The 2025 NHL draft is right around the corner, set to take place on June 27 and 28. It’s that time of year when teams need to assess their needs and strategize on who to select to bolster their prospect pools. But remember, it’s always important to choose the best player available rather than focusing solely on position or size. Teams must be smart in their selections to avoid regrets down the line.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have a strong history of developing top-tier defensemen, with players like Cam Fowler and Shea Theodore emerging from their system. However, they are currently in need of a big defenseman with mobility to complement their existing talent. Players like Radim Mrtka, Blake Fiddler, and Carter Amico could fit the bill for the Ducks in the upcoming draft.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are in need of high-end skill across the board, especially in the center position. With players like David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy finding success outside the top 10 picks, the Bruins will be looking to add players like Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers, and Anton Frondell to inject skill into their prospect pool.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres have a deep prospect pool filled with skill, but they are lacking a big forward with the ability to develop into a power forward. Players like Brady Martin, Porter Martone, and Bill Zonnon could provide the physical presence and offensive skill the Sabres are looking for in the upcoming draft.
Calgary Flames
With the opportunity to pick twice in the first round, the Flames are looking to add a skilled play driver to their prospect pool. Players like Samuel Honzek and Aydar Suniev could help fill the need for a forward who can drive offense for the Flames.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have excelled at adding skill to their prospect pool, but they are lacking in the center position. Players like Jack Murtagh, William Moore, and Cameron Schmidt could be targets for the Hurricanes to address this need in the upcoming draft.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have a wealth of talent on defense but lack a star-caliber forward to complement their roster. With their first pick at No. 3 overall, the Blackhawks will be targeting players like Michael Misa, Porter Martone, and James Hagens to add the offensive firepower they need to move forward with their rebuild.
Colorado Avalanche
After trading away Calum Ritchie, the Avalanche are in need of players with upside in their prospect pool. With only two selections in the upcoming draft, the Avalanche will need to be strategic in adding players who can make an impact and complement their existing talent.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have taken a step forward in their development but are lacking a top-four defenseman in their prospect pool. Players like Logan Hensler, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Cameron Reid could help fill this need for the Blue Jackets in the upcoming draft.
Dallas Stars
The Stars are in need of a high-end center in their prospect pool to complement their existing talent. With players like Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz leading the way, the Stars will be looking to add depth at the center position in the upcoming draft.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have a wealth of young defensive talent but are lacking players with top-line projections in their forward lineup. Players like Carter Bear, Jake O’Brien, and Lynden Lakovic could help provide the offensive firepower the Red Wings are looking for in the upcoming draft.
Edmonton Oilers
With only three picks in the draft and none in the top 64, the Oilers are in need of skilled forwards to flank their top stars. Players like LJ Mooney, Shamar Moses, and Filip Ekberg could be targets for the Oilers to add the offensive talent they need to compete at a high level.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers, recent Stanley Cup champions, have a barren prospect cupboard and are in need of talent across the board. With no clear position of strength in their pipeline, the Panthers will need to focus on adding skill and upside with their late-round picks in the upcoming draft.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are lacking defensive prospects in their pipeline after graduating Brandt Clarke. Players like Blake Fiddler, Sascha Boumedienne, and Carter Amico could be targets for the Kings to bolster their defensive depth in the upcoming draft.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild have built a strong prospect pool with talent at every position, but their drafting mantra of taking the best player available has paid off. With their only pick in the first three rounds this year, the Wild will continue to focus on adding value and depth to their pipeline in the upcoming draft.
