2025 NHL Draft dads: 5 prospects following in their fathers' footsteps
It's officially time for the 2025 NHL Draft, which means we are more than likely to hear some very familiar names called once again.
Each year it seems like more children of former NHLers enter into the draft pool. Friday night's first round will be no different. Last year the draft gave us the progeny of iconic players like Jarome Iginla, Saku Koivu, Miroslav Stan and Martin Lapointe.
The 2025 class features plenty more children from the same NHL era. Which is another reminder to all of us who watched their dads just how quickly time passes (AKA we are all very old now).
2025 NHL DRAFT: The top-32 prospects, ranked
Here are some names that might get you to perk up this weekend.
Blake Fiddler, D
The son of Vernon Fiddler is rated the No. 26 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and should hear his name called relatively early on. Vernon played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils between 2005 and 2017.
Jake Stuart, F
The son of 2008 Stanley Cup champion Brad Stuart didn't follow his father's footsteps as a defenseman, but he's hoping to carve out a pro career just as lengthy as his dad's. Brad was the No. 3 overall pick of the San Jose Sharks in 1998 and didn't retire until 2016. Jake Stuart is already committed to play at the University of Denver, so we'll see how long it takes him to crack the league.
Blake Vanek, RW
Yep! That's Thomas Vanek's son. The No. 5 overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2003 who played until 2019. Six years later, Blake (ranked is ready to follow in his footsteps. Considering his dad posted 789 points in 1,029 career games across eight teams, those footsteps are quite large.
Brooks Cullen, C
The son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen is ranked the No. 164 skater in North America. Matt was the No. 35 overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 1996 and has remained in the game ever since. Most recently, the Cullens won a Minnesota AA championship with Matt serving on the coaching staff of Brooks' Moorhead High School team.
Cameron Aucoin, D
Playing the same position as his father, the son of Adrian Aucoin would love to have a similar career if possible. Adrian played in the NHL from 1994-2013, appearing in 1,100 games and serving as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Honorable Mention: Artyom Gonchar, D
The nephew of 2009 Stanley Cup champion Sergei Gonchar is one of the top international skaters on the board with NHL Central Scouting ranking him No. 11 overall. Sergei played 20 years in the NHL, making the All-Star Game twice and appearing in more than 1,300 games.
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