The 2025 NHL draft is expected to be held in late June next year. It will be the first in which the top picks will be in a host city while most of the management and scouting departments of the 32 teams make their selections from their home cities.

NHL Central Scouting will release its initial ranking of the top North American and international hockey prospects later this fall. The early favorite to become the top prospect is center James Hagens, who played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 2023-24.

Since we're still stuck in the dog days of the NHL offseason with little news to report, it's a good opportunity to conduct our annual summer mock draft. We'll provide a brief biography of each prospect and use our July 3 power rankings in place of standings to determine which could be the best fit.

Prospect information was drawn from Elite Prospects, with rankings by TSN's Craig Button (from November 2023), Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, The Athletic's Corey Pronman, and Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis.

Each club's prospect pools were based on evaluations by The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, Ellis and The Hockey Writers.

You can express your thoughts on this topic in our app comments section.

1. Columbus Blue Jackets: James Hagens

The Columbus Blue Jackets addressed their weakness at center by selecting Adam Fantilli in 2023 and Cayden Lindstrom in this year's draft.

Should they win next year's draft lottery, they could continue shoring up that position by selecting James Hagens, who makes his NCAA debut this season with Boston College.

Hagens, 17, is considered the potential No. 1 pick by Button, Bukala, Pronman and Ellis. The 5'10", 172-pound center spent last season with the NTDP.

Skating with the U.S. National U-18 team, Hagens was its leading scorer with 102 points. He was also the top scorer of their Junior squad in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with 47 points in 26 games.

Button called Hagens an elite driver of offense from the center-ice position. Bukala praised his creativity, speed, passing, and shooting abilities. Pronman compared him to New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes and Utah's Logan Cooley. Ellis considers him one of the most dynamic centers he's seen in a while.

2. San Jose Sharks: Porter Martone

The rebuilding San Jose Sharks have loaded their prospect pool with promising youth.

They landed center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick and defenseman Sam Dickinson 11th overall in this year's draft. They join rising talent like forwards Will Smith, William Eklund and Quentin Musty.

They could use a skilled right-shot defenseman or a starting goaltender among their top prospects. However, the opportunity to select Brampton Steelheads right wing Porter Martone of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) could prove too tempting.

Elite Prospects lists Marton at 6'3" and 170-pounds, but Bukala has him at 196 pounds, calling him a solid skater with a fantastic release. Pronman considers his skill level and creativity to be elite, while Ellis called him aggressive and difficult to contain.

Martone showed considerable improvement last season with the Steelheads. He led them with 33 goals and finished second in points with 71.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

Ellis believes the Anaheim Ducks' biggest weakness among their prospects is a lack of natural wingers. Jakob Ihs-Wozniak of Luleå HF in Sweden's J20 Nationell could be an option to address that issue.

Pronman pointed out that Ihs-Wozniak had a big year for Luleå HF playing in Sweden's J20 league as a 16-year-old last season. The 6'3", 185-pound right winger led them in scoring with 50 points in 36 games, including 22 goals.

Pronman noted that Ihs-Wozniak struggled with Sweden's U18 team at the end of last season. Nevertheless, he praised the winger's skating ability and offensive skill, suggesting he has the tools to become an impact winger.

Ihs-Wozniak will return with Luleå HF's junior team this season but could also get some playing time with their pro club if he performs well. A strong effort in his draft year could catch the eye of the Ducks and other clubs seeking a natural scoring winger.

4. Chicago Blackhawks: Logan Hensler

Button ranked Logan Hensler of the NTDP as the top defenseman on his list. Bukala also had the 6'2", 196-pound as the top blueliner, ranking him among his top-five prospects. He had 32 points in 61 games with the NTDP Under-18 team and 16 points in 27 games with its USHL Junior squad.

Chicago has one of the best prospect pools in the league, but Ferrari and Ellis believe they need more blue-line depth, especially one who could blossom into a top-pairing rearguard.

Button called Hensler a cut above other defensemen, singling out his skating, shooting and puckhandling skills. Bukala considers him a coveted right-shot rearguard who's projected to be a valuable two-way defender to be used in various roles.

Elite Prospects had Hensler joining the University of Wisconsin in 2026-27.

A season in the NCAA will burnish his skills and bolster his prospect value if he plays well in his rookie campaign.

5. Montreal Canadiens: Michael Misa

Ferrari and Ellis praised the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens' deep prospect pool, but they believe they could use more impact talent on the left wing.

