Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.
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The first day of the NHL Draft is complete, and as the second day gets underway, it is time to dive into the results. After Schaefer and arguably Misa, there was no shortage of speculation on where players would land, with opinions varying across the board. Over the next few weeks, I will be breaking down the first-round selections in a three-part series, covering 10 to 11 players each week. Each breakdown will look at how the pick fits the team's long-term needs and identifies any surprises along the way.
Enjoy!
Pick No. 1 – New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer – D
The wait is over and Schaefer is officially the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, heading to the New York Islanders. The moment was special, with Schaefer visibly emotional as he stepped onto the stage, marking a historic milestone for the Islanders. While this draft had some uncertainty, with hometown favorite James Hagens in the background, Schaefer's pure talent made him the clear top choice.
It is rare to see a defenseman generate this kind of buzz since Owen Power's first overall selection in 2021. Schaefer's skating is elite with smooth edgework that lets him control the pace effortlessly and his offensive flare is sharp in all facets, not to mention his slick puck-handling that creates chances consistently. Despite missing significant time this season Schaefer's status never faltered and in a draft light on top defensemen, Schaefer's complete game and leadership stood out, the perfect foundation for a franchise cornerstone and a future leader for the Islanders.
Pick No. 2 – San Jose Sharks
Michael Misa – C
The San Jose Sharks nailed their draft strategy by selecting Misa, a dynamic center who fits perfectly alongside Macklin Celebrini and is set to anchor their lineup for years. Addressing a key need down the middle, Misa was arguably the best player available after Schaefer. He was widely regarded as the top forward in the 2025 class and was even in the first-overall conversation during the season.
Misa's skating is standout, blending explosive acceleration with elite top-end speed that makes him a constant threat in transition. His hockey sense is exceptional, allowing him to read plays, exploit defensive mistakes, and make smart decisions under pressure. Misa switched to full-time to center with the Saginaw Spirit this season and dominated the OHL with 134 points while averaging over 23 minutes of TOI. There may be some debate on his future as a true first-line center, but you cannot dispute his offensive talent and two-way reliability which makes him a safe, impactful pick for the Sharks' future.
Pick No. 3 – Chicago Blackhawks
Anton Frondell – C
Frondell's draft stock surged from an initial top-five projection to a legitimate top-three candidate and ultimately a third overall pick, reflecting growing confidence in his complete skill set. He quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing power forwards in the 2025 draft and captured the attention of scouts during the NHL Combine. Despite undergoing knee surgery last offseason, Frondell showcased his strength and explosiveness at the combine, where he also earned strong praise during his interviews.
His game revolves around his physicality and speed. He is good at puck protection, winning battles along the boards, and creating space in tight areas. Frondell is versatile enough to play center or wing and he brings defensive responsibility and excellent puck-tracking ability. With continued development in creativity and consistency, he has the potential to become a physically dominant goal scorer at the NHL level.
Pick No. 4 – Utah Mammoth
Caleb Desnoyers – C
The Mammoth could not have found a more natural fit down the middle than Desnoyers. Following the addition of JJ Peterka to their top six, Desnoyers brings the size, intelligence, and reliable two-way game this team needs at center. His ability to elevate his play in pressure situations only adds to his value. He plays with a physical edge, battles hard in all three zones, and is rarely knocked off the puck. He does not rely on flash but his vision, hockey sense, and playmaking ability quietly drive possession and help control the pace.
This season, Desnoyers led Moncton to a QMJHL title, earning playoff MVP honors. Despite dealing with wrist injuries, he produced 84 points over 56 games, adding 30 points in 19 playoff games. His well-rounded skill set and mature game have drawn comparisons to Nico Hischier. Desnoyers' consistent production and particularly his leadership qualities make him one of the most NHL-ready forwards available, a foundational piece for the Mammoth to build around.
Pick No. 5 – Nashville Predators
Brady Martin – C
This was a bit of a surprise at number five, but Martin is the type of player winning teams lean on when the games get difficult. Built for playoff hockey, his competitive edge and willingness to battle for space make him an ideal fit for high-pressure situations. His stat line does not tell the full story; however, there is untapped offensive upside continues to round out his game. He may not project as a top-line scorer, but the foundation is in place for him to develop into a reliable, all-situations center.
