NHL Entry Draft: 2025 Draft Pick Watch

[dshea19]

Not at all stunned to see Hagens where he is.

Flip Frondell and Desnoyers and O'Brien and Martin and my board looks very similar.

If the Rangers stay put, a really good forward is going to drop. Seattle at 8th is going to start a run on defensemen.

That usually happens. One team goes for a D a little early and then other teams panic.

 

[I Eat Crow]

That usually happens. One team goes for a D a little early and then other teams panic.

Seattle will pick a defenseman for sure. I think Mtrka but could go Smith too. Buffalo may try and jump them for Mtrka. Would wager Buffalo goes defense regardless.

Anaheim goes BPA. Eklund or O'Brien. I think Martin is gone to the Flyers at 6. Hagens drops to Boston at 7.

Pittsburgh will take BPA, whoever is highest on their board. Aitcheson or whoever Anaheim doesn't take.

 

[Ruggs225]

still think the smart thing to do is for us to forfeit the pick this year.

Next years draft is supposed to be deeper and better. Our D-corps is not inspiring and even if we make the playoffs we are probably not going to ECF, which would leave us in the 16-22 range most likely.

So it could theoretically be only a 3 or 4 pick drop. In a better draft. The value is got to be practically the same.

It also hedges against us having a horrid season, or even make our TD choice easier if we want to unload a panarin bc we are just bubble. Then it would be who cares of we fall off a cliff.

I just havent seen a rational argument on why keeping this draft pick is better.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

still think the smart thing to do is for us to forfeit the pick this year.

Next years draft is supposed to be deeper and better. Our D-corps is not inspiring and even if we make the playoffs we are probably not going to ECF, which would leave us in the 16-22 range most likely.

So it could theoretically be only a 3 or 4 pick drop. In a better draft. The value is got to be practically the same.

It also hedges against us having a horrid season, or even make our TD choice easier if we want to unload a panarin bc we are just bubble. Then it would be who cares of we fall off a cliff.

I just havent seen a rational argument on why keeping this draft pick is better.

it only makes sense to give up the pick if you plan on missing the playoffs. Giving up the 12th pick this year for a 16-22 pick next year would be idiotic. Every year it’s “oh the next draft is better!!”. I was on some random reddit thread from last year’s draft about some prospect, forget who, but the one of the first comments was “well next year’s draft is better”. Even if it’s significantly better I sincerely doubt that you have a much better chance of getting a more impact player. The chances are likely about the same. And then you need to consider that the prospect you draft this year will likely be NHL ready before the prospect you draft next year. People just acting like this isn’t a thing to consider. You’re basically adding another year of development by punting the pick.

In short, the idea that having a later pick in next year’s draft, even if that draft is perceived as better, is utterly ridiculous. UNLESS you plan on having a top-5 pick, which we absolutely do not

 

[surlysailor]

it only makes sense to give up the pick if you plan on missing the playoffs. Giving up the 12th pick this year for a 16-22 pick next year would be idiotic. Every year it’s “oh the next draft is better!!”. I was on some random reddit thread from last year’s draft about some prospect, forget who, but the one of the first comments was “well next year’s draft is better”. Even if it’s significantly better I sincerely doubt that you have a much better chance of getting a more impact player. The chances are likely about the same. And then you need to consider that the prospect you draft this year will likely be NHL ready before the prospect you draft next year. People just acting like this isn’t a thing to consider. You’re basically adding another year of development by punting the pick.

In short, the idea that having a later pick in next year’s draft, even if that draft is perceived as better, is utterly ridiculous. UNLESS you plan on having a top-5 pick, which we absolutely do not

While I agree having 12 this year is better than having say 23 next year, and I do think it's true that NYR think they will be better next season. I do think holding on to the 1st can be thought of as having another asset to use at the trade deadline and if say there's a injury to a key player it doesn't hurt to hold on to the 1st even if it becomes a mid 20s pick. Plus based on Bob's latest draft mock it seems like all the main c prospects will be gone and while I like Aitcheson and Smith at 12 personally I'd keep next years first as an asset and a just in case. Plus hopefully the can get a mid-late 1st+ for Miller at the draft.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

While I agree having 12 this year is better than having say 23 next year, and I do think it's true that NYR think they will be better next season. I do think holding on to the 1st can be thought of as having another asset to use at the trade deadline and if say there's a injury to a key player it doesn't hurt to hold on to the 1st even if it becomes a mid 20s pick. Plus based on Bob's latest draft mock it seems like all the main c prospects will be gone and while I like Aitcheson and Smith at 12 personally I'd keep next years first as an asset and a just in case. Plus hopefully the can get a mid-late 1st+ for Miller at the draft.

