With the final pick announced and the spotlight fading on the celebrated first-rounders, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft is officially complete. Teams and fans alike are now shifting their focus to development camps and the long road ahead for these burgeoning talents. While the initial hype naturally surrounds the top of the draft class, the real artistry of scouting often lies in identifying potential and value in the rounds that follow. This year`s class, noted for its depth rather than just elite top-end talent, provided ample opportunity for teams to uncover future roster pieces.
Beyond the players who heard their names called early under the bright lights, scouts paid close attention to prospects who might fill crucial roles down the line – the kind of players who provide the necessary structure and depth for playoff-contending teams. Based on analysis of the complete draft landscape, several selections from each round stand out as particularly noteworthy for their potential impact relative to their draft position. This isn`t just about skill; it`s about character, projection, and finding the right fit.
Naturally, the first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, selected by the New York Islanders, warrants discussion. As a top-pairing defenseman projection, his on-ice abilities are clear. What makes his selection particularly compelling, however, is the off-ice adversity he navigated. Demonstrating immense perseverance through significant personal challenges while also battling injury speaks volumes about the character the Islanders are bringing into their organization. He`s seen as a complete, two-way player capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations, possessing the kind of leadership potential teams build around.
Moving into the second round, the Montreal Canadiens` selection of Alexander Zharovsky at 34th overall presents an intriguing offensive package. Zharovsky rose on many draft boards due to his high-end skill and ability to challenge opponents one-on-one, particularly in tight spaces. His knack for capitalizing on opportunities in high-danger scoring areas suggests significant top-six forward potential. While adding strength will be key for him to translate his game to the pro level, his offensive creativity offers an exciting glimpse into the future for the Canadiens.
The third round saw a player many expected to go much earlier slide down the board. Cameron Schmidt, picked 94th overall by the Dallas Stars, is a prime example. While his smaller stature (listed at 5-foot-7) may have given some teams pause – because, clearly, the game has *never* seen successful smaller players before – Dallas saw the undeniable speed and offensive output. Schmidt plays with pace, attacks the neutral zone effectively, and possesses a dangerous shot. He projects more as a goal-scoring threat than a primary playmaker, and finding a talent with 40-goal potential in the WHL at this stage of the draft is a notable pick.
The Montreal Canadiens doubled down on skill over size in the fourth round, selecting LJ Mooney 113th overall. Another forward listed at 5-foot-7, Mooney counters his size with exceptional quickness in tight areas and an ability to evade pressure. While a reliable defensive player, his offensive upside is his standout trait. He`s highlighted more as a distributor than Schmidt, but his ability to drive play and his relentless approach on every shift suggest he has a legitimate chance to carve out an NHL role, potentially as a third-line center or winger.
In the fifth round, the Winnipeg Jets landed Viktor Klingsell at 156th overall. Described as a competitive and physically mature winger, Klingsell has demonstrated the ability to produce secondary offense, both at even strength and with power play potential. His consistent noticeability throughout the season, combined with his scoring contributions in the Swedish J20 league and internationally, makes him a solid value pick with the potential to develop into a middle-of-the-lineup forward.
Goaltenders in the later rounds are always fascinating projections. The New York Islanders, busy after their high-profile first round, selected Burke Hood 170th overall in the sixth round. Hood possesses an intriguing combination of athleticism and size. He moves well laterally and shows promising net coverage and glove hand. Like many athletic young goalies, refining his positioning and avoiding over-aggression will be part of his development curve. However, his competitive nature and physical tools provide a strong foundation for the Islanders` goaltending pipeline, projecting as a potential NHL backup option.
Finally, reaching the seventh round, the Carolina Hurricanes may have snagged one of the draft`s biggest steals with Filip Ekberg at 221st overall – nearly the very last player selected. Ekberg`s regular season saw some inconsistency, which likely contributed to his fall. However, his performance at the U18 World Championship, where he dominated offensively and won the scoring title, highlighted his significant upside. While scouts note a need for growth in his all-around game and consistency in his compete level, his offensive capabilities were simply too high to ignore at this stage. Finding a player with that kind of offensive potential with the fourth-last pick is the definition of a high-reward, low-risk bet.
Ultimately, the success of any draft class is measured years down the line. While the top picks generate the most immediate headlines, these selections from across the rounds represent the intricate process of scouting and player evaluation. They are the hopeful future pieces, the potential depth providers, and perhaps, the hidden gems that will surprise everyone and contribute to NHL success stories in the years to come.
