The NHL Entry Draft is one of the most exciting and crucial events on the hockey calendar. It’s a time when franchises can drastically shape their future by selecting the next generation of stars—or risk making choices that set them back for years. With the 2025 NHL Draft recently concluded, hockey analysts and fans alike are eager to hand out NHL draft grades to every team, examining who made the most of their picks and who might have overreached.
In this article, we’ll dive into an in-depth, team-by-team review of the draft, analyze standout picks, and explore the strategy behind each organization’s decision-making. Whether you’re a fan of a rebuilding team or a Stanley Cup contender, this breakdown offers insight into how your favorite franchise fared at the draft table.
Understanding the Importance of the NHL Draft
The NHL Draft is more than just a selection process—it’s the backbone of roster construction in a salary-cap league. Unlike the free-agent market, where proven players demand top dollar, drafted prospects offer teams affordable and controllable talent for years. Successful drafts can lead to dynasties; poor ones often result in coaching changes and rebuilds.
Teams spend years scouting young talent from junior leagues, college programs, and international tournaments. By the time draft day arrives, general managers and scouting departments have constructed detailed rankings and contingency plans. Still, uncertainty abounds, making the draft an annual spectacle of surprises and debates.
Grading Criteria for NHL Draft Grades
Before assigning NHL draft grades, it’s important to define the criteria:
-
Value Relative to Draft Position: Did the team get a player projected to go higher?
-
Team Needs: Did the selections align with the franchise’s strategic goals?
-
Depth and Upside: Did the team secure prospects who could make an impact in the NHL?
-
Risk vs. Reward: Were teams too conservative or overly risky with their picks?
Using these parameters, let’s evaluate the draft classes from around the league.
Top Five Teams That Aced the 2025 NHL Draft
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Grade: A+
The Blackhawks already have a franchise cornerstone in Connor Bedard, and they added to their wealth of young talent with a masterful 2025 draft. Their first-round pick, defenseman Kasperi Laaksonen, was widely considered a top-5 talent but fell to them at 9th overall. He combines elite skating with a high hockey IQ and could be a future top-pairing defenseman.
Chicago also nabbed forward Jake Marrelli in the second round—a dynamic winger who tore up the OHL this past season. Their strategy balanced positional need and upside, making them one of the draft’s clear winners.
2. Columbus Blue Jackets
Grade: A
Columbus addressed both offense and defense with surgical precision. Selecting Nikolai Petrov, a high-ceiling center from the KHL, at 4th overall gives them a potential top-line pivot to build around. Later rounds featured shrewd picks like Liam Hutchinson, a mobile defender from the WHL, and Eric Long, a gritty forward with two-way upside.
With a system already rich in young talent, the Blue Jackets may have added the final pieces to their long-term puzzle.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Grade: A-
Montreal’s draft strategy focused on reinforcing their forward depth. Taking Matthew Jürgensen, a German sniper with elite shot mechanics, at 6th overall was a bit of a reach to some but could pay off handsomely. They later added Pierre-Dominique Leblanc, a homegrown Quebecois center who models his game after Patrice Bergeron.
The Canadiens stuck to their board, choosing high-character players with strong work ethics, and their class looks rock-solid.
4. San Jose Sharks
Grade: B+
The Sharks took a bit of a gamble by picking goaltender Luka Pavlovic in the first round. Though rare, first-round goalies can become franchise-altering pieces, and Pavlovic has the tools to justify the pick. San Jose also selected Travis McNeely, a hulking defenseman who’s seen as a shutdown specialist.
The picks were bold and may take time to develop, but they filled glaring holes in the organization’s depth chart.
5. Minnesota Wild
Grade: B+
The Wild focused on speed and skill, grabbing Oskar Svedberg, a Swedish winger with game-breaking ability. Though raw, his upside is immense. They also picked Brett Nolan, an NCAA standout, who could slot into their middle six within a couple of years.
