2025 NHL DRAFT Thread

[bwana63]

9 point cushion over #3 (Nashville) now. Gotta maintain #2 (lol). Feeling a lot better about that than last week. 2% doesn't sound like much, but in reality it's ~17% better than #3.

 

[kmwtrucks]

I think the general thought is scafer goes 1 misa 2 hagen 3 then? I think its frondell has 17 pts in his last 10 games. which is a huge bump up from early in the year. he also is C that looks to be able to stay at Center. and is nearly 200lbs as a 17 year old. I know there was some concern with his skating but in the highlights I have watched he seems to move at least league AVG. Martone seems to be below league AVG. i think if we ended up with any of those 4 I would probably be ok with it.

 

[Hawkaholic]

It’s been a rumor for a while now. Something about him threatening to go to college if not getting exceptional status and that souring the relationship. And then hockey Canada being mad and not giving him a shot at the world juniors. So there’s some long standing tension there.

Yeah, I'm not so sure he does. Why would he do that when he can sign his ELC a year earlier, and potentially play in the NHL? If he's far too good for the CHL, then he shouldn't have any problem making our shit team. (or the Sharks)

 

[u2wojo]

Yeah, I'm not so sure he does. Why would he do that when he can sign his ELC a year earlier, and potentially play in the NHL? If he's far too good for the CHL, then he shouldn't have any problem making our shit team. (or the Sharks)

Because making a shit NHL team and being overwhelmed (both adjusting indivdually himself and with mediocre teammates) is not necessarily the best development path. Playing 20-22 year old college players in the Big 10, Hockey East, or even the NCHC gets him playing older better competion, a structure where he has more time for building his body (only weekend games and most of the high end D1 programs have exceptional workout facilities/nutrition programs). Far better option then playing OHL again and we don;t need a repeat of Korchinski being tossed into the deepend (of the NHL since AHL is not an option) and then being surprised when he struggles.

 

[Hawkaholic]

Because making a shit NHL team and being overwhelmed (both adjusting indivdually himself and with mediocre teammates) is not necessarily the best development path. Playing 20-22 year old college players in the Big 10, Hockey East, or even the NCHC gets him playing older better competion, a structure where he has more time for building his body (only weekend games and most of the high end D1 programs have exceptional workout facilities/nutrition programs). Far better option then playing OHL again and we don;t need a repeat of Korchinski being tossed into the deepend (of the NHL since AHL is not an option) and then being surprised when he struggles.

But Misa has to agree to go to College, and therefore not get to sign his ELC, and potentially play in the NHL. Its not just the Blackhawks decision, and frankly, they probably have little say in the matter what Misa wants to do.

 

[Giovi]

Is there anything stopping him from signing with the NCAA then immediately signing an ELC a week later? He would have already lost his CHL eligibility if he signs in the NCAA then he could go straight to the AHL instead of beating up a bunch of 15-17 year olds in a league too easy for him

I'm sure the NCAA would frown upon being used as a work around for NHL-AHL rules. If there isn't a rule preventing that, there would be one very soon.

 

[u2wojo]

But Misa has to agree to go to College, and therefore not get to sign his ELC, and potentially play in the NHL. Its not just the Blackhawks decision, and frankly, they probably have little say in the matter what Misa wants to do.

For sure it is a consulative decision between player, advisor, family, and the team that drafts him. I would hope "suggesting" college hockey for a year or 2 as his best development path would be well received...but yes the player can continue playing in the OHL. Nothing wrong with a prospect/advisor/family having a different opinoin....plenty of guys the Hawks have wanted to sign where the kid went back for another year of college and most don't end up as Kevin Hayes.

The whispers about Misa exploring college option have been around all season and those are not being driven by any NHL franshise for a player yet to be drafted.

 

[eklund2chicago]

I think the general thought is scafer goes 1 misa 2 hagen 3 then? I think its frondell has 17 pts in his last 10 games. which is a huge bump up from early in the year. he also is C that looks to be able to stay at Center. and is nearly 200lbs as a 17 year old. I know there was some concern with his skating but in the highlights I have watched he seems to move at least league AVG. Martone seems to be below league AVG. i think if we ended up with any of those 4 I would probably be ok with it.

Guess there is no consensus at three and if there is it’s probably Hagens. I believe that Frondell will play himself into being three among a lot of people. He’s just becoming more and more dominant with every game he plays. He is bullying men out there in a top 10 league in the world.

I don’t really understand the low ceiling narrative. Average skater but elite at every other aspect of the game. I think he will become a poor man’s hybrid of Anze Kopitar and Leon Draisaitl.

 

[bwana63]

the dickheads that run this site lost my post from ~6 this morning. ugh
and now it's back, lol

our cushion has bulged to 9 points now (was 4 last week). need to stay at #2. 2% may not seem like much, but the real difference is ~17% (between 2 & 3). really hope we pick 2nd, but the odds aren't in our favor. if we can't have Misa, I'm liking Frondell

 

[kmwtrucks]

he is 14 for his club and I think 16 when its the national team. for a 200 lb 17 year old i don't think his skating looks bad at all. I would love to hear other opinions.

