How far a player falls in the NHL Draft can cost millions. This analysis shows the level of draft uncertainty in the 2025 NHL draft.
The 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles starts tonight at 7pm ET with the New York Islanders selecting this year’s No. 1 overall pick. For top prospects, it is a moment of lifelong dreams fulfilled. But for others, the night can turn costly, not just emotionally, but financially. Each pick a player slides down the board can mean a smaller signing bonus, a lower rookie salary, and in some cases, millions left on the table. So just how expensive is a draft-day slide in the NHL?Mock NHL Draft Predictions Show Uncertainty
Various hockey analysts have made their NHL mock draft predictions and the unanimous No.1 overall pick is Matthew Schaefer. The 6’2″, 183-pound defenseman from the Erie Otters in the OHL has been praised for his skating, hockey IQ, and offensive upside despite a season-ending collarbone injury at the 2025 World Juniors. He is widely projected to develop into a top-pairing NHL defenseman.
While Matthew Schaefer remains the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the rest of the first round is shaping up to be anything but predictable. With each pick down the draft there is increasing uncertainty. Most analysts agree that Michael Misa, C, will be the No. 2 overall selection, but from pick No. 3 onward, mock drafts diverge sharply.
