Sabres, Blackhawks Make Key Picks in NHL Draft

The 2025 NHL Draft saw the Buffalo Sabres select defenseman Radim Mrtka ninth overall, addressing a need for a right-shot blue-liner with notable two-way skills, and later add center Matous Kucharcik and Swedish forward Melvin Novotny to their roster. The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Mason West in the first round, highlighting his dual-sport athleticism and potential as a power forward. Jack Nesbitt's rise from a mid-round projection to an anticipated first-round pick reflected his perseverance and growth in junior hockey. The draft took place in Los Angeles but featured the NHL's first decentralized format, resulting in limited player attendance. These developments underscored both the evolving landscape of prospect evaluation and changes in the league's event structure. The draft showcased a mix of international talent and new approaches to player selection.