2025 DRAFT Discussion

[stillwater]

Nate Danielson
Michael Rasmussen
Anthony Mantha
Riley Sheahan

Keep doing the same thing and expect different results.

This list is proof that you include Danielson as a drafting mistake just like Rasmussen, Mantha and Sheehan.

You posted it. Now you think Danielson is going to win the Selke. That doesn't scream "FAILURE" to me, or to anyone else.

So, which one is it?

 

[Unfriendly Ghost]

2025 NHL Mock Draft 3.0: Wheeler’s final predictions for the first two rounds

Who follows Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 to the New York Islanders in Scott Wheeler's 64-pick mock?

www.nytimes.com

Eklund and Kettles.

 

[Run the Jewels]

This list is proof that you include Danielson as a drafting mistake just like Rasmussen, Mantha and Sheehan.

You posted it. Now you think Danielson is going to win the Selke. That doesn't scream "FAILURE" to me, or to anyone else.

So, which one is it?

All of these are big forwards who were drafted in the first round and did not belong on a scoring line. I feel the same way about Danielson. None are busts as they've all played several hundred games in the NHL and I'm confident Nate will as well.

Do I wish our NA scouts were better at their jobs? I do, I really do. I don't know that we can win a Cup if we continue to be as bad as we've been when drafting out of the single biggest talent pool in the world. I've said this over and over again, yet you continue to miss the point.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

I know there’s been rumors of Utah willing to deal the 4th pick for immediate help , I wish there was a way to get that pick cause I’d love to go after desnoyers. I’d be willing to give up danielson in a deal or dare I say larkin(I know it won’t happen don’t worry before ppl lose it lol)

I think that guys just someone you can win with and does everything and wouldn’t shock me to see San Jose get him at 2 and go with celebrini desnoyers down the middle for a decade +

 

[lilidk]

Spoken like a true jaded/burned Red Wings fans;

Recent 1st Round Q guys;
Zadina
Veleno
Svechnikov
Mantha

Recent 2nd Round Q guys;
McIsaac
Jurco
Ouellette
Frk.

Mantha is the best Red Wings from Q, let's keep it that way

 

[lhsgolf19]

Pittsburgh now picking 11 and 12

 

[schuelma24]

I think Pitt picking back to back makes it more likely Eklund goes to them with one of those picks. Apparently they scouted him pretty heavily, and with back to back picks they could likely get a D and a forward.

 

[HoweFan]

I’ve always had a certain amount of interest in Arvid Drott. I haven’t picked him in any mocks lately because I like others who are bigger. I just read that he is one of the best skaters in the draft however. He isn’t small and has some grit. I wouldn’t be disappointed if we got him with a mid round pick

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I think Pitt picking back to back makes it more likely Eklund goes to them with one of those picks. Apparently they scouted him pretty heavily, and with back to back picks they could likely get a D and a forward.

Eklund just seems like such an anti-penguins forward, though. And by the time he makes the NHL in 3 years there will be no Malkin or Crosby to play with. And they have no center prospects to speak of.

Pittsburgh Penguins Mid-Season Top-15 Prospect Rankings - The Hockey Writers Pittsburgh Penguins Latest News, Analysis & More

They have a legitimately bad prospect pool. One guy in their top 10 that would be in our top 10. They need to focus on centers and defensemen.

 

[schuelma24]

Eklund just seems like such an anti-penguins forward, though. And by the time he makes the NHL in 3 years there will be no Malkin or Crosby to play with. And they have no center prospects to speak of.

Pittsburgh Penguins Mid-Season Top-15 Prospect Rankings - The Hockey Writers Pittsburgh Penguins Latest News, Analysis & More

They have a legitimately bad prospect pool. One guy in their top 10 that would be in our top 10. They need to focus on centers and defensemen.

I don't disagree - but not sure there's a center at 11/12 they'd like enough. We'll see. A decent amount of speculation they might try to package them both to move up for Martone or Hagens.

 

[ZDH]

Flyers going to take Brady Martin. Man I really like what they're building over there.

We need to suck more to get a shot at some of these talents. So frustrating we're the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NHL.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

I dont like pens having back to back picks lol if mcqueen actually drops down they'll take him for sure

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

2019 - Seider
2020 - Raymond
2021 - Edvinsson
2022 - Kasper
2023 - ASP
2024 - MBN

I think because of this. 6/6 are Euros.

Martka played for Seattle, but also was at Europe. I think they've seen enough him on both continents.

Consider those players though in the context of what all was available in those draft classes. How do we know Draper didn't like ASP more than Hakan? Do you think Draper hadn't watched him at all?

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

2019 - Seider
2020 - Raymond
2021 - Edvinsson
2022 - Kasper
2023 - ASP
2024 - MBN

I think because of this. 6/6 are Euros.

