The New York Islanders are officially on the clock, and this year’s draft class brings serious depth at the top. Michael Misa headlines the group after putting up a remarkable 134-point season, setting the tone for a talent-rich board. Right next to him, standout names like Matthew Schaefer, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, and James Hagens each offer a unique mix of skill, upside, and NHL readiness.
With so much elite potential in play early on, NHL Entry Draft 2025 odds point to a first round packed with high-stakes decisions and possible shakeups starting June 27.
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft will be held at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with the first round on June 27 and rounds 2–7 set for June 28. The Islanders secured the top pick after winning the 2025 NHL draft lottery, followed by the Sharks, Blackhawks, and Kraken.
With standout prospects like Michael Misa, Matthew Schaefer, and Porter Martone projected to go early, oddsmakers are tracking every move ahead of the big night. Bettors can expect team-specific props, draft position totals, and player-over-under odds to open soon at the best NCAA hockey sportsbooks. Given the hype around this class, don’t be surprised if books shift lines quickly as insider info begins to surface.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Annual Pre-season Event |
| 🏟️ Venue: | Peacock Theater, L.A. Live, Los Angeles, United States |
| 🗓️ Dates: | 27–28 June 2025 |
The NHL Draft gives teams a key opportunity to shape their future by adding young talent from North America and abroad. Whether it’s a club looking to rebuild from the ground up or a contender searching for that extra depth, smart draft picks can shift a team’s outlook for years. It’s not just about stars at the top—late-round surprises and well-scouted prospects often end up making a serious impact.
The draft order is designed to keep things competitive across the league. The 16 teams that miss the playoffs enter a lottery, where those with the worst records have the best shot at landing a high pick. Interest has grown beyond just the front offices—betting sites for NHL Draft markets now track odds on top picks and team moves. From picks 17 to 32, the order depends on playoff results: teams that exit early get better slots, while the Stanley Cup winner wraps up the round at 32.
Take a look at how the top five players stack up in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft according to the latest odds available on leading ice hockey betting apps.
| Draft Players | 1st Pick Odds | 2nd Pick Odds | 3rd Pick Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Schaefer | 1.48 (10/21) | 2.30 (13/10) | — |
| Michael Misa | 4.00 (3/1) | 1.61 (8/13) | — |
| James Hagens | 3.50 (5/2) | 16.0 (15/1) | — |
| Anton Frondell | 51.0 (50/1) | 31.0 (30/1) | — |
| Porter Martone | 51.0 (50/1) | 13.0 (12/1) | — |
The leading name in this draft is a composed, all-situations defender who stood out even with limited games. Matthew Schaefer played heavy minutes, anchored Erie’s blue line, and continued to show why many teams see him as a long-term building block.
Among the top playmakers, one name still stands out. Challenging him up front is an elite scorer out of Saginaw, who finished the year as the OHL’s top point-getter. Michael Misa thrived as a center and proved just how dangerous he can be in transition or on the power play, reflected clearly in early 2025 NHL Draft odds.
James Hagens delivered quietly consistent production at Boston College and excelled internationally with Team USA. His passing vision and ability to slow the game down give him unique value.
If teams are looking for a physical edge with scoring touch, there’s a clear choice. Porter Martone brings both, combining power-forward instincts with smart puck movement. His game suits the demands of postseason hockey.
Another player drawing attention is a two-way forward out of Sweden who made an impact despite limited appearances. Anton Frondell’s positional flexibility and strong release have kept him in first-round conversations throughout the spring.
In this next section, you can take a look at our pics for draft predictions NHL 2025.
1 (50%)
(50%) 1
Caleb Desnoyers brings a rare mix of vision, two-way reliability, and leadership that’s made him a serious top-five contender. His numbers show consistency, but his maturity and poise stand out just as much. Still, with early picks likely focused on high-impact scorers or defensemen, Desnoyers could slip just outside the top four, making over 4.5 one of the most intriguing 2025 NHL Draft first-round predictions.
2 (100%)
0
Martone brings size, skill, and a 98-point OHL season—but that might not be enough to crack the top four. Teams picking early could favor centers or more complete blueliners, leaving Martone available just a little later. If you’re betting on draft-day priorities over raw production, this pick might be of interest.
2 (100%)
0
Frondell has the potential to climb into top-three territory thanks to his smart positioning, two-way game, and strong international play. He’s been heavily linked to teams picking early, with some insiders calling him the safest pick among the top forwards. The market movement suggests front offices see him as a high-floor option—one unlikely to slide past pick No. 3.
2 (100%)
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A rare dual-sport athlete, West’s upside is undeniable—but his split focus between hockey and football has led to hesitation from some teams. Still, his physicality and raw talent could be too tempting to pass up in NHL 2025 draft second-round predictions. This bet leans on belief in his long-term commitment to the NHL.
One rule worth watching this year is that teams can only move up via the lottery twice in a five-year span, starting from 2022. With some franchises already hitting that limit, expect ripple effects in the 2025 NHL Draft order—possibly pushing stronger teams higher and shifting odds in unexpected ways.
With draft day nearly here, fans and bettors alike are preparing for a night full of surprises. Between rising prospects, team needs, and shifting odds, every pick counts. If you’re following the markets, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft betting guide offers the edge you need to spot value before the first name is called.
