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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NHL Draft: Best Prospects Available After Round 1
The NHL draft never goes exactly the way anyone thinks. There are always a few surprises and twists that throw everyone for a loop. Every year, there are players that everyone expects to go in the first round of the NHL draft who fall to Day 2. Let's look at some of the most interesting and intriguing names remaining after the first round. Eric Nilson, C, Djurgarden (Swe.2) Nilson is one of the most intelligent and tactical centers in the draft. I've been high on him all year, and it took until the end of the year for the hype to begin to build, but it looks like it was a little too late. Nilson advances play with excellent decisions at both ends of the ice. He needs to bulk up, but the six-foot center has a ton of utility. He could be one of the first names off the board in the second round. Michal Svrcek, C/W, Brynas Jr. (Swe.) It's not shocking to see Svrcek's name on the board still, as he's an undersized forward who had a good but not great U-18s. Svrcek always drives excellent results, and he creates for teammates at a very high level. He has NHL-caliber speed and a relentless pace. He will have to continue proving people wrong about his size, but he could be a steal if he falls much more on Day 2. 2025 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More 2025 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More The 2025 NHL draft day is here. Check out the picks and scouting reports of the first round as they come in, as well as draft rankings and much more prospect coverage. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL) Another undersized forward, Schmidt is an elite shooter who plays at top speed all the time. He doesn't let his size get in the way of trying to be a pest either, getting into players' faces, pushing guys around after the whistle and even laughing at defenders after he scores on them. The kid has a ton of moxie, and his play style is brash. Someone will get a nice prospect. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) Fiddler is one of the most understated players in the draft. The defensive blueliner is a perfect complement to a skilled, offensively minded defender. He isn't a flashy or fun pick, but he is an effective and stout defensive player who can take the pressure off his defense partner. Malcolm Spence (Brandon Soto/OHL Images) Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL) Spence not getting chosen in the first round was one of the bigger surprises. He is a very meat-and-potatoes kind of player. He has had some big moments internationally, and he is a rock-solid contributor in the OHL, but his game isn't consistently flashy. He is a crafty playmaker and a good shooter. Spence plays with a physical edge and understands how to play within a pro-style system. He could be a steal on Day 2. Shane Vansaghi, LW/C, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA) A physical, hard-working forward who lays it on the line every shift, Vansaghi is typically the kind of player NHL teams will call in the first round. His production at Michigan State is likely the reason he fell a bit. He was so close, so often when it came to finding the scoresheet in his freshman season, that there is room to believe a big sophomore year is in store. He's a pro-style forward, and someone will be ecstatic to draft him. Milton Gastrin, C/LW, MoDo Jr. (Swe.) Gastrin is smart and defensively responsible with legitimate moments of intriguing skill. He was on the edge of the first round on most draft boards, so it's not entirely shocking to not see him go on Day 1, but the versatility as a center and winger is enticing. He could be a sneaky good pick early on Saturday. Alexander Zharovsky, RW, Ufa Jr. (Rus.) Zharovsky, one of the most skilled and interesting players in the draft, skyrocketed up boards by the end of the season. There is a ton of risk because he needs some refinement in various parts of his game, but the intrigue had people discussing a possible first-round selection. We will have to see where he ends up because he's a big swing. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
2025 NHL Draft: Can Calgary Flames bring depth on left wing even with emphasis on centre?
Calgary Flames (via Getty Images) With the 2025 NHL Draft closing in, the Calgary Flames are expected to employ their early first-round selection to get a top-flight centre—an organizational imperative. Nevertheless, with two selections in round one and a strong prospect base already established, left wings might not be out of consideration. Despite strong depth at the position, if a standout talent is available, Calgary could look to bolster its wing with a long-term play. Calgary Flames target skilled left wingers for some extra scoring depth in 2025 NHL Draft Could The Calgary Flames Go BIG GAME HUNTING This Summer?? | FN Barn Burner Though the primary need is probably going to be drafting a top-line center, the Calgary Flames can also look at secondary targets on the left wing in the 2025 NHL Draft, particularly with having two first-round picks. Targets like Bill Zonnon, Michal Svrcek, and Kristian Epperson offer attractive value with skill sets that could add depth to Calgary's developing lineup. Though center is the priority, the Calgary Flames' future draft plan might continue to feature talented left-wingers if they provide upside, depth, or positional versatility. With two potential players available at No. 18 or later, the front office might seek talented forwards who can play multiple roles, particularly in a year with breakout players from many different leagues internationally. Bill Zonnon: High-IQ forward with elite two-way potential Returning from a breakout year with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Montreal's Bill Zonnon scored 28 goals and 55 assists in 64 contests. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo With solid puck skills, competitive passion, and hockey smarts, Zonnon won't be there when Calgary makes its second first-round pick, but he's a name to keep an eye on. Michal Svrcek: Speed-happy Slovak winger would bring future firepower A native of Zilina, Slovakia, Michal Svrcek is a product of the Brynäs IF system — the same system that spawned William Strömgren, another Flames prospect. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, Svrcek's build might not instill fear, but his world-class speed and offensive grit have scouts salivating. With 14 goals and 16 assists in the J20 league and some SHL time this year, Svrcek looks like a potential second-round steal. Calgary has already displayed promising Slovakian prospects in Martin Pospisil and Samuel Honzek, and Svrcek's signing could be the continuation of that productive pipeline. His work ethic and dedication to both sides of the ice might make him too good to overlook. Kristian Epperson: Tough-nosed forward with potential and grit A highlight with the Saginaw Spirit, Kristian Epperson accumulated 27 goals and 53 assists, complementing top prospect Michael Misa on a high-scoring line. While bypassed in last year's draft, the Mequon, Wisconsin native developed strongly, particularly with his net-front play and working in tight spaces. He's moving on to play at the University of Denver next season, offering a structured development environment. Flames scouts probably encountered plenty of Epperson in following teammate Zayne Parekh and can consider him a seasoned, development-ready prospect if he's available after Round 1. Also read: Mitch Marner future uncertain as Leafs recall worst seasons and Flames circle: Report Flames might utilize depth draft picks to develop long-term winger depth Although the Calgary Flames are widely expected to go after a center with their top pick, the opportunity to draft a versatile or high-upside left winger should not be overlooked. With several promising forwards rising in the rankings and additional picks in hand, the 2025 NHL Draft could allow Calgary to quietly reinforce their offensive core — not just for next season, but for years to come. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
