NHL teams use their picks as currency for trades all the time, sometimes even years before that pick turns into a player. That means that although every franchise gets one pick in each of the seven rounds of the NHL draft [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683997], some teams have as many as 12 and as few as two picks in the draft taking place on June 27 and 28. Not every draft pick is made the same, though. There is a difference between having nine picks with five in the first three rounds and having nine picks where five fall in the last three rounds. Those picks will be used to draft players each organization thinks can help its franchise moving forward. Every team has strong points and weak points in its pipeline. Let’s look through every team across the NHL, checking out how many draft picks each team has and what weak points they look to address. ANAHEIM DUCKS, NINE PICKS Round 1: 10th overall Round 2: 60th overall Round 3: 72nd overall Round 4: 101st and 104th overall Round 5: 136th and 159th overall Round 6: 168th overall Round 7: 200th overall Weak point: center The Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks] have a loaded pipeline, and they have young centers on the roster. There isn’t really a major need anywhere, but they could target a center because depth down the middle wins championships. BOSTON BRUINS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 7th overall Round 2: 51st overall and 61st overall Round 3: 69th overall Round 4: 100th overall Round 5, 133rd overall Round 6: 165th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: high-end skill After over a decade of being among the Stanley Cup contenders, the Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins]' pipeline lacks talent everywhere. The reality is that they just need some high-end skill to kick-start their rebuild. BUFFALO SABRES, 10 PICKS Round 1: 9th overall Round 2: 39th overall Round 3: 71st overall Round 4: 103rd overall and 116th overall Round 5: 135th overall Round 6: 167th overall Round 7: 195th overall, 199th overall, and 219th overall Weak point: right-shot defender The Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres] have a fairly loaded prospect pool, with their forward group looking deep and skilled in various ways. Their NHL blueline has plenty of young talent, but most of it is on the left side. Finding a right shot to play with talented blueliners Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power will be key. CALGARY FLAMES, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 18th and 32nd overall Round 2: 54th overall Round 3: 80th overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: 144th overall Round 6: 176th overall Round 7: 208th overall Weak point: star power up front While the Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames] have slowly built up a quality pipeline and added some intriguing talents like Zayne Parekh on the blueline, they don’t really have a game-breaker up front. Finding one in this draft will be tough, but the Flames can afford to take some swings. Draft Preview 2025 | The Hockey News Archive [https://cdn-assets.ziniopro.com/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/cover3716/10449187-1-eng-US/cover2.jpg?t=ipad_portrait_cover] Draft Preview 2025 | The Hockey News Archive The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions abo... [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683997] CAROLINA HURRICANES, SIX PICKS Round 1: 29th overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: 87th overall Round 4: 125th overall Round 5: no picks Round 6: 183rd and 189th overall Round 7: 221st overall Weak point: center The Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes] haven’t developed a truly high-end center since they drafted Sebastian Aho in 2015, and they desperately need one in this system. They lack a true center in their system at the moment, but finding one at 29th overall might be tough. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, 10 PICKS Round 1: 3rd and 25th overall Round 2: 34th and 62nd overall Round 3: 66th overall Round 4: 98th and 107th overall Round 5: no picks Round 6: 162nd overall Round 7: 194th and 197th overall Weak point: blueline depth Even with recent additions, such as Artyom Levshunov and Kevin Korchinski, the blueline needs some major pieces in Chicago [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks]. They could certainly add some with their plentiful collection of picks this year, taking some swings in the late first or second rounds. COLORADO AVALANCHE, TWO PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: no picks Round 3: no picks Round 4: 118th overall Round 5: no picks Round 6: no picks Round 7: 214th overall Weak point: just about everything The Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche] have been a contender for quite a while now, so they’ve been accustomed to spending their draft capital to acquire players for the current roster. With just two picks, they aren’t likely to do too much in the way of adding to their pipeline, especially with their first coming at well outside the top 100. