game. He brings a strong blend of skill, work rate, and
physicality. Getting him at 19 was sharp work by St. Louis—many had him going eight to ten
picks earlier. If he hits, the Blues may have landed a future top-line contributor.
Draft Summary in a Snapshot
– Center, center, center: 7 of top 10 picks were down the middle
– Defense takes a backseat: only 4 taken in the top 20
– Goalie twist: Andreyanov drafted before Ravensbergen
– Hidden gems: Hensler, Brzustewicz, Carbonneau
– Big swing: Mason West—a high school QB in a hockey draft
Final Thought
This draft didn’t deliver chaos, but it delivered clarity. Teams leaned into positional value,
upside, and patience. The center run dictated the rhythm of Round 1. The defense drop was
real. And calculated gambles—whether on Russian goalies or American
quarterbacks—showed that front offices were willing to bet big on long-term upside. Round
1 gave us a lot to chew on, and the intrigue is only beginning.