A Playful Encounter with an Unexpected Twist

In a surprising twist that captivated sports fans and social media users alike, gymnastics star Livvy Dunne showcased her sharp wit in a playful exchange with an MLB mascot. This light-hearted interaction unfolded when the mascot made a bold attempt to impress the young athlete, only to be met with Dunne’s quick and clever response, leaving many amused and entertained.

The Mascot’s Bold Move

Traditionally, mascots are known for their antics and playful behavior, often trying to engage with fans in humorous ways. However, this particular mascot took a leap into the spotlight with a daring approach aimed at Dunne, a rising star in the gymnastics world. His attempt was bold, showcasing a mix of confidence and charm that is often characteristic of sports mascots. Yet, in the world of social media where quick wit reigns supreme, Dunne’s reaction became the highlight of the encounter.

Dunne’s Sharp Wit Shines

Livvy Dunne, known for her engaging personality and remarkable talent, didn’t hold back in her response. With a blend of humor and sarcasm, she delivered a playful takedown that resonated well beyond the moment. Her ability to turn the tables not only showcased her quick thinking but also highlighted her relatable nature. Fans quickly rallied around her, appreciating the humor and the confidence she displayed in navigating the light-hearted banter.

The Impact of Social Media

This exchange serves as a reminder of the power of social media in amplifying moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Dunne’s clever retort quickly spread across platforms, drawing attention not only to her personality but also to the playful interactions that can occur between athletes and mascots. In a world where athletes are often seen through the lens of competition, moments like these humanize them, allowing fans to connect on a more personal level.

A Reflection on Sports Culture

The incident encapsulates a broader aspect of sports culture, where humor and camaraderie often take center stage. While competitive spirit is paramount, the ability to engage in light-hearted banter adds a layer of enjoyment for fans and athletes alike. Dunne’s interaction with the mascot is a reminder that sports are not just about winning; they are also about connection, laughter, and the shared experiences that bring people together.

Conclusion: The Joy of Playfulness in Sports

As Livvy Dunne continues to rise in prominence within the gymnastics community, her playful exchange with the MLB mascot exemplifies the joy and light-heartedness that can exist alongside competitive sports. This incident not only showcased her wit but also highlighted the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the often intense world of athletics. As fans reflect on this playful encounter, it serves as a reminder that, at the heart of sports, there is always room for fun and connection.

Following an impressive freshman season at Arizona State, 18-year-old Cullen Potter was taken 32nd overall in the first round by the Calgary Flames in the 2025 NHL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted player in school history. 

As the second youngest player in the NCAA last year, Potter scored 13 goals and totaled 22 points, ranking third all-time in ASU freshman points scoring, behind Johnny Walker’s 24 points in 2017-18 and Josh Doan’s 37 points in 2021-22. Doan was drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes and is now ASU’s second-highest-drafted player ever behind Potter.

Potter was listed by the Sun Devils as a returning player for 2025-26 at the team’s year-end banquet, though the Flames could elect to move him into the minor leagues or even straight to the NHL if they decided to. Players drafted in the first round after their freshman year often continue to play in college for at least one more season. 

The Minnesota native was raised in a hockey family, as his mother, Jenny Potter, is one of the most decorated players in USA women’s ice hockey history. She and Cullen’s father, Rob Potter, run a hockey training program in Minneapolis. 

As the first player in program history to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft, Potter joins eight other previously drafted Sun Devil forwards: Jack Becker (fourth round) in 2015; Robert Mastrosimone (second round) in 2019; Artem Shlaine (fifth round) and Alex Young (seventh round) in 2020; Josh Doan (second round) in 2021;  Ryan O’Reilly (fourth round), Demitrios Koumontzis (fourth round) and Cruz Lucius (fourth round) in 2022. 

The NHL ranked Potter as the No. 22 North American-born skater in the 2025 draft class. Most scouts and analysts projected him to land somewhere in the late first round, with some speculation that he may fall to an early second-round pick. The highest projection came from Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson, who had him going 20th overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Another projection by NHL data consultant and ESPN draft analyst Rachel Doerrie had him going 30th overall to the San Jose Sharks to join their young, talented forward group. 

“Potter is a dynamic skater who is the fastest straight-line skater in the draft class, and his explosive mobility ranks among the draft’s best,” Doerrie said. “Making an uncommon jump from the NTDP’s under-17 team straight to NCAA play, Potter displayed elite acceleration and agility, effortlessly shifting from stride to crossover and cutting sharply through defenders.”

Concerns about Potter’s relatively small 5-foot-10, 172-pound frame raised doubts about his ability to play center at the NHL level and his 0.460 faceoff win percentage last season further added to speculations that he may be better suited to play on the wing. At this year’s draft combine, Potter said he was working towards adding 10-15 pounds of weight during the offseason before his sophomore year. 

Despite the drawback, Potter proved himself as one of the strongest, most explosive skaters in the 2025 draft class after finishing 17th in the Pro-Agility test and 12th in Peak Power Output at this year’s NHL draft combine. 

“You’d have to say he’s probably the best skater in the draft,” said Arizona Coyotes all-time leading goal scorer Shane Doan. “He’s competitive and hard-working. The kid played as a 17-year-old in the NCAA, that’s pretty special. He’s gonna go high.”

The Colorado Avalanche went back to a familiar place for its first selection in the 2025 NHL draft.

Colorado selected Francesco Dell’Elce, a defenseman from the University of Massachusetts, with the No. 77 pick in the third round Saturday. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds, the left-shooting Dell’Elce had seven goals and 24 points in 40 games as a freshman at UMass this past season.