 

[Wally1112pac]

I'm glad that Frondell has picked it up over the last couple months. We are lacking in forwards prospects that have an elite hockey IQ. He would be welcomed and he's a Center.

It gives us another option if we drop a spot in the draft. (just don't drop 2 spots)

 

[CallMeShaft]

he is 14 for his club and I think 16 when its the national team. for a 200 lb 17 year old i don't think his skating looks bad at all. I would love to hear other opinions.

He's maybe 3rd for me in this draft, behind Schaefer and Misa. Hagens has had a down season, relative to expectations, and doesn't have the size that Frondell has so he's likely below Frondell for me right now.

Think Frondell is a better skater than Martone. Don't think either guy will be known for their transition games, but honestly, we're pretty loaded up front that way wise. We need to start getting some guys who can excel at the cycle game and from what I've seen of Frondell, I expect him to. He can play a hard, grinding style while also possessing clear top 6, potentially top line, skill.

 

[Taze em]

Looking up Frondell and wow I had no idea that Marcus Kruger was still playing high level hockey. Good for him.

 

[u2wojo]

I am taking Hagens before Frondell. Frondell has had several injury issues (multiple knee) and his "size advantage" is 6' verses 5'11. Hagens is 5th all time NTDP scoring which generally (not always) translates into productive NHL player) Point per game in college in your just turned 18 year old season and 8th in WJC scoring are pretty good indicators too.

For me it is Schafer, Misa, Hagens, Martone in that order.

Hopefully we end up at 1 or 2 and the decision is easy as I think Schafer is to good to pass at 1 and Misa is the obvious next best choice.

 

[CallMeShaft]

Looking up Frondell and wow I had no idea that Marcus Kruger was still playing high level hockey. Good for him.

Powers literally just today released an article about Kruger still playing.

 

[kmwtrucks]

Powers literally just today released an article about Kruger still playing.

I asked powers if he talked to kruger about Frondell and eklund and he said he did and will put it in a article later.

 

[eklund2chicago]

I am taking Hagens before Frondell. Frondell has had several injury issues (multiple knee) and his "size advantage" is 6' verses 5'11. Hagens is 5th all time NTDP scoring which generally (not always) translates into productive NHL player) Point per game in college in your just turned 18 year old season and 8th in WJC scoring are pretty good indicators too.

For me it is Schafer, Misa, Hagens, Martone in that order.

Hopefully we end up at 1 or 2 and the decision is easy as I think Schafer is to good to pass at 1 and Misa is the obvious next best choice.

It’s fair to want Hagens ahead of Frondell (I’m torn myself) but you could use the stat argument for Frondell as well. He has the highest point per game for an U18 player Hockeyallsvenskan of all time. Higher than Pastrnak and Nylander. His D-1 points per game in the Swedish junior league is 6th all time for a 16 year old, ahead of Lucas Raymond and just behind Henrik Sedin. He may only be 6ft but he plays like he’s a few inches taller.

 

[Nazzz]

This team has a worrying lack of high-level talent. IMO Hagens is the most obvious choice.
We better get Hagens, Misa, or Frondell before everything burns down.

Misa is a great individual talent but Hagens' style of play improves everything around him. Everyone can choose their favorite.

 

[JLarucci23]

Just get me one of the 3 between Schaefer, Misa or Hagens and I will be happy. I still think the talent on Hagens is elite. I still stand by the fact that I thought he was the best player on Team USA for the World Juniors. If we end up 4th, I'm a little torn, I'm not a huge fan of Martone as I think he's just bullying smaller kids with his big body and he wont be able to do that when he moves up leagues. Frondell may be the choice at 4 for me at the moment. He does everything above average minus his skating, but I think the way he thinks the game will make up for the lack of foot speed.

 

[Putt Pirate]

Just get me one of the 3 between Schaefer, Misa or Hagens and I will be happy. I still think the talent on Hagens is elite. I still stand by the fact that I thought he was the best player on Team USA for the World Juniors. If we end up 4th, I'm a little torn, I'm not a huge fan of Martone as I think he's just bullying smaller kids with his big body and he wont be able to do that when he moves up leagues. Frondell may be the choice at 4 for me at the moment. He does everything above average minus his skating, but I think the way he thinks the game will make up for the lack of foot speed.

I think Bedard needs a player like Frondel with him.

 

[Darkstar]

I still think Martone is the guy if you're looking for a partner for Bedard. I see Misa driving his own line.

 

[hawksfan50]

Ol ..we know ifcHawks pick at #1 Schaefer as a franchise #1 D (LD) is the consensus pick ...too rare to pass up the clear BPA even though given his very young age will need another season in Juniors to mature mentally and add more mass tohis frame ...skill-wise and defensively he otherwise would have no trouble turning oro.. but given hevis one of the youngest in this draft best not tobrish him as we learned with Kk. Who was notveven as young.