Michael Misa of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit could be a promising choice for the Canadiens if they're at this position in the draft.

The 6'0", 174-pound forward can play center or left wing. Pronman noted he was granted exceptional status at age 15 to play in the OHL and has been an excellent junior player ever since.

Misa followed up a promising 56-point rookie campaign (in 45 games) in 2022-23 with a 75-point effort in 67 contests as a sophomore with the Spirit. He also had 11 points in 17 playoff games, including their Memorial Cup run this spring.

Ellis observed Misa skates like the wind, is dangerous on open ice and can score from just about anywhere. Bukala cited his attention to detail in all three zones, while Button singled out his imaginative playmaking.

6. Utah Hockey Club: Anton Frondell

The Utah Hockey Club traded away promising center Conor Geekie to the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 29 as part of the return for top-pairing defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

However, it could attempt to replace the departed Geekie with Anton Frondell of Djurgårdens IF J20 in Sweden's J20 Nationell League.

Frondell was Djurgårdens IF 20's leading scorer last season with 39 points in 29 games. He also had a nine-game stint with their parent club in the HockeyAllsvenskan League.

At 6'0" and 196 pounds, Frondell is a sizeable and sturdy left-shot center. Button ranks him second among the 2025 prospect class, while Bukala and Ellis have him third on their listings.

Button called Frondell a strong two-center. Bukala believes his all-around play could see him competing for first overall in the draft. Ellis thinks he'll tear up the Swedish junior league if he doesn't spend a full season with Djurgardens' senior team.

7. Ottawa Senators: Roger McQueen

With 51 points in 53 games, center Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL) enjoyed a solid sophomore season, finishing third among his teammates in scoring. That performance could draw the attention of the Ottawa Senators.

Ferrari and Ellis noted the Senators' prospect pool is underwhelming. Ferrari is concerned with their forward depth, saying they lack an impactful top-six forward outside of Xavier Bourgault, who struggled last season in the American Hockey League.

Button believes the 6'5", 190-pounder is now comfortable using his size combined with the skill to impact the game, while Pronman cited his game-breaking skills with the puck and ability to dominate the play.

McQueen could be poised for an impressive performance with the Wheat Kings this season. He has the potential to become that impact forward Ottawa needs in its pipeline.

8. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Schaefer

The Seattle Kraken possess plenty of promising young forwards in their prospect pool but lack a defenseman among their top-five prospects.

They could attempt to rectify that issue by pursuing Matthew Schaefer of the OHL's Erie Otters.

Schaefer enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with the Otters last season. The 6'1", 174-pound blueliner finished with 17 points in 56 games and had three assists in six playoff contests.

Pronman pointed out Schaefer was the No.1 pick in his OHL draft and had a very good season with the Otters. Button praised his elite skating, calm and poise. Both believe he won't put up big offensive numbers but were impressed by his defensive abilities.

Schaefer could boost his stature this season with a strong OHL sophomore performance. It could make him tempting for the Kraken at this stage of the first round.

9. Minnesota Wild: Charlie Trethewey

Ferrari and Ellis singled out the lack of a right-shot defenseman in the Minnesota Wild's prospect pipeline. That could put NTDP blueliner Charlie Trethewey in their sights.

He enjoyed a solid debut with the NTDP last season. The 6'1", 190-pounder had 35 points in 52 games with their under-17 team and 14 points in 33 games with its USHL Junior squad.

Ellis noted that Trethewey had a strong start last season, praising his two-way game, power and physicality. Pronman cited his passing, vision and play-driving skills.

Trethewey will have another season with the NTDP before heading to Boston University in 2026-27. If he builds on his rookie campaign it could drive up his stock in his round.

10. Calgary Flames: Caleb Desnoyers

With this pick, the Flames could seek a scoring forward like Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Ferrari and Ellis pointed out the Flames lack a bona fide star among their prospect forwards. Desnoyers could possess the ability to address that need.

He enjoyed a terrific rookie season with the Wildcats. The 6'1", 179-pounder scored 20 goals, finished third among his teammates with 36 assists, and he was fifth in points with 56. He also had five points in as many games playing for Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Button praised Desnoyers hockey smarts, calling him a hungry and competitive player. Pronman singled out his strong skating ability to create plays on the move.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Ivan Ryabkin

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has been trying to restock a prospect pipeline depleted by his predecessors. If his club ends up with a pick in or near the top 10 of the 2025 draft, he could consider a forward such as Ivan Ryabkin of MHK Dynamo Moskva in Russia's junior league, the MHL.

