2025 NHL DRAFT Thread

[Mjul Qvist]

Weird that there is so little chatter on here about Frondell, who is probably the most likely to be the pick (if Misa doesn’t fall).

Like Davidson said and like they did last year their draft board is likely finalized after combine. I don´t think they have decided yet who is their pick. Frondell is in the mix for sure no matter what some people here think of him. Player who was in Bob McKenzie´s preseason list 3rd, January 5th and fourth in latest is considered one of the top prospects this year by many NHL scouts. Few disappointing games in U18´s doesn´t change anything. What I like about him too is that he has chance to play SHL next season and I have trust in Swedish player development.

Schaefer and Misa are probably going in top 2 but that ain´t 100% sure either. So Hawks pick obviously depends on what those first two choices are. If I had to say and those two are taken I would go with Martone just because he is kind of unicorn and something Hawks don´t have. But like I said many times I´m pleased with anyone who´ll they choose because I know they have a way more info about those players that we have here combined.

 

[Hawkaholic]

Weird that there is so little chatter on here about Frondell, who is probably the most likely to be the pick (if Misa doesn’t fall).

Martone might be the sexier option but he is a winger, his production regressed severely under 2025 compared to the fall, he isn’t a great skater and he is old for the draft.

I wonder if the Canadians regret taking Kotkaniemi because he was a C instead of a W like Brady Tkachuk. Not saying he will be Brady, but just because a player is a C doesn't mean you should value that more than a W. Just take who you think is going to be the better player at the NHL level.

And I wish people would stop saying he isn't a great skater, makes it seem like his skating is bad, its not.

 

[TLEH]

I wonder if the Canadians regret taking Kotkaniemi because he was a C instead of a W like Brady Tkachuk. Not saying he will be Brady, but just because a player is a C doesn't mean you should value that more than a W. Just take who you think is going to be the better player at the NHL level.

And I wish people would stop saying he isn't a great skater, makes it seem like his skating is bad, its not.

His skating is adequate for a guy his size, he just needs to play with more pace. Thats more mental/decision making quickness rather than pure speed, which I think is a positive.

 

[Deputy McRizzy]

Why would Boston do that when they are going to remain bad next year lol

Boston is stuck in a rough spot. With McAvoy and Pasta they probably won’t be bad enough to bottom out like they probably should. Think they have close to 30M in cap space to spend so with those guys on the roster I’m guessing they overpay for some UFAs.

 

[ColbyChaos]

Boston is stuck in a rough spot. With McAvoy and Pasta they probably won’t be bad enough to bottom out like they probably should. Think they have close to 30M in cap space to spend so with those guys on the roster I’m guessing they overpay for some UFAs.

They will be bottom 5 bad at best. They even trended as such the moment they traded Carlo, Marchand, Coyoe, and the rest of their players outside the big 3. Lindholm and compare also likely going this summer it’s going to get a lot worse there before it gets better

 

[Hawkaholic]

They will be bottom 5 bad at best. They even trended as such the moment they traded Carlo, Marchand, Coyoe, and the rest of their players outside the big 3. Lindholm and compare also likely going this summer it’s going to get a lot worse there before it gets better

Swayman had a brutal year, I doubt he is that bad again next year. Bruins will be a bottom third team, but more near the top of the bottom third, than the bottom.

 

[Larmer83]

Frondell is also a winger imo.

Yep. The tell is that he almost always gravitates to the right side for his shot. Even when starting a shift as a left winger.

 

[eklund2chicago]

I wonder if the Canadians regret taking Kotkaniemi because he was a C instead of a W like Brady Tkachuk. Not saying he will be Brady, but just because a player is a C doesn't mean you should value that more than a W. Just take who you think is going to be the better player at the NHL level.

And I wish people would stop saying he isn't a great skater, makes it seem like his skating is bad, its not.

Yeah but Frondell isn’t Kotkaniemi. Kotkaniemi was a late riser while Frondell was seen as a top pick going into the season after having his spring and fall ruined by injuries. And then the recency biased internet scouts (led by Eliteprospects) started to hate on him and now there is some weird narrative that he is not a great prospect. He had the highest p/60 in a top 10 league on the planet, as a 17 year old. That’s crazy impressive and people still talk about him like he’s going to become a middle six winger. I wouldn’t be too surprised if San Jose takes him at 2.

And we shouldn’t act like position doesn’t matter because it does. Center is a premium position, winger is not. It’s something that to an extent should be valued when teams decide which player to pick.

And even if Martone’s skating isn’t bad, it’s still not great and that’s something that KD really values. Maybe he makes an exemption with Martone but with knowing what we know now and if we’re being honest with ourselves it’s more likely that Frondell is the pick.