Martka played for Seattle, but also was at Europe. I think they've seen enough him on both continents.

6/8 were Euros

2021 - Cossa was picked 15th
2023 - Danielson was picked 9th

 

[newfy]

Go watch some highlights of Carbonneau or Aitcheson and tell me if they are vanilla. They are anything but that.

I guess my question for you is what is that weight gain going to open up for him? Better shot? Better skating? Better hitting?

The only thing I saw from Nesbitt that I find interesting is his net-front ability and ability to re-direct shots.

I dont think Carbonneau or Aitcheson are vanilla whatsoever, but I think you're going a little too hard on the Nesbitt is vanilla idea. He plays hard, fights and gets in on the forecheck even with his "bad" skating.

I think a weight gain can open up and improve several aspects for him. All 3 things you listed can for sure improve with weight/strength. He'll become more effective down low and in front of the net as well. I think a guy who grows 5 inches in 2 years and is extremely skinny/probably uncoordinated for his body has lots he can improve by filling out his body.

There's an article with his skating coach on the Athletic that basically says he has the skating elasticity of a small guy and that they're working on getting his strength up for his different body now. There's a reason he's one of the biggest climbers now that the draft is here

Also if Nesbitt is going to get bigger/heavier, what will the impact be on his skating which is already viewed as a massive problem?

See above. It should help a lot

2025 NHL Mock Draft 3.0: Wheeler’s final predictions for the first two rounds

Who follows Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 to the New York Islanders in Scott Wheeler's 64-pick mock?

www.nytimes.com

Eklund and Kettles.

I was just looking last night at some names and thought. Kettles seems like a red wings type pick that could be a good pick in the second round

 

[SantosHalper]

@SantosHalper serious question: what do you expect Nebsitt to develop into should Detroit select him? Not pie in the sky, but most likely outcome?

1. Can he stick at center?
2. Will he play on a scoring line?
3. Will he be more effective in the NHL than Nate Danielson who had more skill at the same age?
4. What will be his point total for an average season (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, etc)?

To me 'prototypical shutdown center' whose 'foot speed is a bit lacking' screams 4th line.

I don't know what to expect, he just getting started. One scouting report said that year ago it looked like he's barely gonna make it in OHL, then literally lightbolt switches on and figured stuff out over night. Other report mentioned that he started the season in 4th line but rammed himself to 2nd line and in PP&PK units.

Fans been wanting swing for the fences pick, Nesbitt is one. Worst case scenario Eetu Luostarinen, 3rd line center/winger delivering hits and blocks but capable enough to score. Best case scenario could be from Jordan Staal to Tom Wilson, Tage Thompson to Jason Robertson.

I just like how mature game he plays at that age and how physical game he plays when he is not even fully develop in that area yet. High hockey IQ. Give him time to fully grow in that body. At time there was something wrong with Wilson, Thompson and Robertson but they panned out.

1. Yes. FO% 51.4 and 49.8 in playoffs
2. Why not? Winger like Ray driving the line, Nesbitt does what he do best. Acquires the puck and increases goal scoring chances by driving to the net. Directing pucks or shovels in the rebound. And takes care of the defensive responsibilities. Or be a winger in our Legion of Doom, Nesbitt - Kasper/Danielson - MBN
3. What way?
4. Depends of usage.

But you keep forgetting that he is not a finished product, now he delivers this much but where he is 5 years from now? At this development rate, massive leap forward this year. So far this is just scrathing the surface. Could be another massive leap next year.

 

[Frk It]

I dont think Carbonneau or Aitcheson are vanilla whatsoever, but I think you're going a little too hard on the Nesbitt is vanilla idea. He plays hard, fights and gets in on the forecheck even with his "bad" skating.

I think a weight gain can open up and improve several aspects for him. All 3 things you listed can for sure improve with weight/strength. He'll become more effective down low and in front of the net as well. I think a guy who grows 5 inches in 2 years and is extremely skinny/probably uncoordinated for his body has lots he can improve by filling out his body.

There's an article with his skating coach on the Athletic that basically says he has the skating elasticity of a small guy and that they're working on getting his strength up for his different body now. There's a reason he's one of the biggest climbers now that the draft is here

See above. It should help a lot

I was just looking last night at some names and thought. Kettles seems like a red wings type pick that could be a good pick in the second round

For the record I never said Nesbitt was vanilla, I said that about Hensler. Ogee continued that on to Nesbitt.

Fact is 3 different places I respect have Nesbitt outside their top 32.

And it’s not like this is Seider where you can say people don’t watch German hockey like that, this kid is playing in the CHL.

So yeah, this pick is going to get met with opposition if it’s made. Doesn’t mean it can’t work out. It would be a huge leap of faith though, so get ready for that ride.

 

[newfy]

For the record I never said Nesbitt was vanilla, I said that about Hensler. Ogee continued that on to Nesbitt.

