Top Sixteen Predictions where they stand

So, I base these mock drafts based on how the team has been ran and how their model is. I base it off the history I've seen or which team may be looking to try an alternate pick. I also make two for what I see happening verses what I think should happen. But Sharks have said they may trade the first overall pick if they had it, but we don't worry about that. When draft day comes, I will do present an entire first round mock.


1. New York Islanders - Matthew Schaefer - The Islanders are set on Forwards and if there's anything that needs work on their team it's their defense. He could bring the kind of play that would be a more offensive. 

Preference to be picked by Islanders: James Hagens - A kid from Long Island who grew up an Islanders fan would be a great story, and tells me he'd be a player who'd wear the C proudly for them one day. I think he would bring the right amount of heart to their team after going through many heartbreaking phases such as losing Tavares. I think he plays his heart and soul for the Islanders. Reminds me of Dylan Larkin.

2. San Jose Sharks - Porter Martone - He would be great on Celebrini's right wing while William Eklund is on the left. Also brings a good defensive game to compliment Celebrini. He reminds me a lot of Mark Stone. 

Thoughts: I think the Sharks trade down for more assets and get a player in their liking which I believe to be a defenseman. But if Matt Schaefer slides down I think San Jose takes him. 

3. Chicago Blackhawks - Michael Misa - He's exactly what not just Chicago needs, but Connor Bedard because they'd make a great dynamic duo, Bedard with a right hand shot would compliment Misa who plays the same pace and shoots left. Misa and Bedard would be the next Kane/Toews that will fill the void for Blackhawks fans presenting a new era to another generation of Hawks fans. Also, Bedard should play with the right linemates rather than get them shuffled on him all the time. What I admire most is I believe Misa will be a player for a long time in this league, and that is hard to find. If I had first overall in this draft Misa is my pick. But for some reason scouts rank him lower. Misa is my preference, and reminds me of Kyle Connor.

4. Utah Mammoth - James Hagens - Best player available. 

Preference to be picked by Utah - Nolan Schaefer because I think their blue line deserves the best work to improve as they have a solid top-six already. Has a very unique playing style I've never seen, similar to Zach Werenski.

5. Nashville Predators - Anton Frondell - I believe he becomes the kind of player Nashville hopes what would be their number one centre. I don't see him making his debut until the 2026-27 season where he's developed slowly as Nashville isn't in any kind of rush. 

6. Philadelphia Flyers - Roger McQueen - Short season, but is exactly Philadelphia Flyers material, with a physical-punishing game defensively and offensively. And I believe he could build excellent chemistry with Matvei Michkov. McQueen also reminds me of Keith Primeau, an ex-Flyer who played their heart out for them. But if McQueen falls to seven, I say Boston goes after him. 

7. Boston Bruins - Carter Bear - I think the Bruins go off the board for Carter Bear as they're heading down into a rebuild and don't need to rush him into the NHL. He also plays the style of game that fits their team. He reminds me of Mike Richards. 

8. Seattle Kraken - Radim Mrtka - Seattle needs to build their defensive prospect pool more and I think he's the good fit for the Kraken down the road long-term. 

9. Buffalo Sabres - Jake O'Brien - He's what the Sabres would likely pick given their history. 

10. Anaheim Ducks - Jackson Smith - Anaheim needs defense and would be the perfect player for that team. 

11. Pittsburgh Penguins - Caleb Desnoyers - Currently ranked high, but I see him falling to Pittsburgh because what the Pens need is young centres going into their rebuild. 

12. New York Rangers - Logan Hensler - I find his game fits the Rangers long-term system. Also, I see him being the riser of this draft. 

13. Detroit Red Wings - Victor Eklund - Lucas Raymond long-term would go well with Eklund and Detroit. Also less pressure as Debrincat would be helping him develop into a 1LW for them one day. 

14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Cole Reschny - Small player, but carried the Victoria Royals on his back this season and got them a long way. Him with Fantilli or Johnson would be great chemistry.

15. Vancouver Canucks - Justin Carbonneau - If the rumour is true about Boeser leaving, with Pettersson on a long-term contract and plan for Vancouver, Carbonneau could be an ideal replacement. 

16. Montreal Canadiens - Kashawn Aitcheson - Would bring a great physical and offensive game to Vancouver for years to come. 

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