Craig Button Mock Draft 2025

[93LEAFS]

SJ has something good growing but their long-term 2C is still a massive uncertainty. If Schaefer is not there, I think it’s Hagens or Misa. In fact, the only team in the top-5 I see taking Martone is Chicago, given their need for top-6 size and the projectability of Bedard and Nazar as a long-term 1-2 punch.

Depends on how they feel about Will Smith's chances of moving back to center long term. He was drafted as a center, and played their up until this year.

 

[rocketdan9]

I dont see the Sharks not drafting Misa at #2, if we sat at #3 that would be the pick

The Sharks also drafted his linemate import - 2024 draft.

I think he scored 55 pts in 30 games.

From the lotto ball brief interview - it doesn't sound like Misa wants to play wing. Not sure how much teams care about that kind of flexibility these days.

 

[PattyLafontaine]

The Sharks also drafted his linemate import - 2024 draft.

I think he scored 55 pts in 30 games.

From the lotto ball brief interview - it doesn't sound like Misa wants to play wing. Not sure how much teams care about that kind of flexibility these days.

55 in 23. Misa was 51.1% of his faceoffs so it sounds like he's got the faceoff aptitude, which is important part of being a center.

Will Smith isn't great at faceoffs (36.5%) and no one is going to confuse him for a defensive savant.

 

[rocketdan9]

55 in 23. Misa was 51.1% of his faceoffs so it sounds like he's got the faceoff aptitude, which is important part of being a center.

Will Smith isn't great at faceoffs (36.5%) and no one is going to confuse him for a defensive savant.

If SJ takes Misa. How would the top two lines look like?

 

[kcunac]

His assessment for Van seems accurate.

 

[Gregor Samsa]

This is actually a great draft because after say 6-7 it’s wide open to the third round and these lazy scouts maybe need to find players lol

I think this can be an entertaining draft. Nothing is set in stone

 

[coooldude]

If SJ takes Misa. How would the top two lines look like?

If Misa develops into 2C, then Smith is stapled to Celebrini's RW. If Misa is a W and Smith figures out 2C, Misa plays on the left side of either one.

We had this "problem" with Marleau, Thornton, Couture, Pavs, and Hertl. Basically only Jumbo and Couture played exclusively C.

If, however, the Sharks scouts think that Misa is an NHL wing, there's an outside shot they take Martone for the offensive upside, size, and right shot. I personally hope they'll go Misa.

 

[rocketdan9]

If Misa develops into 2C, then Smith is stapled to Celebrini's RW. If Misa is a W and Smith figures out 2C, Misa plays on the left side of either one.

We had this "problem" with Marleau, Thornton, Couture, Pavs, and Hertl. Basically only Jumbo and Couture played exclusively C.

If, however, the Sharks scouts think that Misa is an NHL wing, there's an outside shot they take Martone for the offensive upside, size, and right shot. I personally hope they'll go Misa.

So in a few years potentially?

Eklund Celebrini Smith
Chernysov/Musty Misa Toffoli

Should be interesting to see what NYI do.

 

[coooldude]

So in a few years potentially?

Eklund Celebrini Smith
Chernysov/Musty Misa Toffoli

Should be interesting to see what NYI do.

I'd be surprised if we hit well enough on everyone to fill 5/6 internally, but yes, possibly.

 

[The don godfather]

So in a few years potentially?

Eklund Celebrini Smith
Chernysov/Musty Misa Toffoli

Should be interesting to see what NYI do.

They better win soon because they wont be able to afford all those guys.

 

[The don godfather]

Button has frondell falling perfect for bruins if that happens.

 

[PattyLafontaine]

If SJ takes Misa. How would the top two lines look like?

I think Misa will be in college in 2025-2026 at BU.

It changed quite a bit last year.

Celebrini will be 1C (obsvious)
Not sure if Wennberg will be 2C or if they will start off with Smith at 2C

Eklund will play mostly at LW1 but will also play LW2 as they shift lines
Toffoli will play RW1 and Rw2 again with shifts.

Will also see some line 1 Toffoli-Celebrini-Smith and Eklund-Celebrini-Smith

1C- Celebrini
LW1 - Eklund/Chernyshov/Musty?
RW-1 Toffoli/Smith
2C- Smith/Wennberg
RW-2 New Add?
LW-2 Chernyshov/Musty?/Eklund

as for 2026-2027 assuming Sharks draft Misa

LW1 - Eklund -1C Celebrini RW1-Smith/Toffoli
LW2 - Cherynyshov/Musty-2C Misa- RW Toffoli

Lots of moving parts as well becuase who knows how much Toffoli will drop off in two years he may be a 4th liner at that time.

