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Chicago Tribune
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Who did the Chicago Blackhawks select in the 2025 NHL draft? Here are the latest picks.
The Chicago Blackhawks made three first-round selections Friday in the 2025 NHL draft. The Hawks drafted the top-ranked international player with the No. 3 pick in the NHL draft — Swedish forward Anton Frondell. They also selected Czech winger Vaclav Nestrasil with the No. 25 pick. Shortly after choosing Nestrasil, the Hawks traded with the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire another first-round pick at No. 29. They gave up two second-round picks, Nos. 34 and 62, plus a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft. They used the No. 29 pick on Mason West. All told, the Hawks have had 11 first-round draft picks over the last four years. Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said that it hasn't happened by chance — it's intentional. 'The more you pick early … you're more likely to succeed,' Davidson said. 'And so we've taken that philosophy and tried to hit it with volume. 'But I also believe that some of these players are getting to the NHL, some of them are on their path. But from our assessment, an objective assessment, we feel their development so far, we are ahead of the odds in some way — I think we are beating the odds and getting a few more players out of drafts than you know, the odds may dictate.' Blackhawks' 2025 draft picks It all started with a pair of pink figure skates. 'It was the first time I stepped on the ice,' Swedish forward Anton Frondell, 18, said on Friday's ESPN broadcast of the NHL draft. 'Dad just found some pink figure skating skates. I actually skated with them for a year until he (found) out, (and said) 'Oh, Anton, he loves the sport. He wants this.' 'Then he bought me my real first skates. He really wanted me to be a tennis player when I was younger. But I didn't fall for the sport.' NHL Central Scouting regards Frondell as a skilled player with strong legs and a quick stick. '(He) has a nifty wrist shot and his release is solid and accurate. His hockey IQ shines with intelligent moves, with or without the puck. Likes to set up teammates using small moves and tricky passes.' Frondell said he'd like to play in the NHL next season, but it's more likely he'll return to Sweden to play in the men's league. However, Davidson said he'll be able to play in the Hawks' training camp. Davidson said of Frondell, 'He's a really smart hockey player. He uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL.' 'Barkov's probably a few inches taller. … I would say he's probably between a Barkov and an Anton Lundell … he's a big, detail-oriented center with a brain.'—Blackhawks scouting director Mike Doneghey on Anton Frondell and comparisons to Aleksander Barkov — Phil Thompson (@ 2025-06-28T04:16:41.753ZWinger Vaclav Nestrasil is a 6-foot-5, 187-pound native of Praha, Czechia, who produced 19 goals and 23 assists in 61 games for UHSL Muskegon en route to this year's Clark Cup championship. NHL Central Scouting calls the 18-year-old 'a very skilled power forward. Has a nose for the net and when he uses his size, he's tough to handle. (He) possesses a hard shot and quick release, making him a scoring threat every time he enters the offensive zone.' 'You like the physical attributes where (he's a) big, athletic guy that can really move. I think he's got some talent, and some really good hockey sense. And again, a raw package,' Davidson said of Nestrasil. Mason West is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School. A Division I college football recruit, he has committed to play college hockey at Michigan State — but not until he finishes his final season as a high school quarterback. 'He's behind the curve; he's not quite dedicated himself 100% to hockey,' Davidson said of West, who will turn 18 in August and is one of the youngest players eligible for the 2025 NHL draft. 'But at that size, that athleticism, that skating ability, that talent, the sky is the limit. … I just really wanted to get back into the first round and take what I thought was a Grand Slam hack. I was swinging for the fences and figured, why not?'
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
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.
