2025 NHL Draft: Schaefer, Misa, Frondell highlight star-studded first-round picks
The
2025 NHL Draft
kicked off with Canadian defenseman
Matthew Schaefer
going first overall to the
New York Islanders
, highlighting a night rich in top-tier talent at the
Peacock Theater
in Los Angeles. Schaefer, praised for his two-way play and resilience, was followed by high-scoring forward
Michael Misa
, selected second by the
San Jose Sharks
.
Swedish center
Anton Frondell
went third to the
Chicago Blackhawks
, rounding out a dynamic top three. Other notable picks included Caleb Desnoyers to the Utah Mammoth at No. 4 and Brady Martin to the Nashville Predators at No. 5.
ALSO READ -
NHL Draft 2025: Full list of first-round picks
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder
War Thunder
Play Now
Schaefer, a puck-moving blueliner from the Erie Otters. Schaefer, who tallied 22 points in just 17 games last season before a collarbone injury, became the fifth defenseman taken No. 1 overall since 2000 and the second Erie product to top the draft after Connor McDavid.
— NHL (@NHL)
Live Events
The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins were aggressive throughout the round. Philly took Porter Martone sixth, then traded up to No. 12 for Jack Nesbitt. The Penguins made three top-24 picks - Benjamin Kindel at 11 (a surprise to many), Bill Zonnon, and William Horcoff, son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, at 24 after two trade maneuvers.
The Kings drew groans from home fans at the Peacock Theater by trading away the 24th pick to Pittsburgh. They eventually selected defenseman Henry Brzustewicz at 31 in new GM Ken Holland's first move.
— NYIslanders (@NYIslanders)
Elsewhere, Anaheim rolled the dice on towering center Roger McQueen at 10 despite back injury concerns, while Boston grabbed James Hagens - once the consensus No. 1 - with the seventh pick. The Long Island native's selection was announced by actor Adam Sandler in his Happy Gilmore persona.
Two goalies were taken in the first round for the first time since 2021. Columbus picked Russian netminder Pyotr Andreyanov at 20, and San Jose followed by selecting Joshua Ravensbergen at 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shreyas Iyer not in Test contention yet, says former India cricketer: 'His time will come'
Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo) Former India opener Aakash Chopra has poured cold water on hopes of seeing Shreyas Iyer in India's Test squad anytime soon, despite the 30-year-old's standout performances in recent months across formats. While Iyer was India's top scorer in their victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and had a stellar run in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes there is a long queue ahead of him when it comes to Test selection. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Shreyas Iyer won't get a chance now. Many others haven't gotten a chance either," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "If you think about it, Karun Nair has only just gotten his chance. Sarfaraz Khan hasn't been given a shot. Dhruv Jurel is waiting on the sidelines. If he cannot even get among those who are in the waiting line, then how can he be considered for selection?" Jasprit Bumrah Breathes Fire in the Nets | IND vs ENG 2nd Test Prep Iyer has indeed had a superb run. He scored 480 runs in just seven innings in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy at an average of 68.57 and a strike rate above 90. He then followed it up with a career-best IPL season, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches and leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years. Poll Do you think Shreyas Iyer deserves a spot in India's Test squad? Yes, based on his recent performances No, there are other deserving players Maybe, it depends on future performances Still, Chopra emphasised that red-ball opportunities will only come with patience. "I know he had a good first-class season. He had a good IPL, took Punjab Kings to the final, did well in white-ball cricket — but his time will come in Tests. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo He will have to wait just a little bit." Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan, another contender, continues to impress. After three fifties and a 150 in six Tests, he struck 92 for India A against England Lions and followed it up with a century in the intra-squad match ahead of the England series. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Which is just unbelievable!' – Cooper Flagg's staggering transformation earns high praise from his personal trainer after major physical milestone
Cooper Flagg. Image via: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Cooper Flagg has been earning widespread praise, and his name has been in the discussion among basketball fans. Now, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been in the headlines for a different reason as he has made an incredible physical transformation ahead of his pro debut. While many viewed him as a sure thing in the draft, Flagg and those closest to him never took the moment for granted. Behind the scenes, he's been putting in serious work, and the results are already turning heads, most notably from his longtime personal trainer, Matt MacKenzie. Cooper Flagg is secretly making a stunning physical transformation as Matt MacKenzie showers praise on the new Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg. Image via: Getty Images After a deep run with Duke that ended in the Final Four, Flagg jumped into a two-phase training program in Los Angeles led by MacKenzie. The focus early on was about recovery and rebuilding, and then it shifted to fine-tuning his jump shot or refining his footwork. It. 'We kind of broke the pre-draft process up into two phases… the first couple weeks were focused on just recovery because he had just come off a very long season playing for Duke, and then from there, it was building his body back up. So, Cooper ended up shaving nearly 10% body fat in the time that we were together, which is just unbelievable!' MacKenzie shared. The transformation has been both mental and physical. While most players in Flagg's position would ease up knowing they're the projected top pick, his inner circle says that's never been his mindset. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Prettiest Icons In The History The Noodle Box Undo 'He's just wired differently,' Andy Bedard, Flagg's former club coach, told Bangor Daily News in April. 'In his mind when he's working out, he's not thinking that he's already assumed the number one pick. I think that there's a lot of his game that can continue to improve, and I think he's just focused on doing that.' When Flagg officially declared for the draft, he described his lone college season as 'probably the best year of my life.' MacKenzie called the decision one that Flagg 'didn't take lightly' but had 'been looking forward to for a long time.' Now in Dallas, Flagg's humility has followed him. At his introductory press conference, he told reporters, 'I'm coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day… I'm just trying to come in and be the best that I can be and just win at the highest level.' Of course, Flagg has been hailed as a generational talent, but he knows the NBA will bring a set of new challenges. Bedard pointed out that Flagg will need to adjust to the pace, physicality, and the pressure of being the league's top rookie: 'He's gonna have to move his feet on defense quicker… and understand and quickly adapt to a 24-second shot clock… All the reads in the NBA game, it's just different.' Also Read: Cooper Flagg shares courtside moment with Kyrie Irving for the first time at Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever game just days after NBA Draft Still, Bedard hopes the rising star from Maine takes a moment to appreciate how far he's come. 'I'm hoping he has a few moments and he knows how many people he's impacted… and that he maybe takes a second and just enjoys this and reflects back on how special this is.' Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Justin Bieber's baby Jack melts hearts in Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey
Jack Blues Bieber wears his first Maple Leafs jersey (Image via: Getty Images) Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber lit up Instagram this week by posting adorable photos of his son, Jack Blues Bieber, dressed in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. The snaps, featuring Auston Matthews' No. 34, quickly gained traction online. As one of the NHL team's most devoted celebrity fans, Bieber just passed the fandom torch to the next generation. Baby Jack Bieber becomes internet's favorite Maple Leafs supporter Justin Bieber's love for the Toronto Maple Leafs just took a heartwarming turn. On Friday, the Grammy-winning singer posted a carousel of images showing his baby son, Jack Blues Bieber, proudly sporting the jersey of Leafs captain Auston Matthews. The adorable post was flooded with likes and comments, most notably, three blue heart emojis from the team's official Instagram account. Bieber, who welcomed Jack with wife Hailey Bieber in August 2024, has long been one of the NHL's most recognizable celebrity superfans. Whether it's attending games at Scotiabank Arena or rocking customized jerseys, he's always found a way to spotlight his hockey loyalty. In fact, back in 2021, Bieber collaborated with the Maple Leafs and Adidas on a special Drew House jersey design, merging music, fashion, and sports in one iconic drop. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Woman Discovers Buried Bunker in Her Garden, Then Sees the Reason Crowdy Fan Undo The newest photos of baby Jack come as a refreshing feel-good moment for fans. Seeing the next generation wrapped in blue and white, especially Matthews' iconic No. 34, feels symbolic—a new chapter in the Bieber-Leafs connection. It's also a brilliant blend of pop culture and hockey culture, drawing attention from both Beliebers and NHL followers alike. Baby Jack Bieber rocks Auston Matthews' jersey (via: Instagram) Bieber's influence continues to bridge the gap between sports and entertainment. While some celebrities keep their fanhood low-key, Bieber wears his love for the Leafs proudly and now, he's sharing that passion with his son. The reaction online proves that this wasn't just another celebrity baby post; it was a moment of cultural crossover that resonated deeply with fans. Also Read: Panthers may have to choose: $64M Sam Bennett deal puts Brad Marchand's future in serious doubt From die-hard hockey fans to entertainment junkies, everyone agrees: baby Jack Blues Bieber in a Maple Leafs jersey is peak internet gold. And who knows? In a few years, we might see Jack at center ice with dad—already a fan favorite before he can even skate. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
