The yearly NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for Monday evening. It will establish the selection order for the initial 16 picks preceding the June draft event. Non-playoff teams are eagerly anticipating the outcome to refine their strategy for targeting specific players they aim to recruit.
While the 2025 draft class may not be as deep as previous years, it still provides rebuilding franchises – particularly those who have scouted thoroughly – a chance to acquire truly valuable assets for their roster.
Each NHL club approaches building its organizational depth with a distinct strategy. Some general managers direct their scouting teams to prioritize adding size, physical presence, and strength to their squads. Others might seek a defenseman capable of quarterbacking the power play and facilitating offensive transitions while maintaining defensive responsibility. Ultimately, regardless of whether the prospect is a goaltender, forward, or defenseman, the common approach for most teams is to select the “best available” player.
Considering these factors, here is my evaluation of some of the top prospects leading up to tonight`s lottery, along with a few other players worth monitoring closely as we approach the June 27-28 draft.
Why Matthew Schaefer Remains the Top Prospect
Despite being sidelined since a collarbone injury sustained at the World Juniors in Ottawa over the Christmas break, Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer retains the top spot on my ranking. Schaefer participated in only 17 games for the Otters during the 2024-25 season, having also missed early time due to mononucleosis. However, his performance leading up to this season and the significant impact he made when healthy are the deciding factors for me.
Schaefer is a well-rounded player utilized in every game situation. In his last 10 games with the Otters before joining Team Canada for the WJC, he averaged more than 29 minutes of ice time per contest, recording 4 goals, 10 assists, and a plus-13 rating. He plays with high pace and is unafraid of physical engagement.
Schaefer is projected to become a top-pair defenseman in the NHL. The team securing the first pick in the lottery should feel confident selecting him. He is the leading prospect in this draft class and a player who can significantly accelerate a team`s rebuilding process.