For Nashville, this pick addresses both need and identity. The Predators wanted to add depth down the middle, and Martin fits seamlessly into a hard-working, physical approach that mirrors what has been seen from recent playoff contenders. There were players on the board with higher pure offensive ceilings, but few offer Martin's combination of competitiveness and leadership potential. He looks like a long-term fit in Nashville.
Pick No. 6 – Philadelphia Flyers
Porter Martone – RW
Martone landing in Philadelphia is a strong win for a team poised to rise with its emerging youth core. Martone offers the size, skill, and competitive edge that define a modern power winger. Standing 6-3, he is difficult to contain along the boards and in front of the net, using his high hockey IQ to create space and control the pace of play. His ability to attack dangerous areas and make plays under pressure was evident this season as captain of the Brampton Steelheads, where he recorded 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games.
Martone's biggest growth came in his playmaking. Once known primarily as a shoot-first winger, he has developed into a true dual threat. His shot remains lethal, but defenders now must also respect his ability to generate chances off the rush. If he continues to embrace his physical tools, Martone projects as a top-line, playoff-style power forward with lasting impact. The Flyers likely did not expect to land a player of his caliber this high, making his skill set an ideal fit for the direction Philadelphia is heading.
Pick No. 7 – Boston Bruins
James Hagens – C
Hagens entered the season as the projected first overall pick, but an uneven freshman year at Boston College has sparked debate among scouts. His production of 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games was still solid for one of the youngest players in college hockey, but it did not carry the same dominant impact seen from recent top prospects like Adam Fantilli or Macklin Celebrini. Regardless, his natural talent stands out.
Hagens is an excellent skater with smooth edges and quick acceleration, allowing him to create space effectively. When he has the puck, defenders must respect his ability to thread passes or attack the net immediately. Hagens showed this potential internationally, tying for the U.S. lead with five goals at the 2025 World Juniors and helping them capture gold. For the Bruins, he represents a promising piece to bolster their center depth.
Pick No. 8 – Seattle Kraken
Jake O'Brien – C
With the seventh overall pick, the Seattle Kraken continue their trend of targeting centers by selecting O'Brien, one of the most creative and high-upside players in this draft. His dynamic playmaking sets him apart from the rest of the 2025 class, though there remains room for growth as he adds strength and consistently incorporates his shot into his game.
O'Brien showcased his skill this season with Brantford in the OHL, posting 98 points in 66 games, including 32 goals. His scoring versatility pairs perfectly with elite vision and play-driving ability. Despite a lean frame, he thrives in tight spaces and performs well under pressure, demonstrating NHL-ready composure. Seattle's commitment to building through the center position continues with this pick. His selection at eighth overall was no surprise, and he firmly belongs in the top 10 of this draft class.
Pick No. 9 – Buffalo Sabres
Radim Mrtka – D
Mrtka was the second defenseman selected in the draft after Schaefer and was projected to be the top choice for the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo's blue line is already physically imposing and talented, even if Bowen Byram moves on this offseason. NHL teams highly value the combination of size, mobility, and upside that Mrtka offers.
In his rookie WHL season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Mrtka posted 35 points in 43 games, showcasing his ability to carry the puck, drive transitions, and contribute effectively on the penalty kill. His long reach and physicality make him a tough matchup defensively. He is not yet on the level of elite puck movers but for the Sabres, who have lacked right-shot defensemen, Mrtka adds crucial balance to the blue line. His high ceiling and skill set project him as a potential top-four, two-way defender in the NHL.
Pick No. 10 – Anaheim Ducks
Roger McQueen – C
McQueen entered the 2025 draft as one of its biggest wildcards as he missed most of the season due to a fractured vertebra, but still led his team in points per game with 10 goals and 10 assists in just 17 games. Despite the injury, McQueen impressed at the NHL Scouting Combine with strong agility, vertical leap, and pull-up results, earning a clean bill of health. He also contributed to Canada's gold medal wins at the U18 World Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, proving he can perform on big stages.
This pick is a high-risk, high-reward gamble for Anaheim. Alongside Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, McQueen adds size and skill, creating one of the league's deepest, most dynamic center groups. There are still questions remaining around his off-puck play and long-term health, but his upside is undeniable.
Stay tuned for next week's Draft picks from 11 to 22. Thanks for reading and see you next week! Follow me on X @Punters_hockey for more content and fantasy hockey analysis.