Ellis believes the Penguins lack many scorers among their prospects aside from Brayden Yager and perhaps Ville Koivunen. Ryabkin would be among the best scorers still available at this stage in the draft.

A left-shot center, the 6'0", 170-pound Ryabkin enjoyed a productive performance with MHK Dynamo Moskva last season. He tied for first in team scoring with 58 points, led the club with 34 assists, and was second with 24 goals. He was also their postseason leader with six points.

Ellis noted that Ryabkin has a fantastic shot release and some of the best hands in this draft class. Pronman praised his skating, ability to improvise with the puck, vision and competitiveness. Button considers him a multiple offensive threat.

12. Philadelphia Flyers: Kashawn Aitcheson

Ferrari believes the Philadelphia Flyers must bolster their depth among their left-shot defense prospects. One option could be Kashawn Aitcheson of the OHL's Barrie Colts.

He enjoyed a fine performance in his first full season with the Colts. The 6'0, 172-pound left-shot defenseman had eight goals and 31 assists for 39 points in 64 games. He also had four points in six playoff games.

Ellis feels the Flyers need to add some muscle and grit on the blue line. Aitcheson could supply that, finishing last season with 129 PIMs. The 17-year-old still has room to grow and could become a big physical presence on the blue line.

Ellis cited Aitcheson's physical style, noting he also played around 25 minutes in some games, including logging plenty of time on the penalty kill. Pronman praised his skating and hockey sense but also believes he has the type of bite NHL teams will love.

13. Buffalo Sabres: Jackson Smith

Jackson Smith of the Tri-City Americans looked good in his first full season in the WHL. The 6'3", 190-pound defenseman collected eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points in 62 games.

Smith could attract the attention of the Buffalo Sabres. Ellis believes they must shore up their blue-line pipeline, while Ferrari felt they could use a truly high-end blueliner in their system.

Pronman praised Smith's skating, offensive skills and playmaking ability. Ellis, however, believes he's trending toward being a shutdown defenseman, citing his pesky style and how difficult he is to beat one-on-one.

It'll be interesting to see which direction Smith's style of play takes in 2024-25. He has the potential to become a strong all-around rearguard.

14. Calgary Flames (via New Jersey Devils): Malcolm Spence

The Calgary Flames will receive this pick from the New Jersey Devils as part of the terms of the Jacob Markstrom trade, provided it is not in the top 10 of the 2025 draft. Malcolm Spence of the OHL's Erie Otters could be an option for them at this stage.

He is a 6'2", 192-pound left winger. He had a solid sophomore season, sitting second in scoring among his teammates with 62 points in 66 games. He also had five points in as many games playing for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Pronman liked Spence's tenacity, work ethic and playmaking skills. Ellis considers him a bit underrated, singling out his ability to take over games physically and his smooth skating.

Spence's mix of speed, skills and pesky physical play could provide the Canadiens with a future replacement for Brendan Gallagher. He would also bring an edge to their game that's missing among many of their otherwise talented prospects.

15. St. Louis Blues: Luka Radivojevič

Ferrari and Ellis cited the limited number of right-shot defensemen in the St. Louis Blues' prospect pipeline. That could be difficult to address in the first round of the 2025 draft given how few right-handed blueliners are among the current top prospects.

Luka Radivojevič of the SHL's Örebro HK could be one option available for the Blues. A small but skilled rearguard, the 5'10", 161-pounder is the son of former NHL winger Branko Radivojevič.

Luka had four goals and 29 assists for 33 points in 43 games last season with Örebro's J20 Nationell squad.

Pronman took note of Radivojevič's excellent skating and offensive skills. Ellis noted he was a standout at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship,

Pronman and Ellis have Radivojevič sitting near the bottom of their respective top-32 prospects list, but a strong performance this season in the SHL would bolster his stock and perhaps make him enticing for teams like the Blues seeking more right-shot rearguards.

16. Detroit Red Wings: Will Moore

The Detroit Red Wings possess one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, but Ferrari and Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis noted a lack of a true impact player among their top forwards.

