The results of the NHL Draft Lottery are in, and the New York Islanders will get first dibs at a pool of talented young prospects at the 2025 NHL Draft in June.
The Isles entered Monday's lottery with the 10th-best odds at winning, but the lucky numbers on those four magic ping pong balls catapulted New York up to the first overall selection. With the San Jose Sharks dropping to the second overall pick and the Chicago Blackhawks selecting third, there is buzz surrounding where the most anticipated future NHLers will land.
Rankings from scouts have been coming out all season long, but with a definitive draft order now, it's time to consider which prospect could fit the needs of the top three teams.
New York Islanders -- D Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters (OHL)
The Islanders have a decent amount of depth up front in terms of up-and-coming prospects, and having a standout defender would bolster the roster in a big way -- if they can make room for one.
A unanimous No. 1 pick, Matthew Schaefer is likely to join a list of elite defenseman selected first overall in the last 15 years: Owen Power in 2021, Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Aaron Ekblad in 2014.
The 17-year-old blueliner has drawn comparisons to Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets due to his ability to make quality offensive plays, then get back and defend one-on-one battles in his own zone.
Unfortunately, Schaefer was forced to miss quite a bit of time due to a broken clavicle that required surgery. But what he was able to demonstrate in his 17 games was outstanding, with a +21 rating and 22 points.
Schaefer would make a seamless addition to the Isles' back end, and could transition into taking on big minutes early in his career. New York has a bit of a logjam defensively, but there are rumblings of big moves to come this offseason including the possible buyout of Scott Mayfield.
Schaefer has the ability to jump right into NHL action, so it could be worth making some moves to go full send and open up a spot for him on the Islanders blueline.
San Jose Sharks -- C Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Sharks could have used an impactful defensive prospect like Schaefer, and the next highest-ranked D-man is Radim Mrtka predicted to go towards the lower end of the Top 10. Though there's certainly a hole to be filled on the blueline, it would be far wiser to go after one of the best two-way forwards available in Michael Misa.
Arguably the most talented center of this year's draft class, Misa has displayed his skill from a young age. He was granted exceptional status in order to join the CHL at age 15 -- something just nine skaters have ever accomplished, including John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Connor McDavid.
His accolades speak for themselves: Misa finished the season with 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games, becoming the first Saginaw player in history to lead the league in scoring. That point total is also the most by any OHL skater since Tavares (134) and Patrick Kane (145) in 2006-07.
Beyond his offensive ability though, Misa has curated a responsible style of play that brings solid possession on both sides of the puck. This makes him potentially a fantastic addition to San Jose, who have a strong first line but face a bit of a drop off offensively beyond their top four forwards.
Misa will be able to join an NHL club right out of the gates, and has the potential to compete on a high level given his track record. It could be tough to find an opening down the middle for him, so like the Islanders, we could see a deal involving someone like Alex Wennberg to free up a spot.
It also could be a possibility to see San Jose deal the second overall pick and pass up on Misa, like GM Mike Grier has said he is open to, in which case Chicago should absolutely snatch him up.
“If someone wants to make a really good offer of established young players, it’s not something I’m going to close the door on," Grier told reporters last month.
Chicago Blackhawks -- C James Hagens, Boston College (NCAA)
The Blackhawks fell from second to third overall and are struggling in terms of forward depth. With the contracts of Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Donato expiring this year, Chicago would be wise to consider drafting a quick and crafty forward like James Hagens.
Hagens is the top-rated player coming out of the United States, and for good reason. The 18-year-old center has been compared to fellow USNTDP product, Jack Hughes. A lofty comparison, but one that speaks to his playmaking, skating and overall vision of the ice.
"The way he has such a proactive, dynamic type game, always on the attack, always quick to capitalize, is evident," said Dave Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting. "He has that skill but he's also one of the first forwards back, so he just has a really good mindset."
Hagens produced at a point-per-game pace in his freshman year with Boston College, recording 37 points in as many games. He also played a big role in USA's gold medal performance at the World Junior Championships this year, notching five goals and four assists in seven games.
The great news for Chicago: Hagens is also capable of playing wing rather than center, giving Connor Bedard the perfect option for a playmaking linemate. It could wind up being something akin to what the New Jersey Devils were able to do drafting Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes so close together, who have both developed into cornerstones of the team's offense.
Overall, with the caliber of talent among the top three prospects ahead of the draft, any team would be lucky to end up with one of them on the roster. The NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles at the end of June.