Dell’Elce was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. This was the third year he was eligible for the draft. He turned 20 years old on Monday.

Two of the Avs’ three selections were overage prospects who had been passed over in drafts before. Colorado took multiple overage players a year ago as well, including goalie Ilya Nabokov in the second round and forward Nikita Prischepov in the seventh round.

“I think we’re at a place now where we view older players as players that can make an impact sooner,” Nick Pryor, the club’s director of amateur scouting, said. “(Dell’Elce) is an older guy that we feel is not far off if his game keeps progressing in the right direction. That’s exciting for us.”

Dell’Elce is the third Avs draft pick to play for UMass in the past nine years. Cale Makar was the No. 4 pick in the 2017 draft, and then Taylor Makar was a seventh-round selection in 2020. The Makar brothers played for the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL ahead of the draft before joining UMass.

Colorado’s second pick of the day was Linus Funck, a 6-foot-3 Swedish defenseman, at No. 118 in the fourth round.

Funck, a right-handed shot, had five goals and 28 points in 48 games for Luleå’s U-20 junior team. He was the 39th-ranked European skater in the class by NHL central scouting. He turned 18 on May 10.

“He’s got a really good feel for the puck and puck skills for a bigger body,” Pryor said. “He moves well. Like most, I think his game needs to round out and improve on the defensive side. … He’s exciting for us because he’s big, he’s mobile and he can move the puck.”

The Avs’ final choice of the draft was center Nolan Roed at No. 214 in the seventh round. Roed is a 5-11 center who had 27 goals and 60 points in 61 games for Tri-City in the USHL this past season. He’ll be a freshman at St. Cloud State next year.

“Nolan is a player that keeps getting better and better,” Pryor said. “I think with his scoring touch and competitiveness, he’s going to give himself a chance as long as his development keeps going in the right direction.”

LOS ANGELES — The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft is in the books and 32 players hear their names called by NHL teams. There were twists, turns, many trades and plenty of drama as the first round unfolded. Chris Peters broke down all 32 picks from the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Take a look at all the analysis, news and notes from each pick of the first round. All of these reactions and analysis were posted throughout the first round on draft night.

No. 1 New York Islanders Select: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters

Scouting Report

An all-around defenseman with size, physicality, high-end skating ability and skill. He missed most of the season first with illness then a collarbone injury. In his small sample, Schaefer didn’t have any truly bad games. He is consistent, mature, and has all of the tools to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL. His skating is among the best in the class and his hockey sense is right up there, too. Schafer has been through a lot in his young life, but has met his challenges with grace well beyond his years. As a pick, he is not without risk, but there’s so much upside that teams have mostly dismissed the long absence and still view him as a potential long-term No. 1 defenseman at the top of his projection.

Instant Analysis

The Islanders traded Noah Dobson earlier in the day, losing their No. 1 defenseman. Now they have their No. 1 defenseman of the future. Matthew Schaefer became the consensus top pick over the course of the season with his spectacular play. His skating ability, maturity and hockey sense are all going to make him an instant impact player. The Islanders are not as good in the short-term without Dobson, but their long-term outlook is very, very bright with a franchise cornerstone.

No. 2 San Jose Sharks Select: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit

Scouting Report

A highly-skilled center with an astoundingly productive season in the OHL, Misa has been picked apart for years as an exceptional status player. But he saved his best junior season for his last and he’s put himself in the discussion to go as high as No. 1. Misa can score, he has excellent hands and an ability to spot plays. He processes the game at speed and when he’s got his competitive drive going, he can play a physical enough game to really put pressure on opposing players. He’ll still need work on his two-way play, but his offensive know-how, speed and improving strength have all put him on track to be a top-line player in the NHL.

Instant Analysis

There was a ton of debate about whether the Sharks would select Misa or Anton Frondell. After so much smoke that they were going to take Frondell and many other teams around the league thinking they would take Frondell, Misa — the consensus No. 2 prospect ended up being the pick. He is one of the best players in the draft, had an incredibly strong season and now moves into a team with superstar forward talent led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. He is a center naturally, but there is some debate on if he will stick there full time. I think he will. He has the skating, the skill and the ability to compete. He’ll likely slot in as the long-term No. 2 center behind Celebrini allowing Will Smith to potentially be pushed over to the wing where he can be a play-driving playmaker.

No. 3 Chicago Blackhawks Select: Anton Frondell, C, Djugårdens IF

Scouting Report

After registering 0.86 points per game in the Allsvenskan, Frondell is without peer among U18 players at that level of hockey. His per-game production outpaces that of William Nylander, David Pastrnak and Filip Forsberg at the same age. He had another seven points in the playoffs as Djugården earned promotion to the SHL. So why isn’t he a lock to go in the top five? Frondell, oddly enough, underwhelmed against his own age group and early-season injuries knocked him out of some of the biggest competitions. When he is at his best, Frondell is a hard-driving forward who can get to the interior and score goals. He is committed to two-way ability and physicality to impose his will on games. Which is why a lot of us were perplexed as to why we didn’t see that regularly with his own age group. The inconsistency is a concern, but his best games are better than most other players in this draft, which in a weaker draft year is worth betting on, in my estimation.