That could put NTDP center Will Moore on the Red Wings' radar. The lanky 6'2", 161-pound center put up good numbers with the US National Team U-17 squad, finishing with 23 goals and 43 points in 50 games. He also had 14 goals and 25 points with their Junior team in the USHL.

Button called Moore a nice blend of intelligence, skill and competitive fire. Ellis believes he has the physical maturity and hockey IQ to handle playing against older competition.

Moore will have another two seasons with the NTDP before heading to Boston College. The Wings would have to wait a few years for him to develop, but it could prove worthwhile if he blossoms into a future NHL star.

17. New York Islanders: Cole Reschny

A right-shot center with the WHL's Victoria Royals, Cole Reschny made a positive impression during his rookie campaign last season.

With 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 61 games, the 5'10", 183-pounder finished second among the Royals' scorers.

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is attempting to restock his prospect pipeline after several years of trading away draft picks and prospects for more immediate roster help. Ellis and Ferrari noted the Isles' lack of impact talent within their system

Ferrari believes a right-shot defenseman is their biggest need, but the limited number of options among the current top prospects could see Lamoriello go for the best available talent regardless of position in the opening round.

Ellis considered Reschny among the most impressive rookies in the Canadian junior ranks last season, singling out his playmaking, energy, and quickness. Pronman called him highly skilled and intelligent, praising his ability to run a power play like a pro.

18. Washington Capitals: Cole McKinney

Hendrix Lapierre's expected full-time promotion this season to the Washington Capitals roster leaves them thin at center among their top prospects. That could make Cole McKinney of the NTDP an enticing option at this stage of our mock draft.

The 6'0", 190-pounder tallied 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 44 games with the US National U-17 team. He also collected 11 points in 34 games with their USHL Junior squad.

Ellis considered McKinney one of their better two-way threats, praising his penalty-killing and shot-blocking. Pronman called him a well-rounded center with a high skill level.

McKinney will spend this season with the NTDP and is committed to playing for the University of Michigan in 2025-26. He has the potential to become a solid two-way NHL center.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Artyom Vilchinsky

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired this pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the February 2023 multiplayer deal that saw Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty traded to the Leafs.

The pick is top-10 protected, but Toronto isn't likely to drop that far down in the standings.

We had Chicago selecting right-shot defenseman Logan Hensler fourth overall in our mock draft. It could continue building its blue-line prospect depth by using this pick on Artyom Vilchinsky of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL.

A massive defenseman at 6'6" and 240 pounds, the 17-year-old had 11 points in 44 games last season. He's under contract with St. Petersburg through 2025-26 and could end up skating in the KHL for a couple of seasons.

Vilchinsky could be worth the wait as a top-four shutdown defenseman. Pronman observed he's quite mobile for his size and plays a physical game, while Ellis praised his physical style but believes he has promising puck skills.

20. Los Angeles Kings: Justin Carbonneau

Ferrari praised the depth of the Los Angeles Kings' prospect pool, but he believes their defense will be a concern, especially on the right side, but that's a need that could prove difficult to address among the current top-32 prospects.

Ellis believes their biggest weakness is on the wings. If L.A. management shares that view, it might consider selecting right wing Justin Carbonneau of the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The 6'1", 190-pounder made impressive strides with his development last season. He led the Armada with 31 goals and was second in points with 59.

Ellis considers Carbonneau a solid power forward with good hockey smarts and excellent vision. Pronman calls him a natural scorer with decent size.

21. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Benjamin Kevan

The Nashville Predators acquired this pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning in February 2023 as part of the trade that sent Tanner Jeannot to Tampa Bay.

They could use it to select Benjamin Kevan of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers.

Ellis believes the Predators' biggest weakness is a lack of right-shot defensemen. He also had only one right-winger among their top-10 prospects. If few suitable righthanded blueliners are available, they could add another right winger like Kevan.

The 6'0", 172-pounder enjoyed a fine rookie performance with the Buccaneers last season. He was their leader with 24 goals and 57 points and was second in assists with 33. Pronman pointed out he didn't join Des Moines until a month into the season, making his production all the more impressive.

Pronman considers Kevan's skill as clear NHL quality. He praised the young winger's creative puckhanding, skating and hockey instincts.

22. Winnipeg Jets: Lynden Lakovic

Declan Schroeder's ranking of the top-10 Winnipeg Jets prospects for The Hockey Writers listed Colby Barlow as their only left wing. They could seek a suitable player to address that issue in the opening round of next year's draft.

