The 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the 63rd in National Hockey League history, was held on June 27–28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. With the first overall selection, the New York Islanders chose defenseman Matthew Schaefer, marking the franchise’s first time picking number one since 2009.
The presence of Canadian players among the top picks is noteworthy, and diehard fans will surely recognize their names on sports betting Canada websites. Read more about the constellation of young Canadian stars promising to fire up the competition.
Rising Canadian Talents Changing the NHL Landscape
Matthew Schaefer
Matthew Schaefer is a young, Canadian defenseman from Hamilton, Ontario, who was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6′2″ and possessing an advanced skating stride, his game is marked by poise, vision, and strong two-way instincts. Despite a season shortened by injury and illness, Schaefer’s rallying performance—scoring 22 points in just 17 games—caught the eyes of scouts, and the Islanders selected him for his maturity, resilience, and elite puck-moving ability.
He is expected to bring to the NHL a modern defensive style capable of leading breakout transitions, quarterbacking the power play, and anchoring a shutdown pairing — qualities that may allow him to become a foundational pillar for the Islanders’ blue line for years to come.
Michael Misa
Michael Misa is a highly touted Canadian forward who was granted exceptional player status to enter the Ontario Hockey League at just 15 years old. During his time with the Saginaw Spirit, he shattered records, including surpassing Connor McDavid’s OHL Cup scoring record, and led the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring with 134 points in his draft-eligible season, earning OHL MVP honors and a Memorial Cup championship.
The San Jose Sharks selected Misa, a center, with the second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He is expected to bring elite offensive talent to the NHL, characterized by his exceptional skating, high hockey IQ, and dynamic playmaking abilities. Scouts praise his dual-threat capability as both a potent goal-scorer with a quick, accurate shot and a creative playmaker with outstanding vision, projecting him to be a future top-line forward and a cornerstone of the Sharks’ offense.
Caleb Desnoyers
Caleb Desnoyers is a rising young center hailing from Saint‑Hyacinthe, Quebec, who was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Utah Mammoth. Known for his hockey IQ, playmaking instincts, two‑way game, and leadership presence, Desnoyers brings a mature foundation for a future NHL middle forward.
Although wrist surgery will sideline him for approximately 12 weeks, his vision, puck distribution, strong defensive awareness, and willingness to compete in all zones suggest he can evolve into a dependable top‑6 center capable of driving offense, stabilizing the forward core, and anchoring both ends of the ice at the NHL level.
Porter Martone
Porter Martone is a dynamic and powerful Canadian forward who has been a standout player for the Mississauga Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he has been recognized for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and leadership qualities, serving as team captain. The Philadelphia Flyers selected Martone, a right winger, with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
He is expected to bring a highly coveted combination of size, skill, and grit to the NHL. Known as a pure goal-scorer with a heavy, accurate shot, Martone excels at finding open space in the offensive zone and possesses the strength to win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. His robust, pro-style game and consistent offensive production project him as a future top-six power forward who can be a significant contributor on the scoresheet and a key piece of a team’s power play.
Roger McQueen
Roger McQueen is a towering and highly skilled center from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who was selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2025 NHL Draft. A standout for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, the 6-foot-5 forward is poised to bring a rare and coveted combination of immense size and high-end offensive talent to the NHL.
He is recognized for his impressive puck-handling skills for a player of his stature, a strong net-front presence, and the ability to use his large frame to protect the puck and create scoring chances. McQueen projects to be a dominant top-six, and potentially a first-line, center who can be a significant scoring threat and a formidable physical matchup for any opponent, offering the Ducks a potential cornerstone piece for their future offense.
Jackson Smith
Jackson Smith is a highly-regarded Canadian prospect from Calgary, Alberta, who was selected 14th overall in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. A large, smooth-skating defenceman, Smith played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL before committing to Penn State University.
He is expected to bring a polished, two-way game to the NHL, defined by his elite skating ability and high hockey IQ. Standing at 6-foot-3, he uses his size and mobility effectively to defend, win puck battles, and quickly transition the puck up the ice. While his offensive game is still developing, he projects to be a top-four defenceman who can be relied upon in all situations and contribute secondary offence from the blue line.
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