The day is finally here. 

On Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft will begin. Team general managers, draft prospects, and fans alike have been preparing for and awaiting this day for a long while, and there is already a ton of buzz around this, potentially, being a very interesting draft.

And one of the teams generating the most buzz? Kyle Dubas's Pittsburgh Penguins.

After the decision by the New York Rangers to give Pittsburgh their 12th overall pick in this year's draft - which officially completed the J.T. Miller and Marcus Pettersson trades - the Penguins are slated to select back-to-back at 11th and 12th overall. The team has never selected back-to-back before, and they'll have the opportunity to add two impact players who could play a big part in their future.

But, it might not go down the way you think. 

There are several reports that the Penguins are willing to either trade up in the draft or pony up one of those picks for the "right young player," as per Darren Dreger of TSN. Whatever way they decide to go, they'll be getting two good young players - but, obviously, the door is open for them to draft a game-changer, should they decide to move up.

So, with that said, here are two draft scenarios for the Penguins - and who I think they'll select in these scenarios.

2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And MoreThe 2025 NHL draft kicks off Friday evening, so it’s time to get in the spirit by conducting the final mock draft of the season. 

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Penguins stand pat at 11 and 12

It should be emphasized that, despite all the buzz around the Penguins, they very well could play it safe and do exactly this. So, what would happen if the Penguins stay put?

Truthfully, the odds are that the Penguins are going to get a pair of difference-making players regardless. Names are bound to fall, and I believe one will. 

Given the alleged focus on centers in this draft class, it's entirely possible that the Penguins could snag Swedish left wing Victor Eklund, who is - arguably - one of the most skilled players in the draft. Eklund registered 19 goals and 31 points for Djurgardens IF of HockeyAllsvenskan last season, and he played alongside top-five draft hopeful Anton Frondell.

Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Victor EklundWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

Drawing comparisons to NHL forwards such as Jesper Bratt and Travis Konecny, the relentless forward would be a very solid choice for the Penguins at 11 - and, seemingly, a very realistic one.

As for the 12th overall spot? There's a good chance that spot belongs to defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, who the Penguins have had conversations with.

The hard-hitting left defender - contrary to popular belief - isn't just known for his meanness, physicality, and shutdown ability. He is also known for his booming shot, ability to aid the transition game, and steady offensive production, as he finished seventh overall in OHL scoring among defensemen with 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games for the Barrie Colts last season. 

If the Penguins draft back-to-back at 11 and 12 - again - they'll be getting two good players. And they could also be getting a potential high-end forward and a top-four defenseman, which are both things they desperately need in their system.

Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn AitchesonWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. 

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Penguins trade up, draft third overall

It is, perhaps, unwise to read too much into speculation around draft day. Teams purposefully leak things, and misleading narratives are told left and right, to try to throw other teams off in hopes of a given team being able to land who they want. 

But, as Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects said, this year seems to feel a bit different. 

Y'all wouldn't believe the stuff that's floating around out there right now.

If even a fraction of it happens, we're shaping up for a very fun Friday.

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) June 26, 2025

As mentioned before, there is a lot of talk about the Penguins potentially moving up in the draft in order to be able to select an elite talent. Having the Rangers' first-round pick gives them quite a bit more flexibility to do so.

And it's something I predict is going to happen.

It has been reported that the Chicago Blackhawks - who are currently slated to draft third overall - are trying to take a step this year and are open to dealing that pick for some NHL help. They are also one of the teams rumored to be interested in Penguins' veteran winger Rickard Rakell, who had a career season with 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25. 

If you do the math, it's not all that difficult to see a package from the Penguins involving Rakell and their 11th overall pick to Chicago for their top-three pick. 

Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick?It has been rumored that the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft.

It's possible that more would have to be involved to get a deal across the finish line, but - given that the Penguins would still have that 12th overall selection and that they're in the midst of a rebuild - a move like this certainly makes sense. And it will be one of the biggest storylines to watch out for on Friday.

If the Penguins do bump up to third overall, I think their guy is Frondell. Frondell has steadily climbed the draft board after his season with Djurgardens IF - alongside Eklund - that saw him put up 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games.

He was putting up such numbers after a slow start and as a 17-year-old in HockeyAllsvenskan, and this was just one season after registering 18 goals and 39 points in 29 games as part of J20 Nationell in 2023-24 - again, dominating despite his young age. He is also projected as an elite two-way centerman, which is something that certainly excites NHL clubs.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the Penguins do move up - and, if they do, how far they are interested in moving up. Dubas is known to be enamored with right wing Porter Martone as well, so it's possible that Pittsburgh could look to even just move up a handful of spots in order to land him.

