Mock 2025 NHL Draft: Opinions vary following Schaefer, Misa with top 2 picks

Source: https://www.nhl.com/news/mock-2025-nhl-draft-opinions-vary-following-matthew-schaefer-michael-misa

Summary

Early 2025 NHL mock drafts highlight Owen Schaefer and Michael Misa as potential top picks, sparking debate. Schaefer, a defenseman, is praised for size and offensive skills, but some question his defense. Misa, a forward with "exceptional status," boasts elite offensive abilities, but consistency is a concern. Differing scouting philosophies and the early stage contribute to varied opinions. Projected top teams, the Islanders and Sharks, could benefit immensely from either player, yet lottery odds and player development could drastically change the predicted outcomes. The emphasis on mobile defensemen and skillful skating will be influential.

Full News Report

Here is the article: **Mock 2025 NHL Draft: Opinions Vary Following Schaefer, Misa with Top 2 Picks** The dust has barely settled from the 2024 NHL Draft, but hockey minds are already turning their attention to the future, specifically, the 2025 NHL Draft. The second round of mock drafts is starting to circulate, and one thing is clear: opinions vary wildly, especially concerning the projected top two selections. Erie Otters defenseman Owen Schaefer and Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa are the names most often associated with the coveted first and second overall picks, but not everyone agrees on the order, and some even question their assured place at the very top. The New York Islanders, coming off a lottery win in the first round of the most recent draft, and the San Jose Sharks, still rebuilding, are projected to be the beneficiaries of these potential franchise cornerstones according to several early projections. But will they be the teams making these selections? And will they choose Schaefer and Misa, and in that order? Let’s dive into the burgeoning debate surrounding the 2025 NHL Draft. **Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How** * **Who:** Owen Schaefer (Defenseman, Erie Otters) and Michael Misa (Forward, Saginaw Spirit) are the two players most often featured in the top two slots of early mock NHL drafts for 2025. * **What:** Early mock drafts are predicting the top selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, showcasing the potential future stars of the NHL. * **When:** The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for late June 2025. These mock drafts are appearing in the summer of 2024, representing very early predictions. * **Where:** The projections relate to all NHL teams, but specifically focus on the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks, currently predicted by some to have the first and second overall picks. * **Why:** Fans, scouts, and analysts are eager to identify the potential stars of the future and gauge the early landscape of the upcoming NHL draft class. * **How:** Through scouting reports, game film analysis, statistical evaluation, and interviews, analysts are formulating their initial rankings and predictions for the 2025 NHL Draft. **Owen Schaefer: The Projected Number One?** Owen Schaefer is currently the name most frequently linked with the first overall pick. A right-handed defenseman playing for the Erie Otters of the OHL, Schaefer possesses the size (already standing at a formidable 6'3"), skating ability, and offensive instincts that NHL teams crave in a modern defenseman. His poise with the puck, ability to quarterback the power play, and willingness to join the rush have drawn comparisons to established NHL players like Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar (albeit very early comparisons). However, the "number one" label isn't universally accepted. Some scouts express concerns about the consistency of his defensive game. While his offensive talent is undeniable, some worry about his ability to consistently shut down opposing forwards at the NHL level. Concerns about his physical play, or lack thereof, also persist, given his size. The next season will be crucial for Schaefer to address these concerns and solidify his claim to the top spot. **Michael Misa: A Talented Forward with a Unique History** Michael Misa, a forward playing for the Saginaw Spirit, holds the distinction of being only the sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status, allowing him to play in the league a year early. He joined names like John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Sean Day and Shane Wright. This designation immediately placed immense expectations on his shoulders. While his rookie season in the OHL was solid, it wasn't quite the dominant performance some anticipated. Misa possesses exceptional offensive skills, including elite skating, puck-handling, and playmaking abilities. He has a knack for creating scoring chances and possesses a lethal shot. He is a very good skater and has the agility and awareness to consistently generate offense. Despite his skill level, some analysts express concern about his overall consistency. He can disappear for stretches, leading some to question his ability to consistently impact the game. With Saginaw hosting the Memorial Cup, Misa will have a massive spotlight shining on him this season to prove his mettle. **The Opinions Vary: Why the Disagreement?** The variance in opinions regarding Schaefer and Misa, as well as the rest of the draft class, stems from several factors: * **Early Stage:** It's incredibly early in the draft cycle. Players are still developing, and perceptions can change dramatically over the course of a season. Performances in crucial tournaments like the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the World Junior Championship will significantly impact player rankings. * **Differing Scouting Philosophies:** Different scouts and teams prioritize different attributes. Some value offensive skill above all else, while others prioritize defensive responsibility and physical play. These differing perspectives naturally lead to disagreements about player rankings. * **Projection vs. Reality:** Scouting involves projecting a player's potential at the NHL level, not simply evaluating their current performance. This inherent uncertainty adds to the subjectivity of the process. A player who dominates in junior hockey might not necessarily translate that success to the NHL. * **Positional Needs:** Each NHL team has specific needs based on their current roster and long-term plans. A team needing a defenseman might prioritize Schaefer, while a team seeking offensive firepower might favor Misa, regardless of their overall ranking. * **The "Next Big Thing" Effect:** The pressure to identify the next generational talent can sometimes lead to overhyping certain players. Scouts might be tempted to see potential where it doesn't truly exist, leading to inflated rankings. **Potential Impact on the Islanders and Sharks** For the New York Islanders, projected by some to hold the top pick, landing either Schaefer or Misa would be a significant boost to their rebuilding efforts. Schaefer could provide a long-term solution on the blue line, while Misa could add much-needed offensive punch to a team that has struggled to score consistently. The San Jose Sharks, also in the midst of a rebuild, would benefit from adding another top prospect to their pipeline. Whether they select Schaefer or Misa, they would be adding a potential cornerstone player to build around for years to come. It’s important to remember that these teams are far from guaranteed to be selecting at the top of the draft. The NHL lottery can drastically alter the draft order, throwing all predictions into chaos. **Related Trends and Future Considerations** Several trends are worth noting as we look ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft: * **The Rise of Mobile Defensemen:** The NHL is increasingly valuing defensemen who can skate, move the puck, and contribute offensively. Schaefer fits this mold perfectly, which is why he's so highly regarded. * **Emphasis on Skating and Skill:** The game continues to get faster and more skilled, putting a premium on players who can skate well and make plays at high speed. * **Importance of Character and Leadership:** Teams are increasingly focusing on a player's character and leadership qualities. A player with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude is more likely to succeed at the NHL level. * **International Influence:** The NHL continues to become more international, with players from all over the world making significant contributions. Expect to see a growing number of European and other international prospects rising in the draft rankings as the season progresses. * **The Importance of the Memorial Cup:** Misa and the Saginaw Spirit are hosting the Memorial Cup in 2024, offering a massive showcase for Misa and his teammates. How he performs in this high-pressure environment will undoubtedly influence his draft stock. In conclusion, while early mock NHL drafts provide a glimpse into the potential future of the league, it's crucial to remember that they are just that – predictions. The 2025 NHL Draft class is shaping up to be an intriguing one, with Owen Schaefer and Michael Misa currently leading the pack, though opinions vary greatly on their order and ultimate potential. The next season will be critical in shaping the narrative and determining which players will ultimately rise to the top. The real draft is still a long way off, and anything can happen between now and then. As always, expect the unexpected.