CALGARY FLAMES
The Calgary Flames used the 18th overall pick to select centre Cole Reschny, a high-end playmaker coming off a standout season with the WHL’s Victoria Royals. The Macklin, Sask. product posted 92 points (26 goals, 66 assists) in 62 games and was a clear choice for Calgary, which narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024-25.
“(It’s) special just getting this opportunity to be drafted by such a great organization,” Reschny said. “But it’s also a dream come true. It’s something I’ve worked towards my whole life and my young hockey career.”
Reschny spoke about how his blue-collar roots in Macklin helped shape him. “It just shaped me into the hard-working and competitive guy I am today.”
The Flames also selected forwards Cullen Potter and Theo Stockselius, both with middle-six potential. While Reschny headlines the class, the organization added solid depth with upside throughout the draft.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Despite moving their two top picks (Nos. 16 and 17) and forward Emil Heineman to the New York Islanders in exchange for defenceman Noah Dobson, the Canadiens still managed to secure intriguing talent, most notably Alexander Zharkovsky at 34th overall.
The undersized Russian winger impressed with 50 points in 45 games for Tolpar Ufa of the MHL. Zharkovsky is a dynamic skater with strong stickhandling and creative instincts.
He is joined in Montreal’s class by Hayden Paupanekis and Bryce Pickford, giving the Canadiens a trio of prospects with potential to contribute at the NHL level, even without a first-round selection.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
The Canucks were the first Canadian club on the board, selecting centre Braeden Cootes 15th overall. The Sherwood Park, Alta., native registered 63 points in 60 games as captain of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds and added 12 points in seven games with Canada’s U18 national team.
“Honestly, I kind of blacked out for a second,” said Cootes, who spent a year living in Vancouver. “It was crazy. It was an unbelievable moment I’ll always remember.”
Cootes, who attended Canucks games in his youth, described the experience as “unbelievable” and said he’s excited to return to the West Coast.
Vancouver, which missed the playoffs by six points, has been active early in the off-season, acquiring veteran forward Evander Kane, while forward Brock Boeser is set to hit free agency.
The Canucks rounded out their draft with selections including Alexei Medvedev, a high-upside goaltender, and Kieren Dervin, a skilled forward from St. Andrew’s College. Though both picks came earlier than expected, they reflect a clear investment in long-term development.
OTTAWA SENATORS
The Senators added defenceman Logan Hensler with the 23rd pick. Hensler, who suited up for the University of Wisconsin in 2024-25, recorded 12 points in 32 NCAA games and played a key role in Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa.
“It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid to play in the NHL,” said Hensler. “All good emotions … I’m super excited.”
Hensler projects as a mobile, top-four defenceman, but will need to work on puck control under pressure. Ottawa’s class also includes Lucas Beckman, a college goaltender with pro upside, and Blake Vanek, a third-round selection whose projection varies among scouts.
WINNIPEG JETS
The Jets turned their first-round pick (No. 28) into defenceman Sascha Boumedienne, a high-IQ puck-mover out of Boston University. The Swedish blueliner carries strong offensive instincts, including a booming slap shot and elite passing vision. He will require development on the defensive side, but showed marked improvement late in his NCAA freshman campaign.
Winnipeg also added Owen Martin at 92nd overall, a skilled junior player with questions about pro projection. Overall, Boumedienne offers a promising long-term piece for the Jets’ back end.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Without a first-round pick, the Maple Leafs began their draft in the second round, selecting Tinus Luc Koblar at 64th overall. The Norwegian centre is a smart, physical playmaker who will need to develop his skating before cracking the NHL.
Toronto’s next pick, Tyler Hopkins, adds further forward depth. With limited draft capital, the Leafs selected for potential, though expectations for full-time NHL impact remain modest for this group.
EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers didn’t make a pick until the third round, when they selected centre Tommy Lafreniere 83rd overall. The 18-year-old posted 56 points in 68 games, the second-most among WHL rookies, and is known for his quickness, awareness, and defensive puck pressure. At just 5-foot-9, size will be a factor, but Lafreniere has tools worth tracking.
Later picks David Lewandowski and Asher Barnett round out Edmonton’s modest class. While none are surefire NHLers, Lafreniere has potential to surprise with continued growth.
DRAFT HIGHLIGHT
The 2025 NHL Draft saw top Canadian prospects like Reschny, Cootes and Hensler land with Canadian clubs poised to benefit from their development. Meanwhile, Montreal and Edmonton made the most of limited draft capital, and Winnipeg bolstered their blue line with a long-view selection.
Each team has added a mix of skill and upside — a promising sign for the future of Canadian hockey at the professional level.