Lynden Lakovic of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors could be one possibility. The 6'4", 185-pounder scored 18 goals and added 21 assists for 39 points in 68 games. He also collected eight points in 20 playoff contests.

Pronman indicated Lakovic skated well for his size, calling him a creative offensive player. Ellis called him a big, strong typical power forward.

Lakovic has room to develop his offensive game. An improvement in his production this season with the Warriors will improve his stock in next year's draft.

23. Nashville Predators: Jake O'Brien

We have the Nashville Predators using the first-rounder they received from the Tampa Bay Lightning to select right wing Benjamin Kevan. With this selection, they could opt for Jake O'Brien of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs.

Ellis noted the Predators need depth in right-shot defensemen, but they could choose the best player at another position if no suitable options are available in the opening round. They likely won't pass on a promising playmaking center like O'Brien if he's available.

O'Brien had an impressive rookie campaign with the Bulldogs in 2023-24. The 6'0", 168-pound center led the Bulldogs with 51 assists and was fourth in points with 64. His efforts made him the OHL's Rookie of the Year.

Pronman praised O'Brien's playmaking ability and his competitiveness, and Ellis singled out his vision and ability to handle pressure.

24. Carolina Hurricanes: Milton Gästrin

Ellis and Ferrari cited the Carolina Hurricanes' lack of serious depth at center. Milton Gästrin of MoDo Hockey J20 in Sweden's J20 Nationell league could be one possibility open to them.

Ellis praised the 17-year-old's leadership, citing his two-way skills and playmaking ability. Pronman called the 6'2", 179-pounder a good-sized center and a responsible two-way player.

A versatile forward who can play center or left wing, Gästrin had 16 points in 41 games as a rookie with MoDo Hockey J20. He also performed well as captain of Sweden's U-18 squad at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing third among their leading scorers with 10 points in five games.

He is projected as more of a two-way forward rather than a scorer, but his play at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup suggests otherwise. He could bolster his value in this draft if his offensive stats improve.

25. San Jose Sharks (via Vegas Golden Knights): Joshua Ravensbergen

The San Jose Sharks acquired the Vegas Golden Knights' 2025 first-round pick as part of the return in the Tomas Hertl trade at this year's trade deadline.

We had the Sharks choosing winger Porter Martone with the second overall pick next year. Joshua Ravensbergen of the WHL's Prince George Cougars could be their choice with this selection.

It's been rare in recent years for a goaltender to be chosen in the first round of the draft. The last was Yaroslav Askarov, who was selected 11th overall in 2020 by the Nashville Predators.

Ferrari and Ellis pointed out the Sharks' lack of a future starting goalie in their system.

Ravensbergen had a strong rookie campaign with the Cougars last season. The 6'4", 181-pound netminder sported a record of 26 wins, four losses and two overtime losses with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. He also went 9-2-1 in 12 playoff games with a stellar 1.98 GAA and a .931 save percentage.

Ellis acknowledged the difficulty in projecting how goalie prospects pan out but noted that Ravensbergen received rave reviews. Pronman noted his athleticism, anticipation and willingness to challenge shooters.

26. Vancouver Canucks: Conrad Fondrk

A versatile forward who can play center or left wing, Conrad Fondrk tallied 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points with the USNTDP U-17 team. The 5'11", 174-pounder also had 13 goals and 23 points in 35 games with their USHL squad.

The Vancouver Canucks could have an interest in a player like Fondrk at this stage of the first round. Matthew Zator of The Hockey Writers indicated they lack a potential impact left winger among their top-five prospects.

Ellis called Fondrk one of the NTDP's most skilled players, citing his creativity, hockey smarts and how he shoots from anywhere with confidence. Pronman praised his speed, competitiveness and ability to kill penalties.

That type of versatile forward could be too good for the Canucks to pass up. Fondrk will spend this season with the NTDP before heading to the NCAA and Boston University in 2025-26.

27. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado Avalanche): Cullen Potter

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired this pick from the Colorado Avalanche in the Sean Walker trade on March 6.

It's a top-10 protected selection, but it should still end up with the Flyers as the Avalanche are unlikely to finish that low in the standings.

We had the Flyers selecting Kashawn Aitcheson with their first-rounder to bolster the depth among their left-shot prospect defensemen. With this pick, they could address their need for a left winger among their top-10 prospects by choosing Cullen Potter of Arizona State University.