Instant Analysis

The Blackhawks get their No. 2 center behind Connor Bedard, or possibly their No. 1 if Bedard is ever moved to the wing. Frondell gives the blackhawks some much needed size at just under 6-foot-2 and some strength. He is one of the more powerful players in the draft and has one of the best shots. He will likely go back to Sweden, play a year in the SHL and then probably be ready to hop into Chicago’s lineup. He’s ahead of his peers physically and his offensive capabilities are somehow still underrated. He’s a top-six player in the long term whose two-way skill and high-end scoring potential will make him and impact player for Chicago.

No. 4 Utah Mammoth Select: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats

Scouting Report

One of the most complete players in the draft, Desnoyers does a little bit of everything and helps you win with his tenacious, energetic play. He is a proven winner with championships at World U18s, Hlinka-Gretzky and most recently the QMJHL title with Moncton. He had 84 points in 56 games, plus another 30 points in 19 QMJHL playoff games while playing through injuries to both of his wrists. Because of the injury, his Memorial Cup performance was a bit quieter but that does little to cool my opinion of the player. Desnoyers has size, physicality, defensive sense, work ethic and skill to be a top-six center who is good in tough matchups. I do agree that his offensive game is not as dynamic as most of the other players in this range, but he can impact the game in so many different ways that it does little to dissuade the notion that he can be a difference-maker at the NHL level.

Instant Analysis

Caleb Desnoyers looked to be the ideal fit for the Utah Mammoth, which has a solid forward group already. What they lacked in the long-term was a No. 2 center to play behind Logan Cooley to play tough matchups, be a thorn in the side of the opposition and still score. He is a very good fit for the team and should be a big boost to the forward depth they’ve already built. He is a character, too, which should make him a fan favorite. Bill Armstrong told Desnoyers that he was their guy the second they got into the No. 4 pick.

No. 5 Nashville Predators Select: Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds

Scouting Report

The most feared body checker in this draft, Martin came by his strength working on his family’s farm. Aside from the physical game, he can also score with good hands for such a physical player. He is all-out energy on every shift and it seems as though he doesn’t end a game without taking a piece out of the opposing team. He had 33 goals and 72 points this year for the Greyhounds and then played a leading offensive role for Canada at the U18 Men’s World Championship where the team won gold. Because he impacts the game in so many different ways, he could be a No. 2 center or top-six wing that teams rely on in all situations.

Instant Analysis

The Preds clearly wanted to land a center if they could. They got one here in Martin, who came in at No. 9 on my draft rankings. His physical game is incredible and he can still score. I do think the Preds are leaving some offensive upside on the table with Martin, given some of the other players they could have picked, but his recent rise as a prospect was incredible. Teams love the player, but they also really like him as a person and feel he can be a huge part of a strong culture in a team. There could be a letter on his jersey one day. While I think it’s a little early, the gap between Martin and the players I have listed higher than him is not terribly far apart. I understand the allure of what he brings to the table, given what we just watched in the Stanley Cup Final.

No. 6 Philadelphia Flyers Select: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads

Scouting Report

A tremendous playmaker, with good hands to go along with a 6-foot-3, 207-pound frame, Martone is a tantalizing talent. Size with skill is always coveted, which is why he’s been among the very best prospects in this draft. Where I see some separation between Martone and some of those ranked ahead of him is pace of play. His skating is closer to average, which will be more than enough to get by in the NHL, but I’m not sure he’s going to be able to impact games as effectively as some of the quicker players. Another knock on Martone has been his consistency in terms of his competitive drive. When he’s dialed in, he can be a power forward who impacts the game in all three zones and engages physically. But he is unlikely to be the nasty, mean power forward teams often want players like Martone to be. The team that drafts him will certainly benefit from allowing him to be who he is, which is a talented offensive player who can drive play and play the physical game when necessary.

Instant Analysis

The Flyers were widely believed to covet a center, but that center may have been Brady Martin who went one pick before this one. Martone checks all the boxes except for the position. He is a play-driving winger, though. With Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras in the mix up front, the Flyers get one of the biggest forwards available without giving away too much skill. Martone has a great ability to process the game even if he isn’t as fast as some of the other options.The Flyers still need to find a center, but Martone provides plenty of value. He was the No. 6 ranked player on FloHockey’s Top 100.

No. 7 Boston Bruins Select: James Hagens, C, Boston College

Scouting Report

One of the best overall playmakers in the draft, Hagens has elite level hockey sense and vision. He can find seams and is one of the most alert players in this draft. His ability to make plays with pace, exploit defenders and get to the interior when necessary will not be overlooked. He is 5-foot-10.5, which has some concerned and he clearly needs to tack on more muscle to be effective. But a lot of people have forgotten how good this player is and how competitive he is, too. A knock on him is lack of production in some of the biggest games of his season, aside from the World Junior gold medal game where he scored a pivotal goal. Having tracked Hagens closely for the last three years, the overwhelming body of work suggests he will be a play-driving, high-producing forward at the NHL level and teams will pass him at their peril.

Instant Analysis

The No. 3 ranked player on FloHockey’s Top 100, James Hagens is one of the most dynamic players in this draft. The Bruins get an elite playmaker to pair with some of their established core players. He’s going to need more time at Boston College before he is ready to make an impact with the Bruins, but they won’t have to go far to keep an eye on him. The Bruins rarely get to pick this high and could not have gotten better value at No. 7. He’s an elite level player with a chance to make an impact in a few years. The Bruins definitely got better today and faster, too.