Middle-of-the-Pack Performers
New York Rangers
Grade: B
The Rangers made safe, solid picks without much flash. Dmitri Baranov, their first-round pick, projects as a dependable second-pair defenseman. They passed on more high-risk, high-reward prospects, choosing to reinforce their current structure rather than swing for the fences.
Anaheim Ducks
Grade: B
Anaheim continues to rebuild around Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. Their draft class brought in a couple of reliable wingers and a goaltender with long-term potential. No franchise-altering pieces, but they added depth.
Boston Bruins
Grade: B-
Without a first-round pick, the Bruins had limited options. They made the most of their later selections with high-motor, hard-working players, but the lack of elite talent acquisition hampers their overall grade.
Questionable Draft Strategies and Low Grades
Philadelphia Flyers
Grade: C-
The Flyers surprised many by selecting Sean Carmody at 12th overall—a player projected for the second round. While Carmody has intangibles and grit, passing on more skilled players might hurt in the long run. Their draft lacked a clear direction, with a mix of grinders and fringe prospects.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Grade: C
Tampa Bay, with a shallow prospect pool, needed a big draft. Instead, they reached on several picks and passed on higher-upside players. Their class was underwhelming and lacked standout names.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Grade: D+
With Sidney Crosby nearing retirement, the Penguins needed to prioritize elite talent. Unfortunately, their draft leaned heavily on overaged players and low-ceiling defensemen. It may help their AHL affiliate more than the NHL roster in the long term.
Highlighting the Steals of the Draft
1. Jake Marrelli (Chicago Blackhawks – Round 2)
Viewed by many as a late first-round talent, Marrelli fell into Chicago’s lap in the second round. His combination of speed, shot, and playmaking makes him a potential future top-six forward.
2. Pierre-Dominique Leblanc (Montreal Canadiens – Round 3)
Leblanc’s leadership and defensive acumen remind scouts of a young Bergeron. A smart two-way center, he could become a fan favorite in Montreal.
3. Eric Long (Columbus Blue Jackets – Round 4)
A gritty power forward with underrated skill, Long was a fantastic value pick. His playstyle is tailor-made for playoff hockey.
The Goalie Gamble
Drafting goaltenders early is always risky, given their unpredictable development curve. Still, several teams rolled the dice in 2025:
-
San Jose Sharks: Luka Pavlovic (Round 1) – Huge upside, but several years away.
-
Calgary Flames: Felix Jansson (Round 2) – Technically refined, needs size.
-
Buffalo Sabres: Adam Keller (Round 3) – Athletic but inconsistent.Time will tell if any of these netminders turn into NHL starters.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
The 2025 NHL Draft Was Deep and Diverse
This year’s draft featured a healthy mix of forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders with unique strengths. There were no generational talents like Connor Bedard or Auston Matthews, but there was plenty of depth through the first three rounds.
Teams That Stuck to Their Identity Thrived
Organizations with a clear developmental philosophy—like Chicago, Columbus, and Montreal—earned top NHL draft grades. Their commitment to either skill, size, or two-way play paid dividends, as they selected players who fit their long-term visions.
Risks Remain, But So Does Potential
The beauty of the NHL Draft is that its true impact won’t be fully known for years. Some of the lowest-ranked classes today may end up producing All-Stars. Conversely, top-ranked drafts can disappoint if prospects fail to develop.
Conclusion: Evaluating NHL Draft Grades Is an Art, Not a Science
Grading a draft immediately after it happens is both exciting and inherently speculative. While analysts can assess value, fit, and upside, the real measure of success lies in how these players grow and adapt to the professional game. The 2025 draft has already ignited debates across the hockey world, and only time will reveal which teams hit home runs and which missed the mark.
Until then, NHL draft grades offer a compelling snapshot of team-building philosophies, scouting acumen, and the ongoing chess match between 32 front offices striving for hockey immortality.