The 5'9", 161-pounder isn't a big winger, but Ellis points out he's stronger than he looks. He also praised the youngster's speed and two-way play.

Ellis noted that the 17-year-old is heading to the college ranks a year early. He could significantly boost his value as a top prospect with a solid performance in the NCAA this season.

28. Boston Bruins: LJ Mooney

Years of trading away draft picks and prospects to address more immediate roster needs depleted the Boston Bruins' prospect pool. Ferrari and Ellis believe they need help throughout their pipeline.

Ellis listed Fabian Lysell as the only right wing among the Bruins' top-10 prospects. They could look to the NTDP's LJ Mooney as an option to address this issue.

Mooney is a small forward at 5'6" and 146 pounds but played well for the US National U-17 team (33 points in 41 games), the U-18 squad (20 points in as many games), and their USHL Junior team (23 points in 32 games). The 17-year-old is committed to the University of Minnesota in 2025-26.

Ellis noted Mooney's lack of size could hurt him in the draft, but he still has room and time to grow. He praised the youngster's pure skill, calling him an energetic and explosive talent with incredible hands.

29. New York Rangers: Adam Benák

A standout at this year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Adam Benák tallied 11 points in five games for Czechia's U-18 team. Combined with the 10 points he had in last year's tournament, he now holds the competition record for most combined points with 21.

Benák could draw the attention of the New York Rangers if he's still available at this stage of the first round. Ferarri believes the center position is the most concerning weakness in their prospect pipeline.

Ellis noted his strong play in international tournaments. He pointed out the 5'7", 157-pound center already saw playing time with HC Plzeň in Czechia's top league and proved he could dominate older competition. He'll take his talent this season to the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms.

Playing in a North American league could elevate Benák's draft profile. If he adapts well, his value could rise in this year's draft class.

30. Dallas Stars: Victor Eklund

The Dallas Stars are that rare team sitting among the league's best clubs with a stable prospect pipeline. Nevertheless, Ellis believes they could use more scoring depth. His listing of their top-10 prospects lacked a left winger among their top five.

Victor Eklund could be a player of interest for the Stars at this stage. The 5'11", 161-pound center had 25 points in 30 games with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden's J20 Nationell league. He also saw action in 15 games with their senior club in the HockeyAllsvenskan league.

Ellis observed that Victor has similar traits to his older brother, San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund. Both players work hard and use their skating to create plays. Pronman noted those traits, but he's on the smallish side and isn't a natural finisher.

A strong rookie performance in the HockeyAllsvenskan could boost Eklund's value in this year's draft class. He could become a good addition to the Stars' prospect pool.

31. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton Oilers): Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen

The Philadelphia Flyers traded the 2024 first-round pick they received from the Florida Panthers in the 2022 Claude Giroux trade to the Edmonton Oilers for the latter's 2025 first-rounder.

That pick is top-12 protected, but it will probably still belong to the Flyers as the Oilers aren't likely to finish that low in the standings this season.

We have the Flyers selecting defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson with their pick (12th overall) and forward Cullen Porter with the 27th overall pick. With this one, they could add another left-shot defenseman by choosing NTDP blueliner Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen.

The 6'0, 181-pounder collected 18 points in 61 games last season with the US National U-18 team. He also had 11 points in 27 games with their USHL Junior club.

Pronman noted Rhéaume-Mullen saw limited playing time last season but singled out his high-end skating ability. Ellis believes he has the raw skills to become a decent third-pairing NHL defenseman.

32. Montreal Canadiens (via Florida Panthers): Bill Zonnon

The Montreal Canadiens could receive this pick from the Florida Panthers as part of the conditions of their acquisition of Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames in August. 2022.

Under this scenario, the Flames' first-rounder is a top-10 pick while Florida's isn't, meaning the Canadiens will receive the Panthers' pick.

We have the Canadiens selecting winger Michael Misa with the fifth overall pick. With this selection, they could continue to stock up their prospect forward depth by choosing Bill Zonnon of the QMJHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

The 6'2", 179-pounder finished fifth among Huskies scorers in his sophomore season with 58 points in 68 games. He was fourth among their playoff scorers with 10 points in as many games.

Ellis praised Zonnon's playmaking and hockey smarts, while Pronman singled out his skating, great hands and ability to beat defenders with pace.