Fact is 3 different places I respect have Nesbitt outside their top 32.

And it’s not like this is Seider where you can say people don’t watch German hockey like that, this kid is playing in the CHL.

So yeah, this pick is going to get met with opposition if it’s made. Doesn’t mean it can’t work out. It would be a huge leap of faith though, so get ready for that ride.

Oh ok I missed that transition from Hensler to Nesbitt. I respect Bobs list the most and they have him as a huge riser. I think he's a weird one where he came on a lot more late and people saw how useful he can be in the playoffs.

Public lists are slower to catch up on guys like that. He also didn't play the huge minutes other guys did to showcase himself. Watch him take off next year as Windsors top guy

 

[Fyodorov]

I don't know what to expect, he just getting started. One scouting report said that year ago it looked like he's barely gonna make it in OHL, then literally lightbolt switches on and figured stuff out over night. Other report mentioned that he started the season in 4th line but rammed himself to 2nd line and in PP&PK units.

Fans been wanting swing for the fences pick, Nesbitt is one. Worst case scenario Eetu Luostarinen, 3rd line center/winger delivering hits and blocks but capable enough to score. Best case scenario could be from Jordan Staal to Tom Wilson, Tage Thompson to Jason Robertson.

I just like how mature game he plays at that age and how physical game he plays when he is not even fully develop in that area yet. High hockey IQ. Give him time to fully grow in that body. At time there was something wrong with Wilson, Thompson and Robertson but they panned out.

1. Yes. FO% 51.4 and 49.8 in playoffs
2. Why not? Winger like Ray driving the line, Nesbitt does what he do best. Acquires the puck and increases goal scoring chances by driving to the net. Directing pucks or shovels in the rebound. And takes care of the defensive responsibilities. Or be a winger in our Legion of Doom, Nesbitt - Kasper/Danielson - MBN
3. What way?
4. Depends of usage.

But you keep forgetting that he is not a finished product, now he delivers this much but where he is 5 years from now? At this development rate, massive leap forward this year. So far this is just scrathing the surface. Could be another massive leap next year.

that's crazy delusional, I'm sorry

 

[Frk It]

Fans been wanting swing for the fences pick, Nesbitt is one.

Show me someone else who shares this opinion....

Pronman is the guy who is highest on him and even he says this:

His lack of foot speed, mediocre production and lack of dynamic offensive elements in his game mean it’s hard to imagine him playing in a top-6 NHL role in the future, but there’s enough to like there to easily envision him as a future 3C or 4C.”

HP has him at #39 and says this:

We think with his size, competitiveness and smarts he can find a way to be an NHLer but we’re not overly high on his upside

Elite Prospects has him at #48 and says this:

If he can improve technically, he could become a highly effective bottom-six, two-way player, capable ofwinning board battles, shutting down the opposition, making clever passing plays, and moving up in the lineup to support askill line

Button has him at #38 on his final ranking.

Central Scouting is maybe the highest I can find for this guy aside from Pronman, and they have him 15th among just NA skaters.

 

[Frk It]

Oh ok I missed that transition from Hensler to Nesbitt. I respect Bobs list the most and they have him as a huge riser. I think he's a weird one where he came on a lot more late and people saw how useful he can be in the playoffs.

Public lists are slower to catch up on guys like that. He also didn't play the huge minutes other guys did to showcase himself. Watch him take off next year as Windsors top guy

He is probably going to need to in order to keep Wings fans at bay.

From all the rumors we have heard about Yzerman not liking the heat he has gotten from the public lately, it would be quite the double down on his part to pick someone like Nesbitt at 13.

 

[SantosHalper]

Show me someone else who shares this opinion....

That's my opinion.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

Why is everyone so worried that we are taking Nesbitt? What did I miss?

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I thought this a lot with Vilardi, but if we take a Spits player, is there a lot of rules that can stop him from using our facilities? Like wouldn’t he have direct access to our weight room, chefs, etc… not saying this for a reason to pick Nesbitt, but I would think that aspect is interesting to his development over the next little while if we take him.

I know we have evaluated a lot of the local guys for injuries and had them around the facilities in the past that played in Saginaw or close by universities and that is even easier with NIL now.

 

[Frk It]

I thought this a lot with Vilardi, but if we take a Spits player, is there a lot of rules that can stop him from using our facilities? Like wouldn’t he have direct access to our weight room, chefs, etc… not saying this for a reason to pick Nesbitt, but I would think that aspect is interesting to his development over the next little while if we take him.

I know we have evaluated a lot of the local guys for injuries and had them around the facilities in the past that played in Saginaw or close by universities and that is even easier with NIL now.

I believe drafted players can use NHL facilities, but only in the off-season.

I do not believe that non-roster players can practice or train at NHL facilities during the season.