Regardless, things should be interesting. And I do think they will try to move up.

NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah ForwardThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster. While there certainly is a chance that they could end up trading away some of their key players before the off-season is done, they also should not be afraid to acquire players who could help them in the long term.

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Final first-round predictions

Here are my final predictions for the first-round draft order on Friday:

1. D Matthew Schaefer - New York Islanders 
2. C Michael Misa - San Jose Sharks
3. C Anton Frondell - Pittsburgh Penguins (traded by Chicago Blackhawks on draft day)
4. C James Hagens - Utah Hockey Club
5. RW Porter Martone - Nashville Predators
6. C Caleb DeSnoyers - Philadelphia Flyers
7. C Brady Martin - Boston Bruins
8. D Radim Mrtka - Seattle Kraken
9. C Jake O'Brien - Buffalo Sabres
10. C Roger McQueen - Anaheim Ducks
11. LW Victor Eklund - Chicago Blackhawks (traded by Pittsburgh Penguins on draft day)
12. D Kashawn Aitcheson - Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers)
13. C Justin Carbonneau - Detroit Red Wings
14. D Jackson Smith - Columbus  Blue Jackets
15. LW Carter Bear - Vancouver Canucks

Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? With the 2025 NHL draft quickly approaching, teams around the league are finalizing their draft boards in hopes of landing the best young talent from around the hockey world.

16. C Cole Reschny - Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary)
17. D Logan Hensler - Montreal Canadiens
18. C Braeden Cootes - Calgary Flames (from New Jersey)
19. LW Lynden Lakovic - St. Louis Blues
20. RW Malcolm Spence - Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota)
21. C Jack Nesbitt - Ottawa Senators
22. D Blake Fiddler - Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado)
23. C Ivan Ryabkin - Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay)
24. C Cullen Potter - Los Angeles Kings 
25. RW Alexander Zharovsky - Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto)
26. G Joshua Ravensbergen - Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose)
27. C Eric Nilson - Washington Capitals 
28. D Sascha Boumedienne - Winnipeg Jets
29. RW Daniil Prokhorov - Carolina Hurricanes
30. D Cameron Reid - San Jose Sharks (from Dallas)
31. C Cole McKinney - Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton)
32. RW Ryker Lee - Calgary Flames (from Florida)

Get your hands on The Hockey News' Draft Preview Issue today by clicking here.

2025 NHL Draft: Islanders, Canadiens, Penguins Hold Pivotal Points In Round 1Every NHL draft, there are pivot points that affect what happens next. 

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Feature image credit: Michael Augello-The Hockey News

Ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks revealed new sweaters for their upcoming centennial season. They will wear these during home games during the 2025-26 season. 

Chicago has always been known for having one of the most recognizable uniforms in all of sports, and this new sweater celebrates what has made it so iconic. 

Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XINTRODUCING OUR 2025-26 CENTENNIAL JERSEY‼️ In 1955, we created something special—a red sweater with black and white stripes that would become the most beloved and iconic jersey in all of sports. Seventy years later, it remains largely unchanged proving that true classicsVinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) on X🚨 Chicago Blackhawks centennial sweaters 🚨 (Courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks via Fanatics)

There is a gold outline surrounding the crest, which is inspired by the gold-trim sweaters that the Blackhawks used to wear in their earlier days.

The new centennial patch is on the shoulder to signify it as the jersey worn by the team in its 100th year of existence. 

A new twist to the jersey is a lace-up collar, which has become popular around the National Hockey League. This is to mark a mash-up of the past and future of the franchise. 

Chicago has had Stanley Cup success over the course of their history, including recently. All six of their victorious seasons are hemmed inside the jersey. Fans can always remember the years in which the Stanley Cup returned to Chicago. 

“The Blackhawks sweater has consistently been voted the best jersey in sports by players and fans alike. For our Centennial season, we wanted to honor that iconic symbol of Chicago’s hockey heritage that has remained largely unchanged since 1955,”  Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “While the classic elements of the jersey stay the same, thoughtful design details make this jersey unique – melding past and present while proving that the best traditions transcend trends.”

Being an original six team, having an iconic sweater has always been a part of the identity for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. Now, for the special season ahead, there is a new twist to their home jersey for everyone to enjoy. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

The wait is over, and the 2025 NHL draft starts Friday at 7 p.m. ET. 