Global News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
McQueen, Reschny lead Saskatchewan contingent of prospects ahead of 2025 NHL Draft
Back home with his family in Saskatoon this month, Roger McQueen has been given the chance to take a breath after a WHL season which tested him at the best of times. Now the pressure is ramping back up yet again, as he awaits to hear his name called at the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday in Los Angeles. 'It's one of the biggest moments in a while for me and it's insane how quick it's moved,' said McQueen. 'Just thinking about 10 years ago me on the pond, just hanging out on my own. It's crazy how far I've come and it's going to be cool to finally get my name called.' Few draft-eligible players have overcome as many hurdles as McQueen this year, following a 2024-25 campaign with the Brandon Wheat Kings which did not go according to plan. Story continues below advertisement Racing out of the gates with eight goals and 11 points in just eight games, McQueen was tabbed as a sure fire top-10 prospect ahead of the 2025 draft. That was until his season grinded to a halt in mid-October as he suffered a back injury which included fractured vertebrae, keeping him out of the Wheat Kings lineup for close to five months before making his return in early March. Given a clean bill of health, the six-foot-five-inch tall McQueen was a full participant at the recent NHL Draft combine where he met with 24 teams and has been listed as the eight-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. 'Having this injury this year is obviously tough for anyone,' said McQueen. 'Looking back at it when I'm five years older from now, I think it's going to be probably one of the best things for me. Just in the sense of what I learned and how I've become as a person, the other side of the game in the mental side which arguably could be more important.' Despite the injury, McQueen is expected to be picked anywhere between fifth overall and 15th overall on Friday night with a wide open draft expected following the first few picks. The former Saskatoon AAA Blazers star is one of two Saskatchewan-born players expected to be taken in the first round in Los Angeles, along with Macklin product Cole Reschny. Story continues below advertisement 'It's just so surreal and so special that I have this opportunity,' said Reschny. 'My family and I get to go down to (Los Angeles), enjoy that and experience it. It's pretty cool to see that the day has come. It's honestly crazy; it kind of flew by.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Completing his sophomore season with the Victoria Royals, Reschny became one of the top offensive threats in the WHL posting 26 goals and 92 points in 62 games and is ranked 25th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He followed that up with a gold medal performance with Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships in Texas, scoring five goals and eight points in five games including an overtime winner to advance past the Czechs in the quarter-finals. 'Getting the opportunity I got there playing meaningful minutes and being put in a lot of big situations was big,' said Reschny. 'I was able to produce myself, but the biggest thing was the team was able to have success and that was a big part of it. It was nice to get that opportunity to finish on a winning note.' Reschny, who has committed to leave the Royals and join the University of North Dakota in the fall, will likely fall in the mid-to-late first round after meeting with 26 NHL teams at the combine and could be the second Blazers alum after McQueen to hear his name called Friday. Story continues below advertisement 1:13 Saskatchewan WHL star Cole Reschny speaks on move to NCAA Down the road in Moose Jaw, Warriors captain Lynden Lakovic is also expected to be a first round selection after leading the team in scoring with 27 goals and 58 points in 47 games. As for Day 2 of the draft on Saturday, up to a dozen picks with Saskatchewan connections could be selected by NHL teams with Dawson Gerwing (Meadow Lake), Reese Hamilton (Whitewood), Joby Baumuller (Wilcox), Kolten Bridgeman (Regina), Jayden Kraus (Prince Albert) and Carson Adair (Clavet) all listed in NHL Central Scouting's final draft rankings. Meanwhile, the WHL's Saskatchewan-based teams will be eagerly anticipating picks with Lakovic, Swift Current Broncos defender Peyton Kettles and Saskatoon Blades import forward David Lewandowski among those expecting to be drafted this weekend. For Lewandowski, who came over to Saskatoon early in the season from Germany, he was able to adapt to the smaller ice surface with 15 goals and 39 points in 52 games. Story continues below advertisement 'It's hard to come from Europe so it's kind of different,' said Lewandowski. 'But I always got my chances from [head coach Dan DaSilva], they always trusted in me. So it was fine.' Lewandowski, who is ranked 51st by NHL Central Scouting and is projected as a second-to-fourth round pick, also got the chance to represent Germany at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa this past winter. He also took part in the combine along with McQueen, Reschny and Lakovic where he finished top-1o in pull ups and was able to meet with eight NHL clubs over the week. 'It was pretty cool to see that,' said Lewandowski. 'You're there doing the test, you look around and then all the people are looking. So it was pretty cool.' Riding a wave of recent Saskatchewan-born first rounders like Brayden Yager, Kevin Korchinski and Berkly Catton, McQueen and Reschny say they're eager to add to that list and take that next step towards the NHL. Story continues below advertisement Reflecting back on his upbringing on the family farm outside of Macklin, Reschny said there's a reason why so many Saskatchewan prospects are hearing their names called early in recent years. 'Saskatchewan just has that hockey identity the way players are, but also as people too,' said Reschny. 'I think the way we grow up here as small-town kids and smaller-city kids gives an identity that helps us and takes us a long way in hockey.' Both Reschny and McQueen will be in Los Angeles alongside family on Friday night, wanting to share their biggest night with those closest to them as they take the next step in their development. 'Obviously it's something you always think about and dream about,' said McQueen. 'I've definitely put some thought (into it) and I'm super excited, hopefully that dream does come true.' The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will begin at 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time, while rounds two through seven will be held on Saturday.
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
The New York Islanders have the top pick in the NHL draft: Who will they choose?