At #2 Misa after his fantastic season shoukd be tge clear #2...the 1 caveat despite all hiscekute soeed...still...compete level and reliable defensive effort and above wYervon draws is that at 6'1285 he is not the most physical or strongest of Centers..but youvcannot get every single aspect ekite.He probably ticks most boxes except great size or physical domination...
Probably the comparable is Stamkos when hexwss drafted...But Misacisxfaster ..

However if Hawkscdraftcat #3or#4...clearxwe take a forward..

In my opinion rikevout Hagens. Too smalk (again( plus a dt 1poibt per gamexas a freshman at the top rated Boston College and pjayingvwith Leonard and Perrault all the first half ,he has disappointed with this level of production and shoukdvhave morevointscNd especiakky more goals honself..They dod move himmoff line 1 in5x5 inside January and though he pkayscon their top Pp with Leonard and Perraukt,he has other wingers now and reKky has not dominated any games..
He is very far fromMacklinCeleveimni"s great freshman year last seasoninthe NCAa.

So scratch hom offHawks target list in top 5..Not worthy.

That leaves C entersValeb Drenoyers,,Anon Frondell and also Roger McQueen who came back from injury only recently in the last few weeks..
I was also considering Jake O'Brien who has been fantastic in tgec2bd half...However looking closer I see that about half his production has conebon the Pp P..Hawks need a better 2 way and mire productive playerxatv5x5 and one with a better defebsivecaspect.

So thatvkeave 3 candidates for #3or#4 if Hawks get shoved down to 1vofvthise spots..

Desnoyers is 6'2 170 and woukd still need to add mass to hisvframe before being ready to pkay NHL pros..
However he maybevhasvthevhighrstvhockey I.Q. gives you very goidc2 way ojayvwith a mature defebsive abikity...has goid spied though with more mass on his frame coukd get more explosion in hisxskating...you get ultra vompeteblevel and a physical edgevin his gane. Very useful drfebsevturnsvibto offebse after he closes off exit attempts from the opps and turns it into the attack...goodvofgvthevrish..godvusevof his wingers..in 2 on1s and tic tac toe pkays...Can use him all situations.. Probablt the best defebsive forwards the draft too..
Very goidvonbdraws...(58.3% ladt I ooked)..
However .. whike he is a very accurate shooter his shot is notcrealky his best attribute...nor is he tge most elite playmaker...Tge skilk is above average but combined with the compete level the fluid skating ,his pace and hockey sense 2 ways and excells in the details of the game...you get an alkl round player able reliable 2C for the NHL.....

Frondell...isvonly 6"0 but a sokidc200lbs now already..I do notvthinknhevhas ekitecspeed...probably just above average...but he comoetes well...plays physicalno the biards has a good shot and makes plays offvrgevforecjeckvand puck recoveries...Good taking it to the net..This style raise the question whether he should beca center or a power winger ..if a center probably onlyvax2C ceiling like Desnoyers..


Now Rogerxl McQueen IS the toughest call for KD...I am not suggesting superstarvor bust ...but the size,power and skill combo is hard to psss on IF you project a Draisaitl-like impact ceiling..That would be a 2C who would be a 1C on most teams who do not a McDavid as a1C.

When youvare 6'5 and over 200lbs at 18 years old and possessing that much offensive skill and physical domination in 1 package, it is just hard to imagine he cannot impose those attributes to have great success on the pros..
Still...because he missed most of this sesson he probably will need another year of developing anf rounding out his game working on more consistency and upping skating,pace and defending aspects...we still can observe what McQueen does rest of games renaining the WHL regular season and what he does in playoffs for Brandon.

It may verywell be that despite his short season de-railed by a long injury ,that KD does take that chance on the pro projection...if he hits itv,you get a dominating Big Center who could be axl top 5 overall impact NHL player..such is a projectable upside...thecsjill and size and physicality package most teams would covet..
.If he does not develop into that you might get only a Dylan Strome albeit more physical ...
On any case ...I doubt any of Drsnoyers,Frondell or McQueen play forvthe Hawks next srsson if KD takes one of them.

As to Big wibger Porter Martone...his pl too a very bad dod in January Nd February ..started getting better again recently but there are some red flag questions on hisvlevel of compete consistency...one scoutvI heard said he can be lazy...Fo not hink we want that.

So my bet if we draft at #3 or#4 is 1 of Desnoyers Frondell or McQueen...

There's a possibility that if McQueen so donibates in playoffs and helps Brandon goo deep inWHL playoffs or to the Mencia even,that he might vault past Mosa..that size ,skill and physicality combiowould be so enticing to many NHL teams projecting him a pro..Scouts wantto see consistent domination..if he can show he can do that ...especially through a long pkayoff run,it itvnot yet out ofvthe question that hevcoukd vault to #2..

So alk eyes on McQueen now...Encouraged by his last 2 games in a 5 point weekend ..
So 1g 6a +7 last 5GP ...starting to shake off the rust..

So for his limited season to date now has 9g+9a =18 ponts in 14GP this season and a +8...
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