2025 NHL Draft Set for Los Angeles in June

The 2025 NHL Draft will take place at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on June 27-28, with most team executives participating remotely and only select prospects attending in person. The New York Islanders, after a significant lottery jump, hold the first overall pick and are projected to select Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, praised for his skating, maturity, and resilience. Other leading prospects include Michael Misa, top Boston College freshman James Hagens, and international standout Anton Frondell. NHL Central Scouting has ranked Schaefer and Frondell as the top North American and international skaters, while Joshua Ravensbergen and Pyotr Andreyanov lead the goaltender rankings. The draft is also marked by notable trade speculation, such as the Calgary Flames potentially dealing Rasmus Andersson. Major franchise-altering trades and free agent moves are anticipated following the draft.