Islanders Hold Top Pick at 2025 NHL Draft

The 2025 NHL Draft will take place at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on June 27-28, with teams making selections remotely while top prospects attend in person. The New York Islanders, after jumping 10 spots in the draft lottery, hold the first overall pick and are expected to select Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who has overcome personal adversity and injury. Other top prospects include Michael Misa, the leading scorer among Canadian juniors, and standout NCAA freshman James Hagens. The Nashville Predators will pick fifth, while the Calgary Flames have the 18th and potentially 32nd selections, with Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson rumored as a trade candidate. The draft class is recognized for its depth and versatility, though it lacks projected superstars. The event follows the Florida Panthers' second consecutive Stanley Cup win, shifting attention to the league's incoming talent.