Five 2025 NHL Draft picks set to make NHL season debuts
A total of five 2024 NHL Draft first-rounders played at least one regular-season game last year.
Of that, San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Philadelphia’s Jett Luchanko were the only two who made their opening night rosters. It’s tough to go straight from junior or college to the NHL right away, which always makes it impressive when it happens.
But this year? There are going to be five from the 2025 class making their debuts this week, including the top two picks. That’s a high number, especially for a draft that many considered to be below average. The top end was always good, but two players taken outside the top five are set to see action this week.
There’s a good chance only Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa will be full-timers this year. Regardless, making the NHL just four months after being selected is a huge honor. Here’s a look at who you’ll find making their debuts this week (full rosters can be found here):
1. Matthew Schaefer, LHD (New York Islanders)
First Game: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Pittsburgh Penguins
Taken first overall in June, Schaefer is bringing with him a lot of expectations. But… you might want to temper them. Schaefer had nothing left to prove in the OHL, and the AHL wasn’t an option. He could have elected to go the college route, but they’re throwing him to the wolves and learning the ups and downs first-hand right away. That being said, he’s fully capable of taking on the NHL season. He’s in a spot where he can afford to make mistakes – and learn from them – without the risk of getting scratched. The Islanders won’t be a contender, but Schaefer will absolutely be appointment viewing once he gets used to the speed and intensity of the NHL. Schaefer has had so little trouble adjusting to all the obstacles thrown his way and I don’t expect his first NHL season to be any different.
2. Michael Misa, C (San Jose Sharks)
First Game: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Vegas Golden Knights
Taken second overall back in June, Misa was incredibly dominant in junior hockey and could have likely handled the NHL at 17 if he had been allowed. He’s smart, speedy and is equally dangerous as a shooter and a passer. It looks like he’s set to start as San Jose’s No. 2 center, allowing him to learn alongside fellow top young forwards Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. On the veteran front, look for Misa to skate alongside Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund – a combo that should help him get up to speed fairly quickly. Misa has been in the spotlight for years now, but it almost feels like the pressure is finally off him. Can he thrive? Don’t bet against it.
5. Brady Martin, C (Nashville Predators)
Potential Debut: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Columbus Blue Jackets
I absolutely love this for Martin and the Predators. His selection wasn’t a popular one from the general public at the time, but one many scouts loved. Martin played at more than a point per game in the OHL with the Greyhounds, serving as the team’s top young star. He was also one of the best players at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U-18 World Championship. Away from the puck, he hits everyone in sight. He constantly battles hard for the puck and is a noted goal-scorer, too. I expect him to go back to the OHL at some point, but it’s nice to see the Preds giving him a big opportunity right away.
11. Benjamin Kindel, C (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Potential Debut: Tuesday, Oct. 7 against New York Rangers
Kindel was one of the WHL’s hottest prospects last season, and the Penguins are betting high on his upside. He’s equally good as a shooter and a playmaker and is the driving force of Calgary’s attack. Kindel does a great job of finding open space and exploiting it, and he has a shot he can unleash from just about anywhere. Below-average skating and a lack of a physical edge knock him down a few pegs, but that’s where he is right now. Fortunately, it didn’t hold him back during the preseason, and now he’s set for his big-time debut this week.
15. Braeden Cootes, C (Vancouver Canucks)
Potential Debut: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Calgary Flames
There’s always one mid-round pick from the previous NHL Draft who makes it to the NHL out of training camp. Cootes consistently was one of Vancouver’s best forwards throughout training camp, showing a level of skill, maturity and hockey sense very few his age managed to replicate. The thing that really stands out here is just how much he wants the puck, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Cootes is also a solid playmaker, often easily finding teammates in open space. I think his value goes far beyond his numbers, which you want from a center. I think more time in the WHL will be beneficial for Cootes, but I’m really happy to see how much he has flourished over the past few weeks.
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