 

[MicronMega]

Because late round picks have a lot less value. A late first wouldn't be worth that drop to me. We suffered all season long being in the gutter, I don't want to trade that shitty season for a pick out of the top 3

This might be the year to trade down if your target is lower. There doesn't seem to be a clear choice between Hagens, Martone, Frondell, Desnoyers, Misa. I think you could land 3-6 and get the player that you want which would make the trade worth it

 

[Larmer83]

Yeah but Frondell isn’t Kotkaniemi. Kotkaniemi was a late riser while Frondell was seen as a top pick going into the season after having his spring and fall ruined by injuries. And then the recency biased internet scouts (led by Eliteprospects) started to hate on him and now there is some weird narrative that he is not a great prospect. He had the highest p/60 in a top 10 league on the planet, as a 17 year old. That’s crazy impressive and people still talk about him like he’s going to become a middle six winger. I wouldn’t be too surprised if San Jose takes him at 2.

And we shouldn’t act like position doesn’t matter because it does. Center is a premium position, winger is not. It’s something that to an extent should be valued when teams decide which player to pick.

And even if Martone’s skating isn’t bad, it’s still not great and that’s something that KD really values. Maybe he makes an exemption with Martone but with knowing what we know now and if we’re being honest with ourselves it’s more likely that Frondell is the pick.

If you're being honest with yourself you would realize Frondell is going to be a winger in the NHL.

 

[eklund2chicago]

If you're being honest with yourself you would realize Frondell is going to be a winger in the NHL.

I’m not sure and it seems like the teams resonates in the same way. And even if he’s a winger, he could still be preferred above Martone.

 

[kmwtrucks]

how about a 3 team trade.

NYI hagens #28 #33 from SJ and #34 from Chicago
SJ gets scaefer
chicago gets MISA

 

[HawksDub89]

Yeah but Frondell isn’t Kotkaniemi. Kotkaniemi was a late riser while Frondell was seen as a top pick going into the season after having his spring and fall ruined by injuries. And then the recency biased internet scouts (led by Eliteprospects) started to hate on him and now there is some weird narrative that he is not a great prospect. He had the highest p/60 in a top 10 league on the planet, as a 17 year old. That’s crazy impressive and people still talk about him like he’s going to become a middle six winger. I wouldn’t be too surprised if San Jose takes him at 2.

And we shouldn’t act like position doesn’t matter because it does. Center is a premium position, winger is not. It’s something that to an extent should be valued when teams decide which player to pick.

And even if Martone’s skating isn’t bad, it’s still not great and that’s something that KD really values. Maybe he makes an exemption with Martone but with knowing what we know now and if we’re being honest with ourselves it’s more likely that Frondell is the pick.

The problem with your logic is you’re taking (potentially) a 2C with 60 point upside instead of a highly skilled power forward that could put up 90-100 with Bedard.

The Montreal example used is the absolutely perfect example.

And Fwiw I’m slowly starting to lean Desnoyers > Frondell if the hawks are hell bent on center.

 

[Putt Pirate]

With Martone's skating I dont see it as an issue. Corey Perry, etc. have made a great living out of doing the dirty work down low without great skating. Just take the best option ofter the combine and be happy I say. Because they are all pretty good prospects in that range.

 

[Deputy McRizzy]

They will be bottom 5 bad at best. They even trended as such the moment they traded Carlo, Marchand, Coyoe, and the rest of their players outside the big 3. Lindholm and compare also likely going this summer it’s going to get a lot worse there before it gets better

Will have to wait and see how they approach UFA before anyone can really say.


But I don’t see them being bottom 5 bad at best. I think they’ll be in 7-10 range.

 

[eklund2chicago]

The problem with your logic is you’re taking (potentially) a 2C with 60 point upside instead of a highly skilled power forward that could put up 90-100 with Bedard.

The Montreal example used is the absolutely perfect example.

And Fwiw I’m slowly starting to lean Desnoyers > Frondell if the hawks are hell bent on center.

It’s not a perfect example because Frondell is a way better prospect than Kotkaniemi and B Tkachuck was a better prospect than Martone.

Martone produced at a similar rate as Vilardi, Kaliev, Fabbri, Hayton, Dal Colle, Debrincat and Konecny. Some great players, some not so great.

Frondell on the other hand had the highest p/pg of all time in his age group in Hockeyallsvenskan, beating out Pastrnak and William Nylander.

What is it that makes Martone a 100p player and Frondell a 60p player?

 

[TLEH]

I’m not sure and it seems like the teams resonates in the same way. And even if he’s a winger, he could still be preferred above Martone.

TBH I still don't mind Frondell, I can squint and see it, and I don't really hold the U18s against him, but his play has been full of spurts. Peaks and valleys.

 

[Ace Card Bedard]

With Martone's skating I dont see it as an issue. Corey Perry, etc. have made a great living out of doing the dirty work down low without great skating. Just take the best option ofter the combine and be happy I say. Because they are all pretty good prospects in that range.

Watching his scouting reels (admittedly almost all highlights) I don't see his skating as an issue at all. He's huge so it takes 2 strides but once he gets there he's a freight train.
Great hands, excellent passer, can snipe 'em.

Ceiling is Rantanen. How can you pass that up?