 

[HanSolo]

I see the meme is the Ducks are the team that reaches now.

 

[Jared Grayden]

I see the meme is the Ducks are the team that reaches now.

I don't see Verbeek drafting Lakovic nor Dubas drafting McQueen. Up until that point I can buy it.

 

[tomd]

I don't see Verbeek drafting Lakovic nor Dubas drafting McQueen. Up until that point I can buy it.

In terms of upside potential, Lakovic and McQueen make perfect sense at those spots. Except for Eklund, the players mocked at 12-16 in Button's draft aren't any more appealing IMO. And Eklund is likely going to fall out of the top 10 simply due to size concerns. I like the picks for both Anaheim and Pittsburgh.

 

[Jared Grayden]

In terms of upside potential, Lakovic and McQueen make perfect sense at those spots. Except for Eklund, the players mocked at 12-16 in Button's draft aren't any more appealing IMO. And Eklund is likely going to fall out of the top 10 simply due to size concerns. I like the picks for both Anaheim and Pittsburgh.

I'd be borderline shocked if Clark and Dubas liked McQueen that much. I could see the opposite being more likely with McQueen to ANA and Lakovic to PIT.

 

[tomd]

I'd be borderline shocked if Clark and Dubas liked McQueen that much. I could see the opposite being more likely with McQueen to ANA and Lakovic to PIT.

That's fair...I would have no problem switching them. IMO McQueen (if healthy) and Lakovic are the two highest potential players at that point in the draft if everything goes as Button predicted 1-9.

 

[Jack Spider]

I see a lot of mocks giving Carbonneau to the Habs, is it simply because he's french canadian? Because that's lazy as hell.

for the mocks you are probably right. Montreal will draft him if they like the player and he interviews well. It's a lot of pressure for a 1st round pick from QC to play here and some players like that pressure. They aren't hunting for a french in the first round.

 

[Zarzh]

I wouldn't hate Martin to the Bruins, it's a fun pick before they do a teardown, but the Flyers need Desnoyers more and Frondell should get swapped with O'Brien.

A lot of players I liked in the mid-first have risen.

 

[Ugene Magic]

I don't see Verbeek drafting Lakovic nor Dubas drafting McQueen. Up until that point I can buy it.

In terms of upside potential, Lakovic and McQueen make perfect sense at those spots. Except for Eklund, the players mocked at 12-16 in Button's draft aren't any more appealing IMO. And Eklund is likely going to fall out of the top 10 simply due to size concerns. I like the picks for both Anaheim and Pittsburgh.

I'd be borderline shocked if Clark and Dubas liked McQueen that much. I could see the opposite being more likely with McQueen to ANA and Lakovic to PIT.

That's fair...I would have no problem switching them. IMO McQueen (if healthy) and Lakovic are the two highest potential players at that point in the draft if everything goes as Button predicted 1-9.

If I'm selecting a high reward player at that point, I'm taking Carter Bear. No way I'm taking on back issues with a guy not named Lemieux.

Bear was set to be inside the top 10, but fell out of favor do to the injury. I know he's not a true center, but the Pens are just gonna be missing out on that ride. Tank better/harder. The Pens have time to wait out the recovery time and his continuance in the minors.

I was so hopeful the Pens were getting a top 10 pick and a 14 OA NYR's pick and taking O'Brien/ Bear.

Now we are lucky if we can come away with just Bear, but the team will reach for Kindel or take Reschny so, why not Eklund at that point if taking a smaller forward.

 

[The don godfather]

Whoever gets o brian wins the draft kids better then desnoyers frondell and haggens.

 

[Rare Jewel]

When people say, "I don't see X team passing on Y player," how would you know? Are you in the scouting meetings?

 

[DatDude44]

I see a lot of mocks giving Carbonneau to the Habs, is it simply because he's french canadian? Because that's lazy as hell.

After living through louis Leblanc and Nathan Beaulieu..... it's valid hahaha jk

 

[DatDude44]

When people say, "I don't see X team passing on Y player," how would you know? Are you in the scouting meetings?

yes, I actually run all the scouting meetings. I know all....Oh wait i'm not Dizee, nvm....

That said, If my blues pass on Kashawn Aitcheson or Braeden Cootes I will cry.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Whoever gets o brian wins the draft kids better then desnoyers frondell and haggens.

Hard disagree