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 14th and 20th overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: 77th overall Round 4: 109th overall Round 5: no picks Round 6: 173rd overall Round 7: 205th and 218th overall Weak point: depth The Blue Jackets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets] have quality talent all over their pipeline, but they must continue to add depth. With two top 20 picks, they will have the opportunity to add high-end talent up front and on the back end. DALLAS STARS, SIX PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: no picks Round 3: 94th overall Round 4: 126th overall Round 5: 146th and 158th overall Round 6: 190th overall Round 7: 222nd overall Weak point: impact talent The Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] have done a very good job of drafting and developing players throughout their recent competitive window, but with the Logan Stankoven trade and Mavrik Bourque and Lian Bichsel graduating to the NHL, they could use some more impact talent. Without a pick in the first two rounds, that might be tough. A view of the 2024 NHL draft in Vegas (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/938e6e26-2cc5-4cad-8308-cfd98dcbab95.jpeg] A view of the 2024 NHL draft in Vegas (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) DETROIT RED WINGS, NINE PICKS Round 1: 13th overall Round 2: 44th overall Round 3: 75th and 76th overall Round 4: 199th overall Round 5: 140th overall Round 6: 172nd overall Round 7: 204th and 211th overall Weak point: high-end skill The Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings] went through a couple of years where they took swings, and they paid off, getting Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Since then, they have played it safe and drafted players with high floors and limited ceilings. They need to swing for the fences at No. 13 and go for a player that could outperform their draft slot. EDMONTON OILERS, THREE PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: no picks Round 3: 83rd overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: no picks Round 6: 191st overall Round 7: 223rd overall Weak point: everything The Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] are back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists, but having lost both, they would benefit from some young talent ready to join the roster, especially since they are the NHL’s oldest squad. Unfortunately, they lack young up-and-coming players all over the pipeline, and with just one pick inside the top 180 selections, they likely won’t get that player this year. FLORIDA PANTHERS, SIX PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: no picks Round 3: no picks Round 4: 112th and 128th overall Round 5: 129th and 160th overall Round 6: 192nd overall Round 7: 224th overall (last pick of the draft) Weak point: blueline help The Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. If you’re reading this as a Panthers fan, shouldn’t you be crowd surfing Brad Marchand or waiting for Aleksander Barkov to knock on your door with the Stanley Cup? You could use a defender, but who cares? You have two Cups. LOS ANGELES KINGS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 24th overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: 88th overall Round 4: 120th overall Round 5: 152nd overall Round 6: 184th overall Round 7: 196th and 216th overall Weak point: defensive help The Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings]’ once-heralded prospect pool wasn’t quite as fruitful as they hoped, but they have some quality depth up front who can fill in. The blueline is a more pressing area of concern, especially with Brandt Clarke graduating to a full-time NHL role. They must find a way to add a quality blueliner, hopefully one with some upside. 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Post-Lottery Top 64 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/226f0bc5-97dc-416e-9df9-e2defdcbbe3a.jpeg] 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Post-Lottery Top 64 One week after the NHL’s draft lottery decided which franchise received the first-overall pick, it’s time for a new round of draft rankings. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-nhl-draft-rankings-ferraris-post-lottery-top-64] MINNESOTA WILD, FOUR PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: 52nd overall Round 3: no picks Round 4: 121st overall Round 5: 141st overall Round 6: 180th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: right-shot defenders The Wild [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild] have done a good job of filling their pipeline with quality talent at just about every position. The one hole is on the right side of their blueline. There are a few solid right-shot defenders in this class, but none of the best players will be around when Minnesota finally makes its pick in the mid-second round. MONTREAL CANADIENS, 12 PICKS Round 1: 16th and 17th overall Round 2: 41st and 49th overall Round 3: 79th, 81st, and 82nd overall Round 4: 108th and 113th overall Round 5: 145th overall Round 6: 177th overall Round 7: 209th overall Weak point: center depth and goal-scoring The Montreal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] pipeline is chock-full of talent. They could use a top-level scorer, though, and it would be even better if it were a center. They need a second-line center of the future, and maybe they can take a swing and find one at Nos. 16 or 17. NASHVILLE PREDATORS, NINE PICKS Round 1: 5th, 23rd, and 26th overall Round 2: 35th and 55th overall Round 3: 67th overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: 131st overall Round 6: 163rd and 182nd overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: defense and goaltending After trading Yaroslav Askarov, the Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] have a massive need for a netminder of consequence, but they also need some help on the right side of their blueline. The Preds are in a weird spot because they wanted to be good, but they weren’t. They want to rebuild, but they have a roster that’s ready to compete. NEW JERSEY DEVILS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: 50th and 63rd overall Round 3: 90th overall Round 4: 99th and 114th overall Round 5: no picks Round 6: 161st and 178th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: impact talent The Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] have good players all over the pipeline, but they lack difference-makers in the pipeline. They have some young players on their NHL roster, but if they want to extend their window, they need to find more skilled players. With no first-rounder this year, that might be tough. NEW YORK ISLANDERS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 1st overall Round 2: 42nd overall Round 3: 74th overall Round 4: 106th overall Round 5: 138th overall Round 6: 170th overall Round 7: 202nd overall Weak point: right-handed defense The Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders] have no notable prospects or even long shots on the right side of their defense pipeline, so they are in an excellent situation with Matthew Schaefer being available. Whether they take him or not is a different story. NEW YORK RANGERS, NINE PICKS Round 1: 12th overall Round 2: 43rd overall Round 3: 70th and 89th overall Round 4: 111th overall Round 5: 139th overall Round 6: 166th and 171st overall Round 7: 203rd overall Weak point: legitimate centers The centers the Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers] have in the system likely project to the NHL as wingers. At 12th overall, they should be in line to draft a legitimate center who could stick at the NHL level. They should have a number of options, even if it’s not one of the top group of centers. OTTAWA SENATORS, SIX PICKS Round 1: 21st overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: 96th overall Round 4: 97th overall Round 5: 149th overall Round 6: 181st overall Round 7: 213th overall Weak point: forwards with skill The Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/ottawa-senators] made the playoffs after a long stretch of misses, but they couldn’t build up a promising pipeline, which could impact their ability to contend long-term. If they have the chance, they should look to go for skill. They have plenty of tenacity and truculence in the system, but they need swings on talent. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS, 11 PICKS Round 1: 6th, 22nd, 31st overall Round 2: 36th, 40th, 45th, and 48th overall Round 3: 68th overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: 132nd and 157th overall Round 6: 164th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: left-shot defenders The Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers] have an incredible amount of draft capital with seven picks in the top 50. They have more opportunity to add legitimate talent than anyone in the draft, and filling their need on the left side should be quite easy. This could be a franchise-altering draft for Philly. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS, 10 PICKS Round 1: 11th overall Round 2: 59th overall Round 3: 73rd, 84th, and 85th overall Round 4: 105th overall Round 5: 130th and 148th overall Round 6: 169th overall Round 7: 201st overall Weak point: everything When you’ve had one of the greatest players of all-time leading you on multiple Stanley Cup runs and a supporting cast that features potential Hall of Famers, you don’t worry about your prospects. That’s how the Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] have gotten to the point where they need everything now that they aren’t a true contender anymore. They’ve traded picks and prospects for years to keep competitive, but now, it’s time to lock in and find some talent for the next generation. SAN JOSE SHARKS, NINE PICKS Round 1: 2nd and 30th overall Round 2: 33rd and 53rd overall Round 3: 95th overall Round 4: 115th and 124th overall Round 5: 150th overall Round 6: no picks Round 7: 210th overall Weak point: defensemen Although they have some quality defenders, they have a loaded forward pipeline. The Sharks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks] have talent up and down their pipeline, especially since adding Askarov to bolster their crease. They don’t really need anything, but finding a quality defender to go with some of their young and up-and-coming defensemen could be nice. SEATTLE KRAKEN, SIX PICKS Round 1: 8th overall Round 2: 38th and 57th overall Round 3: no picks Round 4: 102nd overall Round 5: 134th overall Round 6: no picks Round 7: 198th overall Weak point: left-shot defenders The Kraken [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken] have built up a nice prospect pool since coming into existence. They have a ton of forward depth and plenty of legitimate centers. Even on left defense, they have some solid players who might develop into NHLers. Finding a stud would be excellent, though. ST. LOUIS BLUES, THREE PICKS Round 1: 19th overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: no picks Round 4: no picks Round 5: 147th overall Round 6: 179th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: impact defense The Blues [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues] have quite a few solid defenders, but none of them have the upside they will need to play big minutes on the top pair. Pick 19 isn’t exactly where you go to find those players, but they can add to a solid defensive pipeline and swing on upside because they have depth already. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: 56th overall Round 3: no picks Round 4: 127th overall Round 5: 151st overall Round 6: no picks Round 7: 193rd, 206th, 212th, and 215th overall Weak point: everything, everywhere, all at once Tampa Bay [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] has thrown draft picks out the window, unlike just about any other team in the league, and they have been in a Cup-contending window for the last half-decade. They need everything because even the one truly potentially effective prospect they have, Isaac Howard, isn’t likely to make an impact at the NHL level. Final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Top 100 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a6b16c1e-4de5-4edc-b8bf-ab02485badfb.webp] Final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Top 100 The 2025 NHL draft is fast approaching, and with that, it's time to drop some final rankings. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/final-2025-nhl-draft-rankings-ryan-kennedy-s-top-100] TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, SIX PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: 64th overall Round 3: 86th overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: 137th and 153rd overall Round 6: 185th overall Round 7: 217th overall Weak point: impact defenders The Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs] have been spinning their wheels, trying to get over the hump for a while now, and they have exhausted most of their prospect pool, but they do have a few promising forwards. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to build a strong group on the back end. Ben Danford is a solid defensive blueliner, but his upside is limited. With no picks in the top 60, this weakness is unlikely to change. UTAH MAMMOTH, SIX PICKS Round 1: 4th overall Round 2: 46th overall Round 3: 78th overall Round 4: 110th overall Round 5: 142nd overall Round 6: 174th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: high-end center The Mammoth [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah] and Arizona Coyotes have had plenty of high draft picks in recent years, and they have a ton of solid prospects because of it. Even down the middle, they have some solid options, but they will likely turn into bottom six centers. If they could add one more top-six center, they could be a force in the future. VANCOUVER CANUCKS, SEVEN PICKS Round 1: 15th overall Round 2: 47th overall Round 3: 65th overall Round 4: 117th overall Round 5: 143rd overall Round 6: 175th overall Round 7: 207th overall Weak point: they’re good, not great The Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks] have some very good prospects at a variety of positions, but they lack a truly great prospect. At 15th overall, it might be tough to get one, but they must find a way to bring in some elite talent. Whether on the back end or up front, they could use some impact players coming up. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS, SIX PICKS Round 1: no picks Round 2: 58th overall Round 3: 91st overall Round 4: 122nd overall Round 5: 154th overall Round 6: 186th and 187th overall Round 7: no picks Weak point: who cares? It sounds silly, but Vegas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights] couldn’t care less about its prospects. They have traded nearly every first-round pick they have made, and they’ve traded as many picks before they made them. Vegas is a win-now team, as it’s been since its inception. Their prospect pool is merely a tool to trade from, so swinging on elite talent and hoping they perform well to boost their trade value might be the way to go. WASHINGTON CAPITALS, FIVE PICKS Round 1: 27th overall Round 2: 37th overall Round 3: 93rd overall Round 4: 123rd overall Round 5: 155th overall Round 6: no picks Round 7: no picks Weak point: center depth The Capitals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals] have long needed to draft and develop a quality center, but Hendrix Lapierre and Connor McMichael are the closest they’ve come, and they aren’t full-time top six centers. If there is a center available late in the first round, Washington should grab them, even if it means trading up a few picks to do so. WINNIPEG JETS, FIVE PICKS Round 1: 28th overall Round 2: no picks Round 3: 92nd overall Round 4: no picks Round 5: 156th overall Round 6: 188th overall Round 7: 220th overall Weak point: right-shot defense The Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] have a deceptively strong pipeline, but they could use some help on defense, particularly on the right side. The Jets are picking quite late, so any help they get won’t be ready for the NHL for at least a couple of years, but they should be looking to invest in the blueline if they get the chance. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