 

[pvr]

Why are so many people willing to give up all kinds of assets for the opportunity to draft Misa over Martone (or another)? It’s absurd. I’d rather just stick with 3OA.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Why are so many people willing to give up all kinds of assets for the opportunity to draft Misa over Martone (or another)? It’s absurd. I’d rather just stick with 3OA.

No kidding. Neither are impacting an NHL roster this year since they’re both likely going to college.

Use the plethora of assets for a trade for Bedard’s winger this year. Especially because Donato is on his way out.

 

[TLEH]

Why are so many people willing to give up all kinds of assets for the opportunity to draft Misa over Martone (or another)? It’s absurd. I’d rather just stick with 3OA.

Seems like other teams proposing it for the most part. I don't want to move anything. Just stay at 3.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Yeah but there is still a chance (however likely) that he becomes a center. His two way game is really good. His transitional play isn’t great but he’s 17 so that can still change.

Frondell played Center for Sweden at the U18s.

Bad news though, 3 points in 5 games is very underwhelming for a tournament where you're the max age. It's not "everything" but it's also not nothing...

Hagens literally broke records there last year and was 1st line Center PPG+ on the U20 champions this year... Hagens is "late 06" but they're still same draft year and only like 6 real months apart. Martone was also a monster at last year's U18.

 

[hawksfan50]

Frondell stunk at u19s..speed lacking..looked slow..handled on rushes . Stymiedxearky especiakky handled easily byVanada dmen...He does not fit KDs sjatibg priority standard..

Kd said sobethibg interesting..said not justca pkayer's rankibg that determines the pick.. "Other factors" involved.

Could this be a hint tgey realky love Brady Narin?
After his great performance (in other aspects besides scoring (he dod have a respectable 11 points in the tournament 3 g 8a...others got more.. but nobody shonevlike hom in impact...work ethic
.tilting thevice..great way pkly ..starting sequences leading to goals even if he did not get assists on the pkay because others touched it after a great pkay by him..His shoitibgvwas a bit off...Colusa had 5 or 6 more goals ...Tge point is he created or got so many chances to score.He is a Co plate hockey pkayer..and the best hitter in the draft...relentless compete level..forecheck...back-check..and I saw plenty of speed on the puck carries.He can drive through checks or around checks...hard to knock off the puck.. Yes he needs to add more weight..but he pjaysxa lit bigger than listed 6'0 178..You want to go to war with this guy.
I was so I pressed.. He even missed most of the semi-final due to early suspension for a late hit that should have been 2 minutes for interference.. but it initially looked lije the guy he hit had serious injury. OFcourse the giy returned and pkayed in tge game..but refs thought hisvhot caused an I jury so they gave a 5 mon and a game.

In the gold mrdal game Martin scores 2g 1a ..He also hadc2 g1a in the OHL Top Prsopects Hame..I have hom right with brst fits for the Hawks with Desnoyers the other.

Hagebs too small and defensive concerns ..especially as a Center..I think he lkays only as a wing I the NHL..

Frondell too slow for KD.

Martibe is intriguing..great size skill physical play y ..but not that consistent in work ethic or in defending low cycle in the d-zone..
Has sonw work to do to improve..

At least with Martin or Drsnoyers you can rely on great defending which is needed to pkay C..I threshing though that Moncton uses Drsnoyers on the wing a lot this season...Martin pkayed C for the Soo..but at thevu18s he pkayed o the wing.So both give versatility but both reliable defensiveky such that they could be successful Centers.

Jake O'Broen is an X factor...maybe highest upside ..but given his younger age ...I think he has the runway to get bigger (add mass to frame) and stronger and better as the go to #1C in Brantford in 25/26 season..A bit behind the developpurve physically and in improving skating..but he could dominate in the OHL this sesson..so high upside as to what he could becone. ...SCORED as many points ts as Martone but far younger(so Martone as October 2006 birthday may have already peaked as with Hagens (November 2006 birthdate) vs. JUNE 2007 birthdate for O'Brien.

Does KD wait on O'Brien for thebupsode or add a more pro ready Martone who has an NHL body alleady?

 

[Sinbad]

For me at this time, the pick at 3OA comes down to one of three prospects, Martone, Desnoyers or O’Brien.

 

[u2wojo]

Will have to wait and see how they approach UFA before anyone can really say.


But I don’t see them being bottom 5 bad at best. I think they’ll be in 7-10 range.

I agree it will all depend on UFA (and maybe trade) movement. But I sill lean bottom 5 until proven differently. I have a hard time picking out 4 teams the Hawks will obviously leapfrog much less another 2-5 to get in that 7-10 range. I still think we will miss on the significant UFA's (everyone has money to burn this Summer and we are still probably a year off from sellling the corner is about to turn) and I don't expect smooth liniar progression in our prospect pool (I would love for Rinzel and Nazar in particular to just go full on next step from the last few weeks of the season....but that rarely happens with 20/21 year olds without some hiccups). I'll be happy with an incremental improvement like we had from last season to this where we picked up 9 more points and the goal differential improved by 41, but that still leaves us in the bottom 5ish neighborhood