The San Jose Sharks selected Michael Misa as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, recognizing him as a highly talented and well-rounded center from the OHL with impressive scoring and play-driving skills.
Matthew Schaefer, a highly regarded defenseman from Erie Otters, is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, which will be held in a decentralized format in Los Angeles. The draft will see the New York Islanders, who won the lottery, potentially selecting Schaefer, marking a significant moment as he could be the first Erie/OHL player to go No. 1 since Connor McDavid in 2015. Schaefer has overcome injuries and personal loss to emerge as the top prospect, with analysts emphasizing his exceptional talent and fit for NHL teams.
The Anaheim Ducks have trimmed their training camp roster to 55 players by assigning several players to junior teams, including Rodwin Dionicio, Connor Hvidston, Nico Myatovic, Coulson Pitre, Vojtech Port, Konnor Smith, Yegor Sidorov, and Carey Terrance. The roster now consists of 31 forwards, 18 defensemen, and six goaltenders.
The Washington Capitals have selected center Patrick Thomas from the Hamilton Bulldogs in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Thomas, who led the Bulldogs in scoring last season, was passed up in the 2022 Draft but impressed with increased ice time. He is seen as a defensively responsible forward and will be eligible to turn pro a year earlier due to his advanced age. The Capitals are betting on increased ice time unlocking his potential.
Shane Wright, the Seattle Kraken's No. 4 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, is playing in the Calder Cup Finals with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and has been getting better with each shift. However, due to the NHL-CHL agreement, he may have to return to the OHL next season as he has only played two seasons of junior hockey and missed the 25-game threshold for this season to count as one of his four junior campaigns by one game. Seattle is seeking clarification on this, but if he can't play in the AHL, he'll either have to be on the Kraken roster on opening night or he'll have to be back in the OHL, likely with the Windsor Spitfires.