No. 8 Seattle Kraken Select: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs

Scouting Report

With 98 points in the OHL this season, O’Brien made his mark as a high-end playmaker with excellent vision and decisiveness with the puck that helped make him a continual threat. He had 32 goals this season, showcasing a solid nose for the net and an ability to score goals in a variety of ways. O’Brien is a spindly 6-foot-2, with an opportunity to tack some muscle onto his frame to be more difficult to knock off the puck. He was still able to make plays in the hard areas of the ice and had creativity under pressure, which is encouraging for his ability to create and produce at the NHL level. His skill suggests he could be a credible No. 2 center in the NHL at the top of his projection.

Instant Analysis

The Kraken have drafted a center with every early pick they have had and continued that trend here. While there’s a chance to bring in a quality defenseman here, the gap between O’Brien and the blueliners is pretty substantial. His incredible skill and creativity add more scoring pop to a team that certainly needs it long term. There’s a likelihood recent pick Berkly Catton is moved to the wing. O’Brien might have to go that way, too, but the dynamic elements he brings will help Seattle in a significant way. They still need to address their shallow defense prospect pool, but you can’t blame them. I had O’Brien ranked No. 7.

No. 9 Buffalo Sabres Select: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds

Scouting Report

The ceiling on Mrtka seems limitless. A 6-foot-6, right-shot defenseman with superior mobility and good puck-moving capabilities, he’s the kind of player teams normally line up to take in the top 10. The only reason I don’t have him there is that I’m a bit concerned about Mrtka’s overall lack of physicality and whether that’s something he’ll ever effectively add to his game. He can be a bit too passive on shifts where a more aggressive, driven player is going to make a bigger impact. You can see all the tools he has and what can happen if he puts it all together. There’s a strong chance he ends up being one of the best defensemen in this draft and plays a top-four role down the road and he is firmly in the draft’s top 12, which is where we start to see the drop off.

Instant Analysis

The Sabres had desperate need for more right-shot defensemen in their system which is very lefty heavy. Mrtka has a huge ceiling and while he is a project pick, he’s got such incredible potential. He needs to round out his physical game more and become harder to play against, but to move as he does at his size is incredibly exciting to add more balance to their blue line. Mrtka was No. 12 on my list, but I think the gap between him and who I had left was miniscule. I think a lot of the player and feel like this was a solid pick for the Sabres to make with most of the top end forwards gone.

No. 10 Anaheim Ducks Select: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings

Scouting Report

A 6-foot-5 behemoth with room to fill out, McQueen is exceptionally skilled for a player of his size. In a perfect world, he’d be in the mix to be a top-three pick with his combination of size and skill, but McQueen missed a large chunk of the season with a back injury which has teams concerned. It’s always good to be a bigger player unless you’ve sustained a back injury early in your career. Teams will continue to assess the long-term risk that comes with McQueen’s injury, but when it comes to judging what we’ve seen this year and last from the player, he has all of the tools to be an impactful power center at the NHL level, which is a hugely valuable and rare commodity.

Instant Analysis

Of all the teams selecting in the top 10, the Ducks were best equipped to take on the risk associated with McQueen’s injury history. Though there is still concern, the Ducks have all the ability to insulate the player because of all the top-end young forwards they already have in the system. This is a high-risk, high-reward pick with a 6-foot-5 center with legitimate hands and playmaking ability. These are hard to find and if McQueen stays healthy and hits, the Ducks have a potential massive pivot to contribute to their scoring attack.

No. 11 Pittsburgh Penguins Select: Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen

Scouting Report

An exceptionally smart, crafty winger, Kindel’s hockey sense and ability to execute give him a good chance to make it and potentially play a top-six role down the road. He’s 5-foot-10 and the skating is only OK, but he did just put up 99 points for the Calgary Hitmen this season and showed an ability to pick apart defenses with an ability to extend plays and create for his linemates. His vision is exceptional and the hand skills will make him difficult to get the puck from. If he can get a bit stronger and raise the compete level in the harder areas of the ice, he’ll give himself a better chance.

Instant Analysis

This was the first big shock of the first round as Ben Kindel goes No. 11 to Pittsburgh. They have two picks, so they can swing on guys that they like, but Kindel is a bit on the smaller side and his skating is a little bit suspect. (UPDATE: The Penguins traded back to later in the first round). There’s a lot of work to be done for Kindel to get to the NHL level physically, but he thinks it at a very high rate. Kindel was No. 27 on my list and while I like the player, I am surprised this is the route Pittsburgh went at this early stage of the draft

No. 12 Philadelphia Flyers Select: Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires

Scouting Report

At 6-foot-4 and still filling out, Nesbitt has quite a presence on the ice. His ability to make plays at the net front and create some havoc will be helpful to him as he progresses. Where there are legitimate concerns about Nesbitt is in his skating. He’s not a particularly quick player, though he does have the hockey sense and vision to potentially play faster than he can skate. There’s still some legitimate power forward potential in this player and he’s got the foundation of skills to go along with that size that teams will be eager to work with.

Instant Analysis

The Flyers traded two late first-round picks (No. 22 and 31) with the Pittsburgh Penguins to move up to this spot. I thought they might try to land one of the premium defensemen, but after selecting a wing with Porter Martone, they needed to get a center. They got a big one in Nesbitt, but I do think there’s going to be room for him to improve. I had him No. 25 on my list largely due to skating concerns, but size still matters to NHL teams and the Flyers have two massive forwards in their group now with Martone and Nesbitt. I think it’s a high price to pay for a project pick player, but I also understand the desperation to land a center. I just think Nesbitt projects more into a middle six center than a top-six player.