The two-day NHL draft will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The New York Islanders have the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery in May. The San Jose Sharks, who finished last in the overall standings, pick second followed by Chicago and Utah. Six of the top prospects: Matthew Schaefer, defenseman, OHL Erie Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 183 pounds. Turns 18 on Sept. 5. Expected to be selected: No. 1 by the New York Islanders. Accomplishments/background: Schaefer maintained the top spot in NHL Central Scouting rankings despite missing start of the season with mononucleosis and the final three months after breaking his collarbone. Scouts believe he did enough to show off his offensive flair with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 17 games. That's a jump from the his rookie season (seven goals and 17 points in 56 games). Schaefer also had two goals and four assists in captaining Canada to win the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in August. Schaefer has shown poise and maturity in dealing with tragedy. His mother died of cancer in February 2024. Two months earlier, the mother of his billet family was struck and killed by a train and last December Otters owner and Schaefer's mentor, Jim Waters, died of a heart attack. Would become first OHL player to go No. 1 since Erie star Connor McDavid went first in 2015. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He does it all on the ice -- defends well as an elite skater with good gap control and has the ability and smarts to consistently produce offensively. ... A special talent.' Michael Misa, center, OHL Saginaw Hometown: Oakville, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-1, 184 pounds. Turned 18 in February. Expected to be selected: No. 2 to San Jose, and shouldn't fall any lower than No. 4. Accomplishments/background: Misa led the CHL in scoring last season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists), matching the most by an under-18 OHL player since 2009 No. 1 selection John Tavares in 2006-07. He was the eighth player granted CHL exceptional status, allowing him to play at 15. He was the OHL's rookie of the year in 2022 and helped Saginaw win the Memorial Cup championship the following year. After playing wing his first two seasons, he seamlessly made the switch to center this season. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's bigger, stronger and faster than previous seasons. ... A clever play-maker who makes plays at speed and knows how to put the puck in the net. ... His quickness, creativity and hockey sense are off the charts.' Anton Frondell, center, Djurgarden, Sweden (Tier 2) Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden. Measurables: 6-feet, 198 pounds. Turned 18 in May. Expected to be selected: Could go No. 2 to San Jose. Shouldn't drop lower than No. 5 (Nashville). Accomplishments/background: Frondell finished the season as central scouting's top-ranked international skater. He's a puck-possession forward, with an outgoing personality. He joked about how much his English improved during team interviews at the draft combine. After playing 10 games in Sweden's junior league, he made the jump to the second division, where he had 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games. In 2023-24, Frondell led his junior team and finished tied for sixth in the league with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has perfect balance in his skating and makes it difficult for opponents to catch him. Wins most of the one-on-one battles.' James Hagens, center, Boston College Hometown: Hauppauge, New York. Measurables: 5-foot-11, 177 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Expected to be selected: A top-10 selection, who could prompt teams to trade up should he fall to No. 9 (Buffalo). Accomplishments/background: Hagens is the top-ranked American-born player at No. 3 on central scouting's list. A high-scoring playmaker who grew up an Islanders fan on Long Island. With 11 goals and 26 assists, he finished fourth in points among college freshmen. He scored five goals for America's gold medal-winning team at the world juniors. A year earlier, Hagens earned world junior tournament MVP honors with nine goals and 22 points. In two years on the U.S. national development team, he finished fifth on the career list with 187 points and 115 assists. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Always a scoring threat off the rush and can set up his teammates from anywhere. ... He wants the puck on his stick and has game-changer ability. The complete offensive package.' Caleb Desnoyers, center, QMJHL Moncton Hometown: Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 178 pounds. Turned 18 in April. Expected to be selected: Chance to go 4th (Utah). Accomplishments/background: Though ranked seventh on the central scouting list of North American skaters, Desnoyers has risen up the charts after leading Moncton to a Memorial Cup berth. He finished fifth in the Q with 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) in 56 games. He followed up in earning QMJHL playoff MVP honors with nine goals and 30 points in 19 games. He's a three-time gold medalist in winning at the Under-17, Under-18 championship and the 2024 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's willing to do most of the dirty work to retrieve 50-50 pucks, and will play a physical style when needed. His skating is good and will continue to get more powerful as he matures physically. ... Prospect who has lots of transferable pro elements in his game.' Joshua Ravensbergen, goalie, WHL Prince George Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia. Measurables: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Expected to be selected: Has opportunity to be the ninth goalie taken in the first round since 2011. Both Philadelphia (No. 6, 22, 31) and Nashville (5, 23, 26) are potential landing spots, with each having three first-round selections. Accomplishments/background: Ravensbergen is central scouting's top-ranked North American goalie and went 33-13-4, finishing tied for the WHL's second-most wins. He went 26-4-1 last year, with a rookie league record-tying six shutouts. In two WHL seasons, he has a 2.78 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has a huge pro presence and plays big even when down in the butterfly with excellent low-net coverage. ... A combination of size and ability, he has a good chance to become an NHL starter.'
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
The New York Islanders have the top pick in the NHL draft: Who will they choose?
