Mock drafting the first 10 picks in the NHL Draft with the Blackhawks taking a power forward

The 2025 NHL draft lottery ended up being one of the most chaotic in recent memory. After a shocking turn of events, the New York Islanders jumped up nine spots to win the first overall pick with just a 3.5 percent chance of doing so.

Though, they were not the only team to move up, as the Utah Hockey Club also moved up ten spots to secure the fourth overall pick.

With the first half of round one being set, this is how the top 10 could look like in this year's NHL draft...

1. New York Islanders - Matthew Schaefer, defense, Erie (OHL)

The Islanders have begun building a prospect pool that is already much stronger than what they had around this time last year. This pick gives them the opportunity to add a truly high-end prospect to their growing pool, and Matthew Schaefer will be their guy.

Schaefer is a smooth skating defender who is electrifying offensively while also showing his effectiveness in transition. He only played in 17 games this season due to a collarbone injury suffered at the World Junior Championships, but produced 22 points in those games he was able to play in. He is arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft over the past few years and gives the Islanders a massive jumpstart on their retool.

2. San Jose Sharks - Michael Misa, center, Saginaw (OHL)

San Jose came into the draft lottery with the best odds and ultimately lost out on the Schaefer sweepstakes. In an ideal world, they would draft Schaefer to be the top-pair defenseman to compliment their plethora of young forwards. However, they get a player who is arguably on the same tier as Schafer in Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL).

Misa's stats speak for themself, his 62 goals and 135 points in just 65 games is nothing short of remarkable and shows the offensive potential he brings. Though, Misa also brings a strong two-way game that will make him a dual threat at the next level. His all-around game is similar to Macklin Celebrini which will give the Sharks a dynamic center duo for the next decade or so.

3. Chicago Blackhawks - Porter Martone, winger, Brampton (OHL)

The consensus going into this draft is that the Blackhawks will take a forward with their first pick to add another top prospect to their system. With the third pick, Porter Martone becomes their potential running-mate for Connor Bedard.

Martone brings a lot of what the Blackhawks need in their system, that being high-end skill and size. The 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds winger posted 37 goals and 98 points in 57 OHL games this year while adding 9 points in 6 playoff games. He is a true power forward who plays a physical game with a strong scoring touch that should make him a fan favorite in Chicago.