The 2025 NHL draft has now come and gone, with Hamilton, Ont. native Matthew Schaefer being selected by the New York Islanders with the first-overall selection. Beyond Schaefer, there were other prospects that were, as expected, early selections in Round 1, including Michael Misa going to the San Jose Sharks at No. 2, Caleb Desnoyers going to the Utah Mammoth at No. 4 and more.
However, there were also some surprise picks in the first round, whether it was James Hagens slipping to the Boston Bruins at No. 7, or players most thought wouldn't be selected until the second round being scooped up early.
With that in mind, which picks were the biggest surprises in Round 1 of the NHL draft?
Let us know what you think. And remember, The Hockey News Community is a hockey forum where you can not only join the conversation but start your own.