The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is here. On Friday and Saturday, prospects from across the world will hear their names called as they officially begin their NHL careers. Once again, the WHL is expected to play a prominent role in the draft, as many players from across the league will be selected and added to prospect pools. 

In honour of the draft, THN's Tony Ferrari has released his first round Mock Draft. Among the 32 players listed are eight from the WHL, which include two in the top ten. Here is a look at the prospects Ferrari projects will be first-rounders this year. 

The first WHLer projected to hear their name called is Tri-City Americans defenceman Jackson Smith, who was selected eighth overall by the Seattle Kraken in the mock draft. Listed at 6'3", 190 lbs, the right-shot defenceman recorded 54 points in 68 games this season. Next season, Smith will head to the NCAA, where he will join Penn State University. 

At ninth overall, Ferrari has the Buffalo Sabres selecting defenceman Radim Mrtka. Listed at 6'6", 218 lbs, the Seattle Thunderbirds defender recorded 35 points in 43 games during his rookie season. Mrtka has the potential to be a top-four defenceman at the NHL level who can impact the game at both ends of the ice. 

The first forward off the board is Roger McQueen, who goes 11th to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Brandon Wheat Kings center had a tough, injury-riddled season, but still recorded 20 points in 17 games. A skilled two-way center, McQueen is the top-ranked WHL forward in this draft. 

Two picks later is where we find Lynden Lakovic, who goes 13th overall to the Detroit Red Wings. The Moose Jaw Warriors winger had a strong season, recording 58 points in 47 games. A high-end playmaker, Lakovic should help boost an already loaded Red Wings prospect pool. 

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Lynden Lakovic The WHL is set to play a big role in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to the draft, we at The Hockey News will be profiling some of the players who are projected to hear their names called at the end of June. Today's prospect is forward Lynden Lakovic, who plays for the Moose jaw Warriors.

Up next is Braeden Cootes, who went 15th overall to the Vancouver Canucks. The Thunderbirds captain had a career year, recording 63 points in 60 games. A leader on and off the ice, Cootes was also Canada's captain at this year's U18 tournament. 

At 16th overall, the Montréal Canadiens select winger Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips. Listed at 6'0", 179 lbs, the left winger scored 40 goals while recording 82 points in 56 games. Bear is currently coming off a partial Achilles tendon laceration but is expected to be ready for training camp. 

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Carter Bear The WHL is set to play a big role in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to the draft, we at The Hockey News will be profiling some of the players who are projected to hear their names called at the end of June. Today's prospect is forward Carter Bear, who plays for the Everett Silvertips.

With the Canadiens back on the clock at 17th, Montréal selects defenceman Blake Fiddler. The Edmonton Oil Kings right-shot defenceman recorded 33 points in 64 games and was part of Team USA's U18 team this past year. The son of former NHLer Vernon Fiddler, Blake is a talented defender who loves to get involved in the transition game. 

The last WHLer mentioned on Ferrari's list is Victoria Royals Cole Reschny, who heads to the Columbus Blue Jackets at 20th overall. Listed at 5'10", 187 lbs, he recorded 92 points in 62 games before producing 25 points in 11 post-season games. Reschny has already committed to the NCAA for next season and will be joining the University of North Dakota.

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