No. 13 Detroit Red Wings Select: Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips

Scouting Report

If not for an Achilles injury late in the season, Bear was starting to push into the discussion of this draft’s top 12. He is one of the better goal scorers in this draft, having posted 40 in 56 games with Everett. Bear has the quickness and the skill to challenge defenders and competes, too. He’s an average-sized winger that can get after opposing players and engage physically, even if that is not going to be a primary selling point of his game. As long as teams are satisfied with the injury recovery, Bear has a chance to go a bit higher as he has one of the best offensive toolkits among players in this range.

Instant Analysis

The Red Wings definitely have a type. They want guys that have skill, but who also play hard. After drafting a number of players that match skill with some grit, they do it again with Bear. I do think Bear might have more natural skill than some of the recent selections like Marco Kasper and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, which adds a nice element to a potential top-six weapon. We’ll see how his injury heals itself. It does not sound like there will be lingering issues. Bear says he wants to play like Travis Konecny, which is a great player archetype to aspire to.

No. 14 Columbus Blue Jackets Select: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans

Scouting Report

With a good athletic profile including strong skating, a 6-foot-4 (after the combine measurement) frame and some skill, Smith is an intriguing talent. There are legitimate questions about his hockey sense that come from his ability to finish plays effectively and with precision. His puck decisions can also leave some to be desired. That said, Smith defends quite well with an ability to close gaps quickly and thwart rushes with his skating and length. He has all of the physical tools to be an impactful defenseman, but he will have to work on his puck decisions and processing speed in order to reach his full potential.

Instant Analysis

Smith is a tall, rangey defenseman who has produced points as a strong puck mover. At almost 6-foot-4 and excellent skating, he adds a different element to the Columbus blue line. Smith is going to Penn State next year, which I think will be very good for his development. He needs to work on making tougher decisions under pressure and being a bit more accurate with some of the plays he tries to make. He was my No. 4 defenseman in this class, but I see so much upside in the player due to his athletic profile. He was No. 16 on FloHockey’s Top 100.

No. 15 Vancouver Canucks Select: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds

Scouting Report

One of the more versatile forwards in the class, Cootes does a little bit of everything that will help a team win. He is a right-shot center with good-enough skill and a solid work ethic. Cootes is a good skater who can play an aggressive brand of hockey that makes him more difficult to contain and dogged in puck pursuit. He captained Canada to the gold medal at the U18 Worlds while also putting up 12 points in a stock-raising performance. Before that, he had 63 points in 60 games in the WHL. The offensive upside might be closer to average, which is why he isn’t higher, but his all-around game and character are going to be attractive to teams in the middle of the first round.

Instant Analysis

Cootes does seem like a hand-to-glove fit for the Canucks. He is an aggressive two-way center with good soft-touch skill. He’s a high-character player, too, who was a captain for Seattle and Team Canada at the U18 Worlds. He does a little bit of everything and the Canucks probably need a little bit of everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if some Canucks fans get some Bo Horvat vibes from Cootes, who should endear himself to fans quickly.

No. 16 New York Islanders Select: Victor Eklund, LW, Djugårdens IF

Scouting Report

An aggressive, speedy and skilled winger, Eklund turned heads with a high-end performance with Djugården this season. The younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund finished with 31 points in 42 games, which is sixth-most among U19 forwards all-time in the Allsvenskan. The other players ahead of Eklund all play or played in the NHL including William Karlsson, Elias Pettersson, Filip Forsberg, Alexander Wennberg and record-holder Patrik Berglund. Eklund is 5-foot-11, but his tenacious, competitive drive limits concerns about his size. He has a very mature game on top of the quickness, skill and work ethic that leads me to believe he is going to find a top-six role in his peak years in the NHL.

Instant Analysis

I believe the Islanders tried to move up in the draft to get local boy James Hagens, but couldn’t make it happen. What they do get, however, is a player I ranked inside my Top 10 at No. 8. I love Eklund. He’s a super competitive winger who plays the game hard and at 100 miles an hour. He’s quick and skilled, but still has that get-under-your-skin kind of way about him just in how he plays. Seth Jarvis has been a frequent comparable for Eklund. I think the Islanders got great value here, even if they ultimately couldn’t write the Hollywood script many of us believed they were attempting with the potential trade-up.

No. 17 New York Islanders Select: Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts

Scouting Report

One of the meanest, most physical players in this draft, Aitcheson also had 26 goals during the OHL season from the blue line. The 6-foot-1, left-shot defenseman is one of the oldest first-year eligible players in the draft, but he’s a complete throwback player that teams feel could be of exceptional value in the playoffs. I don’t anticipate Aitcheson’s goal scoring will translate at the NHL level, but I do think he has the ability down the road to be a consistent 40-point defenseman who makes every opposing forward aware of his presence on the ice. His compete and physicality are special traits that teams will value highly.

Instant Analysis

Long Island is going to love Aitcheson. That physical edge he brings is going to be a major factor in games at the NHL level. He has a real fire in his belly when he plays and it explodes with some vicious checks. When you consider he also had time to score 32 goals over the regular season and playoffs this year, you have to love it. He was the No. 2 defenseman on my list and No. 11 overall. I think the Islanders got an absolute haul in this draft by landing two top-four defensemen and a high-end top-six winger. There’s a lot to like about what they ultimately got after a difficult day in trading Noah Dobson.

No. 18 Calgary Flames Select: Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals

Scouting Report

A cerebral, skilled forward with high-end playmaking ability, Reschny has a fairly high offensive ceiling. His ability to process the game and control the pace of his shifts when the puck is on his stick make him stand out at the junior level. He lacks prototypical NHL size and he’s not a natural burner as a skater, but he moves pucks effectively and decisively. His performance down the stretch of the season and into the World Under-18 Championship put Reschny’s stock on the rise for good reason. 

Instant Analysis

The Flames got the player I had ranked No. 15. He is headed to North Dakota next season as one of the biggest names that made the decision to go from the CHL to college hockey after the NCAA rule change. I’d expect he’d spend at least one, but probably two years there. He needs to get stronger, which is a big reason he chose to go there. He is on the smaller side for a center, but Reschny competes on top of having such spectacular skill. His best games were in the playoffs this year, which is always encouraging.

No. 19 St. Louis Blues Select: Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville Boisbriand Armada

Scouting Report

A 6-foot-1 power winger with enough edge to make him difficult to play against, Carbonneau had a highly-productive season. He scored 46 goals in 62 games, showing off solid finish and good hands for a more rugged player. He’s hard to knock off pucks and can be a handful on the forecheck. There are questions about whether the offense is particularly high end, which is fair, but there’s enough to like there to believe he could be a middle-six scorer as he progresses.

Instant Analysis

One of my favorite players in the draft, Carbonneau mixes skill with some grit. He’s a strong young man who is hard to play against. I thought the Blues would go with defense here, but with Carbonneau still on the board it was a pick they had to make. He’s such a good fit for the team that selected him in that he fits the Blues identity and I think he could have a relatively short timeline to the NHL because of his physical maturity. He was listed No. 13 on my Top 100.

No. 20 Columbus Blue Jackets Select: Pyotor Andreyanov, G, CSKA U20

Scouting Report

Andreyanov had spectacular numbers in Russia’s top U20 league with a stunning .942 save percentage. When he was last measured, he came in at 6-foot-2, which is much taller than his early listing of 6-foot-0. That size helped his cause on top of the spectacular numbers. He is a quick goalie who goes on feel and athleticism, but reads the game well. It can be very difficult to evaluate results in the MHL, but his numbers speak for themselves in a league that doesn’t always have the strongest play in front of the goalie.

Instant Analysis

We thought the run on goalies could start in the first round despite the feeling that this is a weak goalie year. Joshua Ravensbergen was the consensus top goalie all year, but I have heard that his status there slipped behind the Russian goalies. Russia has been a goaltending factory and Andreyanov became a hot name very late in the process. I listed him No. 65 on my last draft ranking. I don’t have the best book on the player, but I do know from talking to team personnel that there are many fans of this player’s game.

No. 21 Nashville Predators Select: Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers

Scouting Report

A real riser this season, Reid’s combination of skating and hockey sense has some scouts believing there could be some top-four potential there. The hockey sense, for me, is one of the separating traits among the defensemen in this next tier of blueliners. He is decisive with the puck, reads the game well and moves effectively. His offense is not especially dynamic per se, but he makes plays all over the ice and had 54 points in 67 games with Kitchener. He grew a little bit this year, too, with a 6-foot measurement at the NHL Combine which doesn’t hurt his stock. 

Instant Analysis

Reid was ranked No. 19 on my Top 100 and it was a very late push from Reid to go as high as he did. He is one of the best puck-moving defensemen available at this stage of the draft. Plus, he grew a little bit this year and it helped make teams a bit more comfortable with his overall projection. His hockey sense and skating ability are big time pieces in his game and Nashville has routinely developed defensemen well. He has the chance to be a real find in this range after the Predators traded up to get him.

No. 22 Pittsburgh Penguins Select: Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

Scouting Report

There’s a ton of upside in Zonnon thanks to his frame and the skills he showed over the course of this season. He’s also a supreme competitor who plays well off the puck and makes the most of his touches. He is a bit older in the class and progressed as you’d expect a third-year QMJHL player to play in terms of his production and ability to impact games. He had 83 points this season including a career-best 28 goals, but was especially impactful for the Huskies in the playoffs. Zonnon was traded to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada for next season.

Instant Analysis

The separation among players in this range is not very big and the Penguins traded back knowing they’d have players like Zonnon to pick from. He was No. 28 on my list and has plenty of upside. He will play one more year, probably, in the QMJHL with Blainville-Boisbriand, where he was traded just a few weeks ago. It’s perhaps not the most exciting pick, but Zonnon has a lot of attributes that lead to belief he could round out into a top-six forward, but it’s not a sure thing.

No. 23 Ottawa Senators Select: Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin

Scouting Report

Hensler is one of the most intriguing players among defensemen in this range because the opinions on him vary greatly. There’s no doubt that he has the mobility, the size and the defensive know-how to be a potential top-four defenseman in the NHL, but his offensive upside appears limited. I’m not sure he has the offensive sense to make effective plays consistently. That said, he’s a 6-foot-2, right-shot defenseman who can skate. In a weaker draft class, he’s one of those players that seems to have a higher floor than most, but I am uncertain of his ultimate ceiling because of the offensive limitations in his game. That said, I had a lot of similar concerns about Brock Faber at the same age and we see how that turned out.

Instant Analysis

The Sens have been building quite the arsenal of American talent with Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Shane Pinto among their current players. Hensler is a potential top-four defenseman who profiles similarly to Sanderson’s old NTDP teammate Brock Faber. The offensive ceiling isn’t super high, but the defensive capabilities and how much room he has to grow into his game yet is enticing. I’d expect a big year for him at Wisconsin next year and for him to play a starring role at next year’s World Juniors after playing more of a depth role this year. He was ranked No. 20 on our Top 100.

