The stage is set for the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday, June 27.
NHL odds are out for one of hockey’s most unpredictable nights, so whether you're a die-hard prospect watcher or just looking to have a little fun with some draft night action, my top NHL Draft predictions have you covered for the evening.
2025 NHL Draft predictions
- 🏒 Martone Top 5 pick (+100)
- 🏒 Eklund u12.5 (-115)
- 🏒 Smith drafted before Aitcheson (+105)
- 🏒 Kindel u28.5 (-135)
Top picks for 2025 NHL Draft
Porter Martone Top 5 pick (+100 at DraftKings)
A major reason for this nod is the prices for Porter Martone to be a Top 5 selection at other sportsbooks are much steeper:
- FanDuel: -230
- bet363: -200
- DraftKings: +100
Martone's skating stride, speed, and tempo have some questioning if the pace of his game will translate to the NHL, but the questions end there. Martone is a scoring star with elite puck skills, creativity, and a high compete level — all with a pro-size frame.
Victor Eklund Under 12.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
Victor Eklund put up an impressive 31 points — 19 goals — across 42 games in the HockeyAllsvenskan, and older brother William Eklund has already established himself as a solid NHL player with the San Jose Sharks.
A high-end skater with offensive ability and great edge work, Eklund’s game will be coveted Friday night. He plays bigger than his size, too.
⚙️ Covers NHL betting tools
First to be drafted: Jackson Smith over Kashawn Aitcheson (+105 at DraftKings)
Defensemen Jackson Smith and Kashawn Aitcheson both project to be drafted near the middle of Round 1, if not earlier. Both should also settle in as middle-pair defensemen at the highest level.
My lean is that Smith's game is a little quieter and more complete, while Aitcheson’s offense and menacing style probably won’t fully translate to the NHL.
Smith has the potential to play in all situations, too, and I don’t expect Aitcheson to be able to quarterback an NHL power-play unit.
Benjamin Kindel Under 28.5 (-135 at DraftKings)
Smart and versatile, Benjamin Kindel posted high-end numbers while playing a responsible two-way game this season for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL.
His parents, both professional soccer players, represented the Canadian National Team, and Kindel also had a strong showing for Team Canada in the IIHF U18 World Championship — scoring one goal and earning seven points across just five games.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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