Most NHL franchises look to alter their course with big trades, draft picks and a new outlook.

There’s no better time than right before the festivities to do a mailbag, answering some questions surrounding the NHL draft and the players involved. Let’s look at some of the questions you sent my way via X, messages and in comments on THN.com. 

What’s behind everyone dropping James Hagens right at the end of the year?

I think the reason Hagens has dropped a bit in the last few weeks is that he’s been on everyone’s radar for so long, so he’s been a bit overscouted. 

This is the same player we watched at the World Men’s Under-18s two years ago as a 16-year-old before setting the scoring record at the tournament last year. Having aged out of that tournament this year as a late-2006 born player, Hagens became an effective player at the World Junior Championship. We’ve seen him on the big stage so many times in recent years that some people are just used to how he plays.

We’ve seen two elite-level talents play in the NCAA and win the Hobey Baker Trophy as freshmen: Adam Fantilli and Macklin Celebrini. Hagens didn’t put up Hobey Baker numbers, but he was a point-per-game center on one of the country's most dominant teams. He showed he can add a bit more physicality to his game on top of his silky smooth hands and slippery skating, to which we’ve become accustomed. 

Hagens finished the year at No. 3 on my board and No. 5 on The Hockey News editor in chief Ryan Kennedy’s draft board. Not everyone is underrating him, but those who do could be in for a reality check when he blossoms into one of the draft’s most impressive offensive players.

Where would Michael Misa rank in last year’s draft?

For reference, my NHL draft rankings last year were as follows: 

1. Macklin Celebrini
2. Ivan Demidov
3. Berkly Catton
4. Cayden Lindstrom
5. Zeev Buium

Where Misa fits in there feels immediately clear to me. He’s behind Celebrini, but I would at least have the debate between the two centers. Demidov likely also slides ahead of Misa (and Schaefer), but I would easily have him ahead of Catton and Lindstrom. Matthew Schaefer would be the top defender in the class, ahead of Buium for me.

Even a year later, the order of my top five wouldn’t change, so there is no need to add in Artyom Levshunov or Zayne Parekh. The top two for this year, Misa and Schaefer, would be easily the third and fourth players in this group.

Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? With the 2025 NHL draft quickly approaching, teams around the league are finalizing their draft boards in hopes of landing the best young talent from around the hockey world.

Why is Henry Brzustewicz not ranked on your list?

Among the players unranked on my list, Brzustewicz and David Bedkowski get asked about the most. 

The two OHL defensemen are off the list for very different reasons. To be clear, both players will be drafted and deservedly so. There is a world where I would take them in a draft if the situation called for it. Unfortunately, they are valued much lower for me than the consensus, and if I were to get to them, it would be very late in the draft. 

Let’s start with Bedkowski. The bruising blueliner is one of the more physical and intimidating players in the draft, punishing players all over the ice. His willingness to throw his weight around is admirable. The concerns I have with his on-puck game are quite substantial, though. He panics a bit under pressure and tends to just fire the puck to nowhere at times. So much of his game must come a long way to reach the point where his physicality is realistically effective. It’s not to say that it won’t come, but he’ll need to work with a skills coach and watch plenty of film. 

With Brzustewicz, it’s almost the opposite. His game with the puck is quite solid, and he showed more creativity and skill whenever he got the opportunity. 

That said, it’s tough to overlook his defensive habits and some of his often-questionable decision-making. He often tried to push play to the middle, but there were so many times a pass had no recipient, or he wasn’t patient with the puck. There could be a very good player here, but must work on getting his details right. He strikes me as a player who will have a very good CHL career, look great in the AHL but lose his game a bit in the NHL.

2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And MoreThe 2025 NHL draft kicks off Friday evening, so it’s time to get in the spirit by conducting the final mock draft of the season. 

Who are the top five defense-first blueliners?

This year’s defense group has different tiers and categories. Schaefer’s alone at the top, and a group of five or six players follow before getting to a bunch of what I’ve deemed specialists. When it comes to defensive hockey and shutdown defense, there are a number of players who fit that mold.

