While the Minnesota Wild sat out the first round of the NHL Draft after trading away their pick, Minnesota still had a hometown moment—Woodbury defenseman Logan Hensler, fresh off a stellar freshman season at Wisconsin, was selected by the Ottawa Senators. The draft’s opening night in Southern California saw 32 future NHL stars take their first step into the league.

Editor’s Note: Even if your team isn’t making moves, the draft is always a big deal for local talent. Hensler’s selection keeps Minnesota’s hockey pride alive, showing how the state continues to feed the NHL with top-tier players. For fans, it’s a reminder that the next generation of stars is just getting started.

Michigan State’s rising hockey star Ryker Lee just hit a major milestone—he was scooped up in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. Lee, who’s expected to be a key player for the Spartans next season, now has a clear path to the pros once his college career wraps up.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal not just for Lee but for MSU hockey, too. First-round picks bring prestige to college programs, and Lee’s success could help attract more top talent to East Lansing. For Predators fans, it’s a glimpse of a promising future—assuming he lives up to the hype.

The San Jose Sharks just snagged Prince George Cougars' standout goalie Joshua Ravensbergen with the 30th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. At just 18, he’s already made waves as the first goalie off the board and one of the rare right-handed catchers in the league. After seizing the starting role in his second WHL season, he’s now on the fast track to the pros.

Editor’s Note: Draft day is a big deal for young players, and Ravensbergen’s selection signals both a personal milestone and a strategic move by the Sharks. Goalies with his unique traits don’t come around often, and his rapid rise hints at serious potential. For hockey fans, it’s a name to watch—San Jose might’ve just landed their future netminder.

The Detroit Red Wings just drafted Carter Bear, a promising but somewhat unconventional pick. He's older than most draftees, coming off a serious Achilles injury, but brings unique skills that could pay off if he recovers well.

Editor’s Note: Draft picks always come with some risk, but Bear’s situation is especially interesting. His age and injury history make him a wildcard—he could either be a steal or a long shot. For Red Wings fans, it’s a wait-and-see moment, but one that could add depth to the team if things click.

The Winnipeg Jets snagged defenseman Sascha Boumedienne with their 28th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound blueliner adds depth to their prospect pool, though he’ll likely need time to develop before making an NHL impact.

Editor’s Note: Draft picks are always a gamble, but Boumedienne represents a calculated bet for the Jets—a team looking to shore up its future defensive corps. For fans, it’s a mix of cautious optimism and the usual draft-day excitement. If he pans out, he could be a key piece down the line. If not? Well, that’s the risk-reward game of the draft.

A Michigan hockey player with deep ties to the NHL just got his big break—William Horcoff, whose dad is a top exec for the Detroit Red Wings, was scooped up by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the 24th pick in this year’s draft. It’s a full-circle moment for the family, blending legacy with fresh talent.

Editor’s Note: Draft picks always spark excitement, but this one’s got extra flavor—it’s not just about a promising player, but a kid stepping into the league where his dad works behind the scenes. For hockey fans, it’s a cool glimpse at how the sport’s family connections play out on the big stage. And for the Penguins? They’re betting on both skill and pedigree.

The New York Islanders made a big splash at the 2025 NHL Draft by picking defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall. The draft took place in Los Angeles, and Schaefer—a highly touted prospect—now becomes the face of the Islanders' future.

Editor’s Note: Landing the top pick is a huge deal for the Islanders, signaling their commitment to building a stronger defensive core. Schaefer’s selection could be a turning point for the franchise, giving fans hope for a more competitive team in the coming seasons. For hockey enthusiasts, it’s also a chance to see how a new star begins his professional journey.

The Chicago Blackhawks snagged Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the third pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after his standout season overseas. Frondell’s rise to a top-five selection was fueled by his strong play, but there’s added intrigue because his linemate, Viktor Eklund—who was projected to go first overall—had his own stellar year. The article hints at their on-ice chemistry and how their relationship might influence their NHL futures.

Editor’s Note: Draft stories are always about potential, and this one’s no different—Frondell’s selection is exciting for Blackhawks fans, but the subplot with Eklund adds depth. If these two keep clicking in the pros, Chicago (or whoever lands Eklund) could have a dynamic duo in the making. It’s a reminder that hockey’s future stars often come in pairs, and their existing chemistry could speed up their NHL impact.

The Boston Bruins snagged a potential steal in the 2025 NHL Draft, picking Boston College center James Hagens at No. 7—a player many thought could go first overall. The moment got even more memorable when comedian and noted Bruins superfan Adam Sandler announced the pick, giving Hagens a warm (and star-studded) welcome to Boston.

Editor’s Note: Draft night is always full of surprises, but this one’s got extra flair. Hagens falling to seventh could be a huge win for the Bruins if he lives up to the hype, and Sandler’s involvement adds a fun, hometown-celebrity twist. For fans, it’s a mix of optimism for the future and a reminder that Boston’s hockey culture runs deep—even Hollywood’s paying attention.