All Eyes on the 2025 NHL Draft
As the NHL offseason gears up, excitement is building around the 2025 NHL Draft. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about which rising stars will make their mark as teams prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Among the names to watch are standouts like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens, but there are a few sleepers, such as Owen Griffin and Will Horcoff, who could surprise everyone.
A Shift to Virtual Drafting
This year’s NHL Draft heralds a shift back to a decentralized format, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic altered how drafts were conducted. Teams will make their selections virtually, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike regarding its effectiveness and atmosphere. However, as experts like Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala point out, overlooking potential gems in this new format could cost teams significantly, especially those aiming for a rebuild.
Spotlight on Underrated Talents
In a recent article featured in Sportsnet, Bukala emphasized the importance of keeping an eye on under-the-radar prospects. One name that sparked conversation is Owen Griffin, a promising forward for the Oshawa Generals. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 160 pounds, he may not be the biggest player on the ice, but his skill and tenacity cannot be easily dismissed.
According to Bukala, Griffin has shown incredible growth, especially in the latter half of the regular season and into the playoffs, where he scored 16 goals and 13 assists in 21 games. His ability to maneuver in tight traffic and control the puck in high-pressure situations makes him an asset. With a fantastic postseason showcasing his offensive capabilities, Bukala predicts Griffin will find his name called in the second round of the draft.
The Legacy of Will Horcoff
Another intriguing prospect is Will Horcoff, the son of former NHL star Shawn Horcoff. Currently making waves as an NCAA player for Michigan, Will has established himself as a formidable presence, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds. Cosentino noted Horcoff’s impressive climb up the prospect rankings, moving from a ‘B’ rating in NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings to the 24th spot among North American skaters by the final rankings.
With a solid performance on the U.S. national U-18 team and tallying 10 points in 18 games during the NCAA regular season, Horcoff’s potential to impact the league is undeniable. His impressive lane of growth and skill set has many believing he could be selected as early as the middle of Round 1.
Focus on the Heavy Hitters
While Griffin and Horcoff are making waves, the 2025 NHL Draft is also set to spotlight top-tier talents like Matthew Schaefer. Despite a rocky season plagued by injuries—where he played only 17 regular-season games for the OHL’s Erie Otters, along with a scant few appearances in important competitions—his skill remains indisputable. At just 17, Schaefer has already captured the attention of scouts and analysts, firmly placing him atop the 2025 NHL prospect list.
What makes his story even more compelling is that he has managed to shine despite emotional challenges he has faced since February of last year. Alongside Schaefer, Boston College’s James Hagens is another name generating significant buzz. Hagens concluded his regular season with a remarkable 37 points in 37 games and exudes a confidence that suggests he’s ready to take the next step in his career.
The Anticipation Builds
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the hockey community is on the edge of its seat. With key names like Schaefer and Hagens leading the charge, and the emergence of dynamic players like Griffin and Horcoff, this draft promises to be an exciting event. Teams are not just looking for immediate talent; they are hoping to secure long-term assets that could define their futures.
What remains to be seen is which franchises will capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to draft the next generation of hockey superstars. For fans, the question lingers: which team will find the missing piece to push them to new heights in the coming NHL season? The anticipation is palpable, as every selection unveils the ongoing evolution of the league.
