The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft is, finally, a wrap. There were, as always, winners and losers — teams, players and fans alike. Winners New York Islanders The Islanders were winners when they won the draft lottery in May. Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer has the potential to be a game-changer for a franchise bereft of game-changing talent. Adding Swedish winger Victor Eklund and bruising defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson were the cherries on top of a great night for the franchise. Boston Bruins There’s a chance that, years from now, the Bruins’ No. 7 overall selection will be viewed as one of those “How did he fall this far?” picks. Center James Hagens was the preseason favorite to go first overall. Despite finishing with 37 points in 37 games while centering Boston College’s top line as a freshman, Hagens watched as he was passed over multiple times because of something out of his control: he’s 5-foot-10-inches. Notable top centers to win a Stanley Cup in the last decade include Sidney Crosby (5-foRead More
2025 NHL Draft winners, losers: Big night for Islanders but not for the fans