The two-day NHL draft will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this weekend, with the first round held on Friday night. The New York Islanders have the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery in May . The San Jose Sharks, who finished last in the overall standings, pick second followed by Chicago and Utah. Six of the top prospects: Matthew Schaefer, defenseman, OHL Erie Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 183 pounds. Turns 18 on Sept. 5. Expected to be selected: No. 1 by the New York Islanders. Accomplishments/background: Schaefer maintained the top spot in NHL Central Scouting rankings despite missing start of the season with mononucleosis and the final three months after breaking his collarbone. Scouts believe he did enough to show off his offensive flair with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 17 games. That's a jump from the his rookie season (seven goals and 17 points in 56 games). Schaefer also had two goals and four assists in captaining Canada to win the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in August. Schaefer has shown poise and maturity in dealing with tragedy. His mother died of cancer in February 2024. Two months earlier, the mother of his billet family was struck and killed by a train and last December Otters owner and Schaefer's mentor, Jim Waters, died of a heart attack. Would become first OHL player to go No. 1 since Erie star Connor McDavid went first in 2015. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He does it all on the ice — defends well as an elite skater with good gap control and has the ability and smarts to consistently produce offensively. ... A special talent.' Michael Misa, center, OHL Saginaw Hometown: Oakville, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-1, 184 pounds. Turned 18 in February. Expected to be selected: No. 2 to San Jose, and shouldn't fall any lower than No. 4. Accomplishments/background: Misa led the CHL in scoring last season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists), matching the most by an under-18 OHL player since 2009 No. 1 selection John Tavares in 2006-07. He was the eighth player granted CHL exceptional status, allowing him to play at 15. He was the OHL's rookie of the year in 2022 and helped Saginaw win the Memorial Cup championship the following year. After playing wing his first two seasons, he seamlessly made the switch to center this season. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's bigger, stronger and faster than previous seasons. ... A clever play-maker who makes plays at speed and knows how to put the puck in the net. ... His quickness, creativity and hockey sense are off the charts.' Anton Frondell, center, Djurgarden, Sweden (Tier 2) Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden. Measurables: 6-feet, 198 pounds. Turned 18 in May. Expected to be selected: Could go No. 2 to San Jose. Shouldn't drop lower than No. 5 (Nashville). Accomplishments/background: Frondell finished the season as central scouting's top-ranked international skater. He's a puck-possession forward, with an outgoing personality. He joked about how much his English improved during team interviews at the draft combine. After playing 10 games in Sweden's junior league, he made the jump to the second division, where he had 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games. In 2023-24, Frondell led his junior team and finished tied for sixth in the league with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has perfect balance in his skating and makes it difficult for opponents to catch him. Wins most of the one-on-one battles.' James Hagens, center, Boston College Hometown: Hauppauge, New York. Measurables: 5-foot-11, 177 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Expected to be selected: A top-10 selection, who could prompt teams to trade up should he fall to No. 9 (Buffalo). Accomplishments/background: Hagens is the top-ranked American-born player at No. 3 on central scouting's list. A high-scoring playmaker who grew up an Islanders fan on Long Island. With 11 goals and 26 assists, he finished fourth in points among college freshmen. He scored five goals for America's gold medal-winning team at the world juniors. A year earlier, Hagens earned world junior tournament MVP honors with nine goals and 22 points. In two years on the U.S. national development team, he finished fifth on the career list with 187 points and 115 assists. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Always a scoring threat off the rush and can set up his teammates from anywhere. ... He wants the puck on his stick and has game-changer ability. The complete offensive package.' Caleb Desnoyers, center, QMJHL Moncton Hometown: Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 178 pounds. Turned 18 in April. Expected to be selected: Chance to go 4th (Utah). Accomplishments/background: Though ranked seventh on the central scouting list of North American skaters, Desnoyers has risen up the charts after leading Moncton to a Memorial Cup berth. He finished fifth in the Q with 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) in 56 games. He followed up in earning QMJHL playoff MVP honors with nine goals and 30 points in 19 games. He's a three-time gold medalist in winning at the Under-17, Under-18 championship and the 2024 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's willing to do most of the dirty work to retrieve 50-50 pucks, and will play a physical style when needed. His skating is good and will continue to get more powerful as he matures physically. ... Prospect who has lots of transferable pro elements in his game.' Joshua Ravensbergen, goalie, WHL Prince George Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia. Measurables: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Expected to be selected: Has opportunity to be the ninth goalie taken in the first round since 2011. Both Philadelphia (No. 6, 22, 31) and Nashville (5, 23, 26) are potential landing spots, with each having three first-round selections. Accomplishments/background: Ravensbergen is central scouting's top-ranked North American goalie and went 33-13-4, finishing tied for the WHL's second-most wins. He went 26-4-1 last year, with a rookie league record-tying six shutouts. In two WHL seasons, he has a 2.78 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has a huge pro presence and plays big even when down in the butterfly with excellent low-net coverage. ... A combination of size and ability, he has a good chance to become an NHL starter.' ___ AP NHL:
