2025 NHL Draft Analysis: Ratings and Outlook
The 2025 NHL Draft, which went on longer than expected, has finally concluded. Each team receives a rating based on the value extracted from their selections, considering the expectation of what they should have achieved according to analysis models and the team’s needs. Player selections and trade strategies are key factors in the evaluation.The following are the grades for each team in the 2025 draft:
Grades A
New York Islanders
Rating: A+
The Islanders earned an A+ for their first day, highlighting the incorporation of Matthew Schaefer as a franchise defenseman and the negotiation of Noah Dobson to acquire Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. The team demonstrated a selection of quality players, projecting a significant impact in the NHL.Boston Bruins
Rating: A
The Bruins secured James Hagens, a key center for the team’s future, and made valuable selections with Will Moore and Cooper Simpson. The team is expected to get at least four NHL players from this draft.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rating: A
The Hurricanes achieved an excellent valuation by trading picks and selecting Semyon Frolov and Charlie Cerrato. They also gained value with Ivan Ryabkin and Kurban Limatov, in addition to the selections of Filip Ekberg and Viggo Nordlund, promising offensive potential.San Jose Sharks
Rating: A
The Sharks stood out by adding Michael Misa and Joshua Ravensbergen, the best forward and goalie of the draft, respectively. The inclusion of Simon Wang, with his skating ability, and the selection of Cole McKinney in the fifth position were key, projecting a promising future.Anaheim Ducks
Rating: A-
The Ducks got exceptional value with Roger McQueen, a player with great potential, and Eric Nilson. The team is expected to add at least two quality players from this draft.Calgary Flames
Rating: A-
The Flames addressed organizational needs and gained value with Cullen Potter and Aiden Lane. Cole Reschny and Theo Stockselius were also important selections, with potential to play in the NHL.Detroit Red Wings
Rating: A-
The Red Wings selected Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg, players with long-term potential in the NHL. The selection of Michal Pradel and Michal Svrcek was also valuable, reinforcing their team.Nashville Predators
Rating: A-
The Predators acquired high-level talent but left other valuable players on the board. The selections of Brady Martin, Ryker Lee, and Cameron Reid stood out, with the potential to be key players.Philadelphia Flyers
Rating: A-
The Flyers selected Porter Martone with great value, although there were also questionable decisions. The selections of Carter Amico, Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, and Matthew Gard reflected the team’s focus on physical strength.Seattle Kraken
Rating: A-
The Kraken improved significantly with Jake O’Brien and Blake Fiddler. The selections of Will Reynolds and Maxim Agafonov were also positive, consolidating a good draft for Seattle.Winnipeg Jets
Rating: A-
The Jets added Sascha Boumedienne to bolster their defense. Viktor Klingsell was a high-value addition, and the selections of Owen Martin and Jacob Cloutier improved their prospect pool.B Ratings
Chicago Blackhawks
Grade: B+
The Blackhawks focused on big and skilled players, selecting Anton Frondell. Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West were selections with long-term potential. The team is expected to get two or three NHL players from this draft.Montreal Canadiens
Grade: B+
The Canadiens negotiated to acquire Noah Dobson. Alexander Zharovsky was a standout selection. Hayden Paupenakis, Bryce Pickford, and L.J. Mooney also promise a good future for the team.Ottawa Senators
Grade: B+
The Senators had a great night by trading picks and acquiring Jordan Spence. Logan Hensler was a high-value pick, and Lucas Beckman was also a good choice for the team.Washington Capitals
Grade: B+
The Capitals got great value with their first two picks. Lynden Lakovic and Milton Gastrin have the potential to be significant contributors in the NHL.Los Angeles Kings
Rating: B
The Kings had a solid draft, getting value with Jimmy Lombardi and Petteri Rimpinen. Henry Brzustewicz was a good pick, although a bit early.Minnesota Wild
Rating: B
The Wild gained value with Theodor Hallquisth and Adam Benak. Justin Kipkie was a valuable selection, improving their prospect pool.New Jersey Devils
Rating: B
The Devils selected Ben Kevan and Conrad Fondrk, with good value and offensive potential. Mason Moe and Gustav Hillstrom were also good choices.Pittsburgh Penguins
Rating: B
The Penguins opted for Benjamin Kindel, with high-level potential. Bill Zonnon is a player who will surely make it to the NHL. Charlie Threthewey, Peyton Kettles, and Quinn Beauchesne were also valuable selections.Utah Mammoth
Rating: B
The Mammoth focused on adding size and tenacity, selecting Caleb Desnoyers. Max Psenicka was a good choice, and these players are expected to be pillars in their lineup.Vegas Golden Knights
Rating: B
The Golden Knights got value with Jakob Ihs Wozniak and Mateo Nobert. For what they had available, the team should be satisfied.Columbus Blue Jackets
Grade: B-
The Blue Jackets added Jackson Smith to address a need and got great value. The selection of Pyotr Andreyanov was somewhat unexpected.