No. 24 Pittsburgh Penguins Select: Will Horcoff, C, Michigan

Scouting Report

An impressive second half of the season for Horcoff after enrolling at Michigan at mid-season helped drive growth in Horcoff’s stock. He’s a massive forward with excellent physical strength and the capability to be a power forward. College players were just bouncing off of him this year. The son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, Will is a chip off the old block in that he commits to two-way hockey and can play a physical game that makes him hard to play against. The big question is a valid one – is the skill level and hockey sense at a high enough level for him to produce at the NHL level? The small glimpse of some of his best offensive hockey coming at Michigan may be enough to bump him up, but it does give me some pause.

Instant Analysis

After trading back earlier in the draft, the Penguins used No. 31 and 59 to move back up. Will Horcoff really took off in the latter portion of the season, but I do think the offensive upside is a bit limited. There’s little doubt that he is going to play in the league and play a lot, but I think it’s more as a role player. Horcoff is definitely going to help the Penguins’ depth, but I do think they have left value on the table with the way they picked tonight. Especially considering where they were at coming into the night with two top 12 picks and the opportunities they had, I don’t think they got a premium talent but guys that will help them fill roles down the road.

No. 25 Chicago Blackhawks Select: Václav Nestrašil, LW

Scouting Report

He has to improve his pace some, but there is so much to like about Nestrašil, who won the Clark Cup with the Muskegon Lumberjacks this year. He’s close to 6-foot-6, is gaining strength and will only get stronger at UMass next season. He has outstanding skill for a player of his size and protects well. As he continues to build strength, he should be able to drive the net even better and become a bigger handful for opposing defensemen. I like his upside as a potential middle-six scoring winger.

Instant Analysis

Chicago went BIG with their most recent selection. While I had Nestrašil 44th on my list, I think the gap between the 20s and 50s is not significant and I think you have to pick guys you like. Chicago obviously liked Nestrašil a lot and there’s a lot to like based on his playoff run with the Lumberjacks. We mentioned this week that a player generating a lot of first-round buzz was the 6-foot-6 forward. Chicago wanted to get bigger and got two big forwards in the first round.

No. 26 Nashville Predators Select: Ryker Lee, RW, Madison Capitols

Scouting Report

The USHL’s rookie of the year and one of the league’s top scorers, Lee’s stock rose over the course of the season. He’s a higher-end skill player in this draft with good hands, a high-end release on his shot and some rapidly-improving offensive hockey sense. He made a lot of plays this year and made Madison a threatening offensive team. He’s 6-foot, but will need to tack on strength at Michigan State, which I’m sure he will in that program, and he’ll need to improve his skating more to be a true NHL offensive threat.

Instant Analysis

Lee had an incredible season and he improves the dynamic skill up front for Nashville. I had him No. 34 on my list and I’m not altogether surprised he went in the first round. He needs to get a bit stronger and will at Michigan State University. Nashville had multiple picks in the draft and I like when teams bet on skill that needs some more rounding out. Lee has plenty of time to make his impact, but he could be as many as three years away from playing for the Preds.

No. 27 Washington Capitals Select: Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors

Scouting Report

To land a 6-foot-4 power winger with good hands in this range is usually a nice little pickup for a team in the mid-first. Lakovic had 58 points in 47 games this year and there’s a bit more skill in his game to expect higher production in subsequent years. Additionally, Lakovic is a good skater, which should allow him to challenge defenders in a variety of ways. Where he can afford to get better is being a more driven, aggressive player shift-in, shift-out. There have been some concerns that he relies a bit too much on the skating and skill and not enough on the size to be a legitimate power forward with scoring pop.

Instant Analysis

We will have to find out what led to Lakovic’s slip down the board because it’s hard to find 6-foot-4 guys with hands like his. I think the Caps are getting great value here with the player I had ranked No.18. The Capitals have had a lot of recent draft success and this ends up being strong value late. Lakovic fits into a forward group that already has some talented wings including Ivan Miroshnichenko and Andrew Cristall. Getting size added helps a ton.

No. 28 Winnipeg Jets Select: Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University

Scouting Report

One of the very best skaters among defensemen in this draft, Boumedienne has excellent mobility, edgework and some explosiveness. His ability to close on players and retrieve pucks quickly will be valuable. Similar to some other defensemen in this range, there are questions about his overall hockey sense and if he processes the game quickly enough to be an effective puck mover. I’ve seen tremendous improvement in his overall game over the course of this season, but there’s still something that hasn’t quite connected to put a full stamp of projected top-four defenseman on this player.

Instant Analysis

The Jets are probably going to be picking later a lot more, but to be able to land value like Boumedienne is a nice stroke of luck. I had Boumedienne at the No. 21 spot on my list. His growth over the entire season at BU was very encouraging. The skating ability he brings to the table is going to make for a good fit. He still needs to work on the hockey sense and I could see two more years at BU really paying off. He accelerated to go to BU a year early and I think that may ultimately pay off with the extra year to build strength. The Jets need some more quality in their prospect system on defense and Boumedienne is a nice piece to aid that.

No. 29 Chicago Blackhawks Select: Mason West, C, Edina High School

Scouting Report

One of the most fascinating players in the draft, West is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound junior in high school who is both the star forward for Edina H.S. and the football team’s star quarterback. Athletes like West don’t come along often, which is why he’s rocketing up the charts. He’s fast and has some clear skill that allowed him to both play at a high level in High School and with the Fargo Force in a 10-game stint where he had nine points. It was that stint that made West realize his sporting future may be best served in hockey. NHL teams are still nervous about taking him because he plans to play his senior season in football before moving over to the USHL for the remainder of the season. NHL personnel have questioned what will happen if West gets big Division I football offers after getting primarily mid-major offers following his junior year. West says he is choosing hockey for the long-term, but there’s still that risk factor.

