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NHL Draft 2025 grades for every team: Best picks, fits and analysis

NHL Draft 2025: Team-by-Team Grades and Analysis

The 2025 NHL Draft has wrapped up, and it's time to evaluate how each of the league's 32 teams fared in Las Vegas. This year's draft class was deep in defensive talent and featured a mix of high-upside forwards and intriguing goaltenders, but as always, success hinged on teams' ability to identify value, address needs, and sometimes take calculated risks. We'll break it down team by team, assigning grades from A+ to D based on the quality of selections, fit within organizational depth charts, trade maneuvers, and overall strategy. These grades reflect not just the immediate haul but also long-term potential, drawing on scouting reports, player projections, and historical comparables.

Starting with the Anaheim Ducks, who entered the draft with a solid stockpile of picks after a busy offseason. They kicked things off by selecting a versatile defenseman in the first round, a player known for his puck-moving skills and physicality, which aligns perfectly with their rebuilding blue line. Later rounds saw them add depth forwards with speed and scoring touch, including a late-round gem who dominated junior leagues. The Ducks avoided reaching and maximized value, earning them an A- grade. Their draft class bolsters a young core that's already showing promise, potentially accelerating their timeline back to contention.

The Arizona Coyotes, now relocated but still building, focused on size and grit. Their top pick was a towering winger with a heavy shot, reminiscent of past power forwards who've thrived in the desert. They traded up in the second round to snag a mobile defenseman, addressing a glaring need. However, some mid-round selections felt like reaches, prioritizing intangibles over skill. Overall, a B+ for a haul that adds toughness but might lack elite upside.

Boston Bruins, perennial contenders, didn't have a first-rounder due to prior trades but made the most of their assets. They targeted character players with NHL-ready frames, including a gritty center who could slot into their bottom six soon. A late-round goaltender with international experience was a smart flyer. The Bruins' draft philosophy emphasizes immediate contributions, and this class fits that mold, warranting a B grade.

Buffalo Sabres, desperate for a spark after years of mediocrity, swung for the fences. Their lottery win landed them a dynamic forward with superstar potential, a player scouts compare to elite scorers of the past decade. They followed up with defensive reinforcements and a skilled winger in the third. No major missteps, and the class injects much-needed excitement. An A grade feels right for potentially turning the corner.

Calgary Flames are in transition, and their draft reflected a balanced approach. First-round selection: a two-way center with leadership qualities. They added depth on the wings and a project defenseman with high ceiling. Trading down to accumulate picks was savvy, but the overall talent level isn't game-changing. Solid B.

Carolina Hurricanes, analytics darlings, stuck to their data-driven model. They prioritized players with strong underlying metrics, landing a puck-possession wizard in the first and a analytics-favorite blueliner later. No flashy picks, but everything screams efficiency. A- for a draft that enhances their sustainable contention.

Chicago Blackhawks, building around their young star, added complementary pieces. A skilled winger to pair with their franchise center was the highlight, followed by defensive depth. They avoided overpaying in trades and found value in Europeans. B+.

Colorado Avalanche, fresh off recent success, focused on speed and skill. Their top pick: a fleet-footed forward who could thrive in their up-tempo system. Depth additions included a goaltender with pedigree. Minimal risks, strong fits—A-.

Columbus Blue Jackets needed a reset, and they delivered. Landing a top defenseman prospect headlined the class, with subsequent picks adding offensive punch. Aggressive trading netted extra selections. A.

Dallas Stars emphasized Texas-sized toughness. A rugged defenseman and power forward were key grabs, fitting their identity. Some picks felt safe rather than bold—B.

Detroit Red Wings are close to breaking through, and this draft pushes them closer. A versatile forward in the first, plus blue-line help. Smart value hunting— A-.

Edmonton Oilers, chasing another Cup, added scoring depth. Their first-rounder: a sniper with finishing ability. Goaltending insurance was a nice touch. B+.

Florida Panthers, defending champs, kept it simple. Depth forwards and a mobile D-man to maintain their style. No home runs, but no whiffs—B.

Los Angeles Kings targeted California-born talent for fan appeal, but more importantly, added skilled centers. A strong class that addresses center depth— A-.

Minnesota Wild went for Midwest grit. A hardworking winger and defensive stalwart headline. Conservative but effective—B.

Montreal Canadiens, with their passionate fanbase, thrilled with a local flavor pick—a Quebec-born forward with flair. Depth on defense rounds it out. Excitement factor boosts them to A.

Nashville Predators, under new management, shifted toward skill. A dynamic playmaker in the first, plus international flair. Bold and promising— A-.

New Jersey Devils needed defense, and they loaded up. Multiple blueliners with size and skill. Forward depth was secondary but solid— B+.

New York Islanders stuck to their identity: tough, reliable players. A checking-line forward and steady D-man. Safe picks— B-.

New York Rangers, with high expectations, added flash. A skilled winger to complement their stars. Depth was uneven— B.

Ottawa Senators are rebuilding, and this draft accelerates it. A top-end talent fell to them, plus smart mid-rounders. A.

Philadelphia Flyers embraced their gritty roots. Physical forwards and a bruising D-man. Fits the brand— B+.

Pittsburgh Penguins, aging core in mind, added youth infusion. A speedy forward and project goalie. Necessary but not transformative— B.

San Jose Sharks, at the bottom, hit a home run with the top overall pick—a generational talent. Supporting cast is strong too— A+.

Seattle Kraken built on their expansion success. Versatile players who fit their balanced attack. B+.

St. Louis Blues targeted heartland talent. A two-way center and depth wings. Solid but unspectacular— B.

Tampa Bay Lightning, cap-strapped, maximized limited picks. High-IQ players who could contribute soon. A- for efficiency.

Toronto Maple Leafs, under scrutiny, added defensive stability. A puck-moving D-man headlines. Forward help was needed more— B.

Utah Hockey Club, in their debut draft, made a splash. Aggressive trades landed extra picks, focusing on speed for the altitude. A promising start— A-.

Vancouver Canucks emphasized Pacific Rim talent. A skilled forward from overseas and local depth. Fits their market— B+.

Vegas Golden Knights, always bold, traded for immediate help but drafted projects with upside. Entertaining class— B.

Washington Capitals, with an eye on the future, added scoring punch. A winger with pedigree. B.

Winnipeg Jets focused on size up front. Towering forwards to bolster their attack. Practical— B.

Overall, this draft highlighted a league-wide emphasis on defense, with 12 of the first 20 picks being blueliners—a modern record. Teams like the Sharks and Sabres emerged as big winners, potentially reshaping their franchises, while others like the Islanders played it safe without much upside. The depth of the class meant value was available late, rewarding patient GMs. As these prospects develop, we'll see how these grades hold up, but for now, the 2025 draft sets the stage for an exciting next era in the NHL.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6458881/2025/06/28/nhl-draft-2025-team-grades/ ]