In one of my latest articles, I covered the top five, plus an underrated player and some honorable mentions for 12 categories, and best shut-down defender was one of them. Here is the top five:

1. Radim Mrtka

2. Blake Fiddler

3. Sascha Boumedienne

4. Matthew Schaefer

5. Jackson Smith

Underrated: Sean Barnhill

These six defenders all play defensive hockey in their own way. Barnhill could have easily made the list, but there hasn’t been much buzz around the big, mobile blueliner, so he fit right into the underrated slot. Mrtka has a boatload of potential as a shutdown guy, and Fiddler has an excellent floor. Boumedienne, Schaefer and Smith are all elite movers who use that to cut down play. Be sure to check out the full “Top Traits” article covering shooters, playmakers, motors, two-way forwards, and so much more here. 

Which player do you think realistically outplays his draft position the most?

This is an interesting question because I could have easily said LJ Mooney or Adam Benak. They are two of the most skilled and cerebral players in the draft class who likely would have been top-15 talents had they been six-feet or even close, but they are 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-8, respectively. If they hit, they could be wickedly good, and teams will regret not taking them before the mid-late portion of the draft. 

The question was centered around what’s realistic, though, so that slightly changes things. 

Eric Nilson comes to mind initially as a highly intelligent, tactical center who understands how to come out on top just about every shift. His biggest issue is that he needs to add some weight to his frame, but his agile, swift playmaking based on his IQ is very impressive. 

Cullen Potter also comes to mind. He’s one of the fastest skaters in the class and a slick and precise playmaker. 

Potter was a play-driving beast for Arizona State as one of the youngest players in the NCAA, but because he didn’t have much help around him, he couldn’t benefit from the playmaking side of his game. He scored as many goals as Hagens this year in the NCAA and brought an effective transition and playmaking game.

The final name I’ll add here is Sascha Boumedienne, the defenseman from Boston University. His mobility is so smooth and crisp, and he’s developed into such a solid all-around defender. His offensive game was muted a bit as he adjusted to the NCAA, but when he had the chance to play against his age group at the U-18s, he set the record for scoring by a blueliner. He’s got some things to refine, but if Boumedienne hits, he could be the second-best defender in the class.

2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Final Top 80The 2025 NHL draft cycle nears the end, and it’s been a unique class.

Which team makes the surprise pick that throws everyone off?

I wish I knew. The Nashville Predators have three picks in the first round, so maybe they take a chance and go off the board. The Montreal Canadiens or Pittsburgh Penguins could be the surprise of the round as they each possess back-to-back picks and could trade up to grab a top-end prospect. There is sure to be a surprise, but it’s only a surprise because no one saw it coming.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

While there are plenty of teams trying to take the next step right now and the competition to land quality centers is fierce, a new option has just landed on the market, and it’s an option that has proven chemistry with Montreal Canadiens’ rookie Ivan Demidov.

Last season in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, Demidov spent time skating alongside former NHL player Evgeny Kuznetsov. After finishing his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023-24, the pivot decided to sign a new contract with the Raleigh-based outfit with a $3.9 M AAV. Still, days later, the parties mutually decided to part ways, and he was put on unconditional waivers.

Canadiens: Gorton Speaks On The Eve Of The Draft
Canadiens May Recalibrate Target
Could The Canadiens Swing A Big Trade With The Golden Knights?

The Russian then headed back home to Russia, where he signed a four-year pact with SKA on July 24, 2024. In 39 games under Roman Rotenberg, the pivot put up 37 points, picked up 38 penalty minutes, and finished his season with a plus-13 rating. However, in early April, the club and the player agreed to part ways, and the contract was terminated.

On Thursday, Kuznetsov’s agent Shumi Babaev announced that his client has decided he wants to return to the NHL next season, and he has reportedly already had talks with multiple teams who could potentially be interested.

The 33-year-old has played 743 games in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and the Hurricanes, picking up 575 points in the process. His most productive campaigns came skating alongside fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin when he gathered 83 points in 79 games. That was in the 2017-18 season, when the Caps won the Stanley Cup. In these playoffs, he scored 32 points in just 24 games. However, Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after recording 27 points, including 15 goals.

The end of Kuznetzov’s tenure in Washington was a rocky one, as he joined the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February 2024. There hasn’t been any confirmation as to what prompted him to enter the program, but he was banned from playing for Russia for four years in 2019 following a positive drug test for cocaine. That same year, he was also suspended for three NHL games for “inappropriate conduct”.

After he was cleared to return, the Caps placed him on waivers, where he went unclaimed and was assigned to Hershey in the AHL before being traded to Carolina. There’s no denying that Kuznetsov could be an interesting option for Demidov on the ice, but only if his issues with the ice are behind him.