I wouldnt look at Bob’s list as gospel. I fully expect at least 2 of Smith/Mrtka/Aitcheson to go top 10.

If we end up trading Miller for a high pick it makes more sense. Or if we plan on using it to get Peterka. But doing it because the draft is supposed to be better? Worst reason.

 

[KevinFinnerty]

Keep the pick and draft the BPA

 

[surlysailor]

I wouldnt look at Bob’s list as gospel. I fully expect at least 2 of Smith/Mrtka/Aitcheson to go top 10.

If we end up trading Miller for a high pick it makes more sense. Or if we plan on using it to get Peterka. But doing it because the draft is supposed to be better? Worst reason.

Oh yeah for that reason I def wouldn’t do it, I just think it makes sense to hold on to the asset for any potential collapses or if nyr rebound to have the asset for the trade deadline. That being said I do think either way nyr won’t be picking in the 1st round the next 2 years because of trades/offer sheet

 

[RangersFan1994]

Keep the pick and try to package 12 and K’Andre to try to move into the top 7..

 

[Clark Kellogg]

Edit: moved the video to the roster building thread.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

The more I learn about this crop of players the more I’m starting to think the “weak draft” is being a bit overblown by the fact that there isn’t a standout #1 guy (yeah Schaefer is ranked 1 but he wasn’t preseason and he only played 17 games so its a bit iffy). But it seems like there are 13 really really good prospects at the top end. Maybe not #1 best player on your team good, but guys that project favorably to be valuable pieces. Then there are a few other guys in the backend of the first who have question marks but potentially very good upside (Cootes/Reschny/Lakovic for example).

I honestly think we’re gonna look back at this draft and be surprised as how many solid players came out of it considering all the talk about how it’s “weak”. Also go look at like the last four drafts or so and see how many of those first rounds have aged poorly. I think this drat definitely has a shot to age well compared to those.

 

[eco's bones]

Keep the pick and try to package 12 and K’Andre to try to move into the top 7..

I wouldn't do that. There are 3 guys for me that would merit this--Schaefer, Misa and Martone. I'd be kind of on the fence for Frondell and Desnoyers. That's 5 guys at best. If you're picking 7 those guys could very well all be gone.

I wouldn't do it for Martin and I wouldn't do it for Hagens and I wouldn't do it for McQueen.

I get people's disappointment with K'Andre but he's still a legit top 4 and still young and there's a pretty decent chance if/when he moves on his game will go back on track. I also get that his new contract $'s and term are a problem for us right now......but for me most scenarios for the package you've got here we will lose the trade both in the short and long term.

Also I think the issues we'll have putting a defense together next year are a lot more of a problem than any forward problems we have......and we'll have to wait for this player we draft to be ready---one, two, three years down the road. Moving K'Andre won't make things necessarily better for our D and if we don't have someone who can replace his 20+ minutes it will likely make things worse.

 

[Overcast]

If next year's draft is better than this year's..then that means this year's draft is better than last year's..so that means..

We should..trade..last next year's..before..but then if..Pittsburgh knows what hit 'em.


Draft better and it shouldn't matter in the long run which draft you pick in. Great players come out of every draft.

 

[alkurtz]

I expect the Rangers to get a "new coach bounce" and sneak into the playoffs. That being said, I'm in favor of making the pick. A #12 pick is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[Irishguy42]

FWIW, Rangers have until Wednesday at 6pm ET to determine if they are keeping the pick or not.



They should definitely send the pick to Pittsburgh

 

[The Crypto Guy]

If somehow Miller+ can somehow land them a top 10 pick, that’s the only way I see them giving Pitt the 12. So that trade would have to be completed by Wednesday evening.

 

[LeetchisGod]

FWIW, Rangers have until Wednesday at 6pm ET to determine if they are keeping the pick or not.



They should definitely send the pick to Pittsburgh

We're an Igor injury away from being a lottery team. I don't trust the hockey gods.

