How to watch the 2025 NHL Draft, as a new generation of skaters find their homes
The Florida Panthers just lifted a second consecutive Stanley Cup, but the hockey world quickly recalibrates in Los Angeles, where the NHL's future stars begin as 2025 draftees. The New York Islanders are on the clock, after winning the lottery for the first pick. New York is expected to take Matthew Schaefer, a 17-year-old prodigal defenseman from Ontario.
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Both days can also be viewed on ESPN+.
The San Jose Sharks have pick No. 2, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks and then Utah (oh, that's right, the Utah Mammoth has arrived). It's a particularly strong draft class for the center position, headlined by talents such as Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell, James Hagens and Michael Misa.
Trade action is already underway. The New York Rangers sent pick No. 12 to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the J.T. Miller deal from earlier this season. The Philadelphia Flyers took a flier on Trevor Zegras, the ninth selection in 2019's entry draft. In exchange, the Anaheim Ducks landed Ryan Poehling, pick No. 45 this year and a 2026 fourth-rounder. And up in Canada, the Edmonton Oilers traded Evander Kane to his hometown Vancouver Canucks; they fetched a Saturday fourth-round pick to get off the veteran winger's contract.
1. New York Islanders
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Utah Mammoth
5. Nashville Predators
6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks
The full draft order can be found here.
Corey Pronman projects all 224 picks
Scott Wheeler has comparisons for the top prospects
The biggest question facing each team
Our staff's hot takes, over ice
Player poll with 50 draft hopefuls
Streaming and ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Matthew Schaefer: Dennis Pajot / Getty Images)
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