2025 NHL Draft Grades: Corey Pronman’s Analysis of Each Team’s Haul

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft has concluded, and Corey Pronman, a prominent NHL prospect analyst, has provided his assessment of each team’s draft class. This analysis focuses solely on the quantity of talent added to each organization’s prospect pool, disregarding factors such as player fit or perceived value.

Top-Tier Draft Performances (A+ & A)

New York Islanders (A+): The Islanders secured the highest grade, acquiring significant young talent. Their first-round pick, Matthew Schaefer, is considered a potential star, complemented by other promising prospects like Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. This class showcases the potential for multiple NHL regulars.

Philadelphia Flyers (A): The Flyers’ impressive draft class includes Porter Martone, a potential first-line winger, and Jack Nesbitt, a potential second-line center. The team’s focus on acquiring large, skilled players suggests a clear strategy for building a strong roster.

San Jose Sharks (A): The Sharks secured a potential first-line center in Michael Misa and a projected starting goalie in Joshua Ravensbergen. The addition of Simon Wang and Cole McKinney further bolsters their prospect pool.

Nashville Predators (A-): While Pronman didn’t agree with every pick, the Predators significantly improved their farm system. Brady Martin, a highly competitive forward, is a notable addition, and the team also added several other prospects with NHL potential.

Utah Mammoth (A-): The Mammoth secured a top-tier two-way center in Caleb Desnoyers and added three other quality NHL prospects in Max Psenicka, Stepan Hoch, and Yegor Borikov.

Solid Draft Classes (B+ & B)

Anaheim Ducks (B+): The Ducks’ draft hinges on the potential of Roger McQueen, a top-ten pick with immense talent but a history of back injuries. If healthy, McQueen could be a franchise center.

Chicago Blackhawks (B+): The Blackhawks added speed and size, selecting several athletic players. Anton Frondell, a potential top-line center or winger, and Mason West are key additions.

Pittsburgh Penguins (B+): The Penguins added a skilled player in Benjamin Kindel and several large, two-way players. The class has the potential to yield multiple NHL players.

Seattle Kraken (B+): The Kraken secured Jake OBrien, a talented center with top-six potential, and Blake Fiddler, a big, mobile right-shot.

Boston Bruins (B): The Bruins’ draft is largely dependent on James Hagen’s development, a player with first-line potential but also some risks.

Calgary Flames (B): The Flames acquired Cole Reschny, a potential top-six forward, and Cullen Potter, a prospect with the tools to be a middle-six forward.

Detroit Red Wings (B): The Red Wings’ early picks, Carter Bear and Eddie Genborg, look promising, and Michal Pradel adds goalie depth.

Washington Capitals (B): The Capitals added talent with Lynden Lakovic, Milton Gastrin, and Maxim Schafer, all with NHL potential.

Buffalo Sabres (B-): The Sabres focused on size and athleticism, selecting Radim Mrtka, a potential top-four defenseman, and other prospects with upside.

Carolina Hurricanes (B-): The Hurricanes’ draft includes several promising Russian players with NHL potential, although their selection of Charlie Cerrato is questioned.

Columbus Blue Jackets (B-): Jackson Smith is a potential top-four defenseman, but the selection of Pyotr Andreyanov at pick 20 is viewed as questionable.

Dallas Stars (B-): The Stars made a risky but potentially rewarding pick in Cameron Schmidt, a talented but inconsistent player.

Average to Below-Average Draft Classes (C+, C, & D)

Los Angeles Kings (B-): The Kings’ draft maneuvering added depth, with Henry Brzustewicz a possible NHL defenseman.

Montreal Canadiens (B-): The Canadiens, after trading their top picks, added Alexander Zharovsky, Hayden Paupanekis, and Bryce Pickford, with potential for a full-time NHL player.

Vancouver Canucks (B-): Braeden Cootes is a promising pick but the later selections are viewed as less certain.

New York Rangers (C+): Malcolm Spence is a likely middle-six winger, but other picks lack the same potential.

Minnesota Wild (C+): Theodor Hallquisth has NHL potential, but other selections are less certain.

Ottawa Senators (C+): Logan Hensler is a potential 4/5 defenseman, but other picks have less certainty.

St. Louis Blues (C+): Justin Carbonneau is a likely addition to the roster.

Tampa Bay Lightning (C+): Ethan Czata has potential as a bottom-six forward.

Vegas Golden Knights (C+): Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is a promising pick, but his consistency is a concern.

Winnipeg Jets (C+): Sascha Boumedienne has top-four defenseman potential.

New Jersey Devils (C): Conrad Fondrk and Benjamin Kevan have talent, but are not sure things.

Toronto Maple Leafs (C): Tinus Luc Koblar and Tyler Hopkins have NHL potential but may not make it.

Edmonton Oilers (C): The Oilers’ late picks are considered less likely to make the NHL.

Florida Panthers (C): Mads Kongsbak Klyvo and Shea Busch fit the team’s style but aren’t top prospects.

Colorado Avalanche (D): The Avalanche’s draft class is viewed as having little NHL potential.

Key Takeaways:

• The Islanders and Flyers had outstanding drafts, acquiring significant high-end talent.
• Several teams made solid additions to their prospect pools.
• Many teams’ draft success hinges on the development of specific high-risk, high-reward players.
• Several teams had underwhelming drafts, failing to add significant NHL potential.
• Pronman’s assessment focuses solely on the quantity of talent added, not on other factors.