 

[2014nyr]

i wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down. obviously that depends quite heavily on what their board looks like, which likely has a couple guys ranked significantly higher/lower than consensus lists, and how things play out ahead of them.

i also think drury has a strong interest in making a bigtime move, and doing so sooner than later. if possible, i think he'd like to get that done by/at the draft, which would involve moving this pick. obviously it's no secret he's open for business and interested in changing up the roster/locker room dynamic, so that's not exactly going out on a limb. i'm just worried that his desperation to do "something" ultimately results in a massive mistake - whether it's severe overpayment in picks/prospects for an insignificant addition or moving a roster piece at a depressed value that massively outperforms the return at a minimum and likely gets worse every year.

 

[Draft Guru]

This draft to me is similar to the 2017 NHL draft. There was this 12 player consensus and then it dropped off significantly. Rangers that year had a solid position 7OA. Going into it most of the professionals keep reiterating it’s a weak class. Similar to 2025 there was a battle for 1OA that flipped flopped during the year. Nolan at first, the Nico. I’m 2025 it was Havens first now all accounts seem to point to Schafer.


I’m 2017 The two top centers for most of the year Nolan, and Hischier. Nolan held the rank almost the entire time. Hischier pushed him out a bit. are Hagans and Misa.


In 2017 there were 2 Defenseman that were in top 10 Mocks drafts and rankings. Cale Makar and Miro Heiskanen. This year it’s Schaefer and Mrtka.

In 2017 There was a big C in Vilardi that had people concerned due to a back injury. This year, very similar player even bigger but same story in McQueen.

In 2017 there was a Swedish C (Pettersson) who was garnering all sorts of attention for his playmaking ability. He rose through the rankings. This year there’s a Swedish sniper( Frondell) who is getting lots of love from the pro scouting community.

In 17 there was a 6’6 Rasmussen who was ranked as high as 5 and as low at 10. This years big guy is Martone who is all over the map.

There was Little Nick Suzuki. Who had all the telent in the world packed into a small frame. Big motor always buzzing. Always factored into games, this year it’s Eklund. Similar player but now on the RW. Pacesetter.

Rangers went off the board that year. I’m what was considered a solid top 12, they went to a player raked in the 20’s and botched it. I think they learned from their mistakes. I hope anyway.

If they keep the pick I’m hoping they stay within the consensus this time around. There will be a good player there. Whether or not it’s the one of the guys people here seem to covet is another story.

I agree with a lot of this but I think there was a consensus top 5 and then after that it was a big drop off and a "roll the dice, there's some good players available but you gotta hope you hit one of them" We didn't at 7, but luckily we did at 21.

The Coyotes were willing to trade us the #7 pick and DeAngelo for Derek Stepan, and there was a good reason. They knew there was a steep drop off after #5. The Rangers desperately wanted Pettersson or Makar but nobody was budging from the top 5.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I just found out Desnoyers is pronounced De-nwah-yay. Ive been pronouncing it phonetically for months lmao.

 

[Draft Guru]

I just found out Desnoyers is pronounced De-nwah-yay. Ive been pronouncing it phonetically for months lmao.

As someone of French-Canadian descent I approve of his name and think it's a bad ass hockey name. Maybe he falls to us

 

[TGWL]

We're an Igor injury away from being a lottery team. I don't trust the hockey gods.

We were also a handful of powerplay goals and some overtime losses away from being in the playoffs.

I get the fear is giving up a lotto pick that potentially turns into a franchise player, but an Igor injury might help the team win... (I kid...maybe.)

 

[TGWL]

i wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down. obviously that depends quite heavily on what their board looks like, which likely has a couple guys ranked significantly higher/lower than consensus lists, and how things play out ahead of them.

i also think drury has a strong interest in making a bigtime move, and doing so sooner than later. if possible, i think he'd like to get that done by/at the draft, which would involve moving this pick. obviously it's no secret he's open for business and interested in changing up the roster/locker room dynamic, so that's not exactly going out on a limb. i'm just worried that his desperation to do "something" ultimately results in a massive mistake - whether it's severe overpayment in picks/prospects for an insignificant addition or moving a roster piece at a depressed value that massively outperforms the return at a minimum and likely gets worse every year.

I don't think the offers from other teams moving up is going to be strong enough to consider us moving down.

 

[haohmaru]

FWIW, Rangers have until Wednesday at 6pm ET to determine if they are keeping the pick or not.



They should definitely send the pick to Pittsburgh

From what I've heard from "professional" draft analysts is that '26 is somewhat similar to this year's draft in that the first 12-13 player are noticeably better than what follows.

What makes the '26 draft different is the drop off isn't as bad as this year's after those first 12-13.

 

[nyrage]

Well, we longer have to worry about who we are picking at 12.