Given what Jeff Gorton said to the media on Thursday about not being careful not to bring a player that wouldn’t be a good fit in the room, the Canadiens would have to be satisfied that there is no chance of his behavior becoming an issue.

Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Tomáš Hertl, who was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights from the San Jose Sharks late in the 2023-24 season, has recently been the subject of trade rumors again, which THN Vegas writer Julian Gaudio recently explained in detail.

Hertl is currently back home in his native Czechia with his family, training for the upcoming season. Recently, he was interviewed by Hokej.cz journalist Ondřej Mach, whose piece was published on Friday morning in Europe. In it, Hertl spoke about the speculation about him heading to the Carolina Hurricanes, his recovery from a shoulder injury suffered in March, and his off-season with the family in Prague.

What is your view on what has been circulating in the North American media recently?
“Honestly, I didn’t even know – it was the people around me who told me. I knew the situation – they can’t trade me at all until July 1, and then I have three teams that I can choose from. Then general manager Kelly McCrimmon called me and said he was sorry that this had even come up, and that nothing was being discussed. I was calm; I have the situation in hand. When a journalist writes something, everyone’s reaction is quick. I know that (the Golden Knights) are counting on me for next year, but you can never know anything 100 percent. That’s just how it works.”

Do you appreciate the Golden Knights GM reaching out to you?
“Yeah, that was nice. Everyone was writing to me that I was going to Carolina and I didn’t know why, based on our conversations after the season had ended. Vegas is one of those aggressive teams, so nobody has anything 100 percent certain, whether it’s Jack Eichel or whoever. They want to win, they have a quality team, and they make big moves. We’ll see what happens in the free agent market in a week.”

Are you happy with how your first full season in Sin City went?
“I would have been happier if we’d lasted longer in the playoffs. But after the start, when I was getting used to playing with new guys and a new team, things started to click around December. I found my line and the team was playing great. Plus, we had one of the best power plays in the league. Everything was going great until I got injured 10 games before the playoffs. That was an unfortunate moment – I was worried that I wouldn’t even get back in time for the playoffs. The first round was good, then the second against Edmonton… I didn’t score a goal, even though I had some decent games … but (scoring) was expected of me, so that was a disappointment.”

REPORT: 'Smoke' Surrounding Possible Golden Knights and Hurricanes Trade Involving Tomas HertlThe Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly working on a trade that would send Tomas Hertl to the Hurricanes. 

During the playoffs, were you taking any anesthetics?
“A little bit. That comes with the territory, and you don’t even think about it. Of course, I would have preferred not to have gotten injured. I had scored two hat tricks in two weeks (prior to the injury), was scoring goals, and I could have reached a new (career) high. It would have been better if it hadn’t happened.”

When you mentioned the setup in the Vegas organization, do you feel the pressure to succeed? In eight years in the league, the Golden Knights have made it to the finals twice and won the Stanley Cup.
“The first year, they were lucky to (make the finals). But the organization is set up that way, it works great. The general manager goes for it every year; he takes advantage of the gaps in the salary cap. Like Tampa. They don’t rely on drafting a player who will be good in two or three years. That’s why I was really happy to go there. Careers are getting shorter, and you want to be on a team where you can win something.”

Radim Zohorna Signs With Swedish ClubCzech forward Radim Zohorna, 29, has signed a two-year contract with Färjestad BK, the SHL club announced on Friday.

Are you 100 percent healthy yet? The injury didn’t let you go to the World Championship.
“Yeah, it’s fine. It doesn’t limit me at all. Now I have the whole summer to strengthen my shoulder, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I should be 100 percent. It’s just a matter of strengthening it, but according to the doctors, and how I feel, I should be fine.

Is the preparation for the upcoming season in full swing?
“I don’t take any big time off. I’m happy to keep going. The kids keep me up to speed, but I’m already in preparation – I’m training with Radim Zohorna and Martin Nečas, like I have for the last three years. I’m in the gym for now and I’m going to the ice soon. And I’m also doing some sports around here.”

And are you planning to relax somewhere by the sea?
“We’re not flying anywhere; we’re more staying around home. When the 4 Nations were played in February, we went on vacation. We have a lot going on now – we have some weddings to go to in the next four weeks. Maybe we’ll take a long weekend, but for now we’d rather have some family time at home in Prague.”

© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Martin Nečas: “I’m ready for anything” A restricted free agent, Martin Nečas has been the focus of trade rumors the entire off-season, and now he has elected for salary arbitration.