Instant Analysis

The Blackhawks traded 34 and 62 this year and a fifth-round pick in 2027 to get into this range. They probably felt there was no way this player was going to be there at 34. Well, Mason West is a gigantic swing from the Hawks because he’s going to play football next fall with Edina H.S. Then he goes back to play with the Fargo Force. He’s never had 100% focus on hockey, which is kind of crazy considering how good he is at it. He has one of the highest ceilings in this draft, but there is so much we don’t know about the player because he didn’t even realize he was an NHL caliber player until this year. He could be a fascinating project pick.

No. 30 San Jose Sharks Select: Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars

Scouting Report

Ravensbergen is the consensus top goalie for this year’s draft and has all of the physical tools. In deeper draft years, we wouldn’t be talking about him as a first-round goalie, mainly because the track record is a bit inconsistent. His numbers were not great this year and trended down from a season ago, which does concern me some. That said, Ravensbergen has a calm demeanor in net, shows good athleticism and is close to 6-foot-5, giving him the size teams covet. When you get to this range of the first round and you’re debating between a forward that might be middle- or bottom-six, or a defenseman who is a top-four longshot, why not take a chance on the player that may have a No. 1 goalie ceiling? That’s the argument teams will make, and I’d bet Ravensbergen is off the board even before this point in the draft.

Instant Analysis

The Sharks got their goalie of the future in Yaroslav Askarov last summer, but it never hurts to have insurance. While I think they could have gotten a solid defensman here, landing the consensus top goalie in the class is pretty nice work. The Sharks are one of the teams that invest in goalie evaluations and development pretty heavily, which means they had a pretty solid book on the netminder. There’s always, always risk in drafting goalies early, but the Sharks have to feel they can really work with Ravensbergen, who I listed No. 26 overall.

No. 31 Los Angeles Kings Select: Henry Brzustewicz, D, London Knights

Scouting Report

Playing on a loaded blue line in London, Brzustewicz found a role and was able to make plenty of plays despite not being one of his team’s go-to defensemen. He had 42 points in 67 games for London, but was a bit quieter during the playoffs. Brzustewicz has good-enough size, moves well and defends at a solid rate. He projects more favorably to bottom-pairing defenseman as his offense doesn’t jump off the page and there isn’t much of a specific high-end trait that stands out about Brzustewicz. Still, he looks like he can find a role down the line here.

Instant Analysis

The Kings were loud about their desire to trade back and that’s what they did. I think the value they get here is just fine. I had Brzustewicz at No. 33 on the list and the fact the Kings got him while also getting an extra asset only enhances the value. Brzustewicz won a Memorial Cup and winning pedigree always goes a long way. I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can be.

No. 32 Calgary Flames Select: Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State

Scouting Report

He may be the best skater in this draft and that one elite trait could be enough for a team to take a chance on him in the first round. Potter went to the NCAA a year early and performed well, but didn’t quite light it up with 22 points in 35 games. He has a good shot and can slither through defenders well, with speed to win races and beat defenders wide. The knock on Potter, beyond his 5-10 frame is that there are a lot of things he can create with his feet, but doesn’t finish plays as well and can be a bit too perimeter. The skating gives him a solid foundation to build off of, though, and there are a lot of players that need work in this range.

Instant Analysis

The Flames got a lot more skilled in the first round, drafting Cullen Potter and Cole Reschny. They’re both smaller forwards, but they have a lot of other attributes that will come in handy for the Flames. Potter’s speed is a difference maker and gives him a chance to get there. I had him No. 31 on my list. He has a few more years of college to play and get stronger before he moves on to the next level, but I think there are big things to come for the American standout.

NHL Draft Last Minute Updates

Here is Chris Peters’ last report from on the ground in Los Angeles before the picks start flying.

Get caught up on the latest news and notes from @chrismpeters before the 2025 #NHLDraft!https://t.co/cZhXUlIBVc pic.twitter.com/YzHpkwp4XV

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 27, 2025

How To Watch The 2025 NHL Draft

The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will be televised exclusively on the NHL Network as well as ESPN and ESPN+ beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 27. Rounds 2-7 will be on NHL Network and ESPN+. 

“While he is physical, he’s also quite skilled.”@FloHockey‘s Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) discusses @OHLHoundPower centreman Brady Martin and the multi-dimensional approach he brings to this year’s #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/bbem3Iw5aS

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) June 27, 2025

FloHockey’s Top 100 NHL Prospects

Matthew Schaefer Tops Chris Peters’ Final Top 100 before the NHL Draft, see the full list here. 

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. 

Don’t miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan freshman defenseman Zack Sharp was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the NHL Draft earlier today. 

Sharp was taken in the fourth round and was the 124th overall pick. This is the fourth straight season WMU has had a player taken in the NHL Draft. 

The Naperville, Ill. native played a key role in leading the Broncos to the National Championship, scoring nine points on five goals and four assists. He tallied 29 blocked shots and was a +19. 

Sharp was clutch in big-time moments, as four of his five goals came against opponents that were ranked or receiving votes. His biggest goal came in a 4-3 double overtime victory over Denver to help the Brown and Gold secure the NCHC Frozen Faceoff title.